Starting Middle School

New lockers, new classes, new friends—and a few big feelings along the way.

This booklist is full of stories about starting middle school, from first-day jitters and friendship shifts to finding your place and learning to believe in yourself. Whether you’re excited, nervous, or a little bit of both, these books remind readers that everyone’s figuring it out as they go.

Updated January 15, 2026
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County) Lake Oswego Public Library
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Starting Middle School

New lockers, new classes, new friends—and a few big feelings along the way.

This booklist is full of stories about starting middle school, from first-day jitters and friendship shifts to finding your place and learning to believe in yourself. Whether you’re excited, nervous, or a little bit of both, these books remind readers that everyone’s figuring it out as they go.

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Absolutely everything
Alexander, Damian (Cartoonist)
Lately, life feels like a lot for Marcella. Sixth grade seems complicated on purpose. Marcella keeps forgetting her homework or getting distracted while she's doing it. Plus, her bestie has new friends, and her parents even want to move apartments. She's trying to keep track of the changes...
The cool code
Langeland, Deirdre
Paper Book
In this funny and heartfelt slice-of-life graphic novel for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller, when coding whiz Zoey goes from homeschooled to new school, she develops an app to help her make friends. Will the Cool Code help Zoey fit in Or will it completely crash her social...
Crushed
Conklin, Melanie
Paper Book
A heartfelt middle grade story about changing friendships, peer pressure, and the courage to speak up when lines are crossed, perfect for fans of Starfish and Finally Heard.  Sophie Valentine would rather be at home, doing school virtually....
Four eyes
Ogle, Rex
Paper Book
    A humorous and heartwarming middle-grade graphic memoir about fitting in, facing bullies, and finding the right pair of glasses.   Sixth grade isn't as great as Rex thought it would be. He's the only kid who...
Grow up, Luchy Zapata
Alessandri, Alexandra
Paper Book
A funny, relatable middle school drama about two Colombian American girls who have always been BFFs--until sixth grade turns everything upside down. Luchy Zapata is starting middle school, and she's muy excited. She and her two best friends, Cami and Mateo, will finally be...
Happy & sad & everything true
Thayer, Alex
Paper Book
"A charming, entertaining, and true book...I would follow Dee's advice any time." --Gayle Forman, author of Frankie & Bug and Not Nothing With charm and sincerity reminiscent of Judy Blume and Rebecca Stead, this debut middle grade novel is a "compassionate" (...
Kareem between
Safadi, Shifa Saltagi
Paper Book
This award-winning, heartfelt coming-of-age novel in verse tells the powerful story of a seventh-grade Syrian American boy and his struggles, big and small, as he navigates middle school. "The exact type of book I would've loved, and needed, as a kid." --Jasmine Warga,...
Merci Suárez changes gears
Medina, Meg
Paper Book
Winner of the Newbery Medal A New York Times bestseller Thoughtful, strong-willed sixth-grader Merci Suarez navigates difficult changes with friends, family, and everyone in between in a resonant new novel from Meg Medina. Merci Suarez knew...
The Moon Without Stars
Miller, Chanel
Paper Book
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * The Newbery Honor-winning author of Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All explores the way growing up, finding friends, and discovering who you are can be both awkward and empowering in this heartfelt middle school novel. ★ "Genuine and...
Opal Watson : private eye
Thurman, Brittany
Paper Book
Opal Watson, Private Eye introduces an exciting new middle grade mystery series based on the popular original Pinna podcast that feels like a modern-day version of Harriet the Spy. Opal Watson loves being a detective. When her neighbor's cat goes missing or her grandmother...
Rainbow Fair
Ma, Diana
Paper Book
Set against the backdrop of a middle school cultural fair, this tenderhearted and funny novel from the author of The Unbeatable Lily Hong stars twelve-year-old Sophie Mu--who discovers the power of defining oneself as she navigates friendship drama, family expectations, and learning...
The ripple effect
Caprara, Rebecca
Ebook
When 6th grader Zella's class prank flops, she's given a second chance to leave a lasting impact in this middle-grade novel about redemption, friendship, and kindness. A perfect book club pick to inspire discussion, 9-12-year-old fans of Katherine Applegate's Wishtree will...
The Taylors
Calonita, Jen
Paper Book
Four girls . . . all named Taylor. Read New York Times bestseller Jen Calonita's origin story of an unforgettable friendship! And don't miss the sister novel: Love Stories (The Taylors Version #1) by Elizabeth Eulberg. Taylor (aka Teffy to her family) is terrified to start middle...
The things we miss
Stecher, Leah
Paper Book
"Magical and heartbreaking! You will read this book in one gulp." - Jennifer L. Holm, New York Times-bestselling author of The Fourteenth Goldfish When You Reach Me meets Starfish in this heartfelt contemporary middle grade about a misfit girl who finds...
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