biography books 7th grade

35 Biographies that will Inspire your Middle School Student

Your tweens and teens can learn a ton by reading middle school biographies . Don’t let your middle schooler skip over this genre! There are just too many great books to choose from.

Reading about inspiring lives from the past and present allows kids to learn about the world beyond their own experiences. In addition, reading biographies teaches kids about history, science, sports, and so many other topics that may interest them.

Of course finding books that are challenging enough for a middle school reader without being overly challenging in reading level and content can be tough. This list was gathered specificially for the readers who are “stuck in the middle.”

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Middle School Biographies

These middle school biographies will supplement many homeschool curriculums and make easy additions to any reading list for teens and tweens.

As with any booklist, you make the best choices when it comes to appropriate literature for your child to read. I have read many, though not all, of the books on this list. I highly recommend Common Sense Media when you want to know what sort of content might be included in any book.

A Simple Biography Report

Help your student thoughtfully remember facts from these middle school biographies with this free one-page biography report .

This simple report is perfect for your tween or teen to use to record what they learn as they read. It’s an easy (and fun!) way to report their reading. Ask them to share their findings over dinner if they are willing!

35 Biographies for Teens and Tweens

I am Malala

Malala Yousafai

Two of my kids dove into this one in middle school and couldn’t stop talking about it for quite some time. It opened their eyes to horrible situations in other countries and the courage it takes for one person to stand up to injustice.

Publisher’s Description: “Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region. They said music was a crime. They said women weren’t allowed to go to the market. They said girls couldn’t go to school.

Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. So she fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause: She was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school.

No one expected her to survive.”

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

Candace Fleming

Publisher’s Description: “On May 21, 1937, the most famous female pilot of all time, Amelia Earhart, set out to do the impossible: circumnavigate the globe at its widest point–27,000 miles in all. Just six weeks later, she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean.

Eighty years have passed since that fateful flight; and still, Amelia’s plane has never been found. Discover the thrilling life and tragic end of America’s most famous trailblazing flier with this impeccably researched and masterfully crafted book from acclaimed author Candace Fleming.”

Becoming Emily: The Life of Emily Dickinson

Krystyna Poray Goddu

Publisher’s Description: “In Becoming Emily, young readers will learn how as a child, an adolescent, and well into adulthood, Dickinson was a lively social being with a warm family life. Highly educated for a girl of her era, she actively engaged in both the academic and social aspects of the schools she attended until she was nearly eighteen.

Her family and friends were important to her, and she was a prolific, thoughtful, and witty correspondent who shared many poems with her closest friends and relatives.

This indispensable resource includes photos, full-length poems, letter excerpts, a time line, source notes, and a bibliography to present a vivid portrait of this singular American poet.”

Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality

Jo Ann Allen Boyce

From Amazon: “In 1956, one year before federal troops escorted the Little Rock 9 into Central High School, fourteen-year-old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve African-American students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee.

At first things went smoothly for the Clinton 12, but then outside agitators interfered, pitting the townspeople against one another. Uneasiness turned into anger, and even the Clinton Twelve themselves wondered if the easier thing to do would be to go back to their old school.

Jo Ann–clear-eyed, practical, tolerant, and popular among both black and white students—found herself called on as the spokesperson of the group. But what about just being a regular teen?”

Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America

Teri Kanefield

Publisher’s Description: “The America that Alexander Hamilton knew was largely agricultural and built on slave labor. He envisioned something else: a multi-racial, urbanized, capitalistic America with a strong central government. He believed that such an America would be a land of opportunity for the poor and the newcomers.

But Hamilton’s vision put him at odds with his archrivals who envisioned a pastoral America of small towns, where governments were local, states would control their own destiny, and the federal government would remain small and weak.

The disputes that arose during America’s first decades continued through American history to our present day. Over time, because of the systems Hamilton set up and the ideas he left, his vision won out.

Here is the story that epitomizes the American dream—a poor immigrant who made good in America. In the end, Hamilton rose from poverty through his intelligence and ability, and did more to shape our country than any of his contemporaries.”

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition)

William Kamkwamba

From Amazon: “When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba’s tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season’s crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family’s life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William’s windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land.”

March: Book One

John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

Who can resist a graphic novel biography ? This has been a popular one in our house with all four kids and myself!

From Amazon: “ March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis’ personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.

Book One spans John Lewis’ youth in rural Alabama, his life-changing meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., the birth of the Nashville Student Movement, and their battle to tear down segregation through nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins, building to a stunning climax on the steps of City Hall.”

Thurgood Marshall: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “ Thurgood Marshall , the great-grandson of a slave, was born at a time when African Americans were denied equal rights in America. Segregation was legal. Lynching was common. In some places, African Americans were entirely excluded from public life; they were forbidden to enter public parks and museums or use public swimming pools and restrooms. After being denied admission to the University of Maryland Law School because of his race, Marshall enrolled at Howard University. He graduated first in his class and set out as a young lawyer determined to achieve equality for all Americans. Here is the story of how he did it—how he devised his legal strategy for expanding “we the people” to include all people.”

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March

by Lynda Blackmon Lowery

From the Publisher: “As the youngest marcher in the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, Lynda Blackmon Lowery proved that young adults can be heroes. Jailed eleven times before her fifteenth birthday, Lowery fought alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. for the rights of African-Americans.

In this memoir, she shows today’s young readers what it means to fight nonviolently (even when the police are using violence, as in the Bloody Sunday protest) and how it felt to be part of changing American history.”

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero

by Patricia McCormick

From Amazon: “It was April 5, 1943, and the Gestapo would arrive any minute. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had been expecting this day for a long time. He had put his papers in order—and left a few notes specifically for Hitler’s men to see. Two SS agents climbed the stairs and told the boyish-looking Bonhoeffer to come with them. He calmly said good-bye to his parents, put his Bible under his arm, and left. Upstairs there was proof, in his own handwriting, that this quiet young minister was part of a conspiracy to kill Adolf Hitler.

This compelling, brilliantly researched account includes the remarkable discovery that Bonhoeffer was one of the first people to provide evidence to the Allies that Jews were being deported to death camps. It takes readers from his privileged early childhood to the studies and travel that would introduce him to peace activists around the world—eventually putting this gentle, scholarly pacifist on a deadly course to assassinate one of the most ruthless dictators in history.”

Gifted Hands, Revised Kids Edition: The Ben Carson Story

by Gregg Lewis

My son read this book as part of his summer reading in middle school and then we watched the movie . He enjoyed both versions of Ben Caron’s story.

Without a doubt, Ben Carson and all of the amazing medical breakthroughs he is able to achieve are very inspiring.

From the Publisher: “When Ben Carson was in school, his classmates called him the class dummy. Many—including Ben himself—doubted that he would ever amount to anything. But his mother never let him quit. She encouraged Ben to do better and reach higher for his dreams, and eventually, he discovered a deep love of learning.

Today this young boy from the inner-city is one of the world’s greatest pediatric neurosurgeons. Through determination and lot of hard work, Ben overcame his many obstacles and is now dedicated to saving the lives of critically ill children around the world.”

>>> Grab Our FREE Book to Movie Discussion Guide <<<

Abraham Lincoln: Making of America

From the Publisher: “Even though he grew up on the frontier without a formal education, Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) worked his way up in the government. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, then to the US House of Representatives, and then he became the 16th president of the United States.

During his presidency, he led the United States through the Civil War, brought about the emancipation of the enslaved, and strengthened the federal government.”

Child of the Dream (Memoir of 1963)

by Sharon Robinson

From the Publisher: “ In January 1963, Sharon Robinson turns 13 the night before George Wallace declares on national television “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever” in his inauguration speech as governor of Alabama. It is the beginning of a year that will change the course of American history.

As the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, Sharon has opportunities that most people would never dream of experiencing. Her family hosts multiple fundraisers at their home in Connecticut for the work that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is doing. Sharon sees her first concert after going backstage at the Apollo Theater. And her whole family attends the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

But things don’t always feel easy for Sharon. She is one of the only Black children in her wealthy Connecticut neighborhood. Her older brother, Jackie Robinson Jr., is having a hard time trying to live up to his father’s famous name, causing some rifts in the family. And Sharon feels isolated — struggling to find her role in the civil rights movement that is taking place across the country.

This is the story of how one girl finds her voice in the fight for justice and equality.”

A Long Way from Home

Saroo Brierley

From Amazon: “ At only five years old, Saroo Brierley got lost on a train in India. Unable to read or write or recall the name of his hometown or even his own last name, he survived alone for weeks on the rough streets of Calcutta before ultimately being transferred to an agency and adopted by a couple in Australia.

Despite his gratitude, Brierley always wondered about his origins. Eventually, with the advent of Google Earth, he had the opportunity to look for the needle in a haystack he once called home, and pore over satellite images for landmarks he might recognize or mathematical equations that might further narrow down the labyrinthine map of India. One day, after years of searching, he miraculously found what he was looking for and set off to find his family.”

This one is also a major motion picture, so you can follow up with movie after you read the book!

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina (Young Reader)

by Misty Copeland

From Amazon: “Determination meets dance in this New York Times bestselling memoir by the history-making ballerina Misty Copeland, recounting the story of her journey to become the first African-American principal ballerina at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.

When she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged, and anxious thirteen-year-old to become one of America’s most groundbreaking dancers .

A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.”

Andrew Jackson: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “Born in the Carolina backwoods, Jackson joined the American Revolutionary War at the age of thirteen. After a reckless youth of gunfights, gambling, and general mischief, he rose to national fame as the general who defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans.

Jackson ran for president as a political outsider, championing the interest of common farmers and frontiersmen. Determined to take down the wealthy, well-educated East Coast “elites,” he pledged to destroy the national bank—which he believed was an engine of corruption serving the interest of bankers and industrialists.

A stanch nationalist, he sought to secure and expand the nation’s borders. Believing that “we the people” included white men only, he protected the practice of slavery and opened new lands for white settlers by pushing the Native people westward.

Jackson, a polarizing figure in his era, ignited a populist movement that remains a powerful force in our national politics.”

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future

by Ashlee Vance

This book remains a favorite biography for middle schoolers in my house. My husband read it out loud to my boys and they absolutely loved it.

From Amazon: “The version for adults has been praised as “riveting” (The Financial Times), “spirited” (The Wall Street Journal), and “masterful” (Vice). Now younger readers can read about this innovative leader who is revolutionizing three industries at once: space, automotive, and energy.”

The Lady is a Spy: Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance

Don Mitchell

From Amazon: “When Hitler invaded Poland, Virginia Hall traveled in Europe. Which was dangerous enough, but as fighting erupted, instead of returning home, she headed to France. In a country divided by freedom and fascism, Virginia was determined to do her part for the Allies.

An ordinary woman from Baltimore, Maryland, she dove into the action, first joining a French ambulance unit and later becoming an undercover agent for both the British Office of Strategic Services and the US Office of Strategic Services. Working as a spy in the intelligence network, she made her way to Vichy, coordinating Resistance movements, assisting in Nazi sabotage, and rescuing downed Allies. She passed in plain sight of the enemy and soon found herself being hunted by the Gestapo.

But Virginia cleverly evaded discovery and death, often through bold feats and escapes. Her covert operations, efforts with the Resistance, and risky work as a wireless telegraph operator greatly contributed to the Allies’ eventual win.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “ When Franklin D. Roosevelt was first elected president in 1933, America was in the throes of the Great Depression—the worst economic crisis in U.S. history—and the world was experiencing a menacing rise in Nazism and other dangerous extremists.

