Building Strong Reading Skills: A Grade-by-Grade Reading List for Middle Schoolers

Middle school is a crucial time for developing the reading skills that will serve students in high school and beyond. The books they read during these years can inspire a love for literature, sharpen critical thinking, and build empathy for others. Below is a carefully selected reading list for grades 6, 7, and 8 that includes both fiction and nonfiction to help students engage deeply with themes of leadership, society, and self-discovery, setting them on the path to success in high school.

Grade 6 Reading List:

In 6th grade, students are moving beyond elementary-level reading and are ready for more complex themes and characters. The following books will help them explore new perspectives while building foundational reading skills.

Fiction:

1. Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
   Why it’s great: This heartwarming and funny novel follows two boys, Ravi and Joe, who are from completely different cultural backgrounds but find common ground in their struggles at school. The book explores themes of identity, friendship, and empathy in a way that’s accessible to middle schoolers. As students experience Ravi and Joe's journey toward mutual understanding, they’ll develop greater empathy for others who are different from themselves. The alternating perspectives also help students practice analyzing multiple viewpoints in a story.
2. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
   Why it’s great: This is a poignant story of Ivan, a gorilla living in captivity, who begins to question the life he’s known when a baby elephant joins him at the mall where they are held. The novel tackles themes of friendship, freedom, and kindness in a way that resonates with younger readers. Ivan’s emotional journey prompts students to think about how animals are treated and the importance of compassion. The mix of simplicity and depth makes it a great choice for readers transitioning into more thought-provoking books.‍
3. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
   Why it’s great: This engaging, action-packed adventure introduces readers to Percy Jackson, a demigod who discovers his true identity and goes on a quest to retrieve Zeus’s lightning bolt. Blending modern-day settings with Greek mythology, the book is fast-paced and highly accessible, making it perfect for middle schoolers. The clever incorporation of mythological themes not only provides educational value but also encourages students to explore larger questions about identity, loyalty, and courage.
   
   Nonfiction:

1. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) by William Kamkwamba
   Why it’s great: This inspiring true story follows William Kamkwamba, a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scrap materials to bring electricity to his village. His creativity, determination, and problem-solving skills make him a great role model for young readers. This book not only introduces students to real-world engineering concepts but also highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. It’s a great way to encourage students to explore STEM fields while fostering a sense of global awareness.
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2. Who Was Harriet Tubman? by Yona Zeldis McDonough
   Why it’s great: This accessible biography of Harriet Tubman provides an introduction to one of history’s greatest leaders. Tubman’s incredible bravery and leadership in helping enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad offer lessons in courage, social justice, and the power of standing up for what’s right. The book also introduces important historical context, making it a valuable resource for developing students’ understanding of U.S. history.

Grade 7 Reading List:

In 7th grade, students are ready for more complex characters and plots, as well as deeper themes that challenge their thinking and broaden their worldview.

Fiction:

1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
   Why it’s great: Wonder tells the story of August "Auggie" Pullman, a boy with facial differences who faces bullying and rejection when he attends school for the first time. Through the multiple perspectives of Auggie, his family, and his classmates, the novel encourages readers to consider the importance of kindness, empathy, and inclusion. The layered narratives allow students to analyze characters’ motives and emotions, helping them build skills in understanding and interpreting multiple points of view.
2. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
   Why it’s great: This historical novel is set during World War II and follows Ada, a young girl with a physical disability who escapes her abusive mother to live with a new caretaker in the countryside. The story explores themes of bravery, resilience, and the ability to heal from trauma. It introduces readers to historical settings while offering deep emotional and character development, making it a compelling read for students interested in historical fiction and personal growth.
3. New Kid by Jerry Craft
   Why it’s great: This graphic novel is about Jordan Banks, an African-American boy who attends a prestigious private school where he feels out of place. The novel addresses themes of race, class, and identity, making it a relatable and eye-opening read for middle schoolers. Through Jordan’s journey, students can explore social dynamics and cultural challenges, while the engaging graphic novel format keeps the story accessible and entertaining.

Nonfiction:

1. Hidden Figures (Young Readers’ Edition) by Margot Lee Shetterly
   Why it’s great: This inspiring nonfiction book tells the story of the African-American women mathematicians who worked at NASA and played a crucial role in the Space Race. These women overcame discrimination and segregation to make groundbreaking contributions to science. The book is perfect for middle school readers, offering both a lesson in history and a powerful message about perseverance and breaking down barriers. It’s an excellent introduction to the intersection of science, history, and social justice.
2. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
   Why it’s great: Told in free verse, this memoir chronicles Jacqueline Woodson’s childhood growing up as an African-American girl in the 1960s and 70s. The lyrical prose invites readers to explore themes of identity, family, race, and belonging. Through personal stories, Woodson weaves historical events like the Civil Rights Movement into the narrative, helping students see the connection between personal experiences and larger societal shifts. This book is an excellent way to introduce memoirs and encourage thoughtful reflection.

Grade 8 Reading List:

Eighth-graders are on the cusp of high school, and the books they read should challenge them to think critically, explore deeper moral questions, and engage with complex social issues.

Fiction:

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry
   Why it’s great: This dystopian classic follows Jonas, a boy living in a highly controlled society where emotions and individuality are suppressed. As he uncovers the truth about his world, Jonas must confront difficult moral questions about freedom, choice, and what it means to be truly human. The novel encourages readers to think critically about the structure of society and the importance of individuality. It’s a powerful introduction to the genre of dystopian fiction, which often grapples with questions about power, control, and human rights.
2. Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

Why it’s great: This novel follows Melody, an intelligent girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak but longs to communicate with the world around her. The story is an exploration of resilience, self-advocacy, and challenging the limits others place on you. Readers will walk away with a better understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and the importance of seeing beyond surface-level differences. This book fosters empathy and challenges preconceptions, making it a great choice for thoughtful, reflective students.

3. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
   Why it’s great: This science fiction novel follows Ender Wiggin, a brilliant boy recruited to attend Battle School, where he is trained to defend Earth from an alien threat. The book explores themes of leadership, strategy, and the morality of warfare, making it a thought-provoking read for older students. Ender’s Game is ideal for students who enjoy science fiction but are also ready to think deeply about complex ethical dilemmas.

Nonfiction:

1. I Am Malala (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai
   Why it’s great: Malala Yousafzai’s memoir tells the inspiring story of her fight for girls’ education in Pakistan, even after surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban. Malala’s courage and advocacy for education are powerful examples of how one person can make a difference in the world. This book is an excellent introduction to global issues and human rights, encouraging students to think about the power of education and the importance of standing up for what is right.
2. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
   Why it’s great: This accessible adaptation of Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning introduces middle schoolers to the history of racism in America and the ideas of antiracism. The engaging writing style and powerful message make this book a must-read for students who want to better understand social justice, history, and the ongoing fight against inequality. It encourages critical thinking about race, identity, and the structures that shape society.

Bonus Recommendations for Specific Interests:

For Students Interested in Computer Science and Engineering:

• The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution (Young Readers Edition) by Walter Isaacson
  Why it’s great: This book introduces the pioneers of the computer age and highlights the importance of creativity and teamwork in technological innovation.

• Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World by Reshma Saujani
  Why it’s great: A perfect introduction to coding and computer science, this book inspires students, especially girls, to get involved in the tech world.
• Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac
  Why it’s great: Although historical fiction, this book blends technology with history, showcasing the power of code (both human and computer-based) in critical situations.

For Students Interested in How the Biological World Works:

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  Why it’s great: This novel explores the scientific curiosity of a young girl in 1899 as she discovers the natural world and her interest in biology.
• The Omnivore’s Dilemma (Young Readers Edition) by Michael Pollan
  Why it’s great: This book teaches students about food production and biology, encouraging them to think critically about where their food comes from.
• Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
  Why it’s great: Though more focused on human emotions, this novel provides a perspective on how life forms evolve and survive in different environments, making it great for understanding biology’s broader implications.

For Students Interested in Law, Business, and Society:

• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
  Why it’s great: This classic novel about social class divides helps students think about society, ethics, and the complexities of human behavior.
• Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Young Readers’ Edition) by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik
  Why it’s great: A biography of a Supreme Court Justice who worked tirelessly for gender equality, perfect for budding lawyers and social justice advocates.
• The Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
  Why it’s great: This book focuses on building confidence and leadership skills, crucial for students interested in business, law, or leadership.

Final words: 

Reading during the middle school years is about more than just academic success—it’s about shaping how students see the world and how they approach life’s challenges. This grade-by-grade reading list offers engaging and thought-provoking books that will build strong reading skills while also fostering empathy, leadership, and critical thinking. Whether they’re diving into fiction or nonfiction, students will find stories that inspire them to read, think, and grow.  This list is by no means exhaustive, but it provides a solid foundation for students looking to enhance their reading skills as they prepare for high school.

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