47 Books for Middle Schoolers Our Kids Adored

Juan L. said:  This young adult classic tells the story of Ponyboy and his fellow greasers in their hard-knock life outside of regular society. This book is perfect for middle schoolers and a great book for teens, too, as they enter into the broader world, with themes about principles, loyalty, and doing the right thing.

Vanessa M. said:  Raina Telgemeier has some very popular books for middle schoolers. Ghosts is a graphic novel that encapsulates the complex relationship between sisters, telling the girls' story in a way that is fun and relatable in spite of its serious plotline. When sisters Cat and Maya are forced to move because of Maya's chronic illness, they discover their new town has ghosts. One sister believes in ghosts and the other does not, until the ghosts begin to show themselves.

Alexandra F. said:  A quartet of futuristic sci-fi adventures loosely based on classic fairytales including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Snow White. We read this as part of a family book club with our 11-year old daughter and she and I were both totally hooked! Each of the four books follow the same story, told from the perspective of a different heroine. Well-developed and likable characters combine with a novel and exciting adventure story - with just a touch of familiarity - to make it a great book for tweens and up!

Vanessa M. said:  Life is peaceful and sheltered for Cap and his grandmother, Rain, as the last remaining members of a secluded hippie commune. But when Rain ends up in the hospital, Cap is sent to live with a foster family and to attend school for the first time. This funny and touching middle school book.

Vanessa M. said:  Few children's novels can grip young readers by the first page, but The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle hooks readers right from the start. Set in 1832, thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle finds herself the only passenger on a long voyage by ship traveling with a cruel captain and a mutinous crew. As conflict arises, readers watch young Charlotte grow from timid to strong, independent, and courageous. Charlotte challenges what is expected of a girl in her time, and is a strong female heroine.

Erika Roh... said:  L.M. Montgomery's heartwarming and funny tale about a fiery little red-headed girl named Anne. She is an orphan and sent to live with a family, not knowing they were looking for a boy! With her charming and witty personality and escapades, she wins their hearts and she finds the home she has always wanted. With Anne's vivid imagination and personality, any child will find joy in reading this book.

Vanessa M. said:  Soccer stars and benchwarmers alike will enjoy this one. The award-winning middle grade book follows 12-year-old Paul Fisher as he moves with his family from Texas to Florida. Paul has complicated relationships with his father, mother and brother, and hopes to step out of his brother's shadow by making a name for himself playing soccer. Written as Paul's personal journal entries, this is a good book for middle schoolers who will find his story exciting and relatable.

Vanessa M. said:  When Jonah and Chip begin receiving strange anonymous letters, they have no idea of the mind-blowing mystery they are about to uncover. If your tween has never read anything by Margaret Peterson Haddix before, they are in for a real treat! Haddix is a master of suspense and plot twists, and Found and the rest ofThe Missing series are good books for middle schoolers because they will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Vanessa M. said:  Written entirely in poetic verse, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander will delight basketball fans. Thirteen-year-old twins Josh and Jordan grew up playing basketball as their father is a former NBA player. Filled with lots of basketball action and emotionally moving as the twins struggle with their emerging identities, it is easy to see why this is an award-winning book for middle schoolers.