book reviews for middle school

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Get the app
• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

Book reviews.

• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

Explaining the News to Our Kids

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Parents and caregivers, find books by age.

How old is your kid?

You can add another kid later.

Set content limits for your kid

If a media pick exceeds the content limits you've set for your kid, you'll see this flag. Learn more

Violence & Scariness

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What's your kid's name?

We value your privacy and will not share this publicly.

Already have an account? Sign in first

New Releases

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

The Reappearance of Rachel Price

Afikoman, Where'd You Go?: A Passover Hide-and-Seek Adventure

Where Sleeping Girls Lie

You-ology: A Puberty Guide for EVERY Body

The Reflection in Me

The Invocations

The Love Hypothesis

Mission Manhattan: City Spies, Book 5

Finally Heard

Ignite Me: Shatter Me, Book 3

A Day With No Words

The Last Bloodcarver, Vol. 1

Coyote Lost and Found: Coyote Sunrise, Book 2

City of Wishes: Legends of Lotus Island, Book 3

Louder Than Hunger

Spider in the Well

Sail Me Away Home: Show Me a Sign, Book 3

Our editors' top picks, popular with kids, best fantasy books for kids, popular with parents.

25 of the Best Middle School Books for Today’s Readers

Chelsea Hensley

After receiving her BA in English from the University of Missouri, Chelsea Hensley realized she had no idea what she was doing with her life. So she decided to call herself a writer and is just rolling with it. She's read Pride and Prejudice , and watched the Keira Knightley adaptation, so many times that she often gets them confused. In addition to reading and writing, she enjoys taking selfies, watching Netflix, and everything Beyonce does. Blog: The Chelsea Review Twitter: ChelseaBigBang

View All posts by Chelsea Hensley

Middle grade is a rapidly growing and always evolving age category, and it continues to become broader. As the world changes rapidly for today’s young readers, the best middle school books are keeping pace. Read on for 25 of the best middle school books for today’s readers, ranging in topics from friendship and sisterhood to immigration, xenophobia, and racism, and as always, just figuring yourself, and the world, out.

The Best Middle School Books

Amal unbound by aisha saeed.

Amal lives a quiet life in her Pakistani village, hoping to become a teacher one day, but after an encounter with her village’s landlord, she’s sent to work off her family’s debt as a servant in his household.  As Amal becomes more aware of the danger the family poses and crimes they’ve committed to maintain their station, she realizes she’ll have to ally with others if she wants to escape not only her servitude but the tyrannical rule of the landlord and one day achieve her dreams.

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone (January 7, 2020)

In  Dear Martin author Nic Stone’s middle grade debut, Scoob Lamar (he’s black) heads on a road trip with his grandmother (she’s white), joining her in her attempt to finish the road trip she started with the grandfather Scoob never met. On their trip, Scoob begins to learn more about his grandparents’ past, their interracial relationship, the ways the world has changed, and the ways it has not. But as they go, Scoob begins to think his grandmother, who’s never been known for her “normalcy,” is acting even stranger than usual.

Blended by Sharon Draper

Isabella is biracial—her mother is white, her father is black—and she’s spent her life answering questions about who she is. It’s worse now that her parents are divorced and she’s shuffling between their homes—and their lives—all the time. Now she has to not only navigate switching homes but also switching nicknames and identities, making it harder than ever to figure out who she is.

Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy

When her parents got divorced, Sweet Pea wasn’t sure what to expect, but she didn’t expect them to move onto the same street. Besides adjusting to switching houses, she also must adjust to the loss of her best friend, Keira, only made bearable by her new friend Oscar. When Sweet Pea’s neighbor, famous local advice columnist Flora Mae, goes on a trip and asks Sweet Pea to forward her letters for her column, Sweet Pea recognizes the handwriting in one of the letters and finds herself in trouble as she decides what to do with it.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

After immigrating to the United States, Mia Tang and her family struggled for years before finding work at the Calivista Motel, working for the exploitative Mr. Yao. Despite their cruel boss, the Tangs tackle the challenges of the motel with determination and kindness, aspiring writer Mia running the front desk while her parents service the rooms. And it’s not only guests Mia and her family are taking care of but also other immigrants in a worse position than they are, who they hide in the empty rooms without Mr. Yao knowing.

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee

In the spirit of The Hate U Give , 7th grader Shayla has always followed the rules. She prefers to keep her head down and not make waves, but after her first protest experience, alongside her older sister, Shayla realizes there are some rules worth breaking and starts wearing a black armband to show her support to Black Lives Matter.

Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender

A child born during a hurricane is said to be unlucky, and 12-year-old Caroline has had plenty of bad luck already. Everyone at her school hates her, she can see things no one else can, and her mother has abandoned her. Caroline’s luck begins to turn when she meets new student Kalinda. She also seems to have visions no one else does, and she becomes Caroline’s only friend—and her first crush. Now Caroline has to find a way to brave her feelings for Kalinda, a spirit haunting her island, and a hurricane, so she can find her mother and face the reason she left her.

In the Role of Brie Hutchens by Nicole Melleby (April 21, 2020)

Brie’s big plans for 8th grade at her Catholic school are: convincing her parents to enroll her in a performing arts high school and landing the lead role in the school play. Her plans do not include her mom catching her looking at some probably inappropriate photos of her favorite actress. When Brie panics and announces that she’s been chosen to crown Mary in the May Crowning ceremony, she successfully distracts her mother. But she hasn’t actually been chosen, and she’s got no chance of it either, so she turns to the classmate who everyone thinks will actually be chosen, the same classmate who Brie has a crush on.

Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake

After a tornado tears through their home, Ivy and her family are displaced. And more than coping with the storm’s aftermath, Ivy’s notebook of secret drawings (some of girls holding hands) has also gone missing. But then her drawings start to reappear, encouraging her to open up about her identity, and Ivy begins to hope that the person giving them back is a classmate she’s developed a crush on.

Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada Kelly

Twelve-year-old Lalani lives on the island of Sangalita, bordered on one side by a mountain that could bury her island at any moment and by a fog that swallows up anyone who enters it. On her island, Lalani knows where her future lies: in mending, just like the other women, living in fear of contracting the deadly mender’s disease, contracted from the needles used to mend fishing nets. When Lalani’s mother falls ill, Lalani leaves her mother, her island, and her best friend to embark on a journey that not even grown men have returned home from.

The Line Tender by Kate Allen

When a great white shark is captured in the bay, Lucy’s quiet summer begins to take a turn. Lucy’s mother, a shark biologist, died of a brain aneurysm when Lucy was seven, and it’s just been Lucy and her dad, a police diver, ever since. When a fisherman reels in a great white in the bay, Lucy’s quiet summer working on a field guide with her best friend takes a turn, bringing up feelings of grief for Lucy again. When tragedy strikes again, Lucy has to find a way to cope again by delving into her mom’s research.

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds

In this new book from Jason Reynolds, kids walk back home from school. Each of the ten stories covers a different journey home, with the kids in each of them facing their own unique challenges. Like the kid who’s afraid of dogs and plotting a way to avoid one on his route home, or the girl with sickle-cell disease who’s been out of school for awhile.

Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo

Picking up with  Raymie Nightingale ‘s Louisiana Elefante, this story finds Louisiana being spirited away on another of her granny’s whims. Though Louisiana at first thinks this might just be like her granny’s other spontaneous ideas, she soon realizes her granny doesn’t mean for either of them to come back. Leaving behind her friends Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana ends up in a small town in Georgia, trying to find a way back home.

Meg, Beth, Jo and Amy: A Modern Retelling of Little Women by Rey Tercerio and Bre Indigo

In this modern graphic novel adaptation of Little Women , the March family is a blended one struggling to make ends meet in Brooklyn. With their dad serving overseas, the sisters all have to work overtime to make ends meet, and their challenges—from boy troubles to school problems to just sorting out who they are—can only be solved if the sisters lean on each other.

More to the Story by Hena Khan

If you want more Little Women , Hena Khan, author of  Amina’s Voice , has a new story inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s original, about a family of four Muslim American girls growing up in Georgia. Jameela’s excited to get a job writing for the school paper, but less excited when she realizes the editor-in-chief keeps shooting down all her ideas. When her dad has to take a job overseas, Jameela decides to write an article that will make him proud, but her little sister’s illness throws Jameela off her axis.

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Though Jordan wants nothing more than to go to art school where he can perfect his cartoon drawings, his parents have other ideas. Instead, Jordan’s sent to an upscale prep school where he’s one of only a few kids of color. Struggling to fit in with his new classmates, and to maintain his friendships with his neighborhood friends, Jordan must find a way to remain true to himself as he straddles the line between two worlds.

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

In 1947, a newly-independent India has been separated into two countries: Pakistan and India, and tensions are rising between Hindus and Muslims. When 12-year-old Nisha’s father decides they must leave their homeland, Nisha and her family begin a long and difficult journey. As Nisha struggles with leaving behind her home, she writes to the mother she lost as a baby in her diary.

Other Words For Home by Jasmine Warga

When things in her home country of Syria become too dangerous, Jude and her mother come to the United States. As Jude adjusts to life in America, she also has to adjust to find herself again in a new place, especially when some of the people don’t seem to like that she’s there.

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

One summer, Candice finds a letter in the attic. It’s addressed to her grandmother, who left their town of Lambert, South Carolina, in shame. Candice isn’t sure she should read it. But when she does, the letter describes a mysterious young woman, a decades-old injustice, a mysterious letter-writer, and a fortune awaiting the person who can decipher the letter and solve its clues. With the help of Brandon, the quiet boy across the street, Candice gets to work, and their investigation leads them deep into Lambert’s forgotten history.

Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai

Written in a hybrid style similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid , Pie in the Sky follows Jingwen, new to America and embarking on a secret baking enterprise with his younger brother. Though their mom says they can’t turn the oven on when she isn’t there, Jingwen is determined to bring to life all the cakes his dad put on the menu of his dream bakery, Pie in the Sky, before he unexpectedly died.

Stargazing by Jen Wang

When the quirky and imaginative Moon moves next door, Christine doesn’t expect the two of them to become friends, especially not best friends. But it happens, despite some bumps in the road, and Moon even confides in Christine a secret: that she sees celestial beings who tell her that Earth isn’t really where she belongs.

To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer

Told through emails and letters, this modern epistolary story follows Bett and Avery, who live across the country from one another. They’ve got nothing in common except both are being raised by their single, gay dads. When their dads fall in love, Bett and Avery are sent to the same sleep-away camp in the hopes that they’ll click and become friends (and one day, maybe sisters).

Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis

Margaret’s been the only child on the island for as long as she can remember. When another child finally arrives, it’s not long before they’re sent away, and Margaret is alone again—until Eleanor arrives. And it’s not long before Margaret realizes Eleanor isn’t just anyone but Eleanor of Albion, whose sister has seized the throne and banished Eleanor to languish on the island. As Eleanor and Margaret become friends, Margaret begins to unravel the island’s true purpose and her own history and must decide between helping her new friend or helping herself.

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

Since her mom and sisters died five years ago, Coyote and her dad have crisscrossed the country in a school bus. But when Coyote learns that the park where she, her mother, and sisters buried a beloved memory box is soon to be demolished, she hatches a plan to get her dad to return to their home state…without him realizing it.

A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry

After a raid leaves him separated from his family, wolf cub Swift has to find his own way alone, battling danger and starvation the whole way. Partially based on OR-7, a lone wolf in Oregon whose 100-mile journey was tracked by naturalists, it also includes thorough back matter on wolves.

You Might Also Like

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

FREE Poetry Worksheet Bundle! Perfect for National Poetry Month.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

50 Refreshing and Relatable Books To Teach in Middle School

What would you add to the list?

Middle school students faced plenty of issues before the social, political, and economic upheavals of the past few years. At the same time, challenges to what students are allowed to read in school have made some of their experiences even more marginalized than they had been. With that in mind, we revised our recommendations to be even more inclusive, with an eye toward middle school books you may not already have in your library.

Today’s classroom requires flexibility, especially with young readers. Not all middle school books have to be read silently or independently. Read some aloud to your students, give them audiobooks to listen to, or let them read one chapter at a time to each other. See what kind of conversations come up. Engaged students learn better , and you don’t need a canned curriculum from some corporation to tell you that.

Remember, maturity levels vary widely, and you know your students best. Be sure to read the books first before you share them with your middle school students.

Best Middle School Books

1. stamped by jason reynolds and ibram x. kendi.

This remix of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award–winning Stamped From the Beginning is an urgent exploration of how the history of race affects us in the here and now, created for young people. There’s even a teachers guide .

Buy it:  Stamped  on Amazon

2. Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

Khosrou is not like the other kids in his Oklahoma middle school, but he knows how to tell a story. This true story of Khosrou’s family and their escape from Iran in the middle of the night is an immediately gripping account of both middle school chaos and personal strife.

Buy it: Everything Sad Is Untrue on Amazon

3. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This is the story of 16-year-old Starr Carter as she wrestles with her emotions after seeing her unarmed childhood friend killed by police, which has become a generational touchstone. Definitely for older kids—and definitely worth the conversations that follow.

Buy it:  The Hate U Give on Amazon

4. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue … by Christina Soontornvat

This book is a thrilling and information-packed true story of survival about the 2018 cave rescue in Thailand. Full of interviews and firsthand accounts, the story will keep even the most active students on the edge of their seats.

Buy it:  All Thirteen on Amazon

5. Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Louise Wolfe is a Muscogee high schooler caught between family obligations and everything that being a teenager involves. Another one for older kids, this is an authentic coming-of-age story with a fresh voice.

Buy it:  Hearts Unbroken on Amazon

6. Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman

When Amanda Gorman read  The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison in eighth grade, she was inspired  to become a writer. “It was the first time I had seen a dark-skinned girl on the cover of a book and that absolutely enthralled me. Reading Morrison taught me how to write unapologetically with a Black feminist voice that was my own,” she said . Later in life, when she spoke at the presidential inauguration in 2021, Gorman raised the voice of her generation. Her book of poems is expansive and inventive, and it’s one of the top must-read books for today’s middle school kids.

Buy it: Call Us What We Carry on Amazon

7. The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan

Simply put, this is one of the most well-written books you’ll ever find in YA lit. Protagonist Leigh Chen Sanders’ voice is stunning in this expertly woven tale of love, friendship, tragedy, and imagination.

