16 Great Books to Teach in Middle School

  1. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry – This dystopian novel explores themes of conformity, individuality, and the importance of memories.
  2. “Holes” by Louis Sachar – This beloved novel follows the story of Stanley Yelnats as he becomes intertwined in a mysterious curse at Camp Green Lake.
  3. “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton – This classic coming-of-age story delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and social class.
  4. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank – This poignant diary provides a firsthand account of a Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II.
  5. “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan – The first book in the “Percy Jackson & The Olympians” series, this modern-day fantasy follows Percy’s journey as a demigod.
  6. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio – A heartwarming story about a boy with facial differences who faces challenges and learns about empathy and acceptance.
  7. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins – Set in a dystopian society, this gripping series explores themes of survival, rebellion, and sacrifice.
  8. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – This profound novel addresses themes of racism, injustice, and the loss of innocence through the eyes of Scout Finch.
  9. “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes – Inspired by true events, this historical fiction follows a group of women who become traveling librarians in rural America.
  10. “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner is a thrilling science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world, where teenagers must navigate a deadly maze.
  11. “Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson – This emotionally charged story explores the power of friendship, imagination, and coping with loss.
  12. “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card is a science fiction novel that follows young Ender Wiggin as he trains in a battle school to save Earth from an alien invasion.
  13. “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green – This heartfelt novel tells the story of two teenagers with cancer who fall in love and embark on a journey.
  14. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak – Set during World War II, this captivating novel follows a young girl who steals books and learns about the power of words.
  15. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle – A fantasy adventure that follows Meg Murry as she travels through space and time to save her father.

16. “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis – This beloved fantasy series takes readers on a magical journey through the enchanted world of Narnia.