An ever-growing list of our favorite middle school ELA books

One of my all-time favorite things about teaching 7th grade ELA is watching my kids transform their reading habits from September to June. I know this is true in your classroom as well--my 7th graders come to me at all different levels of comprehension and interest in reading, so we focus on GOALS. The goal for every student is to grow stronger as a reader.

Like working out makes a person stronger physically, the best way to grow stronger as a reader at the secondary level is to read at least 20 minutes each day, and that volume of reading requires LOVE. When students enjoy what they're reading, they're going to read more. That doesn't mean that I don't push them to read more challenging and traditional literature in class. I do. With support. When students read on their own during study hall, after school, or at home, they read whatever they want! This year, for example, my kids DEVOURED manga of all kinds, and guess what? I saw their reading comprehension scores soar.

Here's a list of books my 7th grade ELA students love. Use this list as a source of recommendations for your own students. Use this list to build your own classroom library. (Download the list for summer reading here).

HISTORICAL FICTION

Try Alan Gratz! 7th graders have been devouring any book by Alan Gratz. His books range in topic from WWII to 9/11, they’re historically accurate, lead to deeper understanding of complex topics, and are often told from multiple perspectives. The War that Saved My Life trilogy by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is another favorite!

SPORTS

Try Kwame Alexander! Crossover and Rebound by Kwame Alexander are often called “gateway” books in my class because they hook even the most reluctant readers. Start with Crossover, then read the prequel Rebound (written after) to learn where the story started. Playbook is another great read full of quotes and encouragement for young athletes, and Becoming Muhammad Ali tells the story of Cassius Clay’s early life and rise to boxing greatness.

FANTASY

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan is an absolute favorite smart, funny series where Greek mythology comes alive in the modern world. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger tells the story of Sophie Foster, a 12-year-old girl who discovers she's not human but an elf with unique psychic abilities. Her story has enthralled 7th grade readers this past school year! This book is also available in graphic novel form. Other favorite fantasy series include Warrior Cats by Erin Hunter, Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland, and the Eragon trilogy by Christopher Paolini.

Teen FICTION

Try Jason Reynolds and Sharon Draper! Jason Reynolds wrote the novel Ghost. Finish reading the series and experience each character’s point of view. Also by Reynolds, try Look Both Ways, a collection of interconnected short stories that explore the lives, struggles, and joys of middle school students as they walk home from school. Sharon Draper’s trilogy Out of My Mind, Out of My Heart, and Out of My Dreams were also favorites among 7th graders this school year.

NONFICTION

Try this mix of true stories: I Am Malala tells the powerful story of Pakistani girl, Malala Yousafzai, who stood up for girls’ education and was shot by the Taliban. Buses Are a Comin’ shares the stories of Charles Person, a Freedom Rider who fought to desegregate buses during the Civil Rights Movement. Of Beetles and Angels is the inspiring true story of Mawi Asgedom, who overcomes life in a refugee camp and the challenges of adapting to America to eventually graduate from Harvard. Brown Girl Dreaming Jacqueline Woodson’s poetic memoir of growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s. Lifeboat 12 is based on the true story of a WWII evacuee and his survival at sea—told in verse.

GRAPHIC NOVELS

This mix of graphic novels ranges from teen to historical fiction to nonfiction. Check out Illegal by Eoin Colfer, New Kid by Jerry Craft, When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed, They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, and Smile by Raina Telgemeier.

What other books would you recommend for middle school ELA? Share your recs in the comments!

Grab my Summer Reading List as a free download here.