Buy it: The Astonishing Color of After on Amazon

8. Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto

Yes, we’re going there. No middle school book catalog is complete without a few good Manga titles. It’s time to shrug off any reluctance and dive into what the kids are already reading. These are teacher-approved, rich with storytelling and character exposition, and ripe for literary analysis. If these titles don’t seem fit for your students, check with them—they know best! First up is the classic Naruto, a story about a young chaotic kid who is determined to become the world’s greatest ninja.

Buy it: Naruto on Amazon

9. Bakuman by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata

This spin on traditional manga (with the usual high-flying warriors and action sequences) tells the story of two kids who want to become manga artists themselves. The characters are high school kids trying to live their dreams—very relatable to young readers.

Buy it: Bakuman on Amazon

10. A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Oima

When Shoya meets Shoko six years after he knew her in school, he learns about the consequences of bullying. This is a great story for middle schoolers and is an accessible way into the manga genre.

Buy it: A Silent Voice on Amazon

11. The March Series by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

The three-part graphic novel series details how John Lewis made his way from his family farm to the Edmund Pettus Bridge alongside Martin Luther King Jr . for the historic Selma-to-Montgomery March. Beautifully rendered and powerfully told, this trilogy lends itself to all kinds of classroom readings and activities.

Buy it: The March Series on Amazon

12. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Acevedo brings her slam poet sensibility to this emotionally vivid story about Xiomara Batista, a first-generation Dominican American teen in a religious family who “feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood.”

Buy it: The Poet X on Amazon

13. The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy

The first of two books by Maulik Pancholy, this story follows Rahul Kapoor, a middle schooler who loves his grandpa and is crushing on a boy at school.

Buy it: The Best at It on Amazon

14. The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden

Explore the cultural divides around class and the gun debate through the eyes of seventh grader Zoey, who lives on the edges of society and tries to find her way forward.

Buy it: The Benefits of Being an Octopus on Amazon

15. Monster by Walter Dean Myers

The recipient of multiple awards, this novel follows Steve, an amateur filmmaker. As a way of coping with the horrific events that entangle him, he decides to transcribe his trial into a script, just like in the movies.

Buy it: Monster on Amazon

16. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

With connections to Common Core standards, this book follows Coyote, a young woman who travels the country with her dad in an old school bus. Over the course of thousands of miles, she will learn that going home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all.

Buy it: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise on Amazon

17. Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Twelve-year-old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real one. Now a ghost, Jerome watches the devastation unleashed on his family and community in the wake of what they see as an unjust and brutal killing. Soon, Jerome meets another ghost: Emmett Till, a boy from a very different time but similar circumstances.

Buy it: Ghost Boys on Amazon

18. Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson

The recipient of multiple awards and one of our favorite middle school books, this novel is a powerful story about a girl striving for success in a world that too often seems like it’s trying to break her.

Buy it: Piecing Me Together on Amazon

19. Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Another one of our fave middle school books! Follow 11-year-old Melody, who is not like most people. She can’t walk, she can’t talk, she can’t write, all because she has cerebral palsy. But she also has a photographic memory—she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She’s the smartest kid in her whole school, but NO ONE knows it.

Buy it: Out of My Mind on Amazon

20. Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez

A timely story for middle schoolers. After Tyler’s father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure. Tyler isn’t sure what to make of them.

Buy it: Return to Sender on Amazon

21. Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker

Zenobia July is a trans girl in Arizona who is trying to adjust to a new school.

Buy it: Zenobia July on Amazon

22. In the Key of Us by Mariama J. Lockington

Another new addition to our list, this is a coming-of-age story about young love between Andi and Zora, two Black girls at a mostly white summer camp.

Buy it: In the Key of Us  on Amazon

23. The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater

Taken from the national news headlines, this book follows two teenagers and a heinous hate crime that crosses gender and racial lines.

Buy it:  The 57 Bus on Amazon

24. A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

A tale of two stories, told in alternating sections, about two 11-year-olds in Sudan—a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985.

Buy it: A Long Walk to Water on Amazon

25. Wanting Mor by Rukhsana Khan

Jameela lives with her mother and father in Afghanistan. Despite the fact that there is no school in their poor, war-torn village, and Jameela lives with a birth defect that has left her with a cleft lip, she feels relatively secure, sustained by her faith and the strength of her beloved mother, Mor. And then Mor passes away. …

Buy it: Wanting Mor on Amazon

26. When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

A graphic novel about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a former Somali refugee.

Buy it: When Stars Are Scattered on Amazon

27. Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

Set against the backdrop of the segregation history of the American South, take a trip with an 11-year-old boy who is about to discover that the world hasn’t always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren’t always what they seem—his G’ma included.

Buy it: Clean Getaway on Amazon

28. Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

Grayson is caught between knowing she’s a girl and everyone believing she’s a boy. This is a beautifully written story about self-esteem and empowerment.

Buy it: Gracefully Grayson on Amazon

29. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist: books.

Buy it: The Book Thief on Amazon

30. George by Alex Gino

George knows she’s a girl, but everyone else sees her as a boy. Gino does a masterful job of taking us into what social ignorance about gender assignment feels like.

Buy it: George on Amazon

31. Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Genius Willow Chance loses both parents in a car crash, but she is nonetheless able to both change her life and impact those around her.

Buy it: Counting by 7s on Amazon

32. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Born with extraordinary physical deformities, Auggie finally braves going to an actual school. He is stared at and tormented, but he also finds friendship. Middle schoolers will cheer for him and also cry for him.

Buy it: Wonder on Amazon

33. Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Castle Crenshaw, known as Ghost, has been running ever since his father threatened him and his mother with a gun. It’s not until he starts running for the middle school track team that he begins to see what running can do for him.

Buy it: Ghost on Amazon

34. Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass

Ellen is a neurodiverse kid with a best friend who helps her navigate through school and sometimes confusing social situations. But when new friends and opportunities come along, Ellen has a chance to learn even more about how she actually fits into the world.

Buy it: Ellen Outside the Lines on Amazon

35. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Ponyboy and his brothers, Darry and Sodapop, have a tough life. They know they can count on their friends—true friends who will do anything for them. Unfortunately, the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids, make them prove their loyalties after a night of fighting goes too far.

Buy it: The Outsiders on Amazon

36. Nikhil Out Loud by Maulik Pancholy

Nikhil is a 13-year-old gay Indian American boy who depends on his voice for his joy—he’s a voice actor for a popular cartoon. Then he ends up in a small Ohio town trying to put on a school musical. This is a relevant and touching story kids will love.

Buy it: Nikhil Out Loud on Amazon

37. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Buy it: The Crossover on Amazon

38. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda Sordino can’t tell anybody why she called the police to break up a party the summer before ninth grade. In fact, after the trauma she suffered, she can’t speak at all.

Buy it: Speak on Amazon

39. The Breadwinner series by Deborah Ellis

Parvana is 11 when the Taliban comes to power in Afghanistan. Her father is arrested, and women are not allowed to leave the house without a male escort. Parvana must disguise herself and find work to save her family.

Buy it: The Breadwinner series on Amazon

40. Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine

Ling Chang must find a way to survive after her father is taken away during China’s Cultural Revolution.

Buy it: Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party on Amazon

41. Stella by Starlight by Sharon Draper

Stella and her brother aren’t supposed to leave the house at night, but they run into much bigger problems when they stumble on a Ku Klux Klan rally. Stella fights racism within her community and learns about compassion in the process.

Buy it: Stella by Starlight on Amazon

42. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Woodson’s verse memoir tells the story of coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement.

Buy it: Brown Girl Dreaming on Amazon

43. Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn

Molly has concerns when her family moves into a church with a graveyard next door, but when her already-odd stepsister makes a sinister new friend, things get downright dangerous.

Buy it: Wait Till Helen Comes on Amazon

44. Refugee by Alan Gratz

Gratz weaves together stories of child refugees in three different eras: Nazi Germany, 1990s Cuba, and present-day Syria.

Buy it: Refugee on Amazon

45. Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt

Jack Hurd gets a foster brother, Joseph, an eighth grader whose only dream is to be with his daughter.

Buy it: Orbiting Jupiter on Amazon

46. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Nine-year-old Cassie Logan faces racial discrimination and financial hardship during the Great Depression.

Buy it: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry on Amazon

47. Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Tally Youngblood lives in a dystopia in which all 16-year-olds have cosmetic surgery to make them pretty.

Buy it: Uglies on Amazon

48. We Should Hang Out Sometime by Josh Sundquist

YouTuber Josh Sundquist tells the true story—with graphs!—of his failures in dating.

Buy it: We Should Hang Out Sometime on Amazon

49. Feed by M. T. Anderson

The Feed scrolls constantly through Titus’ brain, providing him with entertainment, advertising, and social networking. On a spring break trip to the Moon, he meets a girl who sees life differently.

Buy it: Feed on Amazon

50. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Spoiled princess Esperanza moves from her family’s ranch in Mexico to a migrant camp during the Great Depression. She learns to rely on her inner strength and the support of her family.

Buy it: Esperanza Rising on Amazon

What are your favorite middle school books? Come share them in the WeAreTeachers Helpline group on Facebook.

Plus, check out 100 great writing prompts for middle school ., you might also like.

25 Best New Books for 7th Graders

We're going to need a bigger bookmark. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

How to Write a Book Review: The Ultimate Guide

WHAT IS A BOOK REVIEW?

Traditionally, book reviews are evaluations of a recently published book in any genre. Usually, around the 500 to 700-word mark, they briefly describe a text’s main elements while appraising the work’s strengths and weaknesses. Published book reviews can appear in newspapers, magazines, and academic journals. They provide the reader with an overview of the book itself and indicate whether or not the reviewer would recommend the book to the reader.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A BOOK REVIEW?

There was a time when book reviews were a regular appearance in every quality newspaper and many periodicals. They were essential elements in whether or not a book would sell well. A review from a heavyweight critic could often be the deciding factor in whether a book became a bestseller or a damp squib. In the last few decades, however, the book review’s influence has waned considerably, with many potential book buyers preferring to consult customer reviews on Amazon, or sites like Goodreads, before buying. As a result, book review’s appearance in newspapers, journals, and digital media has become less frequent.

WHY BOTHER TEACHING STUDENTS TO WRITE BOOK REVIEWS AT ALL?

Even in the heyday of the book review’s influence, few students who learned the craft of writing a book review became literary critics! The real value of crafting a well-written book review for a student does not lie in their ability to impact book sales. Understanding how to produce a well-written book review helps students to:

●     Engage critically with a text

●     Critically evaluate a text

●     Respond personally to a range of different writing genres

●     Improve their own reading, writing, and thinking skills.

Not to Be Confused with a Book Report!

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOOK REVIEW AND A BOOK REPORT?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are clear differences in both the purpose and the format of the two genres. Generally speaking, book reports aim to give a more detailed outline of what occurs in a book. A book report on a work of fiction will tend to give a comprehensive account of the characters, major plot lines, and themes in the book. Book reports are usually written around the K-12 age range, while book reviews tend not to be undertaken by those at the younger end of this age range due to the need for the higher-level critical skills required in writing them. At their highest expression, book reviews are written at the college level and by professional critics.

Learn how to write a book review step by step with our complete guide for students and teachers by familiarizing yourself with the structure and features.

BOOK REVIEW STRUCTURE

ANALYZE Evaluate the book with a critical mind.

THOROUGHNESS The whole is greater than the sum of all its parts. Review the book as a WHOLE.

COMPARE Where appropriate compare to similar texts and genres.

THUMBS UP OR DOWN? You are going to have to inevitably recommend or reject this book to potential readers.

BE CONSISTENT Take a stance and stick with it throughout your review.

FEATURES OF A BOOK REVIEW

PAST TENSE You are writing about a book you have already read.

EMOTIVE LANGUAGE Whatever your stance or opinion be passionate about it. Your audience will thank you for it.

VOICE Both active and passive voice are used in recounts.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF TEXTS

⭐ Make  MOVIES A MEANINGFUL PART OF YOUR CURRICULUM  with this engaging collection of tasks and tools your students will love. ⭐ All the hard work is done for you with  NO PREPARATION REQUIRED.

This collection of  21 INDEPENDENT TASKS  and  GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS  takes students beyond the hype, special effects and trailers to look at visual literacy from several perspectives offering DEEP LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES by watching a  SERIES, DOCUMENTARY, FILM, and even  VIDEO GAMES.

ELEMENTS OF A BOOK REVIEW

As with any of the writing genres we teach our students, a book review can be helpfully explained in terms of criteria. While there is much to the ‘art’ of writing, there is also, thankfully, a lot of the nuts and bolts that can be listed too. Have students consider the following elements before writing:

●     Title: Often, the title of the book review will correspond to the title of the text itself, but there may also be some examination of the title’s relevance. How does it fit into the purpose of the work as a whole? Does it convey a message or reveal larger themes explored within the work?

●     Author: Within the book review, there may be some discussion of who the author is and what they have written before, especially if it relates to the current work being reviewed. There may be some mention of the author’s style and what they are best known for. If the author has received any awards or prizes, this may also be mentioned within the body of the review.

●     Genre: A book review will identify the genre that the book belongs to, whether fiction or nonfiction, poetry, romance, science-fiction, history etc. The genre will likely tie in, too with who the intended audience for the book is and what the overall purpose of the work is.

●     Book Jacket / Cover: Often, a book’s cover will contain artwork that is worthy of comment. It may contain interesting details related to the text that contribute to, or detract from, the work as a whole.

●     Structure: The book’s structure will often be heavily informed by its genre. Have students examine how the book is organized before writing their review. Does it contain a preface from a guest editor, for example? Is it written in sections or chapters? Does it have a table of contents, index, glossary etc.? While all these details may not make it into the review itself, looking at how the book is structured may reveal some interesting aspects.

●     Publisher and Price: A book review will usually contain details of who publishes the book and its cost. A review will often provide details of where the book is available too.

BOOK REVIEW KEY ELEMENTS

As students read and engage with the work they will review, they will develop a sense of the shape their review will take. This will begin with the summary. Encourage students to take notes during the reading of the work that will help them in writing the summary that will form an essential part of their review. Aspects of the book they may wish to take notes on in a work of fiction may include:

●     Characters: Who are the main characters? What are their motivations? Are they convincingly drawn? Or are they empathetic characters?

●     Themes: What are the main themes of the work? Are there recurring motifs in the work? Is the exploration of the themes deep or surface only?

●     Style: What are the key aspects of the writer’s style? How does it fit into the wider literary world?

●     Plot: What is the story’s main catalyst? What happens in the rising action? What are the story’s subplots? 