Throughout his four presidential terms, Roosevelt was a steady and inspiring leader. He implemented progressive social reform through his New Deal agenda and helped lift America from economic crisis. He guided America to victory in World War II.

Born into wealth and privilege, Roosevelt entered politics at a young age. His career and world views were shaped by his marriage to Eleanor Roosevelt and his long struggle with polio.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, our thirty-second president, forever left his mark on our nation and the world. By the time of his death, America had grown to a global economic and military superpower. His New Deal legislation changed the relationship of American citizens to their government. His policies came close to fully realizing Alexander Hamilton’s vision of a government that touches and improves the lives of all citizens.

Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass, a Monumental American Man

Tonya Bolden

From Amazon: “Teacher. Self-emancipator. Orator. Author. Man. Frederick Douglass (1818–1895) is one of the most important African-American figures in US history, best known, perhaps, for his own emancipation.

But there is much more to Douglass’s story than his time spent in slavery and his famous autobiography. Delving into his family life and travel abroad, this book captures the whole complicated, and at times perplexing, person that he was.

As a statesman, suffragist, writer, newspaperman, and lover of the arts, Douglass the man, rather than the historical icon, is the focus in Facing Frederick.”

Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy

Seymour Reit

From Amazon: “In 1861, when war erupted between the States, President Lincoln made an impassioned plea for volunteers. Determined not to remain on the sidelines, Emma Edmonds cropped her hair, donned men’s clothing, and enlisted in the Union Army.

Posing in turn as a slave, peddler, washerwoman, and fop, Emma became a cunning master of disguise, risking discovery and death at every turn behind Confederate lines.”

Susan B. Anthony: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “Susan B. Anthony was born into a world in which men ruled women. A man could beat his wife, take her earrings, have her committed to an asylum based on his word alone, and take her children away from her. While the young nation was ablaze with the radical notion that people could govern themselves, “people” were understood to be white and male. Women were expected to stay out of public life and debates. As Anthony saw the situation, “Women’s subsistence is in the hands of men, and most arbitrarily and unjustly does he exercise his consequent power.” She imagined a different world—one where women and people of color were treated with the same respect that white men were given. Susan B. Anthony explores her life, from childhood to her public career as a radical abolitionist to her rise to become an international leader in the women’s suffrage movement.”

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld

From the Publisher: “At one time, Lew Alcindor was just another kid from New York City with all the usual problems: He struggled with fitting in, with pleasing a strict father, and with overcoming shyness that made him feel socially awkward.

But with a talent for basketball, and an unmatched team of supporters, Lew Alcindor was able to transform and to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “

Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away (Young Readers Edition)

Erica Armstrong Dunbar

From Amazon: “In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their slave, Ona Judge, who dared to escape from one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.”

Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman

Dorothy Sterling

Publisher’s Description: “Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible – certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn’t forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.”

My Survival: A Girl on Schindler’s List

Joshua M. Greene

From the Publisher: “Rena Finder was only eleven when the Nazis forced her and her family — along with all the other Jewish families — into the ghetto in Krakow, Poland. Rena worked as a slave laborer with scarcely any food and watched as friends and family were sent away.

Then Rena and her mother ended up working for Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who employed Jewish prisoners in his factory and kept them fed and healthy. But Rena’s nightmares were not over. She and her mother were deported to the concentration camp Auschwitz. With great cunning, it was Schindler who set out to help them escape.”

Facing the Lion (Abridged Edition): Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe

Simone Arnold Liebster

From the Publisher: “Simone Arnold is an ordinary French schoolgirl—spirited and stubborn. Then the Nazis march in, demanding complete conformity. Friends become enemies. Teachers spout Nazi propaganda. School officials recruit for the Hitler Youth. Simone’s family refuses to heil Hitler as Germany’s savior. They are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and they reject Nazi racism and violence. The Nazi Lion makes them pay the price.”

Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson

From the Publisher: “As a young girl, Katherine Johnson showed an exceptional aptitude for math. In school she quickly skipped ahead several grades and was soon studying complex equations with the support of a professor who saw great promise in her.

But ability and opportunity did not always go hand in hand. As an African American and a girl growing up in an era of brutal racism and sexism, Katherine faced daily challenges.

Still, she lived her life with her father’s words in mind: “You are no better than anyone else, and nobody else is better than you.”

In the early 1950s, Katherine was thrilled to join the organization that would become NASA. She worked on many of NASA’s biggest projects including the Apollo 11 mission that landed the first men on the moon.”

Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback

Skai Jackson

From the Publisher: “Actress and activist Skai Jackson is a star! Her rise to fame started on the popular Disney Channel shows Bunk’d and Jessie. Her cool sense of style led her to create her own fashion line. And her success has made her a major influencer, with millions of followers on Instagram, who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in.”

The Secret Soldier: Story of Deborah Sampson: The Story of Deborah Sampson

Ann McGovern

From Amazon: “Deborah Sampson wanted to travel and have adventures, but since she had no money, the best way to do that was to join the army. This is the exciting true story of a woman who became a soldier during the American Revolutionary War, by dressing and acting like a man.”

Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board

Bethany Hamilton

This was a favorite book and story when my girls were in middle school. Bethany was a source of inspiration to them for a long time.

There is also a movie you can watch after you read the book. We did watch the movie, but we had to fast-forward through the shark attack scene because it was too intense for them when they were younger.

From the Publisher: “Soul Surfer is a moving account of Bethany’s life as a young surfer, her recovery after the attack, the adjustments she’s made to her unique surfing style, her unprecedented bid for a top showing in the World Surfing Championships, and, most fundamentally, her belief in God.

It is a story of girl power and spiritual grit that shows the body is no more essential to surfing—perhaps even less so—than the soul.”

The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia

Esther Hautzig

From the Publisher: “In June 1941, the Rudomin family is arrested by the Russians. They are accused of being capitalists, “enemies of the people.” Forced from their home and friends in Vilna, Poland, they are herded into crowded cattle cars. Their destination: the endless steppe of Siberia.

For five years, Esther and her family lived in exile, weeding potato fields, working in the mines, and struggling to stay alive. But in the middle of hardship and oppression, the strength of their small family sustains them and gives them hope for the future.”

Chasing Space (Young Readers’ Edition)

Leland Melvin

From the Publisher: “When the former Detroit Lion’s football career was cut short by an injury, Leland didn’t waste time mourning his broken dream. Instead, he found a new one—something that was completely out of this world.

He joined NASA, braved an injury that nearly left him permanently deaf, and still managed to muster the courage and resolve to travel to space on the shuttle Atlantis to help build the International Space Station. Leland’s problem-solving methods and can-do attitude turned his impossible-seeming dream into reality.”

The Notorious Benedict Arnold

Steve Sheinkin

From the Publisher: “Most people know that Benedict Arnold was America’s first, most notorious traitor. Few know that he was also one of its greatest Revolutionary War heroes. Steve Sheinkin’s accessible biography, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, introduces young readers to the real Arnold: reckless, heroic, and driven. Packed with first-person accounts, astonishing American Revolution battle scenes, and surprising twists, this is a gripping and true adventure tale from history.”

Ten Days a Madwoman: The Daring Life and Turbulent Times of Nellie Bly

Deborah Noyes

From the Publisher: “Young Nellie Bly had ambitious goals, especially for a woman at the end of the nineteenth century, when the few female journalists were relegated to writing columns about cleaning or fashion.

But fresh off a train from Pittsburgh, Nellie knew she was destined for more and pulled a major journalistic stunt that skyrocketed her to fame: feigning insanity, being committed to the notorious asylum on Blackwell’s Island, and writing a shocking exposé of the clinic’s horrific treatment of its patients.   Nellie Bly became a household name and raised awareness of political corruption, poverty, and abuses of human rights. Leading an uncommonly full life, Nellie circled the globe in a record seventy-two days and brought home a pet monkey before marrying an aged millionaire and running his company after his death.”

More Books for Middle Schoolers:

If your student is interested in graphic novels (a very popular option) then these graphic novels for middle schoolers are great options.

Our middle school book club enjoyed these 8 titles this year . They were fantastic reads for great discussions!

While these winter themed books for middle school are great in the winter, they can easily be enjoyed at any time of year.

Don’t forget your FREE one-page biography report:

Additional Biography for Kids Books:

Biography picture books your kids will love.

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20 Biography Books For Kids To Help Them Dream Big

Brandie DeRusha

With her MA in English from Rutgers University-Camden, Brandie spends her days chasing around her toddlers and writing. She loves to pair wine with her reading; preferably a Brontë, or an Elliot, or a Woolf novel. Depending on the mood. She currently lives in Florida with her husband, two kids and furry beast.

View All posts by Brandie DeRusha

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, I forgot how to dream for my life. It was in between those “you can do anything you put your mind to” platitudes from my mother, to “you’ll never make any money if you get a degree in art” realities — also from my mother. As a good child, I believed everything people would say about my potential. If I expressed interest in writing or journalism, they would scoff at me that it was “too hard” for me; if it was acting or dancing, it was “too competitive.” Clearly it was confusing and sent me into an adolescent identity crisis. Who could I be if I couldn’t be who I was?

Now, as a grown up and a mother, I realize that in order to live our truth…we must follow our curiosity. We must embrace our curiosity. We must be allowed to explore. To get things wrong. To find out how we individually interpret the world around us. That will help us make the world a better place.

Thankfully, the way has been paved before us by millions of amazing people who refused to internalize the negative messages about their dreams. People who were so into what they were doing that nothing else mattered except that one thing. Who knew that what their heart was saying was the way without someone’s expectations of them.

Here are stories of 20 people who made their own way and changed not only their lives but ours. 20 stories of people who followed their curiously, followed their love, and led the way for us to be a better society. These 20 biography books for kids can help your kids dream big.

20 of the Best Biography Books for Kids

The Story of Harriet Tubman by Christine Platt

Before she became known for her fight to free people from enslavement, she was a little girl who was sad to see her family be separated. Tubman is going to be a key person in most kids’ history classes — so this book also gives a timeline of her life, with age appropriate discussion questions. And if you love this, the series also has Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and Benjamin Franklin biographies, and more.

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Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant and Boris Kulikov

This picture book biography tells the story of how Louis Braille lost his sight and invented an alphabet. Young Braille wanted nothing more than to be able to read after an accident causes him to lose his eyesight. His invention gave blind kids all over the world a new way to navigate a world that wasn’t made for them. This book is not only inspiring, it shows children that everyone is capable of doing good things.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne and Éric Puybaret

Once there was a boy named Jacques. He loved to explore the oceans. This whimsical and poetic biography of Jacques Cousteau will inspire kids to follow their explorer natures, as well as help them realize that every person who has made history started as a kid with curiosity.

Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote by Tanya Lee Stone and Rebecca Gibbon

From a young age, Elizabeth understood that things weren’t equal in her life. How could only a few people have the right to vote? Voting is the foundation of our democracy. So she went to college, gathered like-minded friends, and made their statements, not stopping until women in the United States won the Right to Vote. She was a girl who saw a problem, and grew up to find the solution.

Turning Pages: My Life Story by Sonya Sotomayor and Lulu Delacre

The first Latina on the Supreme Court, Sonya Sotomayor recollects her life and the steps that brought her there. For her, it was books. Books helped her cope with difficulties in her life, connect with her roots, and helped her see that her future was full of possibilities. In her autobiography, Sotomayor encourages kids everywhere to read, dream, and puzzle for themselves.

Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kera Ascoet

As a girl, Malala wished for a magic pencil. A tool she could use to make everyone happy. To make the world around her a little brighter. As she got older she realized that even if she didn’t have a magic pencil, she could still work hard to make the world a better place. Told in a way that’s appropriate to children, we learn about the struggles that Malala faced to follow her dreams and how even then she held onto a hope for a better future for herself and her friends.

Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People by Monica Brown and Julie Paschkis

Sometimes people create with paint, but for a little boy in a city in Chile, words were better. Pablo wrote poems about all the things he loved. Things he found in nature, things his friends made, and the things he found at the marketplace. He wrote about the people of Chile, their struggles and passions. It all started with a little boy who loved to paint with words.

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle and Rafael López

Millo Castro Zaldarriaga dreamed of drumming. However, girls weren’t allowed to drum on her little island. She dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. One day, she decided to follow her dream — what happened next when her bright music was heard was magic: people dancing and singing and deciding that boys and girls can make music. Showing that both boys and girls can be free to drum and dream, Millo’s story is an inspiration for children everywhere.

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and George Ford

Ruby was just a normal 6-year-old until she was chosen to be the first Black person to be enrolled in an all white elementary school. A lot of people didn’t like that idea and said some mean and threatening things. Ruby did what she was told to do, and went to school anyway. How does a little girl change the world? By being brave in the face of racism and injustice.

A Voice Named Aretha by Katheryn Russel-Brown and Laura Freeman

How did a quiet and shy girl from Detroit become the Queen of Soul and the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? She stayed true to herself and her ideals by refusing to play for segregated audiences and never forgetting her roots. She stood up for what was right. Aretha Franklin proved that with passion, perseverance, and R-E-S-P-E-C-T, you can do anything.

Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician by Lesa Cline-Ransome and Raúl Colón

When NASA used mathematicians called “human computers,” one woman stood out among them all. Katherine Johnson was integral in getting John Glen around the world, helping men walk on the moon, and getting Apollo 13 home safely. This book is for girls who love numbers — who don’t let problems stand in the way from the work.

Vincent Can’t Sleep by Barb Rosenstock and Mary Grandpre

Vincent Can’t Sleep is the story of how one of the most beloved and creative artists found his inspiration. When Vincent Van Gogh couldn’t sleep, he’d walk during the night, giving him the inspiration for his famous painting Starry Night . With lovely poetic writing, it tells kids to follow their passion, even if they don’t see the return in their lifetime. (Maybe wait to walk outside at night alone until after they’ve grown up, though.)

Magic Ramen by Andrea Wang and Kana Urbanowicz

“Peace follows a full stomach,” thought Momofuko Ando while working in his lab to find a quick, easy, and tasty way of making ramen soup. He wanted to help those in the long daily lines for soup after WWII. This is the story of one man, his commitment to his cause, and the world’s most popular “easy soup.”

Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills by Renée Watson and Christian Robinson

Florence was a little girl who loved to sing. She also loved her parents, who were formerly enslaved. So when her beautiful singing and dancing inspired patrons and playwrights alike, she knew that she wouldn’t be happy without standing up to the injustice that she saw daily.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and Elizabeth Baddeley

“Disagreeing does not make you disagreeable” was something that young Ruth Bader Ginsberg had to learn. This book is the first picture book of Ginsberg’s life. Kids get to see how one girl who stood up for what she believed and became the most beloved Supreme Court justice.

Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos by Stephanie Roth Sisson

“The Earth and every living thing are made of star stuff.” —Carl Sagan. As a boy, Carl Sagan loved learning about the stars. His trip to the 1939 World’s Fair opened up the universe to Carl. A boy who was captured by the wonder of the cosmos became a man who would launch satellites and teach the world about the stars.

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls

Sometimes being told you can’t do a thing gives you all the incentive to do it more, especially if EVERYONE thinks you can’t. Emmanuel Ofosu Yepoah only had one leg — and this is the true story of how he biked across the entire country of Ghana (almost 400 miles!) and went on change the way many people in his country thought about people with disabilities.

She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story by Audrey Vernick and Don Tate

Effa Manley loved baseball. She loved to go Yankee Stadium and see Babe Ruth swing for the fences. Soon she became her own hero by becoming the manager and owner of the Newark Eagles. Effa was the first (and only) woman inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame, because of her work with the Eagles. From a girl growing up in Philly to a Hall of Famer, Manley shows us how to swing for the fences.

Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix by Gary Golio and Javaka Steptoe

Can someone paint pictures with sound? Jimi was a normal kid who loved to paint and listen to music. This is the story of a kid who interpreted the world in his own unique way, and over time learned how to weave music and imagery to become one of the most influential people in the world.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora

Mary Walker was born into slavery. She had her first child at the age of 20, lived through a Civil War and two World Wars, and worked many many jobs. Finally, at the young age of 116, Mary Walker learned how to read, proving that it is never too late to follow your dreams and also recognize how incredible life can be.

Want even more after reading this list? Check out historical fiction classics for kids and these picture book biographies of Black leaders and creatives.

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Middle School Biography Books That Will Inspire Tweens

Tweens can learn a lot by reading middle school biography books . When you think about the best books for middle grade students, this genre should definitely be on every homeschooler’s reading list.

Biographies give kids the chance to learn about the lives of extraordinary people. Their stories are interesting and informative and without a doubt will inspire and challenge your tweens and teens. 

That is to say, this book style lets readers see life from another person’s perspective. It helps them appreciate different cultures, beliefs, and values.

Reading middle grade biographies will certainly broaden your child’s horizons!

If your kids are hesitant to read biographies, it’s important to realize that the people in these books have important stories to tell. Particularly, about their daily life, something amazing they’ve accomplished, or challenges they’ve overcome. 

Table of Contents

What is a biography?

In short, a biography is a type of book that tells the true story of an individual’s life that’s written by someone else.

It’s slightly different from an autobiography or a memoir. An autobiography is a person’s story written by themselves and a memoir is a collection of stories (or memories) told in their own words.

One of the best things about the biography genre is that it gives readers a glimpse into the lives of prominent contemporary and historical people.

It typically focuses on someone’s achievements and experiences, and in addition, often includes personal things like family relationships, health issues, and character traits.

Why Should Middle Schoolers Read Biographies?

Biographies are an important part of any reading plan, but especially so for tweens. Middle school is the stage when kids are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit into the world. That is to say, they need role models.

This genre gives tweens the chance to study the achievements of well-known people, their various attributes, and the obstacles they overcame to reach their goals.

Biography books are motivating and can be a source of inspiration for middle schoolers who are in the process of finding themselves. As they read these impactful stories, they’ll discover each person has something special within them and that it’s possible to use those qualities to affect the world around them.

What are the Benefits of Reading Biographies?

There are many benefits to kids reading biography books, including:

• opening up different worlds to kids by sharing the lives of influential men and women
• conveying the context within which history happened
• encouraging young readers to think critically about current events and inspiring them to become more engaged citizens
• teaching tweens empathy
• increasing vocabulary and comprehension skills

Choosing a Biography

One thing I love about biographies is that there are so many to choose from. On the other hand, this can also make it difficult to pick titles for your kids to read.

It might help to sit down with your tween and make a list of individuals they would like to learn more about. In this case, having a list of specific people they want to get to know better will help you narrow down your search.

Biography Report Form

To help direct their learning, encourage your tween to use this biography report template .

It’s a wonderful tool that will help them dive deeper into the life of an extraordinary person and learn how to organize research material.

Middle School Biography Books

A biography is the perfect type of book for inquisitive kids. The stories are motivating, engaging, and entertaining and may even help middle schoolers discover their own unique strengths.

Also, they’re some of the best nonfiction books for homeschoolers and should be essential reading in subject areas like language arts, science, and history.

Here are some of our favorite stories that are perfect for kids in 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade. Some of them even highlight young people. Those who are stepping up to make a difference, taking action right now to improve the lives of themselves and those around them.

All of these stories are important, inspirational, and fascinating and should be read by all middle grade students.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. There are thousands of stories to choose from, so there’s no way to include them all here.

Any links in this post may be affiliate links. See my disclosure statement .

Biographies for Middle Schoolers

These middle school biography books are all stories of people who have done important things and made a difference. They're a great way to learn about what their lives were like and how they broke through barriers and persevered.

Encourage your tween to apply the lessons they learn in their own life.

Who Is Greta Thunberg?

Learn about this impressive Swedish teen that's challenging the world to think differently about climate change and our role in saving the environment.

Asian American Women in Science

Introduce your tweens to 15 Asian American women who are pioneers in science.

The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery

Sure, we all know he was a traitor, but do you know the full story of Benedict Arnold?

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes

Kids will love these short stories of 17 famous Asian Pacific American women who changed the game and excelled in their sport.

Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune

Introduce your tweens to one of the most important samurai in the history of Japan.

Ten Days a Madwoman: The Daring Life and Turbulent Times of the Original "Girl" Reporter, Nellie Bly

Journalist Nellie Bly had herself institutionalized in order to expose the poor treatment of the patients housed inside the well-known asylum on Blackwell's Island. Readers will learn about her life and writing career.

Home of the Brave: 15 Immigrants Who Shaped U.S. History

Read about the lives of 15 extraordinary people who came to America and used their gifts, talents, and intellect to shape their world and history.

John Muir: Young Naturalist

If your family enjoys exploring nature, this book is a must-read.

Discover why even as a young boy John Muir was so passionate about the natural world and how his early childhood led him to fight for the preservation of acres of beautiful wilderness and create the Sierra Club.

Man Called Horse: John Horse and the Black Seminole Underground Railroad

This book will introduce teens to the life John Horse, a Black Seminole leader, diplomat, and heroic warrior.

He spent his life fighting for the freedom and survival of his people against the government, rival tribes, and slave hunters.

Who Was Frida Kahlo?

Learn about the life story of this famous painter whose artwork is instantly recognizable thanks to the artist herself.

Leaders and Thinkers in American History: 15 Influential People You Should Know

This book will introduce tweens to 15 influential people throughout American history.

Trailblazers: Jackie Robinson: Breaking Barriers in Baseball

Learn about how Jackie Robinson changed the game of baseball.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers

This book will introduce you to 100 stories of young women who are working hard to create a better future and world.

Serena Williams

Learn about the obstacles Serena Williams overcame from a young age to become the world's best tennis player.

Who Was Annie Oakley?

Annie Oakley was a trailblazer who pushed aside all the cultural norms of her day. As a famous sharpshooter, she traveled all over the world with the renowned Buffalo Bill show during the wild west time period.

Lincoln's Spymaster: Allan Pinkerton, America's First Private Eye

Allan Pinkerton was America's first private eye who worked with his undercover team to catch all kinds of outlaws. President Lincoln funded his network, which ushered in the Secret Service.

Dian Fossey: Animal Rights Activist and Protector of Mountain Gorillas

If your tweens love animals, they need to know the story of Dian Fossey. She spent years studying, protecting, and fighting for the mountain gorillas in Africa.

Trailblazers: Martin Luther King, Jr.: Fighting for Civil Rights

No biography reading list would be complete without the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his role fighting for social justice and the civil rights movement.

16th Century Superstar: Da Vinci

This book will show tweens how much Da Vinci's projects, artwork, and inventions changed the world.

Native Americans in History

In this book, older kids will read about 15 influential Native Americans and their important accomplishments.

Lin-Manuel Miranda: Revolutionary Playwright, Composer, and Actor

If your family is a fan of the musical Hamilton, you'll want to read this story about Lin-Manuel Miranda and how he has influenced the arts.

Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Before and after taking her seat on the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought for gender equality and women's rights. She was the first woman of Jewish faith to sit on the court.

Rising Above: How 11 Athletes Overcame Challenges in Their Youth to Become Stars

Sports-loving tweens will enjoy reading about the trials and achievements of these 11 famous athletes.

Isaac Newton: The Scientist Who Changed Everything

Older kids will enjoy reading about the life and work of Isaac Newton, one of the most important scientists throughout history. His theories led to big changes in various fields.

DK Life Stories: Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson was a NASA mathematician who was instrumental in putting a man on the moon. A true trailblazer, she overcame many obstacles before being a part of the Apollo space program.

As I have shown, there are a ton of different types of middle school biographies out there, however, it’s easy to choose an excellent one to read. If your tween is struggling with one, pick a different style. They vary widely and you want to find something that grabs and keeps your child’s attention.

Don’t forget to grab your biography book report form !

More Books for Middle Schoolers

Looking for more book lists for your tweens and teens? Check these out.

• Classic Books
• Personal Growth Books
• Newbery Award Winning Books
• Amazing Animal Books
• Adventure Books for Middle School

If your kids struggle with reading, consider switching over to audiobooks . They’re a lifesaver for some families, including those who love read aloud time.

Kids can listen on their devices, like a Kindle Fire . Of course, you can also play books in the car as you travel.

Which one of these middle school biography books is your tween most excited to read?

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Top 10 Biography And Autobiography Middle Grade Books

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100 Best Books for 7th Graders (12 Year Olds)

This post may contain affiliate links.

There are so many upper middle grade books for 7th graders in middle school ages 12 and 13, so how do you find the best book reading choices for your 7th grade student or child?

Using my background as a teacher, parent, and book reviewer, I’ve written a curated list of my top book picks with reviews for 7th graders to help you find good middle-grade books for 7th graders with different interests, topics, and genres!

I update this book list on a monthly basis to include the newest releases. Last updated November 2023!

Top 7th Grade Fantasy Books

• Amari and the Night Brothers  by B.B. Alston
• The Ruins of Gorlan: Ranger’s Apprentice by John A. Flanagan
• Willa of the Wood  by Robert Beatty
• Once There Was  by Kiyash Monsef
• An Ember in the Ashes  by Sabaa Tahir
• Barren Grounds: The Misewa Saga  by David A. Robertson
• Legend of the Dream Giants  by Dustin Hansen 
• Unwanteds  by Lisa McMann

For a bit easier books, read the  Best Books for 6th Graders, 11 Year Olds . Also, look for the label SHORT by the genre tag to find books that are shorter reads.

For short nonfiction books, which I love giving to readers,  try this book list .

Best Coming of Age Books for 7th Grade Boys and Girls

• How to Stay Invisible  by Maggie C. Rudd
• The Probability of Everything  by Sarah Everett
• The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn  by Sally J. Pla
• Rain Rising  by Courtne Comrie 
• A Monster Calls  by Patrick Ness
• House Arrest  by K.A. Holt (verse)
• Starfish  by Lisa Fipps
• No Place Like Home  by James Bird
• Orbiting Jupiter  by Gary D. Schmidt
• Rare Birds  by Jeff Miller
• Across the Desert   by Dusti Bowling 
• Maybe He Just Likes You  by Barbara Dees
• Sara and the Search for Normal   by Wesley King
• Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel  by Jason Reynolds 

What if my 12 year old needs harder books?

For more challenging books, check out my  Best Book for Teens list   or  Challenging Books for Young Advanced Readers .

Get a PDF download of the top books from this 7th grade book list!

What are the best book series for 7th graders.

• Best Book Series for 7th Graders

Best Books for 7th Graders (12 year olds)

Amari and the Night Brothers  by B.B. Alston FANTASY   Fantastic fantasy world-building, excellent writing, a strong Black female heroine, and a surprise plot twist ending are just a few reasons you’ll love this book.  Amari’s beloved older brother has vanished but she gets a virtual message from him revealing that she’s a magician and will get to attend a secret magician school. At the school, she discovers she’s actually an outlawed dark magic magician. Amari knows she’s not evil and is determined to prove it and stay in the school so she can find her missing brother who used to attend there.

How to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd REALISTIC A heartbreaking and hopeful survival story . Raymond’s neglectful parents abandon him completely so he takes his dog Rosie, and they set up camp in the woods behind his middle school. There, he survives on his own, foraging in dumpsters and fishing for food as he continues to attend school. When a playful coyote hurts Rosie, he meets an old man who helps them both — which is especially significant because it’s over the Christmas break when he can’t get dumpster food from school. Raymond doesn’t want to tell anyone, including the old man or his two friends at school, what he’s surviving, but the truth comes out when another boy discovers his campsite and a snake bite almost kills him. HOW TO STAY INVISIBLE is a powerful story of grit, survival, and longing for family.

Allies  by Alan Gratz HISTORICAL FICTION Written from many different voices about one day in history, readers easily can see the massive amount of cooperation, planning, and troops from different countries involved in D-Day  (when the Allies invaded France at Normandy.) We hear from an American teenage soldier who was born in Germany, a French Algerian girl whose mom who is a recently captured spy,  a Canadian paratrooper who lands in the wrong spot, and an American black medic. It’s violent and disheartening yet despite terrible losses, racism, and injuries, the fighters persist despite everything to accomplish their goal — to take back the area for the Allies. What an incredible retelling of this day!

Ali Cross  by James Patterson MYSTERY ADVENTURE If you want an enthralling adventure & mystery book for 7th graders that you can’t put down, read this one next.  It’s Christmas Eve. Ali’s friend Gabe is missing, his FBI-agent dad is falsely accused of murdering an old man, and someone broke into their house while they were at church and stole his dad’s service weapon. Ali knows he has to try to fix things, starting by finding his friend Gabe. Don’t miss book two,  Like Father, Like Son .

The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett REALISTIC (For this book review, I’m not going to tell you too much about the story– because it would spoil your reading experience.) Kemi adores her close-knit family, her African American artist mom, her baby sister, a baby sibling on the way, and most of all, her beloved Nigerian dad. When an asteroid threatens everyone on Earth with imminent death, Kemi and her family leave for her cousins’ house, where she starts a time capsule. The exceptional storytelling is emotional (I cried SO MUCH) and important with themes of family, racism, and values. A must-read, must-experience-for-yourself-kind-of book.

The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity written by Nicholas Day, illustrated by Brett Helquist NONFICTION You will love the incredible writing, the fun illustrations, the biographical information about the curious, brilliant, and distractable Leonardo Da Vinci, the other art heists from the poorly guarded Louvre (one involving Pablo Picasso), the burgeoning science of fingerprints to replace France’s ear-measuring methodology and the surprising, eventual discovery of the Mona Lisa. Interestingly, the Mona Lisa wasn’t a well-known painting until this art heist in 1911. And the Louvre wasn’t well-attended until after this dramatic theft. The theft was dramatic because the thief simply walked out with the stolen painting tucked under his shirt. Highly recommended!

Louder Than Hunger  by John Schu REALISTIC   VERSE After facing relentless bullying, middle schooler Jake’s mean Voice is the loudest thing he hears. Soon, Jake trusts the Voice and listens to it when it tells him he needs to be thinner, he shouldn’t eat, he shouldn’t trust anyone, and nobody loves him.  His  anorexia  gets so bad that he’s hospitalized with the Voice sabotaging him every step of the way. But after months of struggle, Jake finds a glimmer of hope and it makes all the difference.  The writing is exquisite  — every word, every line break, every capitalization, every bit of dialogue brings us on this painful journey.

Rain Rising  by Courtne Comrie  REALISTIC RAIN RISING is a multilayered story about mental health , racism, family, friendship, and self-love — with a main character that you’ll cheer on through her complicated growing-up journey.  Rain’s older brother Xander gets brutally attacked and barely speaks anymore. Rain can barely cope. In an after-school group, she starts to make new friends, and she slowly finds her way back to health through therapy and group support. Intense and heartbreaking and heart-putting back together, This good book for 7th graders is important, beautiful, and hard to put down.

Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II  written by Adam Gitwitz HISTORICAL FICTION Max is a super-smart  Jewish  boy living in Germany during World War II. He loves his family and tinkering with radios. Then,  his parents send Max to safety on the Kindertransport.  He’s joined by two personality-filled (grumpy) mythical creatures, a dybbuk and a kobold, living on his shoulders. Once in England, Max’s sole focus is returning to Germany to help his parents. His clever tactics impress the British spies, and the government agrees to recruit Max if he can pass their rigorous spy training. Brilliant, exciting, and funny!

A Monster Calls  by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay MAGICAL REALISM Worth reading and rereading because there are layers of meaning, skillful writing, and a haunting truthtelling that resonates with us all.  Ever since Conor’s mom got breast cancer, a wild, ancient tree monster visits Conor’s nightmares.  The monster demands that Conor admit the truth about his mother, but Conor refuses. In the awake world, Conor moves in with his cold, unfriendly grandmother. The metaphorical nightmare echoes Conor’s real-world experiences as we journey with him into pain, loss, and eventually, healing. Astonishing and powerful, this is one of the best books I’ve EVER read.

Gone to the Woods  by Gary Paulsen MEMOIR This is a compelling, disturbing, and hopeful childhood story of hardship and survival  with moments of kindness and time in nature that sustain the neglected, determined young boy. I highly recommend this book for 7th grader book clubs and 12-year-olds who like  survival stories .

What Happened to Rachel Riley?  by Claire Swinarski REALISTIC / SEXUAL HARASSMENT Stunning, thought-provoking, and anger-inducing,  this is a superbly written story about an ostracized middle school girl and the new student determined to figure out why…It’s about sexual harassment and negligent teachers,  girls touched without consent, and the path out of that shame toward justice and empowerment. I highly recommend this middle grade book for middle school  book clubs  and everyone!

The Last Cuentista   by Donna Barba Higuera  SCIENCE FICTION Petra is on a spaceship traveling to a new home after the Earth is destroyed.  When Petra awakens, she learns that her parents have been killed and her brother is missing, plus all the other humans’ memories have been erased. Except for her’s! Petra is determined to foil the sinister Collective’s plan to control everyone, but she plays the part of a mind-controlled teenager and secretly shares Mexican cuentos with the other Zetas. Her determination will save not only the Zetas but possibly an entire civilization of settlers. Petra is a brave, fierce girl who shows us that we are less than human without art, music, and stories.  Había una vez…

And Then Boom  by Lisa Fipps REALISTIC /  POVERTY  /  VERSE Joe experiences so many bad things that his first person narration takes us on an emotional, difficult journey that sometimes is hard to read.  And then, boom! Even more bad things happen. (IKR?) When his mom abandons him again, he lives with his grandma in her trailer home where he’s happy and finally has food. Until,… I’m not going to spoil it for you. But Joe finds kindness from his friends, the manager of the trailer park, and the dog that he rescues. Written in first person verse,  And Then, Boom!  takes readers on an emotional journey of heartbreak to hope about poverty, friendship, family, kindness, and love.

The Night War   by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley HISTORICAL FICTION When the French in Paris round up the Jews for Nazi prison camps, Miri and her neighbor’s baby escape with the help of a Catholic nun.  To help them survive, Miri is renamed and sent to a Catholic school for safety and her “baby sister” is adopted by a Catholic family. At the school, Miri begins to help other Jews flee Nazi-controlled France and is helped by the complicated ghost of Catherine de Medici, who thinks Miri is her gardener. But when Miri finds out that her little sister is about to be baptized, she plans their escape for the next day. Miri is a heroic main character with an emotionally compelling story.

