Growing up, we’ve all had to read a lot of books for English classes. A lot of us think about the books we’ve read in high school (hello, Shakespeare and Homer!), but think back even further: what did you read in middle school? Many of what we’ve read for classes in middle school (or junior high, depending on where you go to school) had an obvious reason to be important, such as Harper Lee’s "To Kill a Mockingbird" and Lois Lowry’s "The Giver." We place a lot of merit on the standard books that are required for class, especially in middle school, because they shine a light on serious issues in the form of a narrative.
What about the books that aren’t as content-heavy, but still have lessons to teach us? Books like Anne Frank’s "The Diary of a Young Girl" and S.E. Hinton’s "The Outsiders" are incredibly important, and their academic merit is what makes them often on the list of required reading for middle grades. However, there is a plethora of books for middle school students that we might not have devoted a whole course unit to in school, but still have important lessons to teach their readers – and in an entertaining way.
1. "Holes" by Louis Sachar
If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll love the book just as much. "Holes" follows the story of Stanley Yelnats, who was wrongfully accused of stealing shoes and ends up in a boys’ character-building camp where their only duty is to dig holes. Told through three separate narratives that converse with each other, this book entertains while also sending the message that many things in life have layers beneath the surface.
2. "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson
Another book-turned-movie, "Bridge to Terabithia" tells the story of best friends Jess and Leslie who escape the reality of everyday life by creating an imaginary world called Terabithia. This book delves into the topics of gender, childhood, insecurity, and the five stages of grief.
3. "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson
When I took my first children’s literature class, I had no idea what was in store for me with this book. Looking back, I’m so glad I read it in a collegiate environment, because had I read it as a thirteen-year-old who didn’t like reading at that point in my life, the message would have gone right over my head. "Speak" talks about sexual assault in a way that is understandable to the reader and gives a look into the mind of the victim.
4. "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen
I remember Gary Paulsen’s "Hatchet" being read to my class when I was in fifth grade. Though the book is classified as “middle school”, readers as young as nine will be able to understand the content. "Hatchet" is a coming-of-age book about thirteen-year-old Brian who must stay alive in the wilderness after having survived a plane crash. If you enjoy survivalist stories, this is both an easy and fun read.
5. "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli
Despite the book’s high-school setting, the content can be easily read and understood by middle grades. I first found the book in my middle school’s library, and the book sends an important message to all grade levels and arguably all age groups. This story follows main characters Leo and Stargirl and offers a commentary on the battle between individuality and conformity.
Whether these were taught in your literature classes in middle school or whether they were something that everyone your age read for fun, you should totally read these five books written for middle grades! Whether you’re thirteen or twenty-three, these books have important stuff to say and they’ll entertain you!