A book review will generally begin with a short summary of the work itself. However, it is important not to give too much away, remind students – no spoilers, please! For nonfiction works, this may be a summary of the main arguments of the work, again, without giving too much detail away. In a work of fiction, a book review will often summarise up to the rising action of the piece without going beyond to reveal too much!

The summary should also provide some orientation for the reader. Given the nature of the purpose of a review, it is important that students’ consider their intended audience in the writing of their review. Readers will most likely not have read the book in question and will require some orientation. This is often achieved through introductions to the main characters, themes, primary arguments etc. This will help the reader to gauge whether or not the book is of interest to them.

Once your student has summarized the work, it is time to ‘review’ in earnest. At this point, the student should begin to detail their own opinion of the book. To do this well they should:

i. Make It Personal

Often when teaching essay writing we will talk to our students about the importance of climbing up and down the ladder of abstraction. Just as it is helpful to explore large, more abstract concepts in an essay by bringing it down to Earth, in a book review, it is important that students can relate the characters, themes, ideas etc to their own lives.

Book reviews are meant to be subjective. They are opinion pieces, and opinions grow out of our experiences of life. Encourage students to link the work they are writing about to their own personal life within the body of the review. By making this personal connection to the work, students contextualize their opinions for the readers and help them to understand whether the book will be of interest to them or not in the process.

ii. Make It Universal

Just as it is important to climb down the ladder of abstraction to show how the work relates to individual life, it is important to climb upwards on the ladder too. Students should endeavor to show how the ideas explored in the book relate to the wider world. The may be in the form of the universality of the underlying themes in a work of fiction or, for example, the international implications for arguments expressed in a work of nonfiction.

iii. Support Opinions with Evidence

A book review is a subjective piece of writing by its very nature. However, just because it is subjective does not mean that opinions do not need to be justified. Make sure students understand how to back up their opinions with various forms of evidence, for example, quotations, statistics, and the use of primary and secondary sources.

EDIT AND REVISE YOUR BOOK REVIEW

As with any writing genre, encourage students to polish things up with review and revision at the end. Encourage them to proofread and check for accurate spelling throughout, with particular attention to the author’s name, character names, publisher etc. 

It is good practice too for students to double-check their use of evidence. Are statements supported? Are the statistics used correctly? Are the quotations from the text accurate? Mistakes such as these uncorrected can do great damage to the value of a book review as they can undermine the reader’s confidence in the writer’s judgement.

The discipline of writing book reviews offers students opportunities to develop their writing skills and exercise their critical faculties. Book reviews can be valuable standalone activities or serve as a part of a series of activities engaging with a central text. They can also serve as an effective springboard into later discussion work based on the ideas and issues explored in a particular book. Though the book review does not hold the sway it once did in the mind’s of the reading public, it still serves as an effective teaching tool in our classrooms today.

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

BOOK REVIEW GRAPHIC ORGANIZER (TEMPLATE)

101 DIGITAL & PRINT GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS FOR ALL CURRICULUM AREAS

Introduce your students to 21st-century learning with this GROWING BUNDLE OF 101 EDITABLE & PRINTABLE GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS. ✌ NO PREP REQUIRED!!! ✌ Go paperless, and let your students express their knowledge and creativity through the power of technology and collaboration inside and outside the classroom with ease.

Whilst you don’t have to have a 1:1 or BYOD classroom to benefit from this bundle, it has been purpose-built to deliver through platforms such as ✔ GOOGLE CLASSROOM, ✔ OFFICE 365, ✔ or any CLOUD-BASED LEARNING PLATFORM.

Book and Movie review writing examples (Student Writing Samples)

Below are a collection of student writing samples of book reviews.  Click on the image to enlarge and explore them in greater detail.  Please take a moment to both read the movie or book review in detail but also the teacher and student guides which highlight some of the key elements of writing a text review

Please understand these student writing samples are not intended to be perfect examples for each age or grade level but a piece of writing for students and teachers to explore together to critically analyze to improve student writing skills and deepen their understanding of book review writing.

We would recommend reading the example either a year above and below, as well as the grade you are currently working with to gain a broader appreciation of this text type .

BOOK REVIEW VIDEO TUTORIALS

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES RELATED TO BOOK REVIEWS

Transactional Writing

How to write a text response

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

How to Write Excellent Expository Essays

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Download 100 Best Middle Grade Books. Send it!

Join our Patreon Community for EXCLUSIVE content

Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

My 13 Favorite Middle-Grade Books Read in 2020

AHH, the end of year lists continue — this time with my list of best middle-grade books in 2020! As you’ll notice in the post title, these are MY favorites out of the limited selection I read this year. Out of the 87 books I’ve read at this time, 57 were excellent middle-grade books. These 13 picks rose to the top for me. They were the books I could still remember vividly, books whose covers still evoke a warm feeling because the stories are so dear to my heart. Many of these books were stories I’ve never seen told in middle-grade literature, featured underrepresented themes in the genre or strong, unforgettable protagonists.

For each book, I’ll share a snippet of my review along with a link to full review, the book’s publication year, and the ages I would recommend them for. These are my top 13 middle-grade books of 2020 (all but one published this year)!

Afoma’s Best Middle-Grade Books of 2020

Things You Can’t Say

Best middle-grade book about parental suicide.

• Publication year: 2020
• Recommended for ages: 11 and up
• What to know about this book: Drew’s summer isn’t going great. Years after, he’s still dealing with his father’s suicide, and now the entry of a new man into his mother’s life. On top of that he’s having friendship challenges with his best friend, Felipe — and there’s a new girl in town who seems to be stealing all his shine at the library where he volunteers.

In case you couldn’t tell, I adored this book! It’s one of those books I quickly realized would be a struggle to review because all I want to do is gush and put this book in everyone’s hands. Another book with such a memorable protagonist and also about death and grief is The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise which I also adored. Things You Can’t Say is a thoughtful, realistic, and heartwarming (oh, so heartwarming) book about dealing with a parent’s suicide and changing friendships. If you’re looking for a book that emphasizes vulnerability in boy friendships, highlights cute sibling dynamics or set largely in a library, you’ll love this book!

More Boy Books for Middle Graders

Turning Point

Best middle-grade book about ballet.

• Recommended for ages: 12 and up
• What to know about this book: This companion title (to So Done and Dough Boys) focuses on Mo and Sheeda’s friendship over the course of a summer. While Mo is at a ballet intensive with Mila, Sheeda tries to figure out how she feels about church and making new friends, while dealing with an incident of sexual harassment.

I adored this book. Turning Point by Paula Chase is a compulsively readable upper middle-grade book (more mature than the average but not quite YA) that explores a horde of important themes. This book handles everything from female friendships , body image, sexual harassment, religion, racial prejudice, to ballet, If you’re looking for a middle-grade book about ballet, I’d highly recommend this one. As at the time of this review, it’s the best I’ve read. Claire Swinarski’s What Happens Next features a ballerina, but she’s not the protagonist and there isn’t much about ballet in the book.

More Middle-Grade Dance Books

Efren Divided

Best middle-grade book about immigration.

• What to know about this book: Efren’s mother is an undocumented immigrant. After laying low for a long time, she eventually gets discovered and deported. Efren has to bear the brunt of family responsibilities — caring for his younger siblings while his father works overtime to raise money to bring his mother back.

I enjoyed this fantastic debut — especially because of how it ends. It highlights the challenges facing families of undocumented immigrants who must exist with parts of their hearts on the other side of the border. What a time it will be to see a world without borders. Despite being a heartrending portrayal of the lives of undocumented immigrants, Efrén Divided also emphasizes the power of community.

More Middle-Grade Books About Immigration Struggles

Keep It Together Keiko Carter

Best middle-grade book about female friendship.

• What to know about this book: Keiko and her two BFFs Audrey and Jenna are back together after a summer apart, but Keiko is disappointed to see that something’s off between them. Eventually Jenna and Audrey’s friendship becomes too strained for them to hang out, leaving Keiko caught in the middle. Throw in family drama and a budding crush on Audrey’s brother and Keiko can’t seem to keep it all together.

Keep It Together, Keiko Carter is a strong middle-grade debut, perfect for anyone who enjoys middle-grade books about friendships . Parents and teachers who want to encourage their middle schoolers to stand up for themselves in the midst of a toxic friendship would do well to hand this book to them. At the end, it’s so important to learn that some friendships end, and that’s OK. Finally, it’s a breath of fresh air to read a book with a half-Japanese protagonist who deals with racism, but also just lives a normal life. I also loved that although Jenna’s on honor roll, Keiko is just a regular student; not all Asians are “geniuses.”

Ways to Make Sunshine

Best early middle-grade book.

• Recommended for ages: 7 and up (under 200 pages!)
• What to know about this book: Ryan Hart is a bright girl who loves her friends and family. When her family runs into money issues and they have to move into a less expensive place, Ryan struggles a bit. But in time, she finds new ways to make sunshine, while learning about life, hair, friendships, and family — and cooking up a storm too!

Renee Watson’s Ways to Make Sunshine is an absolutely delightful early middle-grade book with a memorable protagonist. I would recommend this book to any who enjoy strong female leads, books about female friendships , and heartwarming sibling dynamics . This book also excellently handles the issue of a family dealing with financial difficulties, and finally, it reminds Black girls that they are not their hair. Highly recommend, and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

The Queen Bee and Me

Best middle-grade book with stem connections.

• Recommended for ages: 10 and up
• What to know about this book: Meg and Beatrix have been friends since kindergarten, with Meg basically doing whatever Beatrix wants the duo to do. Things change when a new girl, Hazel moves into town. Hazel is unapologetically her whimsical, sometimes-eccentric self, which disturbs Beatrix. She can’t handle it when Meg and Hazel begin a tentative friendship, and Meg has to decide what she’s willing to stand for.

If you’re looking for an immersive, complex book about middle-school (and adult) female friendships with a side of science and teaching kindness and empathy, this is for you. The Queen and Bee and Me is an engaging, realistic portrayal of how toxic a friendship can become (much like in Keiko Carter ) and how important it is for young girls to recognize and remove themselves from such situations. This one will take you all the way back to middle-school. Love, love, and highly recommend. The audiobook (which I listened to) is fantastic.

The Amelia Six

Best middle-grade mystery.

• Recommended for ages: 9 and up
• What to know about this book: Six clever girls and Amelia Earhart fans get caught up in a mystery when they win a sleepover at Earhart’s home. Full of hijinks, girl power, and an immersive mystery.

The Amelia Six is a clever, girl-powered mystery that is perfect for Amelia Earhart fans (and non fans alike). Featuring a band of six whip-smart, witty girls; a pair of missing aviator goggles; one pet rat; and a cat, among others, this middle-grade story will keep any reader glued to its pages. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery featuring strong female protagonists , a scavenger hunt, and plenty of action, this is the one for you!

We Dream of Space

Best middle-grade historical fiction.

• What to know about this book: Cash, Bird, and Fitch are siblings dealing with individual challenges in the 1980’s. Bird is sweet, sensitive and space-obsessed. Cash struggles with his self-esteem after having to be held back a grade, and Fitch is dealing with obvious anger issues. Set against the background of the Challenger Shuttle disaster, these three siblings cope with family and school issues, while finding their way back to each other.

We Dream of Space is the first book I’ve read by Erin Entrada Kelly, and I’m ready to read more of her work. This character-driven slice-of-life novel shows how different families can be, addresses the struggles of navigating sibling relationships, and highlights what difference an enthusiastic teacher can make. More importantly, it is an ode to the Challenger Shuttle Disaster of 1986 and middle-grade historical fiction like this can teach not just history, but also a lot of empathy.

Best Middle-Grade Adventure

• What to know about this book: Five kids go on a spy mission in Paris! Plenty of spy action, hacking, friendship, and global adventure from New York to Scotland, to Paris.

James Ponti’s City Spies #1 is an excellent start to an exciting mystery series that both kids and adults can enjoy. Taking readers from New York to Scotland and Paris, this story makes for an engaging experience. Major props for featuring a racially diverse cast of characters who leap off the page and whose realistic, humorous banter will keep readers turning the pages. If you enjoy middle-grade mysteries with a side of adventure and friendship, you’ll love City Spies #1 . I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

Stick with Me

Best middle-grade book with two narrators.

• What to know about this book: Wren and Izzy form an unlikely friendship when Wren and her family rent Izzy’s house for a week while her sister gets treatment for epilepsy. The girls have to deal with bullying, family issues, and figuring out who they want to be.

Jennifer Blecher’s Stick with Me is a heartwarming middle-grade book about finding friendship in unexpected places. This sophomore novel explores female friendships, bullying in middle school , life with a sick sibling, and pursuing artistic passions and a love for ice skating. Readers who enjoy family-centered novels and books featuring strong female protagonists will enjoy this one.

The Thing About Leftovers

Best backlist title read in 2020.

• Publication year: 2016
• What to know about this book: Fizzy is caught in two blended families where she feels like the leftover kid. Her dad is newly remarried and expecting his first baby in the new marriage. Fizzy is wary of her mom’s neat-freak boyfriend, and her only solace is cooking. She is grateful when she enters the Southern Living cook-off and starts to make new friends who show her that family comes in different shapes and sizes.

Divorce is never fun, especially for kids who either feel abandoned or caught in the middle. Thankfully, books like this one exist to make such children feel somewhat less alone. The Thing About Leftovers is a sweet, moving, and scrumptious delight of a book! I’m delighted to have discovered C.C. Payne’s enrapturing storytelling style, and I’m eager to read more of her writing. If you’re on the hunt for a book that examines the adjustment period for children of divorce or those adjusting to a blended family , this is a fantastic choice. I would also highly recommend it to lovers of books about food .

Best Middle-Grade Book About Sisters

• Recommended for ages: 8 and up
• What to know about this book: This graphic novel follows identical twins Maureen and Francine as they navigate sixth grade and school politics while trying to find their individual identities.

Varian Johnson’s new graphic novel is simply a delight! I loved following Maureen and Francine — and am really hoping we get a few more books about them. I would love to follow them all the way to high school! Twins is a sensitive look at the search for identity especially common for identical twins who want to be their own person while still preserving their unbreakable bond with their closest relative and friend. This book also highlights common middle school struggles, crushes, and navigating life in a blended family, but the main theme is the joy of sisterhood . I would highly recommend it to graphic novel lovers and rookies alike — it reads beautifully on an iPad too!

More Graphic Novels for Tweens

Measuring Up

Best middle-grade book about food.

