47 Books for Middle Schoolers Our Kids Adored

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 in this funny and touching middle school book.

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.

Hannah Scott said:  LOVE this book! It was required reading when I was in sixth grade, but I still have my copy. It's such a refreshing departure from preteen "chick lit."

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:  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.

Michele Green said:  Three storylines keep you wanting to read more. Great messages understanding life.

Through free verse poetry, Jacqueline Woodson shares memories and reflections on growing up African American in the 60s and 70s. It's a powerful book for middle schoolers to learn about black history through the eyes of a child.

Kelly R said:  An inspiring graphic novel that tells the true story of German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was involved in plots against Hitler's life. The striking tri-color illustrations really drew my middle schooler in (he finished it in a day). I'm impressed that he gained a better understanding of some pretty complex WWII history, including the moral conflict of many who resisted Hitler.

Kelly R said:  My 13-year-old son is into this young adult series about a teen with Tourette's syndrome who has mysterious electric powers.

Melinda Morgan said:  The premise might seem a bit cheesy, but the author doesn’t shy away from showing the reality of what the kids go through in the war they’ve been drawn into. And now there’s a graphic novel adaptation being released based on the books.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  I Funny by James Patterson is a sweet and funny story starring middle school comedian Jamie Grimm, who just so happens to be in a wheelchair. Nothing stops Jamie including going after his dream of being the world's greatest comedian. This is a series followed by I Even Funnier and I Totally Funniest. Your middler-schooler will love them all!

Alexandra F. said:  The excellent characters are what make this dystopian adventure story stand out, and my teen (who generally dislikes romance stories) really liked both main characters, including their romantic story line. Set in a post-apocalyptic Paris in the midst of a new revolution, Rook is reminiscent ofThe Scarlet Pimpernel, and a suspenseful, imaginative, and really good book for middle schoolers and teens!

A funny and authentic coming-of-age story about a 15-year-old girl whose father is running for president. As the campaign leads to intense scrutiny of their Cuban American family, she learns a lot about her father and his politics that make her realize he may not be the hero she had always seen him as before.

Kelly R said:  This middle-grade heist novel was a quick and fun book for my middle schooler.

Kelly R said:  This is such a unique book...a recent favorite of my 7th grade boy! The story alternates between being told by words and by series of terrific illustrations. It's a fantasy book about elves and goblins, but also a witty satire on politics, cultural differences and how history is written.

Alexandra F. said:  The Rithmatist is one of my 11- and 13-year olds' favorite books. We all love Brandon Sanderson as an author, but this New York Times' best seller tops their list. It's an epic tale that masterfully combines fantasy and mystery (with a little bit of math thrown in for fun), as two teen protagonists investigate a series of kidnappings and upend the world as they know it in the process.