Getting a middle schooler to read is all about choosing a great book. There is a lot of excellent young adult literature available for this audience. If you don’t know where to start, check these lists for suggestions. (Please e-mail corrections or suggestions to jwencel@successinthemiddle.org).
Book List for Gifted Readers (by Donalyn Miller, the “Book Whisperer”)
Coretta Scott King Award winners – recommended for grades 6-8 (11- to 14-year-olds)
101 Books for 8- to 13-year-old readers (by subject area) – pdf available for printing
Newbery Award Winners (chronological list)
Ultimate Teen Reading List (recommended by Donalyn Miller, the “Book Whisperer”)
Summertime Favorites, Grades 4-6 (8-to-12-year olds) recommended by the National Endowment for the Humanities
Summertime Favorites, Grades 7-8 (12-to-14-years olds) Also NEH
Hispanic Heritage (AdLit.org)
Summer Reading List for Grades 6-8 (Richmond Public Schools, Richmond, VA)
Classics for Young Adults (Gwen Harris, Wichita Public Library)
Michael Printz Award winners (We love these! The books guaranteed to hold the attention of both children and adults)
Street Lit (Gwen Harris, Wichita Public Library)
Summer Reading List from the Wichita Public Library website
Top 100 Books for Middle Schoolers (from the Goodreads.com website)
Adlit.org booklists (books listed by theme)
Top Ten for Teens (Young Adult Library Services Association) Each year’s list features books voted on by teen readers
Pura Belpre Medal Winners celebrate the Latino cultural experience
Hither, Yon and Skies 