6TH - 8TH GRADE
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
chapter books
THE NIGHT PARADE
Written by Kathryn Tanquary
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When Saki spends a summer in the Japanese countryside, the last thing she expects is to accidentally evoke a death curse upon herself. Follow Saki's journey through the night parade, a magical event filled with interesting spirits and unexpected friends. This story filled with creative ideas that teach its readers more about Japanese culture!
WONDER
Written by R.J. Palacio
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August Pullman, a 5th grader, was born with severe face abnormalities making him stand out from other kids. This school year, he wants to be treated like an ordinary kid, but has difficulties when his classmates make fun of him. Told from many perspectives, this book will make readers feel empathy, and show how true beauty is always found from within.
THE OUTSIDERS
Written by S.E. Hilton
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This unforgettable novel is centered around 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis, a teenage boy trying to find his way through society, which has already cast him as an outsider. This book addresses identity, socioeconomics, morals, friendship, violence, and more!
duologies + trilogies
STARTERS
Written by Lissa Price
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Where money is power and all money belongs to Enders, who have lived for centuries and have no love for the young. Unless it involves their bodies. Callie Woodland, out of desperation to save her sick brother, accepts a contract to be paid for an Ender to inhabit her body. However, something goes wrong and she finds herself in a much deeper mess than she signed up for.
The crossover
Written by Kwame Alexander
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In The Crossover, middle school twin basketball players, Josh and Jordan, have to manage life on and off the court. In Booked, 12-year-old Nick has to deal with different challenges outside of his familiar soccer field. This duology is written in verse and clean language that will make every reader feel like they're a star athlete themselves!
THE HUNGER GAMES
Written by Suzanne Collins
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​The Hunger Games is a criticality acclaimed series that has defined quality young adult literature. This story dives deeps into the complex themes of power, sacrifice, politics, and identity, which will leave readers invested in the series until the very end.
SERIes
THE DARKEST MINDS
Written by Alexandra Bracken
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This trilogy centers around sweet Ruby Daly, who's entire world comes crashing down when all the kids start getting rounded up after they develop unexplainable powers. A story about a revolution and self-sacrifice, where kids of all ages find that blood does not make family.
THE MAZE RUNNER
Written by James Dashner​
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Join Thomas and his friends as they try escape a maze they have been trapped in since when they first appeared there in a box. This page-turning story is filled with monsters, plot twists, and more! Perfect for anyone looking for an action-packed story with memorable characters and engaging ideas.
THE UNWANTEDS
Written by Lisa McMann
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Everyone's favorite fairy-tales come alive in this exhilarating book series! When Alex and Connor Bailey accidentally fall through a magical storybook and into a land where all fairy-tales are true, their lives take thrilling turn. This series teaches readers the importance of storytelling, imagination, and making your own dreams come true.
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES
Written by Holly Black and Tony DiTerilizzi
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Everyone's favorite fairy-tales come alive in this exhilarating book series! When Alex and Connor Bailey accidentally fall through a magical storybook and into a land where all fairy-tales are true, their lives take thrilling turn. This series teaches readers the importance of storytelling, imagination, and making your own dreams come true.