Let’s be real — middle school can be a tough time for kids. They’re figuring out who they are, how the world works, and, oh yeah, how to survive a group project without wanting to move to Mars. One thing that can help? Great books.
Reading literature in middle school isn’t just about checking off classics from a list — it’s about sparking curiosity, building empathy, and giving students the tools to think critically (and maybe even fall in love with reading along the way).
What Should They Read?
Good news: there’s no one-size-fits-all reading list. The best literature programs mix things up. Try to include:
- Timeless classics like Anne of Green Gables or The Hobbit (dragons, friendships, adventure — what’s not to love?).
- Modern young adult books like Wonder or Holes — stories that feel real and relatable.
- Diverse voices so kids see the world through different lenses (Inside Out and Back Again, Esperanza Rising — powerful stuff!).
- Short stories and poetry for variety (and for those days when attention spans are… limited).
- Plays and drama — because reading aloud and acting out scenes can make Shakespeare way less intimidating.
How to Keep Them Hooked
If your goal is to get your middle schooler to love literature, worksheets alone won’t cut it. Here are a few ideas to mix it up:
- Literature circles: Small groups read the same book and talk about it together. Snacks help.
- Socratic seminars: Fancy term for letting students lead a discussion — they ask the questions, share ideas, and debate.
- Creative projects: Rewrite the ending, make a character’s Instagram profile, or act out your favorite scene.
- Book vs. Movie: Read a book, watch the movie version, and argue (politely) about which is better.
Sample Reading List to Get You Started
Need inspiration? Here’s a mix of go-to middle school reads:
- The Giver – Lois Lowry
- A Wrinkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry – Mildred D. Taylor
- The Outsiders – S.E. Hinton
- Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson
- The Westing Game – Ellen Raskin
- Hatchet – Gary Paulsen
- Percy Jackson series – Rick Riordan (always a crowd favorite)
- Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury (for more advanced readers)
A Few Pro Tips
- Let kids help choose what they read — choice is powerful.
- Give them context before diving in. A little background can make an older text way less intimidating.
- Teach them to annotate (highlight, jot down thoughts — it’s like a conversation with the book).
- Bring in real-life connections. Themes like identity, fairness, and courage feel more meaningful when kids can relate them to their own experiences.
- Make discussions safe and respectful. Everyone should feel comfortable sharing ideas — even unpopular ones.
Middle school literature isn’t about memorizing plot points or writing ten-page essays on symbolism (though those can have their place). It’s about discovering that books are gateways — to new worlds, new ideas, and better understanding of themselves and others.