• What to know about this book: Cici and her family move from Taiwan to the US, but they have to leave her A-ma (grandma) behind. Because it’s too expensive to bring A-ma over, Cici enters a cooking contest to raise some money. Throughout the process, she learns a lot about food, family, and friendships.

Measuring Up is an excellent feel-good, coming-of-age story which pays homage to the love between a granddaughter and her grandmother. This book also tackles themes like Asian culture , immigration, healthy female friendships, and of course, food. It will certainly appeal to Julia Child fans who enjoy middle-grade books about food or those who enjoy watching cooking contests. I loved this heartwarming debut, and would highly recommend.

If you’d like to find even more middle-grade book recommendations, I’d recommend checking out the middle-grade category on this blog. I review every middle-grade book I read, unless I did not enjoy it enough to leave a mostly positive review. No one needs more negative reviews unless I think their book was deeply problematic.

What about you? Which were your best middle-grade books of 2020? I’d love to hear your recommendations whether they were released in 2020 or they’re backlist titles.

Don't Forget to Share!

• About Afoma Umesi

Afoma Umesi is the founder and editor of Reading Middle Grade where she curates book lists and writes book reviews for kids of all ages. Her favorite genre to read is contemporary realistic fiction and she'll never say no to a graphic novel.

Related Posts

Afoma Umesi

FREE DOWNLOAD

Join My Friday Kidlit Newsletter

Sign up to receive weekly roundups, kidlit resources, and more! I'll send you my printable list of 100 best middle grade books to start!

Reader Interactions

What do you think leave a comment cancel reply.

December 21, 2020 at 2:05 pm

Great suggestions! I’m adding a lot to my TBR list! Thanks 🙂

December 21, 2020 at 2:37 pm

Great list! I think my fav was Isaiah Dunn is My Hero …..but I haven’t read any of these. I think Isaiah would fit brilliantly on this list!

December 22, 2020 at 5:59 am

I’ve heard so many good things about that one! I hope to get to it soon. SO MANY BOOKS!

December 22, 2020 at 6:10 am

Right?! So little time to read them all! I still have Ghost on my radar!

December 21, 2020 at 4:12 pm

I read a LOT of MG, and I have only read one of these. I see I have some work to do. I think you should add The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise to this list. It’s terrific. Thanks for the post.

Ahh I loved COYOTE, it was on my list last year when I read it. Thanks for reading!

December 23, 2020 at 5:45 pm

Great list! Love reading your thoughts on why each of these are stand out titles. I don’t read nearly as much contemporary MG as you, but I was also impressed by the one title on this list I have read (Efren Divided). My favourite 2020 MG release is The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf. Very much so speculative fiction, but a powerful story about how a friendship can be affected by jealousy.

February 4, 2021 at 2:58 pm

Love your list and award names! I loved Efren, too, especially the ending.

February 4, 2021 at 3:00 pm

Hi Janice! Thank you and thanks for reading! And yes, that ending!

May 9, 2023 at 12:05 pm

I feel like I just hit the jackpot for my grandkids — especially the middle-graders! I love supporting their reading journey. All are avid readers and it is becoming harder and harder to find quality literature that meets their interests and maturity. Reading through your lists and reviews, I found multiple titles that are perfect for each grandchild. I will be back for more suggestions. Many thanks!

May 9, 2023 at 12:20 pm

Oh, that makes me so happy!! Glad to help if you have specific questions about any book.

Join Reading Middle Grade on Instagram

Sharing the best middle grade (and adult) book recommendations @ whatafomareads

MOST SEARCHED

• Book Reviews
• Middle Grade Book Reviews
• Middle Grade Books
• Picture Books
• Book Lists By Grade
• Early Chapter Books
• Books for Teens

QUICK LINKS

• Book Lists by Age
• Books by Theme

LET’S CONNECT

• KidLit Facebook Group

Discover more from Reading Middle Grade

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

30 Best Books For Middle School Boys & Girls (Ages 11, 12, & 13)

Finding books for middle school kids can be tough . Other influences fight for their attention. Plus, how do you know what books they’ll love?

This article will help! You’ll find the best books for 11, 12, and 13 year olds. These are popular page-turners even if your child doesn’t like reading .

Reading Specialist Recommendations!

This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you. See our disclaimer for more.

In a hurry? Our top 3 favorites: The Lightning Thief , The Girl Who Drank the Moon , The Hobbit

Most Popular Middle School Books

Let’s start with award-winning and bestseller books for ages 10-13. Your middle schooler won’t be able to put them down!

1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

*Editor’s Inspirational Pick & New York Times BESTSELLER

Meet Auggie. He is an ordinary boy with an unusual face. His personality inspires an entire community to discuss what kindness, empathy, and compassion mean in practice.

See Wonder here >>

2. Refugee by Alan Gratz

*Teacher’s Pick

This action-packed novel follows three different kids seeking refuge.

• Josef is a Jewish boy boarding a ship out of 1930s Nazi Germany.
• Isabel is a Cuban girl who gets on a raft to escape 1994 Cuba.
• Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015 beginning a long trek.

What ties these three stories together? Find out in Refugee .

3. Ghost by Jason Reynolds

*A National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature

Ghost (Castle Cranshaw) has been running all his life. From running for his life when he was a small boy to joining an elite middle school track team.

He has the talent to be the best sprinter in the city. But will he be able to stay on track? Read this book to find out .

4. Counting by 7’s by Holly Goldberg

* New York Times Bestseller

When 12-year-old genius Willow Chance suffers the tragic loss of her parents, she pushes through her grief and feelings to discover the true meaning of family.

See Counting by 7s here >>

5. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

*Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning book

12-year old Josh Bell and his twin brother Jordan are a dynamic duo on the basketball court. But when trouble starts to brew in their family, they will have to grow up on and off the court.

Find The Crossover here .

6. Restart by Gordon Korman

* New York Times Best Seller

After an accident, Chase wakes up with no memory of his previous life.

Faced with the reality of starting over, Chase has to figure out who he was and who he is going to be.

7. The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1

*#1 Best Seller: Action and Adventure Fantasy

12-year-old Percy Jackson is always in trouble. Unfortunately, his biggest troubles are just starting!

Now, he has to bring peace to Mount Olympus and find Zeus’s lightning bolt. All while facing a host of enemies trying to stop him. Will he succeed?

Read The Lightning Thief to find out!

Pro Tip: Many of these middle school books have been made into movies . Read the book, then watch the movie!

Fantasy Books to Read for Middle School

My kids LOVE fantasy adventure books. And it has been hard to separate them from the books and book series on this list!

8. Eragon: Inheritance, Book 1 by Christopher Paolini

* New York Times bestselling series

What would happen if you discovered a stone that hatches a dragon?

In this book, 15-year old Eragon will soon find out. His life will go from being simple to dangerously magical.

See Eragon here >>

9. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman: Book 1 (Ages 12+)

Seraphina is half-dragon and lives in a world where humans and dragons coexist.

She works to protect the secret of her true identity. But one day, she is flung into a crime investigation that may cost her everything.

10. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

* Newbery Medal Winner

In this fantasy story, the forest witch Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight on the way to deliver her to a family.

The baby is filled with magic, and so the witch raises her as her own. But as Luna’s magic begins to emerge near her thirteenth birthday, danger approaches with it.

See The Girl Who Drank the Moon here >>

11. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoneix, Book 5 by J.K. Rowling

*Middle school students will love the 5th book of this beloved series !

As Harry starts his 5th year at Hogwarts, tensions rise in the government of the magical world. Trust is hard to find.

Harry will lean on his friends to find the strength to face the threats upon them all.

Check it out here >>

12. Amari and the Night Brothers, Book 1 by B.B. Alston

*New York Times Bestseller

Amari is certain her missing brother is still alive. In fact, she’s uncovered a secret magical organization that could be the key to finding him.

Will Amari be able to compete in this threatening new world to find her brother?

Read Amari and the Night Brothers to find out!

13. The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Book Series

Nicholas Flamel died in 1418…unless he has the secret to eternal life? When this power gets into the wrong hands, it could destroy everything.

Magic, mystery, and the timeless struggle of good versus evil make this book series a must-read.

Start with book 1 here >>

14. Artemis Fowl, Book 1 by Eoin Colfer (Middle School Book Series)

* New York Times best-selling author

12-year-old Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind who has discovered a dangerous below-ground world.

When he gets tangled up with fairies, will he cause a larger problem than he can handle? Find out in the first book in the series.

15. Furthermore, Book 1 by Tahereh Mafi

Journey with 12-year-old Alice as she fights to find her father. She will have to travel through the dangerous, mythical land of Futhermore on her quest to bring him home.

See Furthermore here >>

16. Alone by Megan E. Freeman

*New bestseller in middle school fiction

When twelve-year-old Maddie wakes up one day, she finds herself utterly alone in her small Colorado town. With no one to rely on, and no modern-day luxuries, she must learn to survive on her own.

Can Maddie’s will carry her through? Read Alone to find out .

• Most Inspiring Books for Teens
• Inspirational Movies for Kids & Teens

Fiction and Mystery Books (for 11, 12, & 13 year olds)

Next, these middle school mystery novels keep kids coming back for more.

17. A Horse Named Sky by Roseanne Parry

A young wild horse named Sky is captured for the Pony Express. He must escape to reunite with his family.

See a Horse Named Sky on Amazon >>

18. The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead (Good Middle School Books to Read)

* New York Times bestselling author

A free library appears in a small town. And 11-year-old Evan’s life changes when he takes a book from its shelf. He is thrown into an old town mystery that no one wants to talk about.

Mystery readers will love this book !

19. Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson

*Made into a movie!

This hilarious and heartwarming tale starts with Rafe. He has enough problems at home without middle school. So, he hatches a plan to break all the school rules – from chewing gum to running in the halls. But one day, his bad behavior catches up with him. And he’s forced to see the truths he’s been avoiding.

“James Patterson’s debut middle-grade novel addresses some of middle schoolers’ biggest issues: bullies, first crushes, and finding out what makes each of us special.” Amazon

20. Worst Broommate Ever: Middle School and Other Disasters, Book 1 by Wanda Coven

When you are a witch-in-training, mishaps are bound to happen. But when Heidi finds out that her new roommate is an old rival, a prank war ensues. Will it go too far?

See The Worst Broommate Ever here >>

21. The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln

Join Shenanigan Swift in her quest to catch her aunt’s killer. And prove to her family that she can achieve anything, despite her mischievous name.

Check it out >>

22. City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

*New York Times Best-selling author

Ever since a drowning accident, Cass has been able to see the spirit world. But when she meets another girl like her, she realizes she has a lot to learn about the city of ghosts. And her journey will be dangerous.

Middle schoolers will love this spooky action-packed tale !

* Related: Great Spooky Books for Kids & Teens

23. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

* #1 Best Seller in Scary Stories for Children

Coraline unlocks a door and finds a hidden passage into another house. At first, everything seems better. But she soon discovers that other children are trapped there. And she is the only one who can rescue them.

See Coraline here >>

Graphic Novels For Middle School

Next, visual readers will adore these middle school graphic novels.

24. New Kid by Jerry Craft

*Newbery Medal Winner & Coretta Scott King Author Award

Navigating seventh grade in a new school is hard. Especially when faced with a different environment and unfamiliar faces. Jordan must find a balance between this new adventure and his old life.

Find New Kid here.

25. Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1) by Svetlana Chmakova

Peppi Torres just wants to survive middle school. But she has already broken the cardinal rules on her first day.

Will she make it through middle school without getting more awkward? Read this graphic novel to find out.

26. Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonazlez

When five kids are forced to complete community service hours together, they meet someone who needs their help. Will they be vulnerable enough in the middle school world to do what is needed?

See Invisible here >>

Invisible contains text in both Spanish and English.

• Fun Teen Trivia Quiz
• Craft Books for Kids

Classic Literature For Middle School

Finally, dig into these classics. They stand proud through the test of time, for good reason!

27. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

*Newbery Medal winner

Meg’s father has disappeared in a wrinkle of time. Join Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O’Keefe in an adventure through time and space to find him.

See A Wrinkle in Time here >>

28. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”

Journey with Bilbo Baggins on a dangerous and exciting adventure to the Lonely Mountain. There he will cross paths with a magic ring and a scary creature named Gollum.

29. The Giver by Lois Lowry

*Newbery Medal-winning classic

Jonas has lived in an ideal world. That is what he believes.

But when he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory, he learns the secrets of his life and community.

Read this Newbery medal-winning classic and powerful novel .

30. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

*Newbery Honor winner

When 13-year-old Brian Robeson survives a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness, he must use the only items he has with him- his clothes and a hatchet- to learn how to survive.

A must-read page-turner about survival and adventure >>

Quick Tips for Using Middle School Books

Here are a few great suggestions to keep kids reading!

• Books series are great for engagement : If the child loves the first book, he or she will want to keep going.
• Play to their interests : Look for books that highlight what your child loves.
• Be a reading role model : Do the kids see you reading too? If you show that reading is fun and important, they’ll think it is as well.

What’s Next?

Don’t miss the book lists for younger ages too!

• 5 Year Old Book List
• 6 Year Old Book List
• 7 Year Old Book List
• 8 Year Old Book List
• 9 Year Old Book List
• 10 Year Old Book List

Good Books for Middle Schoolers to Read

Jessica is a contributing editor for Healthy Happy Impactful. She is dedicated to fostering a love of reading and empowering women and families. Jessica holds a Master's degree in Education and is a licensed Reading Specialist. She is a mom to 2 kids.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Book Review Writing

Introduction.

If you love to read, at some point you will want to share a book you love with others. You may already do this by talking about books with friends. If you want to share your ideas with more people than your circle of friends, the way you do that is by writing a review. By publishing the reviews you write, you can share your ideas about books with other readers around the world.

It's natural for young readers to confuse book reviews with book reports, yet writing a book review is a very different process from writing a book report. Book reports focus on the plot of the book. Frequently, the purpose of book reports is to demonstrate that the books were read, and they are often done for an assignment.

A book review is a totally different task. A book review's purpose is to help people decide whether or not the book would interest them enough to read it. Reviews are a sneak peek at a book, not a summary. Like wonderful smells wafting from a kitchen, book reviews lure readers to want to taste the book themselves.

This guide is designed to help you become a strong book reviewer, a reader who can read a book and then cook up a review designed to whet the reading appetites of other book lovers.

Form: What should the review look like?

How long should it be.