A Duet for Home  by Karina Yan Glaser REALISTIC /  HOMELESSNESS A powerful story with complex, three-dimensional characters about grief, family, community, and homelessness. When their family becomes homeless after her dad dies, June helps her little sister and non-speaking mom get settled at Huey House.  Despite the shock of their new situation, June finds kindness from many of the people at the shelter. But when Mrs. G, their social worker gets fired for not agreeing to the city’s new homeless policies, June helps organize a protest and discovers that home isn’t a place and family isn’t always blood.

The Brave  by James Bird REALISTIC When Collin, a neurodiverse boy, gets kicked out of another school, his neglectful father sends Collin to live with his mom.  Collin has never met his mother but he’s curious to meet her and live on the Ojibwe reservation. Living with her is a totally different experience than his previous home — because with his mother, he’s welcomed and not judged. He befriends the neighbor girl who teaches Collin how to be brave. Which he needs. And so does she because she’s going to be a butterfly soon…

Maybe He Just Likes You  by Barbara Dees REALISTIC Middle schooler Mila is feeling trapped— a group of basketball-playing boys is getting too close, grabbing her, touching her, and then telling her that she’s imagining it.  Ignoring doesn’t stop the behaviors, neither does telling an adult, telling her friends, or wearing baggier clothing. Now her toxic friend Zara is acting mad and jealous that Mila’s getting the boys’ attention. Unexpectedly, Mila finds her strength when she starts karate classes. That helps her find what works to put a stop to the harassment.  This is one of the essential books for 7th graders; it should be shared widely with middle school boys and girls. 

House Arrest  by K.A. Holt REALISTIC You’ll feel so many emotions reading this tender, heartwarming story that shows a brave boy who feels anger, fear, worry, and love over his challenging situation.  Timothy is under house arrest for the next year, living with a brother who needs constant medical care, and feeling so much pain over his big life changes.  Part of his year-long punishment is to meet with a probation officer, meet with a therapist, and write in a journal which is the book we’re reading. When his little brother gets assigned an abusive new nurse, Timothy feels like even if he gets thrown in juvie, he must do something drastic to help his brother. Written in poetic verse , this great book speeds along and pulls your heart along with it.

Sona and the Golden Beasts  written by Rajani LaRocca FANTASY In a world divided by race, Sona rescues a forbidden but sacred wolf pup with golden ears chased by a hunter. He’ll stop at nothing to kill the pup and steal its gemstone. To save the wolf, Sona flees to her grandmother’s after learning that she’s an illegal child of both the ruling class and the persecuted class. To save her sick grandmother from the goldstorm, Sona and her mistrustful cousin travel across the country to find the sacred drops that are only given to the worthy and give them to her grandmother.  It’s an exciting adventure in a unique world reminiscent of India’s history in which our heroine faces moral quandaries, the complexities of humanity, and the power of forgiveness and kindness. 

The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival   written by Estelle Nadel, Sammy Savos, and Bethany Strout, art by Sammy Strout HISTORICAL FICTION In this true story of the  Holocaust , Enia lived a carefree life of family and singing in Poland.  But everything changed when she was seven years old, and the Nazis came. The Nazis took her father, who was never seen again and the rest of her family fled into hiding. Kind neighbors hid Enia’s family in an attic, but soon, it was only Enia and her brother in hiding for several years. Despite deaths, betrayal, and years of hiding, Enia’s survival instincts carried her through. This is a beautifully crafted historical fiction graphic biography for ages 10+. It’s  an emotional journey of survival, love, and hope  in the most harrowing times. I highly recommend this  graphic novel , now more than ever.

Hands  by Torrey Maldonado CONTEMPORARY (SHORT) Trev thinks a lot about throwing hands.  He starts learning how to box so he can protect his mom and sisters when his stepdad gets out of jail. But when his Uncle Larry, Quick and Uncle Frankie all ask him why and encourage him to use his brain, Trev sees how fighting could make things even more of a mess. And that if he wants to have a future, he can use his hands differently than fighting, including for his drawings. Maldonado writes shorter books so keep that in mind if your 7th grader is looking for a short book.

The Ruins of Gorlan: Ranger’s Apprentice  book 1 by John A. Flanagan FANTASY Will is apprenticed to become a Ranger, a job he’s unsure about. But as he develops a relationship with his master and learns what being a Ranger is all about (spying for the kingdom,) and comes to embrace his new life. When an old enemy of the kingdom sends out dangerous beasts to attack Will’s master, Will is instrumental in getting help and killing the creatures.  Action, fantasy, adventure, friendship, excellent writing — this book series has it all!   Ranger’s Apprentice  is a must-read, mesmerizing epic fantasy.

Starfish  by Lisa Fipps REALISTIC / BODY IMAGE & SIZE /  VERSE Heartbreaking and inspiring, this poignant book for 7th grade readers in verse shows a girl who learns, after years of fat-shaming and bullying, to define herself  not  based on what others say but on who she really is.  Ellie’s mom won’t buy her new clothes because she thinks it encourages Ellie’s weight gain and is pushing for a dangerous gastro-bypass surgery. Fortunately, Ellie gets support from an understanding therapist who helps her move from powerless to powerful — and accept herself as she is–beautiful and worthy. 

Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston REALISTIC FICTION A deeply moving story of 12-year-old Sharkita, who has been in and out of  foster care  since she was three and is the primary parent for her two younger siblings , one of whom has special needs. Returning home from foster care, Sharkita hopes things will be different but is waiting for her mama to be herself again, leaving them alone for days and drinking too much. When her best friend convinces Sharkita to go out for twirling with the cool new Vice Principal coach, it’s the first time she’s done something for herself and not her siblings. Then, when the unthinkable happens, Sharkita’s life of constant crisis and debilitating anxiety is revealed…and  maybe the worst thing ever will lead to something better.

Code Name Kingfisher  written by Liz Kessler HISTORICAL FICTION WWII Written from four points of view (which WHAT A FEAT!), this  middle grade historical fiction novel is moving, well-written, and fascinating. In the present day,  Liv gets a school assignment to research her family history, but her Bubbe, who is in a nursing home, won’t talk about her past. When Liv and her classmate clean out Bubbe’s attic, they discover pieces of Bubbe’s secret past. In the past, Bubbe aka. Mila is a Jewish girl in Holland sent with her sister to live with a Christian family for safety. Mila’s sister writes diary entries about joining the resistance and taking dangerous risks to save Jewish children. Learning about her heritage and how her Bubbe and her sister stood up to the Nazi bullies gives Liv the courage to do the same in the present day. Incredible.

Telephone of the Tree  written by Alison McGhee REALISTIC / LGBTQ+ Tear alert–this book will make you cry SO HARD! Ayla always relied on her friendship with her nonbinary best friend Kiri who is gone. Ayla is waiting for Kiri to get back. When a telephone appears on her tree, she wonders if it’s magic. It seems to help people who stop to talk to their loved ones who have died. Ayla refuses to use the telephone for a long time. When she does accept what happened,  it’s heartbreaking to witness her grief.

The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree  by Lucille Abendadon HISTORICAL FICTION Set in the Dutch East Indies during World War II, this is a stunning based-on-a-true story about friendship, survival, grief, prejudice, and equity.  Emmy’s best friend is Bakti, a Javenese boy whose mom cooks for Emmy and her dad. She’s shocked to learn Bakti’s angry because he can’t go to school and his support for the Japenese invasion. When the Japanese invade, they separate Emmy from her dad, and she’s sent to a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp for several years. As she survives the camp’s death and starvation and befriends her former enemy, she learns what’s important. It’s a moving story with an interesting history that I couldn’t put down!

Willa of the Wood  by Robert Beatty HISTORICAL  FANTASY Set in the time of early American settlers, this is  a beautiful story of love about a night spirit who is still connected to the powerful wood magic of her ancestors . When Willa accidentally discovers that her clan is keeping human captives and forbidden technology, her Faeran clan leader wants her dead. Fleeing the danger of her home, Willa cautiously observes a human man, slowly learning to trust him. When she realizes that one of his children was one of the human captives she saw, Willa knows she must return to her clan and make things right.

No Place Like Home by James Bird REALISTIC / HOMELESSNESS / OJIBWE Beautiful character development, vivid details, and a strong narrative voice draw you into this story about homelessness, Ojibwe culture, growing up, family, and the love of a dog. Based on James’ childhood, Opin is a sweet, hopeful boy who lives with his mom and his older brother in their car, traveling from city to city. He adores his mother, but he’s scared of his angry, violent older brother, who comes and goes as he pleases. When Opin finds a hurt dog, the love of a dog fills a friend void for Opin–until his brother takes the dog away. Despite the challenges of Opin’s life, beauty and joy are threaded throughout this compelling story that is one of the best of 2023. *Sensitive readers, there are a few swear words.

Rare Birds by Jeff Miller REALISTIC / SAD 288 pages Graham’s mom moves them to Florida to wait for a heart transplant. When his mom gets approved, Graham stays with his mom’s friend and his angry son. Fortunately, at the hospital, he befriends a girl named Lou. When he finds his mom’s rare bird journal, Lou helps him search for the last bird on the list–the Snail Kite. But because there’s prize money for finding the bird, bully kids not only thwart them but endanger them–stranding Lou and Graham in a swamp with a giant alligator and no cell service. The friends’ search is filled with challenges, which they face with bravery and determination, including the truth about Lou. I loved the two-page chapter lengths and the emotionally resonate story of friendship and family that will make you cry.

Free Lunch  by Rex Ogle REALISTIC / MEMOIR Powerful, memorable, and beautifully written for mature readers,  Ogle writes about surviving his poverty and violence-filled childhood. It’s sixth grade, and every lunch, Rex must loudly announce to the hard-of-hearing lunch ladies that he gets free lunch. Not only is Rex shamed by free lunch but also his outfits and constant hunger and violent home life. It’s ultimately a story of survival that may be relatable to some readers and will build empathy in others.

Ghost Boys  by Jewell Parker Rhodes REALISTIC This book brilliantly  addresses the very real issue of police violence against black children , but it does not vilify or stereotype. The author shows us the complexity of issues and the humanity of a police officer from the perspective of his daughter. After Jerome is shot by her father, he becomes a ghost. Sarah, the policeman’s daughter, is the only one who can see and talk to him except for the other ghost boys who were also killed in racially motivated violence. It’s a well-written, fast-paced read but one that is going to stay with you as you ponder the important topics it addresses.

Lockwood & Co The Screaming Staircase  by Jonathan Stroud GHOST ADVENTURE Dangerous ghosts and spirits are appearing everywhere in London, but only certain kids can see them.  Teens Lucy, Anthony, and George badly need money for their ghost-hunting agency, Lockwood & Co., so they take a perilous job that, if the ghosts have their way, may just be their last. It’s also a  book made into a Netflix show !  BOXED SET.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus  by Dusti Bowling REALISTIC Aven Green is used to making up creative stories for why she doesn’t have any arms. Especially now in Arizona where her parents are the new managers of a rundown theme park. She befriends a boy at school who, like her, feels different and isolated from the other kids. His name is Connor and he has  Tourette Syndrome. Together, he, another new friend named Zion, and Aven investigate a mysterious storage shed that connects to Aven’s past.  This story is about restorative friendship,  facing your fears , and discovering your true (significant) potential.  

