Top 20 Books Your Middle Schooler Should Read

Now that your kid is middle school age, there are so many books out there for your child to enjoy! From history to magical adventure to the daily grind of middle school life, there are plenty of books your child can find that suit their reading preferences.

All of these books are highly acclaimed and some of them are classics as well as bestsellers! Enjoy the Top 20 Books Your Middle Schooler Should Read!

Finally by Wendy Mass: Your young girls will love this tale about the awesomeness of turning 12! Or maybe it’s no so great…

Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell: There are tons of books in this series, so the fun never ends with these cute tales about a young girl navigating middle school. 

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan: Your child can go on an amazing adventure with Percy Jackson in this wonderful series of books! 

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare: If your child loves history, then they will fall in love with Speare’s heroine as she travels from Barbados to the colonial United States in 1687!

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman: For your young girls who love feisty heroines and history, they will love this award-winning book! 

Harry Potter (all) by J.K. Rowling: Your child will absolutely fall in love with the magical world of Harry Potter: all 7 books! 

Doll Bones by Holly Black: If your middle schooler loves a good creepy mystery, then check out this book! 

M.C. Higgins, the Great by Virginia Hamilton: Follow this boy’s adventure as he strives for a better life with this award-winner!

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: Your child will learn about the painful history of the Holocaust as well as connect with Lowry’s amazing characters! 

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli: Check out this award-winner about a racially divided town and a boy who can run super fast!

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George: Find out what happens when a young girl gets lost in the Alaskan wilderness! 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Join the futuristic world of Katniss Everdeen with this amazing trilogy! 

My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln and Christopher Collier: Your child will learn a little bit about American history with this story about two brothers deciding who to join during the Revolution!  

The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse: A girl raised by dolphins is a fascinating tale your middle schooler will love! 

Holes by Louis Sachar: Can the boys in a detention center find an old treasure and break a curse? Your middle schooler won’t be able to put this book down. 

Smile by Raina Telgemeier: This NY Times Bestseller is a relatable gem for middle schoolers. It’s written in the style of a graphic novel, so your child will love the dramatic story as well as the pictures! 

American-Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang: Your child can learn about the interesting and humorous journey of an first-generation American in middle school!

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech: Learn about Native American culture as well as the experience of a young girl missing her mother. 

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen: Your young reader will fall in love with this award-winning story about a group of endangered owls. 

Drama by Raina Telgemeier: Another great book by Telgemeier which your middle school will love for their relatability! 

For even more suggestions, check out these FREE Chapter Book Library Lists!