Summer 2023 Recommended Reading: Middle School

Updated May 14, 2024
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Becoming Muhammad Ali : a novel.
Patterson, James, 1947-
Two heavy-hitters in children's literature deliver a critically acclaimed, bestselling biographical novel of cultural icon Muhammad Ali.  ★ "This utterly delightful story about Ali's childhood is a smash hit."--School Library Journal...
Recommended for Grade 7
The door of no return.
Alexander, Kwame
From the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award winning author Kwame Alexander, comes the first book in a searing, breathtaking trilogy that tells the story of a boy, a village, and the epic odyssey of an African family. In his village in Upper...
Recommended for Grade 7
Linked. [online electronic book]
Korman, Gordon
Recommended for Grade 6
A long walk to water. [online electronic book]
Park, Linda Sue
Cherished by millions of readers, this #1 New York Times bestselling novel is a powerful tale of perseverance and hope. Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park interweaves the stories of two Sudanese children who overcome mortal dangers to improve their lives and the lives of others. A Long Walk...
Recommended for Grade 6
The magical imperfect.
Baron, Chris
"Highly recommended... Perfect for readers of Wonder and Erin Entrada Kelly's Hello, Universe."-- Booklist magazine, starred review Etan has stopped speaking since his mother left. His father and grandfather don't know how to...
Recommended for Grade 7
Odder.
Applegate, Katherine
Now a #1 New York Times bestseller! A touching and lyrical tale about a remarkable sea otter, from Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate, author of Wishtree. Meet Odder, the Queen of Play: Nobody has her moves. She doesn't just swim to...
Recommended for Grade 7
One last shot : a story of wartime photographer Gerda Taro.
Wilson, Kip.
"This is not just a story of the violence of fascism, but of the burning joy of freedom, and the exhilaration of shaping, with sweat and blood, a better world."** From critically acclaimed author Kip Wilson comes this gripping coming of age historical fiction novel in verse about Gerda...
Recommended for Grade 7
Prairie lotus.
Park, Linda Sue
Prairie Lotus is a powerful, touching, multilayered novel about a girl determined to fit in and realize her dreams: getting an education, becoming a dressmaker in her father's shop, and making at least one friend. Acclaimed, award-winning author Linda Sue Park has placed a young half-Asian...
Recommended for Grade 6
The reader.
Chee, Traci
Sefia knows what it means to survive. After her father is brutally murdered, she flees into the wilderness with her aunt Nin, who teaches her to hunt, track, and steal. But when Nin is kidnapped, leaving Sefia completely alone, none of her survival skills can help her discover where Nin's been taken...
Recommended for Grade 8
Rez dogs /
Bruchac, Joseph, 1942-
Renowned author Joseph Bruchac tells a powerful story of a girl who learns more about her Penacook heritage while sheltering in place with her grandparents during the coronavirus pandemic. Malian loves spending time with her grandparents at their home on a Wabanaki reservation...
Recommended for grade 7
Unplugged.
Korman, Gordon
King of middle-grade Gordon Korman's new standalone novel full of mystery, humour, friendship . . . and alligators! Jett Baranov is Silicon Valley's number one spoiled brat. The son of a billionaire tech genius, he has everything money can buy, which means he's in the habit of getting into...
Recommended for Grade 6
We belong.
Everman, Cookie Hiponia
An extraordinarily beautiful novel-in-verse, this important debut weaves a dramatic immigrant story together with Pilipino mythology to create something wholly new. Stella and Luna know that their mama, Elsie, came from the Philippines when she was a child, but they don't know...
Recommended for Grade 7

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