Once There Was  by Kiyash Monsef FANTASY This brilliant book mesmerized me from the first page with layered storytelling, plot twists, and surprises. Marjan’s alone and the owner of her dad’s veterinary practice since he died, even though she’s only a sophomore in high school. When asked to help a sick gryffin,  she’s shocked to discover her father’s secret job as a mythical creature vet.  She tries to unravel the lies and secrets in her father’s life, including if he was murdered, but the world of magical creatures is confusing and filled with trickery. Marjan isn’t sure if she can trust her instincts about right and wrong…and she feels like she’s missing part of herself. Woven within the narrative story are her father’s Iranian folktales about mythical creatures. Worth every page!

Black Bird, Blue Road  by Sofiya Pasternack  HISTORICAL FANTASY Set in the historical Turkic Jewish empire of Khazaria, Ziva’s beloved twin brother with leprosy continues to deteriorate , and she learns he’ll be taken by her uncle, so she steals him away to search for a cure. Along their journey, they meet a half-demon boy who tells them about a mythical city where the Angel of Death can not enter. They journey toward the city and Ziva clings to the hope that the city will be the answer to everything. She’ll bargain and beg with Death, but ultimately, she’ll have to accept that in life, we all must die. This feels like an epic adventure and will sure to be a favorite new book.

An Ember in the Ashes  by Sabaa Tahir HISTORICAL / FANTASY Part historical (ancient Rome) and part fantasy, Elias and Laia live in a world that enslaves them both in different ways — Elias with fighting and Laia with serving and spying.  This is an epic page-turning series with lots of mystery, action, and a hint of romance.  It’s SO good that it’s one of the most popular YA books right now but one that could be read by younger readers in 7th grade.

The Fort  by Gordon Korman (his 100th book!) REALISTIC Tension-filled, disturbing, and powerful, this story alternates the points of view of a group of boys who are each dealing with their own struggles including poverty, OCD, bullying, and domestic abuse.  When the boys discover an abandoned bomb shelter in the forest, they make it their fort, which becomes a special and safe place. When one boy, the outsider who isn’t friends with everyone yet, figures out what’s happening with the abused boy who is secretly sleeping in the fort, all the friends try to help him, but it’s tricky and complicated.

Barren Grounds: The Misewa Saga  by David A. Robertson FANTASY /  INDIGENOUS CULTURE Foster  kids with Indigenous heritage , Morgan and Eli, discover a portal in the attic leading to a magical world of Cree language and mythology.  It’s a world with talking animals who walk on two legs and need their help. Ochek, the Fischer, asks the kids to end the starving community’s forever winter by finding the human man who stole all the birds and, with them, summer. Their dangerous quest triggers Morgan’s memories of her mother and a new perspective on who she is. The children travel far with their new friends and experience danger and trials in order to save this beautiful world.

How To Find What You’re Not Looking For  by Veera Hiranandani HISTORICAL FICTION In a beautiful story of family, love, and forgiveness, a Jewish girl named Ariel’s older sister falls in love and runs away to marry a Hindu boy after the Loving vs. Virginia verdict.  Ariel misses her sister terribly, but her parents refuse to talk about her sister or let Ariel have her sister’s contact information. Meanwhile, Ariel’s  teacher thinks she has a learning disability called dysgraphia but Ariel’s mom  refuses to consider it. Her  teacher encourages her to write poetry  which helps her express her feelings.

Legend of the Dream Giants  by Dustin Hansen  FANTASY Gorgeous, sensory writing fills the pages of this beautifully-crafted story about a young, naive giant named Berg who is searching for his place in the world.  He doesn’t want to be like the monstrous but because he’s so innocent, he’s tricked and becomes a prisoner of a town. This one of my favorite books for 7th graders about trust, hope, belonging, friendship, and truth.

Steelheart  by Brandon Sanderson SCI-FI I love this unique world with its plot twists and turns. E pics are super-powerful, evil god-like creatures who control the world’s cities . Because David’s father was killed by Chicago’s Epic named Steelheart, David wants revenge. He joins the rebel group, the Reckoners, to learn how to assassinate Steelheart– a next to impossible feat for a regular human like him. This is a page-turning, mesmerizing YA book series.  Boxed Set HERE .

Children of the Fox  by Kevin Sands  FANTASY ADVENTURE Callan’s a gaffer who joins a group of kids who are hired by a Weaver to steal something magical called the Eye. It’s a tricky job with not enough time to plan and all the kids know it’s dangerous but the monetary reward is too tempting. The misfits use their individual skills including climbing, mapping, acrobatics, and knife throwing to plan a heist in less than a week.  It’s an exciting, complex, and unexpected plot involving magic and mythological gods from the stories with themes of problem-solving, friendship, and trust that ends with both an amazing resolution  and  a cliffhanger. 

Escape from Atlantis  by Kate O’Hearn ADVENTURE Don’t miss this wildly inventive, exciting, and thought-provoking adventure.  Riley, her dad, her cousin, and her aunt are sailing in the Bermuda Triangle when they’re attacked by a leviathan. Riley and her unpleasant cousin, Alfie, wake up on an island with overly friendly, rule-centered people including half-animal people. They soon learn the sinister truth of the rule-centric community and are determined to escape. What a great book for 7th graders!

Across the Desert   by Dusti Bowling  REALISTIC  / DRUG ADDICTION Across the Desert   is a stunning story about a brave girl who has been secretly dealing with her mother’s opioid addiction. Jolene is the only person who knows that her only friend Addie has crashed her ultralight plane alone in the middle of the desert. So Jolene steals her mom’s phone and credit card to takes the bus as close as she can to Addie’s location. On the bus, she meets a kind and helpful teenager named Marty who, despite Jolene’s reluctance and mistrust, helps Jolene.  The story is about trust, relationships, boundaries, addiction, survival, and family; it’s also an emotional journey of inner and outer strength that leads to hope and healing. 

Taking Up Space  by Alyson Gerber REALISTIC  / BODY DYSMORPHIA & EATING DISORDERS Sarah’s mom’s dysfunctional relationship with food is affecting Sarah– who now thinks that her slowness in basketball is related to eating too much or too many “unhealthy” foods, instead of being from the normal growing pains of puberty.  She’s confused, starving herself, and stressed out. Finally, a friend pushes Sarah to get help…and, help is just what Sarah needs to understand the truth about her body, what health truly is, and how her mom’s disordered eating has affected her.  EXCELLENT!

The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla Maudie is an autistic girl staying with her father for the summer but a California fire forces them from their cabin. She and her dad head south to where her dad grew up. A friend sets them up in an old camper at a campground near the beach. While her dad looks for work, Maudie works up her courage to ask an older surfer woman for lessons. She spends the summer worrying about her big secret and learning to surf, hoping to win the beginning surfer competition at the end of the summer. Maudie makes a new friend who is friendly and neurodiverse like her. All of these things help her consider that she is more than what her mom and her abusive stepdad think of her. This is a moving coming of age story of a girl who learns to thrive instead of survive.

96 Miles  by J.L. Esplin SURVIVAL “ Dad always said if things get desperate, it’s okay to drink the water in the toilet bowl. ” Isn’t this a great first sentence? An apocalyptic event has happened, there’s no electricity, the brothers are alone, and all their dad and their survival supplies are stolen at gunpoint. Now John and Stewart are on the road trying to get to a friend’s ranch for their supplies. It’s not going well–they’ve picked up a girl and her little brother, not to mention Stewart is nonstop fighting with John.  If you like survival stories, sibling stories, and adventure, this is a great choice.

Attack of the Black Rectangles  by A.S. King  REALISTIC Multi-layered and compelling with themes of censorship, family, crushes, and growing up…  6th grade Mac lives in a town that bans Halloween, pizza delivery, bright house colors, and staying out past curfew. At school, his book group notices that certain words and phrases are blacked out in  The Devil’s Arithmetic  by Jane Yolen. Mac and his friends Denis and Marci decide to find the original and fight back.

A First Time for Everything  by Dan Santat MEMOIR   In this memoir,  Dan describes a transformative trip during the summer before high school that helped him grow from awkward and insecure to confident and outgoing.  The trip gave the students lots of freedom. He tries beer and cigarettes. He meets a cute girl and finds the courage to get to know her, even sharing a kiss. He falls in love with the cultures and languages, too. Readers will probably want their own European experiences, too. Although, I hope that the kids would be better supervised than Dan was!

Omar Rising  by Aisha Saeed REALISTIC A superb book of determination, resiliency, and community set in  Pakistan .  Omar gets a scholarship to attend a prestigious Pakistani boarding school, a step in fulfilling his dream of becoming an astronomer and buying his mom a house. But, his hopes are dashed when he’s told that scholarship students must work, must get A+ grades, and can’t do sports or clubs. Omar is grateful for his new friends and teachers but he’s worried he’ll lose it all, so he studies all the time, even asking for tutoring help from the strict headmaster. Despite his efforts, his grades aren’t enough and he gets kicked out. Until, his classmates support him with a walk-out and the headmaster gets the board to change their mind, and the rules.

The Door by the Staircase  by Katherine Marsh, illustrations by Kelly Murphy  FANTASY / FAIRY TALE Middle schoolers will LOVE this  fantastic  Baba Yaga story about a brave and smart orphan girl, Mary,  who wants a home, even if it’s with Baba Yaga.  She just has to figure out how to be sure Baba Yaga won’t eat her, and she does so with help from her friend Jacob and MAGIC!

Orbiting Jupiter  by Gary D. Schmidt REALISTIC Joseph is an abused boy with a violent father, a parent at age thirteen, and is now living as a foster kid with Jack’s family on their organic farm . As he learns to trust them, we slowly learn about Joseph’s deep love for a rich girl named Maddie, his daughter named Jupiter, who he’s never seen, and his shattering heartbreak. This is an amazing story– painful yet filled with redemption and hope — beautifully written and one that will give readers so much to ponder.

Front Desk  by Kelly Yang REALISTIC Mia and her parents have struggled ever since moving to America from China. When her parents take a new live-in job at a motel, they end up working around the clock for very little pay. Mia helps out by working at the front desk. She befriends the weekly tenants and uses her English skills to write letters advocating other people in tough spots— like her uncle whose sweatshop boss has taken his passport and weekly, Hank, who needs a letter of recommendation to get a job.  This book is more than a memorable coming-of-age immigrant story, it’s also about tolerance and diversity and a must-read story you won’t soon forget.

Winterhouse  by Ben Guterson, illustrated by Chloe Bristol MYSTERY Elizabeth, an orphan, is unexpectedly sent to a large, stately hotel with a kind, grandfatherly proprietor for Christmas vacation. There,  she discovers a magical book, a sinister couple, a family mystery , and a new friend who loves puzzles as much as she does. The writing is mesmerizing, the mystery is fascinating, and the characters are enchanting.

See You in the Cosmos  by Jack Cheng REALISTIC Luminous and heartfelt, 11-year-old Alex Petroski’s story will grab your heart and expand it.  His dream is to launch a rocket into space with his iPod of recordings about life on earth. The story is a transcription of what he records on the iPod — his solo journey to the rocket convention, the interesting people he befriends on the way and there, his trip Las Vegas to find information about his deceased father, and his unique, innocent perspective that tries to make sense of the world.

