7 Books to Get Middle Schoolers Excited About Reading
September is not only back-to-school, it’s also National Literacy Month. To celebrate, we’re sharing book recommendations from our after school students at NIA/IS 187 in Brooklyn. You probably already know about favorite series like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, but take a look at the list below to learn about seven books you may not have read for grades 6-8. Full of adventure, suspense, fantasy, thought-provoking drama, and emotional impact, there are stories to appeal to a variety of reader’s interests.
We encourage you to support your local bookstore when you can (check out the list here), but if you’d like to purchase these books online, click each book cover image or book title to see where they are sold.
1. A Place to Belong, by Cynthia Kadohata
Recommended by Nicole L.
What It’s About:
“A Place to Belong is about a 12-year-old girl, Hanako, from America who has to go to live with her grandparents in Japan after World War II. Hard times have come and now Hanako wonders where she belongs.”
Why Read It?
“This book is very touching and also relatable to contemporary times.”
A Place to Belong, is also an ALA Notable book and a Parent’s Choice Gold Award Winner.
2. Holes, by Louis Sachar
Recommended by Jason C.
What It’s About:
“A 12-year-old kid named Stanley Yelnats is falsely accused of stealing a famous baseball player’s shoes. As punishment Stanley is sent to Camp Green Lake, but Camp Green Lake isn’t really what it seems…”
Why Read It?
“There is a lot of tension and excitement in the book and it has funny parts too!”
Holes is also the recipient of the National Book Award for Children's Literature and the Newbery Medal.
3. The Year of the Rat, by Grace Lin
Recommended by Hedy C.
What It’s About:
“In The Year of the Rat, a girl named Pacy must adjust to big changes in life. Her best friend Melody is moving away and Pacy has to deal with new challenges and conflicts at school without her.”
Why Read It?
“There are many memorable moments about family and friendship. The book has a realistic and personal feel, with elements based on the author's own childhood experiences. I loved this book because there were past stories about the main characters’ parents, which I like. My favorite parts were the Christmas day when Pacy and her parents go shopping and when Pacy and Melody met again at mid-winter recess.”
The Year of the Rat is a sequel to The Year of the Dog , both by Newbery Award-winning author Grace Lin.
4. The Giver, by Lois Lowry
Recommended by Jia Y.X. and Benson L.
What It’s About:
“A boy named Jonas lives in a community full of dark secrets. The people there follow the same schedule every day, they see no colors, and their lives are controlled. At the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas is chosen to be the next Receiver. From the Giver he learns secrets about the world they live in. Based on this new knowledge, Jonas wants to change the community, but the risk is too great. Now he must find a way to escape.”
Why Read It?
“It’s a mysterious book that makes you think.”
The Giver has received numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal.
5. Waterfire Saga, by Jennifer Donnelly
Recommended by Marina K.
What It’s About:
“This series takes the reader deep into the world of mermaids, who live all over the globe. Led by a dream she had, the main character must go on a quest to save their world.”
Why Read It?
“I loved this book because it had enough conflict and tension to keep me on edge. It is a good fantasy series. It had a few wholesome bits, some cool fights, and enough twists to make it interesting. Check out this book if you like fantasy, drama, fictional conflict, and some really cool and interesting characters.”
6. My Side of the Mountain, by Jean Craighead George
Recommended by Jessie C.
What It’s About:
“A boy who runs away from his home in the city and tries to survive in the mountains.”
Why Read It?
“I found the boy’s strategies and his living style fun to read about. You should check this out if you like realistic stories, the wilderness, and adventure.”
My Side of the Mountain has received numerous awards, including the Newbery Honor.
7. Wings of Fire, by Tui T. Sutherland
Recommended by Jayden E.
What It’s About:
“Wings of Fire is about five dragons who are bound to fulfill a prophecy. They must stop a war between three kingdoms, but they need help. They gather other dragons to prevent the war. This book is full of action and adventure. It is the first book in a series, so if you like it there are more books set in the same world.”
Why Read It?
“It’s full of adventures, ups and downs, and interesting characters. The story is thrilling!”