The first question we usually ask when writing something is "How long should it be?" The best answer is "As long as it takes," but that's a frustrating answer. A general guideline is that the longer the book, the longer the review, and a review shouldn't be fewer than 100 words or so. For a long book, the review may be 500 words or even more.

If a review is too short, the review may not be able to fulfill its purpose. Too long, and the review may stray into too much plot summary or lose the reader's interest.

The best guide is to focus less on how long to write and more on fulfilling the purpose of the review.

How Do You Create A Title?

The title of the review should convey your overall impression and not be overly general. Strong titles include these examples:

• "Full of action and complex characters"
• "A nail-biter that will keep you up all night"
• "Beautiful illustrations with a story to match"
• "Perfect for animal lovers"

Weak titles may look like this:

• "Really good book"
• "Three stars"
• "Pretty good"
• "Quick read"

How Should It Begin?

Although many reviews begin with a short summary of the book (This book is about…), there are other options as well, so feel free to vary the way you begin your reviews.

In an introductory summary, be careful not to tell too much. If you retell the entire story, the reader won't feel the need to read it him/herself, and no one appreciates a spoiler (telling the end). Here are some examples of summaries reviewers from The New York Times have written:

"A new picture book tells a magically simple tale of a lonely boy, a stranded whale and a dad who rises to the occasion."

"In this middle-grade novel, a girl finds a way forward after the loss of her mother."

"Reared by ghosts, werewolves and other residents of the hillside cemetery he calls home, an orphan named Nobody Owens wonders how he will manage to survive among the living having learned all his lessons from the dead. And the man Jack — who killed the rest of Nobody's family — is itching to finish the job."

"In vivid poems that reflect the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, an award-winning author shares what it was like to grow up in the 1960s and 1970s in both the North and the South." Other ways to begin a review include:

• Quote: A striking quote from the book ("It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.") can make for a powerful beginning. This quote begins George Orwell's novel 1984 .
• Background: What makes this book important or interesting? Is the author famous? Is it a series? This is This is how Amazon introduces Divergent : "This first book in Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy is the novel the inspired the major motion picture."
• Interesting Fact: For nonfiction books in particular, an interesting fact from the book may create a powerful opening for a review. In this review of The Middle East by Philip Steele, Zander H. of Mid-America Mensa asks, "Did you know that the Saudi Arabia's Rub' al-Khali desert reaches temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and plummets to the freezing point at night?"
• Explanation of a term: If a word or phrase in the book or title is confusing or vitally important to understand, you may wish to begin the review explaining that term.

Process: What should I write about?

Deciding what to say about the book can be challenging. Use the following ideas as a guide, but remember that you should not put all of this into a single review — that would make for a very long review! Choose the things that fit this particular book best.

General Information What the reader ought to know

• What kind of book is it? (Picture book? Historical fiction? Nonfiction? Fantasy? Adventure?)
• Does the book belong to a series?
• How long is the book? Is it an easy or a challenging read?
• Is there anything that would be helpful for the reader to know about the author? For instance, is the author an expert in the field, the author of other popular books, or a first-time author?
• How does the book compare to other books on the same topic or in the same genre?
• Is the book written in a formal or informal style? Is the language remarkable in any way?
• What ages is the book geared to?
• Is the book written in normal prose? If it is written in poetic form, does it rhyme?

Plot What happens?

Writing about the plot is the trickiest part of a review because you want to give the reader a feel for what the book is about without spoiling the book for future readers. The most important thing to remember is that you must never give away the ending. No one likes a spoiler.

One possibility for doing this is to set up the premise (A brother and a sister find themselves lost in the woods at the mercy of an evil witch. Will they be able to outsmart her and escape?). Another possibility is to set up the major conflict in the book and leave it unresolved (Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part or He didn't know what he stood to lose or Finding your purpose in life can be as easy as finding a true friend.)

Try to avoid using the tired phrase "This book is about…" Instead, just jump right in (The stuffed rabbit wanted more than anything to live in the big old house with the wild oak trees.)

Characters Who lives in the book?

Reviews should answer questions about the characters in fiction books or non-fiction books about people. Some possible questions to answer include:

• Who are the main characters? Include the protagonist and antagonist.
• What makes them interesting?
• Do they act like real people act or are they too good or too evil to be believable?
• Are they human?
• What conflicts do they face?
• Are they likeable or understandable?
• How do they connect with each other?
• Do they appear in other books?
• Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?
• What problems did the main characters face?
• Who was your favorite character, and why?
• We learn about characters from things they do and say, as well as things other characters say about them. You may wish to include examples of these things.

Theme What is the book about at its heart?

What is the book really about? This isn't the plot, but rather the ideas behind the story. Is it about the triumph of good over evil or friendship or love or hope? Some common themes include: change, desire to escape, facing a challenge, heroism, the quest for power, and human weaknesses.

Sometimes a book will have a moral — a lesson to learn. If so, the theme is usually connected to that moral. As you write about the theme, try to identify what makes the book worth reading. What will the reader think about long after the book is finished? Ask yourself if there any particular lines in the book that strike you as meaningful.

Setting Where are we?

The setting is the time and place the story occurs. When you write about the setting in a review, include more than just the location. Some things to consider:

• Is the book set in the past, present or future?
• Is it set in the world we know or is it a fantastical world?
• Is it mostly realistic with elements of fantasy (animals that can talk, for example)?
• Is the setting unclear and fuzzy, or can you easily make the movie in your mind?
• How much does the author draw you into the setting and how does s/he accomplish that?

Opinion & Analysis What do you really think?

This is where the reviewer shares his/her reactions to the book that go beyond the essential points described above. You may spend half of the review on this section. Some possible questions to address include:

• Why do you think other readers would enjoy it? Why did you enjoy it (if you did) or why didn't you (if you didn't).
• What ages or types of readers do you think would like the book?
• How does it compare with other books that are in the same genre or by the same author?
• Does the book engage your emotions? If a book made you laugh or cry or think about it for days, be sure to include that.
• What do you like or dislike about the author's writing style? Is it funny? Is it hard to follow? Is it engaging and conversational in tone?
• How well do you think the author achieved what s/he was going for in the writing of the book? Do you think you felt what the author was hoping you would feel?
• Did the book feel complete, or did it feel as though key elements were left out?
• How does the book compare to other books like it you've read?

Are there parts that are simply not believable, even allowing for the reader's understanding that it is fiction or even fantasy?

• Are there mistakes?
• Would you describe the book as for entertainment, self-improvement, or information?
• What was your favorite part of the book?
• Would you have done anything differently had you been the author?
• Would any reader enjoy this book? If not, to what ages or type of reader would it appeal?

Special situations: Nonfiction and young reviewers

Some of the tips and ideas above work best for fiction, and some of it is a little too complicated for very young reviewers.

Nonfiction What to do if it's real

When reviewing a book of nonfiction, you will want to consider these questions:

• What was the author's purpose in writing the book? Did the author accomplish that purpose?
• Who is the target audience for the book?
• What do you think is the book's greatest value? What makes it special or worthwhile?
• Are the facts shared accurate?
• Is the book interesting and hold your attention?
• Would it be a useful addition to a school or public library?
• If the book is a biography or autobiography, how sympathetic is the subject?
• Is it easy to understand the ideas?
• Are there extra features that add to the enjoyment of the book, such as maps, indexes, glossaries, or other materials?
• Are the illustrations helpful?

Young Reviewers Keeping it simple

Reviewing a book can be fun, and it's not hard at all. Just ask yourself these questions:

• What is the book about? You don't need to tell the whole story over — just give an idea of what it's about.
• Do you think other people would like it?
• Did you think it was funny or sad?
• Did you learn something from the book?
• l Did you think it was interesting?
• Would you want to read it again?
• Would you want to read other books by the same author or about the same subject?
• What was your favorite part?
• Did you like the pictures?

Remember! Don't give away the ending. Let's keep that a surprise.

General Tips & Ideas

Use a few quotes or phrases (keep them short) from the book to illustrate the points you make about the book. If there are illustrations, be sure to comment on those. Are they well done? Has the illustrator done other well-known books?

Make sure you include a conclusion to the review — don't leave it hanging. The conclusion can be just one sentence (Overall, this book is a terrific choice for those who…).

You can use the transition word handout at the end of the Writer's Toolbox to find ideas for words to connect the ideas in your review. If you would like to read some well-written reviews, look for reviews of books for young people at The New York Times or National Public Radio .

Rating Books How to award stars?

Most places you post reviews ask you to rate the book using a star system, typically in a range of from one to five stars. In your rating, you should consider how the book compares to other books like it. Don't compare a long novel to a short poetry book — that's not a valid comparison.

It's important to remember that it's not asking you to only give five stars to the very best books ever written.

• 5 Stars: I'm glad I read it or I loved it (this doesn't mean it was your favorite book ever).
• 4 Stars: I like it. It's worth reading.
• 3 Stars: It wasn't very good.
• 2 Stars: I don't like it at all.
• 1 Star: I hate it.

Our Book Reviews

Our middleweb book reviews.

With help from volunteer readers ( learn more ), MiddleWeb publishes reviews of professional books that may be of interest to educators working with grades 4-8. You can visit our book review category  to read short summaries of reviews, with the most recent reviews listed first.

Want to review for us? Here’s how!

You can also use our search tool (upper right corner of any page – it’s the magnifying glass icon) to search by title, topic or author. Some books may have several reviews.

You can also try these topical categories:

Social Studies | Science | Mathematics | Reading | Writing | Literacy | New Teachers | Leadership |  Classroom Management | SEL | Engagement | Assessment | English Learners

Like a sample?

Designing Classrooms for Flexible Learning by Jessica Martin

Not Light, But Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom by Matthew R. Kay

Teach Writing Well: How to Assess Writing, Invigorate Instruction, and Rethink Revision by Ruth Culham

The Aspiring Principal 50: Critical Questions for New and Future School Leaders by Baruti K. Kafele

A Teacher’s Guide to Reading Conferences (Grades K-8) by Jennifer Serravallo

History Class Revisited: Tools and Projects to Engage Middle School Students in Social Studies by Jody Passanisi

Universal Design Daily: 365 Ways to Teach, Support and Challenge All Learners by Paula Kluth

Advanced Common Core Math Explorations: Ratios, Proportions, & Similarity, Grades 5-8 by Jerry Burkhart

Creating Scientists: Teaching and Assessing Science Practice for the NGSS  by Christopher Moore

Share this:

• Popular Posts
• Recent Posts
• Recent Comments

Articles / Reading

Use ‘Say Something’ to Boost Reader Response

Articles / Writing

Teach the Writer First and the Writing Second

Articles / The Teaching Life

Teaching: The Best Job I Never Wanted

Book Reviews / Media Literacy

Strategies for Teaching Against Disinformation

Articles / Study Skills

Teaching Study Skills Middle Schoolers Need

Articles / Resilience

Build a Classroom That’s Resilience-Friendly

Articles / Media Literacy

5 Questions to Help Kids Become Critical Readers

Book Reviews / Literacy

The Democratic Roots Essential to Literacy

Equations / Meaningful Math

My Students Struggle to Solve Basic Equations

end-of-year learning / Resources

Looking Ahead to the Last Weeks of School!

Articles / Mathematics

How to Differentiate the Teaching, Not the Task

Articles / Deeper Learning

Complex Tasks Every Student Can Accomplish

Defiance / I Will Screw This Up

Why I’m Keeping My Classroom Door Open

Book Reviews / Mindsets

How to Reclaim Your Energy, Passion, & Time

Articles / Literacy

How Teacher Notebooks Can Help Students Learn

• Nicole T says: I love this project! I have the book, but is there...
• Karl Sigfrid says: Michelle, Thank you for sharing ideas on making statistics engaging to...
• Sharon Ratliff says: Great article Debbie! I love the way you connected this struggle...
• Kabereyaho Marthe says: This lesson from this link is helpful and i should study...
• Tenoha Templeton says: Wish this had been available when I was teaching. Good information...

Sign Up & Receive the Latest News about Our Content…

Email address:

First Name:

Read our Privacy Policy

BOOK REVIEWS

A Leadership Blueprint for Growth and Success

A How-to Guide to Better Engage Your Students

10 Tools to Help Kids Develop Their Talents

The Reading Strategies Book Gets an Update

Opportunities for Swift Achievement Gains

Teaching for Retention, Application and Transfer

Strategies to Adjust ‘Up’ What Students Know

Assuring Just, Inclusive Learning for Newcomers

Building Bridges That Cultivate Teacher Growth

SEL, Civic Engagement, & a Healthy Democracy

An Enhanced Edition of ‘When Kids Can’t Read’

Shifting to Asset-Based Literacy Assessments

Bringing the Science of Reading into Grades 3-5

Class Libraries to Inspire and Challenge Readers

Strategies to Integrate AI into Every Classroom

Preparing Our Students to Engage the World

A Playbook for Student and Teacher Well-Being

Book Review Template

About this printout

Students can use this template as a means of communicating about a book that they have read.

Teaching with this printout

More ideas to try.

As students begin reading books at a young age, it is important to teach them to communicate their thoughts and ideas about the books they read.  This template is a good way to teach students to begin putting their thoughts on a text into written form.  Students will be able to process the information they read in a given text and process their ideas.  Additionally, the Book Review Template allows the teacher to check a student's comprehension of a certain text to assess and inform instruction.

• Create a bulletin board with book reviews done by different students.  The bulletin board can be organized by different genres of books or in other ways that are useful to students. Students can use this bulletin board as a way to read about their peers' thoughts on different books and to find books that they, too, might enjoy reading. 
• At the beginning of the school year, do a read aloud and have students each do a book review on the same book that was read to the class. Have select students share their book reviews and/or thoughts on a book.  Follow up by having a class discussion about why all of the book reviews are not alike, even though they were done on the same book.  This discussion will familiarize students with different opinions and thoughts on the same books, and will also give struggling students a more concrete idea of how to do future book reviews on their own.
• Print this resource

Explore Resources by Grade

• Kindergarten K

The Essential Book List for Navigating Middle School

Stacy McAnulty |  The Children’s Book Review | July 10, 2018

Navigating Middle School with Novels

My family lives in an area of North Carolina where we have school choice. This means my kids select their school, rather than having a school assigned based on where we live. When my oldest was in fifth grade, we toured three middle schools, in an effort to find the “perfect” one. She was stressing out about the decision, so I turned to her and said, “Relax. It doesn’t really matter where you go, because middle school stinks.” Perhaps not my best parenting moment, but come on, everyone has at least a few crummy middle school memories. I had more than a few.