Unwanteds  by Lisa McMann FANTASY In this society, you are sorted as Wanted, Necessary, and Unwanted. Alex is an Unwanted and is sent to die.  But instead of death, Alex is rescued by a magician who has created a secret, magical haven for the Unwanteds where they live and train to use their magic skills. I love the creative magical characters in this world, like Alex’s art teacher — an octagator! Here’s the problem — Alex is a twin whose brother is a Wanted. Alex risks the safety of his new home to see his twin in the old world. His actions reveal the secret world and war breaks out.

Sara and the Search for Normal   by Wesley King REALISTIC /  MENTAL ILLNESS Sara wants to be cured of her mental illnesses and be “normal” like other kids so she makes rules for herself.  She hates her out-of-control brain but begins group therapy where she makes a friend; a friend who is covered in hidden bruises. Sara and Erin think of themselves as Star Children, kids wth alien DNA. It’s profoundly sad to witness Sara’s self-loathing. For readers, it’s a valuable opportunity to see inside Sara’s mind and how painful it is to have an invisible disease. 

The Van Gogh Deception  by Deron Hicks MYSTERY  /  ADVENTURE Written like an adult suspense novel, this is one of the best edge-of-your-seat mystery books for middle grade that I’ve ever read.  The author jumps around, showing various incidents and people. You’ll have no idea what is going on or what will happen next. A boy with no memory is found at the National Gallery staring at a Degas sculpture. Strangely, this boy does know a great deal about art and artists. Soon we learn he’s being hunted by a team of professional bad guys. The boy, Art, and his foster sister escape from several kidnapping attempts and begin to unravel who he is and what’s going on.

Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel  by Jason Reynolds  REALISTIC / GRAPHIC NOVEL An illustrated version of Jason Reynolds’ free verse book about Will, a teenager who witnesses his own brother get shot.  He needs to follow The Rules and take revenge on the killer. But, as he travels seven floors in an elevator, each level provides an encounter with a deceased person, and their conversations halt Will’s plans and reveal to him the bigger story of what really happened with his brother. 

Bomb  by Steve Sheinkin, illustrated by Nick Bertozzi HISTORY / GRAPHIC NOVEL Three major storylines depict the significant historical events around the making of the atomic bomb : the Germans breaking the atom, the spy who was caught after giving the Russians the American plans for a nuclear bomb, and the American scientists working in New Mexico at a secret site to develop the atomic bomb. The stories are fascinating, more so because they’re based on actual events, but I did get bogged down with some of the science. Sheinkin and Bertozzi successfully capture the urgency scientists felt to compete with other countries and their singular focus.  *some bad language

Bloom  by Kenneth Oppel SCI-FI Get ready for a wild ride of suspense, action, adventure, science fiction, and coolness!!  Bloom tells the story of three kids who are not affected by the strange-looking plants that appear out of nowhere and take over land all over the world, covering houses and streets, swallowing animals and people but doing nothing to these kids. Scientists figure out that the plants are an alien invasion…and think these kids may be the only chance they have to stop them. To avoid spoilers, I’ll just tell you that it’s an AWESOME story…and ends on a crazy cliffhanger.

Sky Full of Song  by Susan Lynn Meyer HISTORICAL FICTION Shoshana, her mom, and her siblings flee Jewish persecution in Ukraine in 1905 for North Dakota to a mud house on the plains with her father and brother.  But being Jewish isn’t always accepted, even in this new country. And Shoshana wants to fit in so much that she agrees to participate in the Christmas activities. Ultimately, Shoshana learns (with a little help from her sister Libke) to be proud of being Jewish, even when others don’t accept her. Stunning writing with a loveable main character makes this a middle grade book that you won’t want to miss.

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman REALISTIC Set in India, Viji writes this story as letters to you, her little sister Rukku who has intellectual disabilities. Viji tells how the two of them ran away from an abusive father to the big city where they met two friendly brothers and lived with them under a bridge, scrabbling to survive by collecting trash. Their lives are hard but made easier by the two boys, their new “brothers.” When Rukku gets a terrible cough and fever, so does one of the brothers. And what happens next almost destroys Viji. Ultimately, it is the kindness of her new “family” that helps her to see more than misery in the world. It’s an honest, eye-opening story that reveals the plight of many homeless children in India and yet, finds a way to be hopeful, too.

Booked  by Kwame Alexander REALISTIC Alexander skillfully writes about the teenage human condition — he just gets it!  12-year old Nick struggles with his parents’ separation, a school bully, and the awkwardness of a first crush.  The only thing that feels right is soccer. That is until he gets injured and can’t play. Written in free verse, this is a lyrical, fast-paced story that feels honest and relatable.

Wink  by Rob Harrell REALISTIC / CANCER A funny cancer memoir for kids who like humorous but emotion-filled stories.  When Ross is diagnosed with a rare kind of tumor, he immediately starts radiation treatment. His eye is goopy, he has to wear a hat, and his hair starts falling out in clumps– made funny with his cartoon drawings. A goofy, kind-hearted radiation tech gets Ross interested in alternative punk music, and in order to impress a girl, Ross asks the tech for guitar lessons. Turns out, the guitar and his new music, help Ross both express his frustrations and find his joy, leading to some surprising results.

Not an E asy Win  by Chrystal B. Giles REALISTIC Lawrence has been beaten up by a group of bullies, blamed for the fighting, and kicked out of the mostly-white school. His Granny tells him he can’t stick around the house. A kind, older neighbor takes Lawrence to his work at the local rec center where Lawrence helps out while doing online school and learning to play chess. P Through the wisdom of his neighbor and learning to focus on chess, Lawrence finds purpose and inner fortitude that leads to his success in life and in chess.  

Before the Ever After   by Jacqueline Woodson REALISTIC / VERSE Written in verse with precise text, this is an important book to bring awareness to CTE as well as show families in grief.  ZJ’s professional football player dad is changing. He’s stopped playing, gets terrible headaches, surprising anger outbursts, and forgets ZJ’s name. ZJ contrasts this with memories of his dad before the ever after; the before dad who played with ZJ, made him breakfast, and treated his friends like family. Now, there are a lot of doctor’s appointments and not much hope. It’s real, raw, and profoundly sad to watch ZJ slowly lose the dad he once knew. 

Invisible  by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, illustrated by Gabriela Epstein REALISTIC  /GRAPHIC NOVEL Spanish-speaking kids are thrown together to complete before-school community service hours. When the kids notice the  homeless mom and her child living  in a van, they try to help with leftover food. But they get into trouble with the mean cafeteria lady who thinks they’re stealing and watches them like they’re delinquents.  This is a story about kindness, racism, differences, and marginalized individuals — both non-English speakers and homeless individuals.  It’s excellent, and I love the Spanish dialogue written first with English-translated text second.

Violets Are Blue  by Barbara Dee  REALISTIC  /  DIVORCE  / ADDICTION Wren’s mom is skipping work, sleeping more, and not eating. Despite her mom’s strange behavior, Wren finds purpose in doing special FX makeup. At school, her new friends convince her to do the makeup for the school musical, Wicked. Then, her mom’s situation reaches a breaking point and Wren discovers the secret her mom’s been keeping — she has an opioid addiction. As usual,  Dee writes about difficult topics, in this case, addiction and divorce, in a compelling, relatable story with complex, sympathetic characters, and an interesting plot.

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks  by Jason Reynolds REALISTIC (SHORT) Ten  short stories tell about the lives of different kids after their middle school  day ends. With complex backstories and incredible depth of character development, Reynold’s fiction feels truthful… so much so that I’m so very glad that I’m not in  middle school  anymore. What kinds of topics are these kids dealing with? Bullying , fear of dogs, parents who have cancer, stealing, comedian goals, OCD, skateboarding, and friendships. Some stories are funny, some are serious, and all ring true.

Snow White: A Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan GRAPHIC NOVEL / FAIRY TALE In this reimagined Snow White story, set in New York City in the 1920s, Snow White’s dad is a Wall Street king, her stepmother is a Zigfield Follies star, and her seven small protectors are street kids. It’s SO interesting how Phelan uses this historical setting to animate a familiar fairy tale. The black and white illustrations set the tone for this dark story with a happy ending

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Danger and Other Unknown Risks by Ryan North and Erica Henderson review by Jemma Taylor ADVENTURE / GRAPHIC NOVEL This book is genuinely one of my new favorite graphic novels EVER. The world collapsed on New Year’s Day of the year 2000, but not because of technology; because magic became real. Billions died, electricity became a thing of the past, and everyone had to rebuild their lives in the new post-apocalyptic society. Everything sucks, but Marguerite is the chosen one who will save the world. (Or is she?) With visually stunning art, a creative setting, and a fantastic story, I cannot recommend this book enough.

Night Raven: The Moonwind Mysteries written by Johan Rundberg, translated by A.A. Prime HISTORICAL MYSTERY An excellent, page-turning mystery set in 1880s Sweden about an orphan girl named Mika whose survival skills include an eye for detail, connections, and deductions! After an abandoned baby is dropped into her arms in the middle of the night, a police detective recruits her to assist him in identifying a dead body and then investigating a prison cell — all in pursuit of a copycat serial killer. But Mika realizes it’s not a copycat. In a dangerous game of cat and mouse, she and the detective need to avoid the corrupt prison officials and the serial killer. This observant heroine is my favorite kind — resourceful, aspirational, and interesting. I can’t wait for more books in the series. (Sensitive readers: Includes the word cr*p.)

Sweep  by Jonathan Auxier HISTORICAL MAGICAL REALISM Set in Victorian London, this is a beautiful, bittersweet story about a plucky girl and her protector  golem .   When another sweep tries to burn Nan alive, a charcoal golem emerges to save her life. She and her protector golem find a new place to live but must stay vigilant so her old master doesn’t find them. On their own, they are helped by a street boy and a kind Jewish teacher. This is an irresistible story that will expand your heart.

Boy, Everywhere  by A.M. Dassu IMMIGRATION Sami’s family flees from modern Syrian life to detention in England and a new home in England with hateful relatives.  We feel Sami’s emotions every step of this journey — from thinking about playing  video games  and soccer to his worry about capsizing in an overcrowded boat in the ocean and to blaming himself for his mom and sister being at the mall when it was bombed. In sharing his experiences, readers will see how much they can relate to Sami who is just a regular kid trying to be safe.

Mockingbir d  by Kathryn Erskine REALISTIC Caitlin’s brother Devon is killed in a school shooting, leaving Caitlin, who has Aspergers, to make sense of the world on her own, without his compassionate and understanding guidance.  Her father isn’t helpful, he’s lost in his grief. So when Caitlin reads about grief and closure, she decides to go after closure in a literal, hands-on way. And it will help both her and her father build their relationship and let go of Devon. This is one of the best books I’ve ever read — so powerful and honest.

The School for Good and Evil   by Soman Chainani FANTASY Two girls are selected to attend the school for villains and school for heroes. Only all your stereotypes will be blown out of the water with which girl goes where.  This book series for 12 year olds will make you think deeply about what makes someone good, friendship, and love.    Boxed Set HERE .

Book Lists By Age

Easy Reader Books for 5- and 6- year olds  Beginning / Easy Chapter Books for 6- and 7- Year Olds Books for 3rd graders, 8-year olds Books for 4th graders, 9-year olds Books for 5th graders, 10-year olds Books for 6th graders, 11-year olds Books for 7th graders, 12-year olds YA Books

Book Lists By Genre

Adventure Books for Kids Fantasy Books for Kids Funny Books for Kids Historical Fiction Books for Kids Mystery Books for Kids Nonfiction Books for Kids Realistic Books for Kids Science Fiction Books for Kids ALL Picture Book Reviews

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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27 Comments

Thanks for this great list! Have you read My Life As A Potato? It’s a fun one for this age too.

