Popular Fiction for Middle Schoolers
Get ready to level up your lexicon with this collection of vocabulary lists for the hottest page-turners written for middle school students. From epic quests to heart-pounding mysteries, these books are bursting with words that'll make you sound like the protagonist of your own linguistic adventure. With these words at your command, you'll not only ace your English assignments but also become a true wordsmith, crafting phrases that'll leave everyone around you astounded.
WildoakFacing challenges due to a stutter, eleven-year-old Margaret Stephens must find a way to use her voice to save herself and an injured snow leopard.
The Night DiaryIn 1947, British India was divided into two separate and independent countries: India, a mostly Hindu nation, and Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim nation. The partition leaves Nisha, a girl with both Hindu and Muslim heritage, without a clear place to call home. She and her family must make a treacherous journey to try to find a safe haven in a country rocked by turmoil and violence.
CrenshawAs his family struggles financially, Jackson deals with hardship with the help of his imaginary friend, a giant cat named Crenshaw.
City of OrphansMaks, a newsboy living in New York City in the late 19th century, tries to prove his sister's innocence after she is accused of theft.
Bud, Not BuddyDuring the Great Depression, a ten-year-old boy hits the road in search of the father he has never known.
StarfishEllie, an eleven-year-old girl from Texas, learns to stand up for herself and confront bullies who tease her about her weight.
Our Only May AmeliaMay Amelia Jackson grows up on the American frontier at the end of the 19th century.
Shouting at the RainGrowing up on Cape Cod, Delsie tries to weather stormy relationships with friends and family.
The UnteachablesAn apathetic teacher is assigned to a class of unruly misfits — with surprising results.
The King's FifthIn this work of historical fiction, a young mapmaker recounts his adventures among the Spanish conquistadors exploring the Americas.
A Single ShardA Single Shard tells the story of a homeless orphan who helps a potter earn a royal commission in 12th-century Korea. Master these words that Linda Sue Park shaped into a Newbery Medal winner.
Middle School: The Worst Years of My LifeRafe Khatchadorian and his friend Leonardo come up with a game in which they earn points for breaking middle school rules. But a school bully discovers their journal full of the game's details and threatens to turn them in.
Counting by 7sWillow Chance is an offbeat genius whose life is thrown off course when her adoptive parents die in a tragic accident.
The Egypt GameWhen Melanie, April, and Marshall discover an abandoned yard, they think it's the perfect place to play games based on their shared love of ancient Egypt. But the children aren't prepared to deal with a creepy antiques dealer, mysterious oracles, and a shocking murder.
The LandIn this prequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, a biracial young man tries to find his place in post-Civil War America.
Surviving the ApplewhitesAfter being kicked out of a series of schools, Jake is sent to a home school run by the unconventional Applewhite family.
Al Capone Does My ShirtsIn 1935, twelve-year-old Moose moves to Alcatraz Island with his parents and his autistic sister Natalie. With a little help from his new friend Piper, Moose learns to adapt to life at the notorious prison.
Fish in a TreeIn this novel, a dedicated teacher and new friendships help Ally understand and come to terms with her dyslexia — and to realize that there's no shame in being different.
Krik? Krak!In this short story collection, award-winning writer Edwidge Danticat explores everyday life in Haiti.
RestartAfter an accident leaves him with amnesia, Chase must figure out who he was — and who he wants to be.
The Call of the WildIn this action-packed adventure story, a domesticated dog must shed his civilized ways to become a proper sled dog during the Yukon Gold Rush.
HeatA young baseball player tries to hide his complicated family situation in order to make it to the Little League World Series.
Touching Spirit BearAfter committing a violent crime, Cole Matthews is given a choice: jail time or isolation on a remote Alaskan island. Clinging to life after a savage bear attack, Cole wonders if he still has a chance at redemption.
WonderIn this novel, a boy with facial anomalies tries to navigate the sometimes treacherous world of public school.
The Wednesday WarsWhile the Vietnam War roils America, seventh grader Holling Hoodhood contends with Shakespeare, a demanding father, a school bully, and more. Learn these words from Schmidt's funny and heartwarming coming-of-age story.
WishtreeThe narrator of this novel is Red, an oak tree on which people hang their wishes every year. When Samar, a new girl in the neighborhood, faces bullying and intolerance, Red attempts to rally the local animals and intervene.
The Incredible JourneyThis classic novel tells the story of three pets who go on a quest through the wilderness to reunite with their owner.
The PinballsThree children strike up a friendship as they try to navigate life in foster care.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham1963When the Watson family pays Grandma a visit in Alabama, they find themselves caught up in the battle for civil rights.
The Midwife's ApprenticeIn medieval England, an orphaned girl named Brat becomes an apprentice to Jane Sharp, the local midwife.
MockingbirdWhen her older brother Devon dies, fifth-grader Caitlin Smith has trouble connecting to her life in Virginia without her closest guide.
Julie of the WolvesIn this classic novel, an Eskimo girl lost in the arctic wilderness must fight for survival while she grapples with her sense of identity. Learn these words from the Newbery Medal winner by Jean Craighead George.
Becoming Naomi LeónNaomi's life is thrown into turmoil when her mother suddenly returns after a long absence.
The Road to MemphisAs World War II looms, seventeen-year-old Cassie Logan and her brothers experience the trials and tribulations of growing up and face shocking racial violence.
Dicey's SongThe Tillerman Cycle, Book 2Dicey and her siblings adjust to life on their grandmother's farm.
Eight CousinsAfter her parents' death, Rose tries to find a home with various relatives, including her wealthy aunts, her eccentric uncle, and her many cousins.
Katt vs. DoggMolly the katt and Oscar the dogg belong to different families who hiss and growl at each other, but when they both get lost in the woods, they must stick together to get back to their camps safely.
Katt Loves DoggIn this sequel to Katt vs. Dogg, Molly and Oscar, former enemies turned best friends, work together to find their missing cousins and unite different species.
FreewaterRunning away from the slave-owning Southerland Plantation, twelve-year-old Homer and his seven-year-old sister Ada head to the swamp, where they find some unexpected help.
Maizy Chen's Last ChanceAfter her grandfather becomes sick, eleven-year-old Maizy moves from Los Angeles to Last Chance, Minnesota, where she struggles to fit in as her family's Chinese restaurant is targeted with racist attacks.
TroublemakerWhen riots break out in Los Angeles, sixth-grader Jordan Park decides he must go to his family's store to protect his father.
Barefoot Dreams of Petra LunaBased on a true story, this historical novel follows twelve-year-old Petra and her family as they flee their home during the Mexican Revolution and travel through battlefields and deserts to find a better life in the United States.
Amina's SongA sequel to Amina's Voice, this novel follows Amina as she tries to help her friends understand the beauty of Pakistan after her presentation on Malala Yousafzai goes awry.
Finding Junie KimWhen Junie interviews her grandparents about their experiences during the Korean War, she is inspired to take a stand against racism at her middle school.
LinkedSeventh graders Link, Michael, and Dana start a project to bring people together and figure out who's responsible for a string of recent antisemitic hate crimes in their small town.
Efrén DividedWhen his mother is deported, twelve-year-old Efrén must take on new responsibilities, including caring for his younger siblings.
The Total Eclipse of Nestor LopezTwelve-year-old Nestor Lopez has a secret: he can communicate with animals. When the animals in his town begin mysteriously disappearing, Nestor must use his special abilities to investigate.
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. FrankweilerWhen Claudia Kincaid and her brother run away from home, they find themselves caught up in a mystery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Learn these words from E. L. Konigsburg's award-winning novel.
Lupe Wong Won't DanceIn order to get the chance to meet her favorite pitcher, Lupe Wong must get an A in gym class — which means conquering the dreaded square dancing unit.
When You Trap a TigerIn order to restore her grandmother's health, Lily makes a bargain with a magical tiger.
Prairie LotusIn this historical novel, Hanna, a girl with Chinese heritage, moves to the Dakota Territory in 1880 and struggles to overcome the prejudices of her new community.
Turtle BoyA seventh grader begins to come out of his shell after he forms an unexpected bond with a terminally ill teen.
Song for a WhaleIris is a 12-year-old girl who is deaf; when she learns about Blue 55, a whale that sings at a frequency other whales can't understand, she vows to find a way to communicate with him.
Each Tiny SparkEmilia must deal with upheaval in her family and her growing awareness of prejudice in her community.
I Can Make This PromiseA twelve-year-old girl searches for the truth about her family's Native American heritage.
Front DeskTen-year-old Mia Tang lives and works at the motel where her immigrant parents are employed. Together, Mia and her family strive to make a better life for themselves — and for other immigrants in their community.
The Epic Fail of Arturo ZamoraWhen a land developer unveils plans to raze a local eatery, thirteen-year-old Arturo must prove how important his family's restaurant is to his community.
The First Rule of PunkTwelve-year-old Malú loves punk rock, but her mother and the strict principal at her new school definitely do not. With the help of her fellow "misfits," Malú fights to express who she truly is.
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