As in life, each middle school experience is unique, and that can make kids feel alone and isolated. It can help for kids to see characters experiencing similar issues in the books they read. I’ve touched on some common trials of middle school life, illustrated them with my own experience, and then suggested novels that do a fantastic job navigating these bumpy roads.

Books About Academic Pressure

Bonjour. Je m’appelle  Stacy. Je déteste le classe de Français.  Before sixth grade, I was excited to learn French. I imagined having secret conversations with my BFF that my mom would not be able to understand! But I quickly realized learning a language was HARD (and trés  difficult pour moi! ) And, being a kid who preferred to blend into the furniture, this class required a ton of participation. I don’t believe I raised my hand once in all of middle school (and maybe even high school). I basically felt like a failure every time I entered Madame Bonbon’s* room.

*name changed to protect the innocent

I would have loved a book that showed kids struggling, and eventually overcoming, academic hurdles. The end result does not have to be going from an F to an A. It can be a powerful thing for a kid to realize everyone’s strengths are different.

UNGIFTED by Gordon Koman (2014)

THE TRUTH AS TOLD BY MASON BUTTLE by Leslie Connor (2018)

SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB by Jackie Yeager (2018)

FISH IN A TREE by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (set in elementary school) (2015)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST by Lisa Graff (2014)

SAVE ME A SEAT by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan (2016)

Books About Friendship and Fitting In

My middle school divided its approximately two hundred fifty students into three teams. They assigned us the creative names of Team A, B, and C. Your team assignment dictated which kids you spent your day with, from math to music, to the all important Lunchtime. If you were on C and your friend was on A, she might as well have lived on Mars. My anxiety while awaiting team assignment reminds me of the reaping in The Hunger Games . No one wants to go through life alone, and that sentiment feels magnified in middle school.

So many middle-grade books focus, at least in part, on friendship, including my debut, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl . Novels that illustrate the complexity of these relationships can become lifelines to a lonely kid trying to understand their changing world.

POSTED by John David Anderson (2017)

THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHARD by Rebecca Caprara (Sept 2018)

WISH by Barbara O’Connor (2016)

THE SCIENCE OF BREAKABLE THINGS by Tae Keller (2018)

THE THREE RULES OF EVERYDAY MAGIC by Amanda Rawson Hill (set in elementary school) (Sept 2018)

REAL FRIENDS by Shannon Hale (2017)

YOU GO FIRST by Erin Entrada Kelly (2018)

GOODBYE, STRANGER by Rebecca Stead (2015)

FREAK THE MIGHTY by Rodman Philbrick (1993)

Books About Social Issues and News

Every morning before school, my mom tuned our small black-and-white TV in the kitchen to the Today Show . As I ate Rice Krispies, I watched Bryant Gumbel and Jane Pauley deliver the news. I remember the Gulf War and something about Oliver North, but I don’t think my dose of morning news was anything like what kids see and hear today. I recall the ‘don’t do drugs’ message (and how a frying egg represented your brain on drugs) and a vague fear about AIDS. I think my children are exposed to much more news, including social issues and social injustices. And, at 12-years-old, they care much more than I did. Kids know about Black Lives Matters, #metoo, immigration, and March for Our Lives. They have opinions and concerns, and they don’t expect adults will take care of the problems. They’re living these moments too.

GHOST BOYS by Jewell Parker Rhodes (2018)

REFUGEE by Alan Gratz (2017)

GHOST (TRACK Series) by Jason Reynolds (2016)

FRONT DESK by Kelly Yang (2018)

FOREVER, OR A LONG, LONG TIME by Caela Carter (2017)

THE STARS BENEATH OUR FEET by David Barclay Moore (2017)

THE NIGHT DIARY by Veera Hiranandani (2018)

Books About Self Esteem

Skinny with a blond bowl cut suitable for a medieval pageboy, she hunched her shoulders because if she stood up straight, everyone would realize she didn’t even need a training bra.

That was eighth-grade me.

Middle school students are experiencing change—as any pamphlet on puberty will tell you. But it’s more than just their bodies. It can be tough to sort out your individual strengths and abilities, especially when you’re spending most of your time just trying to blend in with everyone else. Differences aren’t always celebrated.

SHORT by Holly Goldberg Sloan (2017)

ROLLER GIRL by Victoria Jamieson (2015)

THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK by Celia C. Pérez (2017)

THE BLOSSOMING UNIVERSE OF VIOLET DIAMOND by Brenda Woods (2015)

GERTIE’S LEAP TO GREATNESS (elementary school) by Kate Beasley (2016)

LIONS & LIARS by Kate Beasley (2018)

FRAZZLED by Booki Vivat (2016)

THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER by Jen Wang (2018)

Books About Screwing Up Big Time

In sixth grade, I lied to a new “friend,” by telling her that a boy had a crush on her. I made up this tale because I wanted this cool girl to like me. The boy was a family friend, so she believed me. It gets worse. I forged notes from him and put them in her locker. This Parent-Trap-like ruse went on for a while until she got the courage to call him. I, inexplicably, supplied his phone number. Of course, after she made the call, the jig was up. He didn’t even know who she was. She was embarrassed and mad, and our friendship ended. Wow, had I screwed up. But I wasn’t doing it to be mean. I just wanted to connect with a new friend.

In the best novels, it’s not just the bullies making mistakes. It’s the main character making mistakes, and either fixing it or living with the results.

MILLICENT MIN, GIRL GENIUS by Lisa Yee (2004)

EVERY SHINY THING by Cordelia Jensen (2018)

LOVE SUGAR MAGIC by Anna Meriano and Mirelle Ortega (2018)

THE HOUSE THAT LOU BUILT by Mae Respicio (2018)

THE 11:11 WISH by Kim Tomsic (2018)

RESTART by Gordon Korman (2018)

“Middle school is supposed to be the worst. It’s like a giant hazing for adulthood. We all gotta go through it”. – THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL

We can’t protect kids from everything they’ll see and endure in middle school. But chances are, there’s a novel out there that can accompany them on the journey.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

Written by Stacy McAnulty

Publisher’s Synopsis:  A lightning strike gave her a super power…but even a super genius can’t solve the problem of middle school. This smart and funny novel is perfect for fans of The Fourteenth Goldfish , Rain Reign , and Counting by Sevens .

Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning. She doesn’t remember it, but it changed her life forever. The zap gave her genius-level math skills, and ever since, Lucy has been homeschooled. Now, at 12 years old, she’s technically ready for college. She just has to pass 1 more test–middle school!

Lucy’s grandma insists: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book (that’s not a math textbook!). Lucy’s not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy’s life has already been solved. Unless there’s been a miscalculation?

A celebration of friendship, Stacy McAnulty’s smart and thoughtful middle-grade debut reminds us all to get out of our comfort zones and embrace what makes us different.

Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers | 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1524767570

Available Here: 

About The Author

Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a dog therapist (is that a thing???), a correspondent for  The Daily Show  (why not), and a Green Bay Packer coach (totally!). She has written dozens of books including her debut middle-grade novel,  The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl  , a Junior Library Guild Selection, and the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor book  Excellent Ed , illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. Her other picture books include  Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years , illustrated by David Litchfield;  Max Explains Everything: Grocery Store Expert,  illustrated by Deborah Hocking,  Brave   and  Beautiful , both illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff;  Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite , illustrated by Edward Hemingway; and  101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath , illustrated by Joy Ang. She’s also authored the chapter book series  Goldie Blox , based on the award-winning toys, and  The Dino Files . When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 3 dogs, and 1 husband.

For more information, visit:  http://www.stacymcanulty.com

The article  The Essential Book List for Navigating Middle School was written by Stacy McAnulty, author of  The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl  (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2018). For similar books and articles, follow along with our content tagged with  Friendship ,  Middle Grade Books ,  Middle School ,  Self-Esteem ,  Social Justice , and  Stacy McAnulty .

The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by a guest author.

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Discover the 12 Best Middle School Fantasy Books for Young Readers

Finding the right books for middle school readers can be challenging, especially in the expansive world of fantasy. Fantasy books have the potential to unlock the imagination and skills of young readers, so choosing the right ones is crucial. This article will help guide you towards some of the best middle school fantasy books, from well-known series to standalone novels and the more diverse and inclusive stories.

Why Middle School Fantasy Books are Important for Young Readers

Fantasy books play a vital role in the development of middle school students. They offer unique benefits and opportunities for growth that extend beyond the classroom. Let’s dive into why middle school fantasy books are such a valuable resource for young readers.

Encouraging Imagination and Creativity

Fantasy stories take readers on incredible journeys through magical worlds filled with unique creatures and intricate histories. They inspire students to stretch their imaginations and think creatively. By immersing themselves in fictional universes, young readers learn to picture new worlds and engage with abstract concepts, sparking a love of learning and discovery.

For instance, reading about a magical land where dragons roam free and wizards cast spells can transport young readers to a world of endless possibilities. They can imagine themselves as part of the story, fighting alongside the heroes or exploring the enchanted forests. This imaginative exercise helps young readers to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills, as they learn to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to complex problems.

Developing Reading Skills and Vocabulary

One of the main benefits of reading fantasy books is the potential to improve reading skills and expand vocabulary. The complex language and intricate plots of fantasy novels challenge young readers to think critically, thus enhancing their comprehension and analytic abilities. As middle school students tackle these challenging texts, they gain a sense of accomplishment while building their reading stamina and confidence.

Moreover, fantasy books often introduce readers to new and unusual words, phrases, and concepts. For example, a young reader might encounter the word “sorceress” for the first time while reading a fantasy book . This exposure to new vocabulary helps to expand their understanding of language and improve their ability to communicate effectively.

Introducing Complex Themes and Moral Lessons

Fantasy books often tackle deep and meaningful themes and moral lessons. They introduce readers to important social issues, identity struggles, and ethical dilemmas, all within the safety of a fictional setting. By exploring these topics in the context of middle school fantasy books , young readers develop empathy and understand the complexities of the real world, shaping them into more thoughtful and informed individuals.

For instance, a fantasy book might explore the theme of discrimination, where characters are judged based on their magical abilities or physical appearance. Through reading about these characters’ struggles, young readers can gain a deeper understanding of the harmful effects of discrimination and learn to appreciate diversity and inclusivity.

Overall, middle school fantasy books are an essential tool for young readers , offering them the chance to explore new worlds, expand their vocabulary, and develop their critical thinking skills. By reading these books, young readers can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, preparing them for a bright and successful future.

Top Middle School Fantasy Book Series

Are you a young reader looking for a thrilling adventure? Look no further than the world of middle school fantasy! There are countless fantasy book series to choose from, but these four have stood the test of time and continue to be favorites among young readers. Each series delivers memorable characters, thrilling adventures, and important life lessons. Let’s take a closer look at these fantastic series.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

The Harry P otter series is a modern classic, beloved by millions of readers of all ages. The story follows Harry, a young wizard, as he navigates friendships, challenging adventures, and the eternal fight between good and evil. With seven books in the series, readers can follow Harry and his friends as they grow up and face increasingly difficult challenges. From battling dark wizards to competing in magical tournaments, the world of Harry Potter is full of excitement and wonder. But it’s not just about the magic and adventure; the series is also rich in themes of family, bravery, and love. Through Harry’s journey, readers learn the importance of standing up for what’s right and the power of friendship.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Blending Greek mythology with modern-day adventures, the Percy Jackson series follows the titular hero and his demigod friends as they battle mythological creatures, powerful gods, and mysterious prophecies. With relatable characters, fast-paced plotlines, and humorous dialogue, this series offers an engaging reading experience for middle school students. But it’s not just about the action and adventure; the series also explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the importance of family. Through Percy’s journey, readers learn the importance of embracing who they are and standing up for what they believe in.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia transport readers to another world, filled with magic, talking animals, and powerful allegories. Written in clear and elegant language, these seven books tell the stories of ordinary children called upon to save the fantastical realm of Narnia. Each book offers a new adventure, from battling witches to rescuing lost princes. But it’s not just about the action and adventure; the series also teaches valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the transformative power of good over evil. Through the children’s journey, readers learn the importance of standing up for what’s right and the power of hope.

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

Darker and more complex than some other series on this list, His Dark Materials follows the adventures of two children, Lyra and Will, as they explore parallel worlds and uncover a series of sinister secrets. With rich world-building, philosophical undertones, and captivating characters, the trilogy offers a thought-provoking and challenging reading experience for older middle school students. But it’s not just about the complex plot and themes; the series also explores the importance of free will, the dangers of blind faith, and the power of love. Through Lyra and Will’s journey, readers learn the importance of questioning authority and standing up for what they believe in.

So there you have it, four fantastic middle school fantasy book series to add to your reading list. Whether you’re looking for magic and adventure or deep philosophical themes, these series have something for everyone.

Standalone Middle School Fantasy Books

While series can be exciting and immersive, standalone novels offer complete and satisfying stories that do not require a lengthy commitment. These four standalone middle school fantasy books deliver impactful messages and engaging plots perfect for young readers.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

A prelude to the acclaimed Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a humble hobbit who joins a group of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf on a dangerous adventure to reclaim a stolen treasure. With lovable characters, thrilling battles, and valuable lessons of courage and friendship, this book suits middle school readers who enjoy traditional high fantasy .

As Bilbo travels through Middle-earth, he encounters trolls, goblins, and even a dragon. Along the way, he learns the importance of perseverance and loyalty, as he remains committed to his mission despite facing numerous challenges. The Hobbit also teaches readers about the power of friendship, as Bilbo and his companions come together to overcome obstacles and achieve their goal.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

In this chilling modern-day fantasy, Coraline , a young girl, discovers a mysterious door in her home leading to an alternate universe eerily like her own. Exploring themes of bravery, identity, and the importance of family, Coraline captivates middle school readers with its spooky atmosphere and unforgettable heroine.

As Coraline navigates the Other World, she learns the importance of being true to oneself and standing up for what is right. She also discovers the value of family and the strength that can be found in love and support. Coraline’s journey is both thrilling and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for middle school students.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Blending wit, humor, and wordplay, The Phantom Tollbooth follows a young boy named Milo who embarks on a fantastic journey through a strange and magical land. This imaginative tale teaches readers the beauty of language, the value of learning, and the importance of always staying curious.