I have seen it but not read it. Sounds like I should! Thanks, Kim!

I love reading so much! I have not seen a majority of these books. I feel that it is has a great variety of books listed. I can’t wait to read these!

I hope you find lots of books that you love!

A great way to teach about history and content-area topics, biographies highlight famous figures, inventors, scientists, civil rights leaders, sports legends, and heros. Many of these mini-books, plays, and passages feature question/response activities, biography worksheets, teaching guides, lesson ideas, and graphic organizers.

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Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

The Best Books for 7th Graders

You’ll notice that the best books for seventh graders tend to veer into upper middle-grade territory. That’s the case with the books on this list. I have so many beloved upper middle-grade books and I’ll link to the full list at the bottom of this post, but this list also has several books I have never recommended on the blog before.

Seventh graders are on the brink of teenage life, and may relate most strongly to books about body image, crushes, and things like that. They’re also more able to tolerate tastefully done stories about sexual harassment, domestic violence, addiction, serious mental illness and other harsh, unpleasant realities of life. On this list, you’ll find books that hit all of these themes. Of course, as always mentioned, seventh graders can always read up or down. They can read and enjoy many of the books I’ve recommended for 6th graders and 5th graders , as well as books for 8th graders .

Excellent Books for 7th Graders to Enjoy

Here are some of my favorite books for 7th graders:

Genesis Begins Again

Published: January 15, 2019

Thirteen-year-old Genesis grapples with intense self-hate worsened by her father’s verbal abuse and her grandmother’s backward ideologies about skin color. Readers first meet Genesis when she brings her “friends” home for the first time. In an embarrassing turn of events, they arrive to meet all her belongings in the street. The landlord has put Genesis’s family out because her gambling, alcoholic father defaulted on the rent,  again . Things seem to look up for their family when they move into a posh neighborhood. Genesis makes new friends, joins the school choir, and even gets a helpful math tutor. Yet, her self-hate follows her. This is a remarkable middle-grade debut with a strong message about colorism, self-love, and  the power of music .

The Wrong Way Home

Published: April 2, 2024

This book is mind-blowingly good. Fern and her mother have been living on The Ranch, under the thumb of a charismatic leader named Ben. But her mom has been acting off, and Ben has put her on a water fast to help her get readjusted. One day, Fern’s mother wakes her in the middle of the night and takes her across the country from NY to CA, where they live in a motel in her mother’s teenage neighborhood and adjust back to normal life. There’s only one problem: Fern hatches a plan to return to The Ranch because she thinks her mom has made a mistake. I loved the way this book explores cults in an accessible way for tween readers, and Fern is a highly realistic character I think will resonate with a lot of kids. Readers should know that one side character in this book is gay and another is non-binary.

The Liars Society

Published: February 6, 2024

Weatherby is a new kid at a Boston private school. She’s at the school on a sailing scholarship and immediately is thrust into a world she knows nothing about. Old school phone booths, scrambled phone service at school, friends with kids who go to the country club, and a boy who seems to hate her guts. Jack is a rich kid at the school who is also on the sailing team and is constantly pressured by his father to be the best. When the money for a famed school trip is stolen, Jack, Weatherby, and some of their friends are invited to play a high-stakes secret game that leads to the revelation of shocking family secrets. This suspenseful mystery, told from Jack’s and Weatherby’s perspectives, is fast-paced and high-stakes, perfect for the upper middle-grade crowd.

Twin Cities

Published: July 19, 2022

Twins Luisa and Fernando find their paths diverging as they enter sixth grade. Luisa will attend middle school in the US just across the border from Fernando’s school in Mexico. There, they face different but equally pressing challenges that threaten to tear them apart. Twin Cities  is a fascinating look into Mexican culture, life as a twin, and finding your own identity.

Saint Ivy: Kind at All Costs

Published: May 18, 2021

Thirteen-year-old Ivy needs to be good to people, even when it’s bad for her. That’s why she pretends to be okay with her mom being a gestational surrogate, a kid at school asking her to let him copy her homework, and never sharing her problems with her friends. But can she keep up the pretense? With a touch of mystery and plenty of heart, this is a thought-provoking novel about people pleasing and being true to oneself.

Life in the Balance

Published: February 16, 2021

Veronica’s life seemed like it was on track until her parents announced that her mom is going to rehab for alcoholism. Her mom who was a softball player when she was younger, her mom the lawyer, her mom who was supposed to help her and her friends practice for softball tryouts. Veronica is frustrated, sad, worried, and even angry at her mom for being unable to stop drinking. She also worries that things will never be the same again. So she throws herself into softball — their family sport — even though she isn’t sure she’s all that into it anymore. At the same time, she’s afraid to share her family’s secret with her best friend (whose parents are getting divorced). Will Veronica ever find a balance? This is a rare portrayal of alcoholism, addiction and rehabilitation in the family — especially in a parent.

All You Knead Is Love

Published: March 30, 2021

All You Knead Is Love  follows 12-year-old Alba whose mother forces her to move from NYC to Barcelona, Spain where her grandmother lives. Alba is gender non-conforming, which means that she doesn’t like the typical “girly” dresses or frilly tops her parents often want her to wear. She’s happiest in her jeans and t-shirts. Alba’s father is physically abusive, especially towards her mother, and generally treats Alba with disregard. When Alba arrives Barcelona, she’s quickly drawn in by the vibrant city and its warm people, one of whom is her grandmother. But just when Alba begins to get comfortable, Toni’s bakery is threatened with closure because it just isn’t earning enough money. Alba needs to find a way to save the hub of her newfound community. This is a heartwarming middle-grade novel about identity, family, community, and, of course, food.

We Dream of Space

Published: May 5, 2020

Siblings Cash, Fitch, and Bird move through the daily trials of pre-teen life in the 1980’s. Fitch and Bird are twins who are now in the same grade as their older brother, Cash — because Cash was held back in the seventh grade. Bird is a space aficionado and dreams of being an astronaut. Fitch has anger issues and hates that he’s getting crushed on by a girl he doesn’t like — and whom his best friends consider unattractive. Cash feels lost and cannot seem to find his place anywhere. It doesn’t help that the situation at home is tense, with parents who are constantly bickering and a family that cannot seem to make time to talk as a unit or nurture their children. Bird is eagerly anticipating the Challenger launch and is a huge fan of Judith Resnik — the Challenger’s Mission Specialist. This novel follows the siblings until the ill-fated launch day which changes their relationship forever. This character-driven slice-of-life novel shows how different families can be, addresses the struggles of navigating sibling relationships, and highlights what difference an enthusiastic teacher can make.

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance

Published: February 1, 2022

Maizy and her mother have returned to Last Chance, Minnesota, because Maizy’s grandfather is ill. Maizy’s mom had her with the help of a sperm donor, and she seems to have taken a less traditional, unexpected career route since her parents expected her to take over their historical Chinese restaurant, The Golden Palace. However, Maizy’s grandparents love her, and Maizy quickly bonds with them, especially her grandfather. One day, she sees pictures of several young Chinese men, and when she asks her grandfather about them, he begins to tell her a sprawling story about their family’s history in Last Chance, which is interwoven with love, racism, and community. At the same time, The Golden Palace experiences a hate crime, and Maizy is shocked to discover who the perpetrator is. This is a spellbinding middle grade book about one Chinese family’s heritage and the granddaughter who ties it all together. 

More to the Story

Published: September 3, 2019

More to the Story  is a modern middle-grade novel inspired by the classic novel,  Little Women. Four Muslim-American sisters, Jamee la, Maryam, Bisma, and Aleeza, are distraught when their dad has to go abroad for six months for a job. Thirteen-year-old Jam, as she is fondly called has just become the features editor for her school’s newspaper. She’s determined to impress her dad with her first story. At the same time, a family friend’s nephew, Ali moves from the UK to Atlanta. As Jam and Ali’s friendship blossoms, one of her sisters receives devastating news about her health. This is a heartwarming, charming middle-grade novel about sisterhood, family, and following your passion, perfect for fans of books like Little Women .

Published: September 7, 2021

In the aftermath of her little brother’s death, Lucy and her parents move to a small town that is still healing from a school shooting four years ago. It’s jarring for Lucy to be around all these kids who lost friends when they were in the third grade, but it’s even harder because, unlike the situation in her home, the kids talk a lot about the shooting, their grief, and seeing therapists. But in all their sharing, the students have cast the shooter’s younger sister and their classmate, Avery — whom Lucy befriends — as an outsider. Will Lucy ever find her place and deal with her grief? Aftermath  is a powerful, heartbreaking, and hopeful middle grade book about the impact of school shootings, grief, and friendships.

Partly Cloudy

Things are looking partly cloudy for Madalyn Thomas and her family. After being out of work for the last 7 months, her dad has found work in another state and her mom’s schedule as a social worker has become more packed from taking on overtime. Madalyn’s parents send her to live with her Great Uncle Papa Lobo during the week to allow her to attend school in a different district because of security issues at her former school. But as the  only Black girl in class , Madalyn faces a new set of challenges at this new school. Partly Cloudy  is an insightful middle grade story about family, community, and handling microaggressions in middle school.

Counting Thyme

Published: April 12, 2016

I loved this story about a family dealing with a cancer-fighting child and finding the balance to be good parents to all three of their kids. If you love books that tackle hard situations with a hopeful lens and sibling stories set in NYC, you’ll adore Conklin’s debut.

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero

Yusuf Azeem is not a hero like his dad who talked down a gunman in their small-town A-Z Dollar Store. But his dad’s heroism doesn’t prevent him from getting worsening hateful notes in his locker telling him to “Go Home.” Yusuf and his friend Danial had expected that this would be their year — their entry into middle school and a chance to compete in a robotics contest. However, when some of the townspeople, including a group called the Patriot Sons try to stop the construction of their town’s mosque and begin to target Yusuf and other Muslims in the community, they are forced to take a stand. This is a poignant  look at the impact of 9/11 on Muslim communities  in America.

Published: October 18, 2022

Five kids form an unlikely friend group at the start of a new school year with surprising results. Lucas is processing his older brother’s death and his mom leaving his dad and him, Robbie is the group goofball with his own challenges, Finn is the walking encyclopedia, Cat is the star athlete, and Anna is the popular girl whose drawn to the group. As the kids play sardines (reverse hide-and-seek), they learn about each other’s most wanted wishes and plot to help each one get them. But when it’s Lucas’s turn, he’s afraid to bare his soul. Can he get past the fear and make his own wish come true? Sardines  is a heartwarming middle grade novel about friendship, mental health, bullying, identity, and community. 

The Prettiest

Published: April 14, 2020

Eve, Sophie, and Nessa are three different girls in Ford middle-school whose lives are changed when their names appear on “ The Prettiest ” list posted online by someone called “LordTesla.” Sophie is the Queen Bee of middle school, and Eve is the bookworm and poetry aficionado who’s started wearing her brother’s sports jerseys to hide her changing body. Nessa is a plus-sized theater geek with a melodious voice who experiences a slew of emotions — indifference, annoyance, disgust at beauty standards — when she realizes her name didn’t even make the list. The three girls band together in an unlikely friendship to find the person who made the list and make him face the consequences of his actions. This a powerful look at female objectification and sexual harassment in middle school.

How to Find What You’re Not Looking For

Published: September 14, 2021

This book follows 12-year-old Ariel whose life is upturned when her big sister (the best of them all), Leah, elopes with her Indian-American boyfriend after the  Loving vs. Virginia  ruling. