This article presents 19 books that accurately portray the challenges of middle school life and how to overcome them. The books range from funny to sad to dramatic and are suitable for middle schoolers who may be struggling to navigate this period of their lives.
The sentiment expressed in Lisa Graff’s book, Lost in the Sun, about middle school being a difficult period for kids, is one that many young people can relate to. With the help of these books, middle schoolers can gain a better understanding of the ups and downs of this stage of life and learn valuable lessons about how to survive it.
Lights, Camera, Middle School!
In the Tales from the Locker series by Jennifer L. Holm and illustrated by Matthew Holm, Babymouse navigates the world of middle school and the obsession with material possessions. The series highlights Babymouse’s unique style as she joins the film club and writes a screenplay.
Other books in the series explore themes such as cell phones and school plays, providing more opportunities for Babymouse to express herself. Through her adventures, Babymouse encourages readers to embrace their individuality and not be swayed by societal pressures.
Merci Suárez Series
Merci Suárez is a middle school student who faces a variety of challenges throughout the series. She navigates shifting friendships and adapts to changes in her home life. As readers follow her adventures, they’ll experience an exploration of the joys and struggles of growing up. The series follows Merci’s journey with grace and determination, providing a relatable and inspiring story for young readers.
Tight
Bryan is facing a difficult situation as his friend Mike pressures him into making risky decisions. In such situations, middle schoolers may find themselves at crossroads. Bryan looks up to his comic book superheroes for guidance. It is important for young adults to have positive role models to help them navigate through tough decisions.
Totally Middle School
The collection of short stories featured in this book offers a range of middle school experiences that address important topics such as peer pressure and cultural barriers. The stories are presented through fun mediums such as text messages, emails, and a mini graphic novel, making them highly entertaining for readers. This book is perfect for middle school students who want to feel seen and encouraged.
The 47 People You’ll Meet in Middle School
Middle school can be a daunting experience, but knowing the different types of people you might encounter can make it a little less intimidating. The 47 People You’ll Meet in Middle School by Kristin Mahoney offers a humorous and relatable guide to the various personalities you might come across. Here are some examples:
| Type of Person | Description |
|---|---|
| The Overachiever | This student is always striving for perfection and may make others feel inadequate. |
| The Class Clown | This student is always cracking jokes and trying to make others laugh. |
| The New Kid | This student is trying to find their place in a new school and may be feeling nervous or overwhelmed. |
| The Bully | This student may use their power to intimidate or harm others. |
| The Teacher’s Pet | This student is always eager to please the teacher and may be seen as annoying by their peers. |
Remember, everyone is different and these are just a few examples of the many people you might meet in middle school. It’s important to be kind and respectful to all of your classmates, even if they don’t fit neatly into one of these categories.
Lost in the Sun
Trent’s life changes after an accident that leaves his classmate dead and him with terrible thoughts. In sixth grade, he struggles to find goodness after screwing up and figure out how to act when he feels angry and lost.
Trent’s concern with how others perceive him is highly relatable. Readers can empathize with his efforts to overcome his fears and move on from the accident. The story highlights the importance of self-forgiveness, empathy, and resilience in difficult times.
Goodbye Stranger
In “Goodbye Stranger,” seventh graders Bridge, Tab, and Emily navigate the complexities of middle school life, including social media, crushes, and divorced parents.
But the novel delves deeper, exploring themes of identity and self-discovery, as the characters grapple with the expectations of others and their own desires. With a thoughtful approach, author Rebecca Stead tackles the challenges of growing up with nuance and sensitivity.
Roller Girl
In the graphic novel “Roller Girl” by Victoria Jamieson, Astrid and Nicole have always done everything together. However, as they approach sixth grade, their paths diverge. While Nicole goes to dance camp, Astrid discovers her passion for roller derby.
The novel explores themes of self-discovery, new friendships, and holding onto old ones. This Newbery Honor-winning book is a relatable and engaging read for anyone navigating the ups and downs of growing up.
Huda F Are You?
Huda is a character in a graphic novel written and illustrated by Huda Fahmy. The story follows Huda and her family as they move to a new town where she is no longer one of the few Muslims. Huda learns to embrace her identity and find her place in the new community. The novel is a humorous and relatable journey that teaches young readers about self-discovery.
Middle School’s a Drag, You Better Werk!
Mikey Pruitt, a twelve-year-old with an entrepreneurial spirit, started a talent agency that’s become a hit among middle schoolers. With the school talent show approaching, Mikey’s clients, including eighth-grader Julian Vasquez (drag queen name: Coco Caliente), are lining up.
Julian’s performance in drag has empowered him to come out of the closet whenever he’s ready. Mikey’s talent agency has given students a platform to express themselves and be proud of who they are.
Heat
Michael’s talent on the baseball field is undeniable, as he throws impressive pitches with serious heat. However, his age is constantly questioned due to his lack of a birth certificate. With his father passing away, Michael is left in the care of his 17-year-old brother and fears being sent to foster care or back to Cuba.
Despite the challenges he faces, Michael’s passion for the sport remains strong. The blend of sports and family drama, along with typical middle school issues, creates a compelling story in which Michael’s talent on the field may be his only hope for a better future.
Dress Coded
Girls at Molly Frost’s school are constantly dress coded for their outfits, while boys are not. Some girls are targeted more often than others. This unfair treatment sparked Molly’s desire to take action. She started a podcast about it, which quickly grew into a movement. This movement aims to bring attention to the issue of gender inequality in dress codes.
Iveliz Explains It All
In Iveliz Explains It All, readers follow the story of Iveliz as she navigates the challenges of managing her emotions during middle school. The book emphasizes the importance of seeking help when needed and shows young readers that it is okay to ask for assistance.
With the help of Iveliz, readers can learn how to cope with changes in their lives and manage their mental health. The book is a valuable resource for middle school students who may be struggling to adjust to new situations and emotions.
Harbor Me
In Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me, six middle school students gather in the ARTT Room to discuss topics that they feel unable to talk about outside. The students share their fears of deportation, struggles with having an incarcerated parent, and experiences with racial microaggressions.
Through their conversations, the students find support and comfort in each other. This poignant novel serves as a reminder of the power of peer support and the importance of having a safe space to talk about difficult topics.
Stand Up, Yumi Chung!
Yumi Chung is a shy girl who dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian. However, her parents want her to focus on getting good grades and earning a private school scholarship. At school, Yumi is teased by her classmates for her shyness, making her feel even more misunderstood.
Despite the pressure from her parents and peers, Yumi decides to pursue her dream of becoming a comedian. In doing so, she takes a risk and faces the possibility of disappointing those around her.
Fish in a Tree
Ally, a sixth-grade student, struggles with school and is often ridiculed by her teachers. However, her life takes a turn for the better when she is placed in Mr. Daniels’s class. Mr. Daniels realizes that Ally has dyslexia and helps her overcome her struggles.
The book “Fish in a Tree” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt tells a heartwarming story about friendship, resilience, and embracing individuality. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting those who learn differently.
Summary
Middle schoolers can benefit from reading a variety of books that cater to their interests and reading level. It is important to choose books that are engaging, age-appropriate, and diverse in their themes and characters.
Popular genres for this age group include realistic fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels. Additionally, it is important to encourage reading for pleasure and to provide opportunities for discussion and reflection on the books read.