As Milo travels through the Kingdom of Wisdom, he meets a host of eccentric characters and learns valuable lessons about the world around him. He discovers the joy of learning and the power of imagination, as he explores the wonders of the world. The Phantom Tollbooth is a delightful and engaging read that will inspire young readers to embrace their own curiosity and love of learning.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Combining elements of science fiction, fantasy, and spirituality, A Wrinkle in Time tells the story of three siblings who embark on a cosmic journey to rescue their missing father. The novel explores themes of good versus evil, love, and personal growth, making it a meaningful and exciting read for middle school students.

As Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin travel through space and time, they encounter strange beings and face incredible challenges. They learn the importance of love and compassion, as they fight against the darkness that threatens to consume them. A Wrinkle in Time is a powerful and thought-provoking book that encourages readers to embrace their own inner strength and to stand up for what is right.

Diverse and Inclusive Middle School Fantasy Books

It is crucial to expose young readers to a wide range of voices and experiences, and middle school fantasy is no exception. These four diverse and inclusive fantasy books provide unique perspectives and showcase a variety of cultures, characters, and folklore.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Inspired by traditional folklore and fairy tales, The Girl Who Drank the Moon tells the story of a young girl raised by a witch, a dragon, and a swamp monster. This heartfelt novel combines magic, love, and sacrifice, captivating readers with its intricate storytelling and memorable characters.

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

Drawing upon Hindu mythology, Aru Shah and the End of Time follows the adventures of a young girl who accidentally unleashes an ancient demon, setting off a chain of events that could lead to the end of time. With an engaging heroine, vibrant world-building, and a dash of humor, the book offers an enlightening and delightful reading experience for middle school students.

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

This book combines African and African American mythology, introducing readers to a fascinating new world filled with rich cultural heritage. The story follows Tristan Strong , a grief-stricken boy who journeys to a magical realm to recover a lost artifact and save the day. With its strong characters, fast-paced plot, and important lessons, this book is an excellent addition to any middle school fantasy collection.

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Rooted in Caribbean folklore, The Jumbies tells the tale of a young girl named Corinne who must defend her island home against ancient malevolent spirits called “jumbies.” With a brave heroine and a diverse cast of characters, this book merges classic fantasy elements with a rich cultural backdrop, introducing young readers to Caribbean folklore and creating an engaging and memorable reading experience.

Middle school is a critical time for students to develop a love of reading and discover new worlds. By introducing engaging, thought-provoking fantasy books , you can help young readers broaden their horizons, hone their reading skills, and spark a lifelong passion for storytelling.

Is YA fiction the same as middle school fiction?

There is an overlap between middle school ages and the age group that YA fiction tailors for. Middle school fiction concentrates on children aged between 11 and 14, whereas YA literature is tailored for people aged between 12 and 18. Much of YA fiction may not be appropriate for middle schoolers.

What is the best middle school fantasy novel?

One of the most popular fantasy series is Harry Potter, which is, to an extent, appropriate for this age group. Parents should monitor the child’s reception as the books progress, as the later novels can be scary and quite dark.

Is Rick Riordan appropriate for middle school children?

Yes, Rick Riordan’s literature would be a great choice for middle schoolers.

• Recent Posts
• The 11 Best Books About Cats You Should Read - January 16, 2024
• The 9 Best Books on Building Confidence - January 16, 2024
• Discover the 10 Best Books on the Brain - January 16, 2024

Related Posts:

404 Not found

Top 3 Product Matches

Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Retail Price: $9.95 Our Price: $7.46 or less

Reproducible

Our Price: $19.95

Downloadable PDF File

Our Price: $14.95

• Prestwick House Blog
• Free Library
• Teaching Guides
• Grammar & Writing

14 Middle and High School Book Recommendations for Your Literary Garden

• by Alana Domingo

Like a spectacular spring garden, the world of literature is blooming with unique stories that capture the imagination and cultivate a love of reading. Below, you’ll find a bouquet of trending book suggestions for middle and high school students. From drama and action to romance and history, there’s a title here for every interest!

Ain’t Burned All the Bright

Jason Reynolds & Jason Griffin

Caldecott Medal honoree Ain’t Burned All the Bright is a groundbreaking collaboration between author Jason Reynolds and artist Jason Griffin. Using 300 illustrations and a few sentences of poetic prose, this book follows an unnamed Black teen during the volatile summer of 2020. He feels immense anxiety over the pandemic and racial protests as he watches from the confines of quarantine, but ultimately he finds hope in the comfort of his family. Students will undoubtedly find his experiences relatable, making this unique book a great choice for any reader.

Amari and the Night Brothers

B. B. Alston

After her older brother suddenly goes missing, Amari Peters receives a mysterious invitation to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, a secret society of magical agents. As she navigates this new world filled with fantastical creatures and dangerous enemies, Amari must unlock her own hidden powers to uncover the truth and save her brother. Middle-grade readers who love books like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter will find this novel impossible to put down.

The Birchbark House

Louise Erdrich

Her first children's novel, Louise Erdrich’s The Birchbark House explores the history of 19th-century Indigenous peoples in the Great Lakes region through the eyes of Omakayas, a young Ojibwa girl. The story follows Omakayas and her family as they experience challenges and triumphs through the changing seasons. By incorporating elements of Ojibwe language, folklore, and spirituality within the narrative, Erdrich provides readers with a vivid portrayal of Ojibwe culture, traditions, and way of life.

Stormbreaker

Anthony Horowitz

Fourteen-year-old Alex Rider is told that his uncle died in an accident, but the evidence tells a different story. He soon discovers his uncle was a spy for MI6—and the British intelligence service wants Alex to continue his uncle’s mission. As Alex falls into the dangerous world of espionage, he realizes he must rely on his wits and spy gadgets to outsmart those determined to defeat him.

Ground Zero

Alternating between the past and present, Ground Zero presents middle-grade readers with a captivating exploration of 9/11 and its aftermath. On September 11, 2001, Brandon and his father visit the World Trade Center, not knowing the horrors that would soon occur. In present-day Afghanistan, Reshmina fears retaliation against her family after she helps an American soldier. As the two childrens’ stories unfold, Gratz explores themes of courage and compassion in the face of tragedy, sharing a new perspective on one of the most significant events in modern history.

House Arrest

Perfect for middle-grade readers, this novel-in-verse follows the story of Timothy, a boy who finds himself under house arrest for stealing a wallet. With weekly check-ins with a probation officer and a therapist, mandated journaling, and strict orders to avoid trouble, Timothy's path seems clear. However, when his family's dire financial situation demands extreme action, Timothy must decide if staying on the right side of the law is worth it.

City of Ghosts

Victoria Schwab

Middle-grade fans of supernatural stories will find City of Ghosts an eerie and enjoyable read. After she nearly drowned, Cassidy discovers she can see beyond the Veil separating the living from the dead. Her life takes an even stranger turn when her parents decide to host a paranormal TV show in Edinburgh, Scotland. When Cassidy meets a fellow "gifted" girl in the historic city, she realizes there's much more to learn about the Veil and her own abilities.

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team

Christina Soontornvat

On June 23, 2018, twelve young players from the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach embark on a cave exploration adventure in Thailand. However, their trip takes a perilous turn when floodwaters block their exit. This nonfiction book for middle-grade readers recounts the events leading up to the boys' disappearance, the rescue operation involving international divers and experts, and the eventual rescue of all thirteen individuals after being trapped underground for over two weeks.

Homeless Bird

Gloria Whelan

Winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, Homeless Bird presents an incredible story of love, loss, and identity. In India, thirteen-year-old Koly's life takes a drastic turn when she is married off to a boy she has never met. However, her hopes for a bright future are dashed when she discovers that her husband is gravely ill and that she is widowed at a very young age. In the wake of her husband's death, Koly is faced with uncertainty as she struggles to find her place in a society that views widows with disdain.

The How & the Why

Cynthia Hand

Teenager Cass lives a wonderful life with adoptive parents that love her. But as she turns eighteen, Cass wants to learn more about where she came from and embarks on a journey to find her birth mother. The How & the Why alternates perspectives between Cass’s search for the truth and letters from “S,” the pregnant teen who gave her up for adoption, offering an emotional story on the meaning of family and belonging.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Holly Jackson

For her senior project, true crime enthusiast Pippa Fitz-Amobi decides to investigate a murder that took place in her town five years prior. The popular Andie Bell was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then committed suicide. However, Pippa isn't convinced that Sal is guilty. As she and Sal’s brother Ravi delve deeper into the case, they uncover shocking secrets that someone is desperate to remain hidden at all costs.

This Woven Kingdom

Tahereh Mafi

Inspired by Persian mythology, This Woven Kingdom merges romance and fantasy into one captivating story for young adult readers. To Kamran, the crown prince of Ardunia, the mysterious Alizeh is just a servant girl. Little does he know that she’s actually the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom. When their paths cross and sparks fly, Kamran soon realizes Alizeh may have the power to reshape his kingdom and the fate of the entire world.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Heather Morris

Based on real events, this historical novel tells the story of Lale Sokolav, a Slovakian Jewish man who was imprisoned in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. While forced to work as the camp’s tattooist, he meets a fellow prisoner named Gita. Despite the horrific circumstances, Lale and Gita develop a deep connection, supporting each other through the unimaginable challenges.

Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany

Donald L. Miller

In this nonfiction work, historian Donald L. Miller chronicles the harrowing experiences of the Eighth Air Force, an American bomber crew stationed in England during World War II. Readers will follow the challenges and dangers faced by the airmen as they conducted treacherous bombing raids deep into Axis territory. Miller's research draws on extensive interviews with veterans, archival materials, and firsthand accounts to bring the stories of these brave airmen to life.

Discount Paperbacks for Every Classroom

Shop these titles and more at Prestwick House! Whether you order one copy or one thousand, save on every paperback purchase with our exclusive educator’s discount.

• You’ll always save at least 25% on every paperback you buy—even if you purchase only one.
• If the total retail value of your order is over $500, you’ll save 30% on every paperback.
• Over $2,500
• And if the value of your order is over $2,500, you’ll save 35%! It's that simple!

All discounts are automatically applied to your cart.

And remember, Literary Touchstone Classics are always 50% or more off for schools and teachers!

Newsletter Signup

Information and Products

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Popular Searches
• Payment Information
• Grammar & Writing
• More Resources
• Order By Catalog Code

Customer Service

1.800.932.4593

Connect With Us

Copyright 2024 Prestwick House. All Rights Reserved.

16 Must-Read New Middle Grade Novels, March 2024

O ne of my friends asked me my favorite book I’d been reading this month, and I realized I’d read 16 middle grade books and have a lot of favorites. Which is a bit bonkers. Needless to say, March has been busy with tons of wonderful books.

(Believe it or not, there are a few March books that I still have yet to read. Next month!)

Here’s a bit more about my review process. First, I read the book — that’s hours of time. If I am not hooked by 25%, I abandon it. For books I like and finish, immediately after, I take notes on the plot and themes. Then, I write up my review which summarizes the gist of the story while also sharing my opinion on why I recommend it. I could probably rewrite the reviews forever but I usually read it a few times over, revise a few times, and leave it at that. After that, I add the cover image and links, and make the featured image and the pin for Pinterest. That takes hours, too. Before (or sometimes after) I publish, I add the books to my other evergreen lists such as graphic novels , books for 5th graders , or fantasy books .

All that to say, I’m capping myself at 16 books for March. I really can’t wait to share all these good books with you. Those of you who are on my Instagram have seen previews already. Comment with which ones you’re excited about reading!

Get ready to put all these on hold at the library. You are going to want them all. I could star every book on this list. (I might go back and do that!) For now, I starred my absolute FAVORITE and my March 2024 book of the month, Louder Than Hunger. Don’t miss it. And don’t miss the free activity pdf to extend the story.

New Middle Grade Books, March 2024

Wayfinders by Brian Chick

FANTASY, 350 pages

From the author of The Secret Zoo , comes an exciting, new fantasy adventure about a girl named Chloe who discovers magical creatures in her backyard. She agrees to save a mermaid, a unicorn, and the other fairy tale creatures being chased by a witch. They must get the mermaid into water, and try to find a portal back to their world. But first, she must convince her dad to drive their RV even though he’s scared to drive and to leave the house. Then, she must keep Fable the unicorn calm in the horse trailer even though their interaction reminds her of her deep grief for her horse and her days of horseback riding. As they encounter problem after problem, her grief over her parents’ relationship and her lost childhood, bubbles to the surface. With great pacing and rising tension, this adventure will appeal to fantasy and reality lovers alike, especially those who like adventure and excitement.

Cat Kid Comic Club Influencers by Dav Pilkey

HUMOR, 224 pages

Another outstanding book in the series, this story begins with — gasp — the end of the Cat Kid Comic Club! And the students are name calling, dad has some bad habits to fix, it’s a mess. Do not worry! The tadpoles learn about perception, the power of babies, and existentialism while telling hilarious stories and finding out how to work together and help each other.

Blue Stars The Vice Principal Problem written by Kekla Magoon and Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Molly Murakami

REALISTIC GRAPHIC NOVEL, 172 pages

In this engaging, realistic graphic novel, two cousins who barely know each other, Riley and Maya, start sharing a room at their grandma’s house in a big city. Riley is confused because Maya doesn’t act like she doesn’t want to be friends. But Maya misses her parents, who are in Japan, and she has different interests than her extroverted cousin Riley. Eventually, the two girls realize that they have a common enemy– the school vice principal who is threatening to cut school clubs, sports, arts, and the library in favor of more detention. So they team up to be the stars they were meant to be. Working together, they become close friends and expose the truth about the selfish vice principal. (But they haven’t stopped him forever…)

Louder Than Hunger by John Schu

REALISTIC VERSE , 528 pages

March 2024 Book of the Month! –> FREE DOWNLOAD: ACTIVITIES TO EXTEND THE STORY

This verse story pulls us into Jake’s body sensations, his mind’s thoughts, and his everyday experiences. In other words, it’s an immersive reading experience that adds up to be profound on so many levels. After facing relentless bullying, middle schooler Jake’s mean Voice is the loudest thing he hears. Soon, Jake trusts the Voice and listens to it when it tells him he needs to be thinner, he shouldn’t eat, he shouldn’t trust anyone, and nobody loves him. His anorexia gets so bad that he’s hospitalized for weeks and months. And it isn’t an easy fix because the VOICE won’t stop pushing Jake to starve himself. Jake struggles and struggles. He’s in and out of the hospital, with the Voice sabotaging him every step of the way. Jake doesn’t find an easy answer or a quick fix, but he does find a glimmer of hope that things could be different with his grandma’s last request to take care of her boy (Jake,) an actual friend from the hospital, art therapy, and the surprising glimpse of a world with other kids who also like poetry and drama like he does. The writing is exquisite — every word, every line break, every capitalization, every bit of dialogue brings us on this painful journey.

The Color of Sound by Emily Barth Isler

REALISTIC , 336 pages

Rosie is a violin prodigy with hidden synesthesia. She’s recently quit playing the violin because she’s sick of the pressure and wants to know what it’s like to be “normal” and also figure out who she is without her music. At her grandparents’ house for the summer with no devices, she realizes some important things — she’s lonely, she doesn’t want to give up music, and she wants to explore her Jewish roots. Also, when she meets her mom as a child in a time travel glitch, it helps her see her overbearing mom in a more empathetic light. This is a moving coming-of-age story with neurodiversity, music, a complicated mother-daughter relationship, and growing into yourself. This story includes both girl-girl and girl-boy crushes.

Lumbering Giants of Windy Pines by Mo Netz

REALISTIC / PARANORMAL, 208 pages

Excellent writing and pacing, this middle grade novel with disability representation is a dynamic story that you won’t be able to put down. When Jerry’s mom disappears into the woods, it’s up to Jerry to find her. Before the disappearance, Jerry’s mom got a job at the motel where they just landed — but it doesn’t seem like it’s a cleaning toilets kind of job. Alone in their room at night, Jerry hears a mysterious radio transmission. She learns that people in the area have been vanishing without a trace for years, according to her new friend. Jerry doesn’t let being in a wheelchair stop her from finding her mom. She rolls into the woods, following their car tracks. Little does she know that her new friend is following behind and will be an asset to the rescue mission. Or that she’s about to roll right into dangerous demons and ghosts!

Survival Scout Tsunami written and illustrated by Maxwell Eaton III 

SCIENCE GRAPHIC NOVEL , 160 pages

Who wants to get their 9 to 12-year-old readers reading more nonfiction? This hybrid (fiction/nonfiction) visually appealing graphic novel series could be your best gateway book to introduce readers to nonfiction in an appealing way. This story is about a girl and her skunk who experience an earthquake. The girl’s dialogue plus nonfiction informational sections explain the science of what’s happening. Alongside the skunk, readers will learn about plate tectonics, tsunamis, landslides, and much more about the science and preparedness related to earthquakes and tsunamis. I liked the balance of narrative and expository text, especially for readers who prefer one or the other so they can get practice reading both. Plus, I loved the illustrations —super engaging— and appreciated the larger size typeface.

Amil and the After written by Veera Hiranandani

HISTORICAL FICTION , 272 pages

What happens after The Night Diary ends with the family having fled Pakistan for India? This book is about what happens! Amil and his twin Nisha are trying to get used to their new normal. Their dad is stressed about his probationary doctor job, and Amil is struggling at school with an undiagnosed learning disability. He loves art, misses the mom he never knew, feels confused about his two religions, and is lonely for friends. He trades food with a boy who teaches him art and how to make a flipbook, but he learns the boy is homeless when he’s not in the refugee camp. Amil begs his dad to help the boy but his dad says they can’t help all the people who need help. Except when he finds his friend Vaim is sick and starving, Amil tries again. Isn’t helping one person enough? Despite the trauma that Amil’s been through and his daily struggles, his kind heart gives us hope. I love this story!

Table Titans Club written and illustrated by Scott Kurtz

REALISTIC GRAPHIC NOVEL , 224 pages

Valeria is the new kid at school and has the worst first day ever which prompts the D&D TTRPG group “Table Titans” to invite her to join their campaign. Val loves the group who learns they’ll need a new club sponsor soon. To get the grumpy PE teacher to sponsor their club, they must try out for the wrestling team. Only Val makes the cut– and she’s GOOD! Actually, she’s amazing at wrestling. She confronts another girl named Kate who is jealous because she’s wanted to be included in the Table Titans club. Their physical altercation might get them both expelled and kicked out of their clubs, so she’s shocked at who saves them…and that Kate might not be so bad after all.

This is the best D&D book I’ve read because it makes sense, it’s a great story, and it’s super engaging with both the artwork and the plot. I highly recommend it and am adding it to our D&D books list . (Also, I think this was simultaneously released in hardback and paperback, giving you a more affordable purchasing option!)

The Deadly Daylight written by Ash Harrier

MYSTERY, 272 pages

This cozy middle grade mystery is about a brilliant and unique girl named Alice who lives with her father at their funeral home. She adds mementos to the dead bodies before the funerals, which sometimes speak to her in dream-like visions. One toy boat memento convinces Alice that the uncle of her classmate Violet, with a sun allergy, did not die of his sun/UVB allergy but was murdered. Alice convinces Violet to join her investigation into what really happened. Alice interviews the uncle’s coworkers, his wife, the teenagers loitering on the beach, and others as the pair follow the clues and false leads.

Sona and the Golden Beasts written by Rajani LaRocca

FANTASY , 400 pages

In a world divided by race where the conquerers rule the land and persecute the native race with golden-tipped ears from having basic human rights and using their magic in music, Sona rescues a forbidden but sacred wolf pup with golden ears chased by a hunter. He’ll stop at nothing to kill the pup and steal its gemstone. To save the wolf, Sona flees to her grandmother’s after learning that she’s an illegal child of both the ruling class and the persecuted class. To save her sick grandmother from the goldstorm, Sona and her mistrustful cousin travel across the country to find the sacred drops that are only given to the worthy and give them to her grandmother. It’s an exciting adventure in a unique world reminiscent of India’s history in which our heroine faces moral quandaries, the complexities of humanity, and the power of forgiveness and kindness. 

Light and Air written by Mindy Nichols Wendell

HISTORICAL FICTION , 208 pages

11-year-old Hallie is devastated when her mom goes to a tuberculosis hospital. She tries to be brave, but she’s lonely, sad, and hurt because her Dad acts indifferent and cold towards her. Soon, Hallie gets sick, too, and arrives at the tuberculosis hospital with pneumonia. She’s separated from her mom and only allowed with other kids who have the TB virus, active or inactive like her. Hallie feels very worried about her mom, who is not getting better, and remembers that her mom believed in honey water, so she asks for help getting honey sent to her mom. This is a sweet, lovingly written historical story with a great redemption arc!

Uprising written by Jennifer A. Nielsen

HISTORICAL FICTION , 384 pages

You’ll be enthralled with this Polish WWII historical fiction novel about a real person, a young Polish girl named Lidia who took a stand against the invading Nazis by joining the Resistance. Lidia sees the injustices and refuses to stay safe by doing nothing. She feels that she must fight in any way she can so she works as a messenger. It’s amazing how many close calls she had! I found myself considering how much Lidia’s story made me think about what I’d do in the same situation which, in some ways, we’re seeing the beginnings of again. What do I do when I encounter people spouting antisemitism and ugliness? Besides unfollowing and unfriending them? It’s important for me to consider my non-negotiable moral compass and what I can do to not speak up. Ultimately, I want to be more like Lidia! Actually, the world needs more people like her.

The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry written by Anna Rose Johnson

HISTORICAL FICTION , 192 pages

Orphaned for the third time after her guardian dies, Lucy is taken in by a family of six living in a lighthouse on a small island. The father is on probation with regular surprise inspections about how spotless the lighthouse is– no easy feat with kids or with Lucy, whose carelessness and daydreaming are disastrous, making many of her new siblings act resentful and hostile toward her. Lucy is focused on finding a ruby necklace from a shipwreck story her dad told her. When she does find it, she puts her new family’s home in peril. She must decide if she truly believes in finders keepers. Under 200 pages, this beautifully written historical fiction story is a wonderful glimpse into the life of lighthouse keepers, a family trying to keep their Ojibwe heritage alive by learning more Anishinaabe words and a faith-filled life that includes prayer and scripture.

Unicorn Legacy Tangled Magic written by Kamilla Benko

FANTASY, 342 pages

If you like fantasy stories like I do, you don’t want to miss this engaging story about a girl named Olivia without the magic of her family’s guild. She sneaks away to a newly formed Unicorn Academy, where her magic is revealed: she’s not a Tiller; she’s a Spinner! The other guilds represented at the school include Gemmers and Forgers, and the school hopes to unite the separated guilds in this one-year experiment. Olivia is an outcast almost immediately when her sister and her nan are accused of trapping unicorns, but she befriends a girl named Violet without magic, and together, they try to prove her sister’s innocence by finding the actual unicorn-trapping culprit. A mesmerizing story with a plot twist I did NOT see coming!

Gut Reaction written by Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt

REALISTIC , 272 pages

Tess is navigating a new school while giving her dad, along with intermittent stomach pains and bathroom issues. Her favorite thing is baking , which she learned from her dad, and it helps her make new friends at her school. But she’s hiding how often she experiences the stabbing knife-like pains and running to the bathroom. When she passes out at school, tests show she has a chronic illness called Crohn’s Disease. This is a heartfelt story about the challenges of living with a chronic illness, the journey of grief, friends who have your back, and figuring out who you are based on Quinn’s personal experience.

The post 16 Must-Read New Middle Grade Novels, March 2024 appeared first on Imagination Soup .

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

Book Review Writing

Book Review Examples

Book Review Examples to Help You Get Started

People also read

How to Write a Book Review - A Step By Step Guide

A Complete Book Review Format Guide For Students

Are you in desperate need of some assistance to up your book review writing game? 

We know that penning down a review can come off as a tricky challenge, but do not worry!

To help you write book reviews that carry the essence of the book and engage readers, we have collected a handful of book review examples in this blog. 

The included examples will enable you to understand different writing styles and approaches taken toward book review writing . So, you can use your words effectively to craft the perfect book review.

Let’s kickstart things off!

• 1. Good Book Review Examples for Students
• 2. Short Book Review Examples for Fiction Books
• 3. Non-Fiction Book Review Examples

Good Book Review Examples for Students

You might be a professional writer, or you may not have any experience in writing book reviews. Rest assured, we’ll show you how to write perfect book reviews with the help of a sample template and great examples.

See this template to know what you should include in your book review: 

Book Review Template

Here is a good book review example for 4th-grade students:

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Book Review Examples for Middle School Students

Reading reviews written by others can help you get a feel and flavor of good book reviews. Learning how to write a perfect book review can help students to:

• Critically analyze a text
• Give a personal opinion on the text
• Improve analyzing and critical thinking skills 

Here are some interesting book review examples suitable for middle school students. 

Book Review Example for Middle School Students

Book Review Example for Kids

Book Review of Any Book in 300 Words

Science Book Review Example

Book Review Examples For High School Students

Below, you can also find some good book review examples for high school students. These real-life examples can help you get a clear understanding of the standard book review format that you should follow.

Book Review Example for High School Students

Book Review Examples for Class 9

Book Review Example for Grade 10

Book Review Examples for College Students

As a college student, you are required to demonstrate that you have examined the book from different angles. The points you raise in your book review need to be supported with clear facts and evidence.

The following are some interesting critical book review examples for college students to learn how to write a perfect review. 

Book Review Example for Class 12

Short Book Review for Students

Conclusion of Book Review Example

Short Book Review Examples for Fiction Books

Fiction book reviews follow the same basic formula as writing book reviews of any other genre. For your help, we have compiled exciting examples of fiction book reviews that you can get valuable assistance from. 

Short Book Review Example for Fiction Books

Book Review of Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

“The Hazel Wood” by Melissa Albert is a work of fiction and falls into fantasy and young adult fiction genres. The novel revolves around fantastical fairy tales, and magical realism, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Here is an example of a comprehensive review of the book Hazel Wood:

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Non-Fiction Book Review Examples

For reviewing a non-fiction book, you are required to describe the book and summarize major points of interest. You should evaluate the author’s contribution to a subject that you may know very little about.

Here is a great non-fiction book review example to help you come up with a critical perspective on a text. 

Non-Fiction Book Review Example

Hopefully, with the help of the above examples, you get a better idea of how to write a perfect book review.

To wrap it up, Writing a great book review is a tricky task, no matter if you are a high school, college, or university student. Book review writing might seem like a simple task, but it requires excellent analyzing and critical thinking skills.

But, not everyone can crack this task easily. They might need additional help from expert book review writers. That’s why our expert essay writing service offers professional book review writing help whenever you need it. 

Professional essay writers at MyPerfectWords.com can help you with all your academic requests within your specified timeline. Just contact our customer service and we’ll handle all your queries promptly.

Keep the words flowing! 

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

We will keep fighting for all libraries - stand with us!

Internet Archive Audio

• This Just In
• Grateful Dead
• Old Time Radio
• 78 RPMs and Cylinder Recordings
• Audio Books & Poetry
• Computers, Technology and Science
• Music, Arts & Culture
• News & Public Affairs
• Spirituality & Religion
• Radio News Archive

• Flickr Commons
• Occupy Wall Street Flickr
• NASA Images
• Solar System Collection
• Ames Research Center

• All Software
• Old School Emulation
• MS-DOS Games
• Historical Software
• Classic PC Games
• Software Library
• Kodi Archive and Support File
• Vintage Software
• CD-ROM Software
• CD-ROM Software Library
• Software Sites
• Tucows Software Library
• Shareware CD-ROMs
• Software Capsules Compilation
• CD-ROM Images
• ZX Spectrum
• DOOM Level CD

• Smithsonian Libraries
• FEDLINK (US)
• Lincoln Collection
• American Libraries
• Canadian Libraries
• Universal Library
• Project Gutenberg
• Children's Library
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• Books by Language
• Additional Collections

• Prelinger Archives
• Democracy Now!
• Occupy Wall Street
• TV NSA Clip Library
• Animation & Cartoons
• Arts & Music
• Computers & Technology
• Cultural & Academic Films
• Ephemeral Films
• Sports Videos
• Videogame Videos
• Youth Media

Search the history of over 866 billion web pages on the Internet.

Mobile Apps

• Wayback Machine (iOS)
• Wayback Machine (Android)

Browser Extensions

Archive-it subscription.

• Explore the Collections
• Build Collections

Save Page Now

Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future.

Please enter a valid web address

• Donate Donate icon An illustration of a heart shape

Distinguished Classroom Teacher Awards 2023-2024: Middle School Teacher

Video item preview, share or embed this item, flag this item for.

• Graphic Violence
• Explicit Sexual Content
• Hate Speech
• Misinformation/Disinformation
• Marketing/Phishing/Advertising
• Misleading/Inaccurate/Missing Metadata

plus-circle Add Review comment Reviews

Download options, in collections.

Uploaded by John Hauser on April 9, 2024

SIMILAR ITEMS (based on metadata)