NYC Reads 365: Grades 6–8

Amina, a Pakistani-American girl, struggles to balance her commitment to her culture with her desire to fit in. When her mosque is vandalized, Amina must finally find her voice.

Kwame Alexander scores again with this story about the soccer-playing son of a linguistics professor. This list of words can assist your goal of improving your vocabulary.

In a series of autobiographical poems, Jacqueline Woodson vividly brings her childhood and adolescence to life. This memoir in verse won the National Book Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the Newbery Honor Award.

In this historical fantasy novel set during the Civil War, orphan Magdalys Roca attempts to rescue her friends from a slave trader — with the help of some domesticated dinosaurs.

In the first book of Jeff Kinney's popular series, Greg Heffley deals with the trials and tribulations of middle school.

Min is a fox spirit, or shapeshifter, living on the planet Jinju. When her brother is accused of deserting his military post to search for a magical artifact, she must find him and clear his name.

This acclaimed nonfiction book tells the story of Hurricane Katrina in graphic form.

Emilia must deal with upheaval in her family and her growing awareness of prejudice in her community.

The lives of three children become intertwined when they encounter a musical instrument with a mysterious history.

When tragedy strikes, Esperanza's family has to leave their ranch in Mexico and move to a farmworkers' camp during the Great Depression.

This collection, edited by We Need Diverse Books founder Ellen Oh, features short stories by popular writers of middle grade and young adult fiction.

A cross-country move, questions about her adoption and origins, and an incident of racism at school all have Makeda wondering where she belongs.

Ten-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.

Inside, George knows that she is a girl. When her class puts on a production of Charlotte's Web, she is not allowed to try out for the role of Charlotte — but with the help of her best friend, George is determined to show the world who she really is.

Castle Cranshaw, also known as Ghost, could be the star sprinter on his middle school track team — if he can stay out of trouble.

In this companion to Smile and Sisters, graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier recounts her experiences with childhood anxiety and phobias.

In this novel by award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson, six fifth and sixth graders meet once a week to discuss their problems and fears.

On his eleventh birthday, orphan Harry Potter learns the shocking truth: he's a wizard about to begin his education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

This novel is narrated by a ten-year-old boy who did not survive the Trail of Tears, the forced resettlement of Native Americans during the 19th century.

With Chile in turmoil, Celeste's parents go into hiding and send Celeste to Maine to keep her safe.

Jimmy McClean takes a road trip with his grandfather and learns about his Lakota heritage.

Fleeing to America to escape the Vietnam War, Hà and her family end up in Alabama, where they must adapt to a new culture. This novel in verse was inspired by author Thanhha Lai's own experiences.

After her house is destroyed by a tornado, 12-year-old Ivy must navigate changing relationships with her family and friends.

This novel weaves together characters and incidents from the same neighborhood, block by block.

Recent immigrants from Cuba, Ruthie and her family are just learning to adjust to life in New York City when Ruthie is severely injured in a car accident. This novel, based in part on the author's childhood experiences, won the 2018 Pura Belpré Award.

After 14-year-old Marcus gets into a fight at school, his mom decides to take him to Puerto Rico, where Marcus searches for his absentee father.

In this graphic novel, an African-American seventh grader struggles to fit in at his new private school.

After she is sent to Cincinnati to escape unrest in Syria, twelve-year-old Jude struggles to adjust to life in the United States.

In this graphic novel, a teen girl discovers a magical shawl and learns about her family's history in India.

A talented artist and student, Jade looks for ways that she can give back to her community — but she feels like her teachers view her only as an "at risk" teenager rather than seeing her for who she truly is.

Seventh-grader Nizhoni, her brother, and her best friend must pass a series of difficult tests and travel to the House of the Sun in order to defeat ancient monsters.

Raymie enters a local pageant, hoping that the publicity will encourage her absent father to reach out to her. She meets Louisiana and Beverly in a baton-twirling class, and the girls forge a friendship that will help each of them cope with their own losses.

When twelve-year-old Lily (Ellie) Belle Cowan moves from Tennessee to Oklahoma, she decides to perfect her baking skills so that others would see beyond the wheelchair.

Twin brothers Josh and Jordan Bell clash both on and off the basketball court. How high can you score on this list of words from Alexander's award-winning novel in verse?

When 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.

Twelve-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.

In the first volume of the popular The Land of Stories series, siblings Alex and Conner are magically transported into the world of fairy tales.

Percy Jackson's normal life is turned upside down when gods from Greek mythology accuse him of stealing a supernatural weapon. Percy must find the real thief — and figure out his connection to the gods.

A new teacher helps Maleeka stand up to the classmates who bully her and feel comfortable in her own skin.

In this novel, a 12-year-old boy uses his passion for building to come to terms with his brother's death.

Twelve-year-old Mason Buttle is struggling to cope with learning disabilities, bullies, and the sudden death of his friend Benny. When the investigation into Benny's death casts suspicion on Mason himself, he becomes even more determined to uncover the truth.

In this graphic memoir, actor and activist George Takei recounts the internment of his Japanese-American family during World War II. The book was cowritten by Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott, with art by Harmony Becker.

Inspired by the superhero comics he loves to read, Bryan makes difficult choices as he navigates a new friendship.

While his father is on a campaign to pressure Congress and President Hoover to deliver bonus payments owed to veterans of the Great War, twelve-year-old Calvin Blackbird must fight his own battles at a federal agricultural Native American boarding school in Oklahoma.

In this book, Nobel Peace Prize-winner Malala Yousafzai collects the true stories of girls who have been displaced from their homelands.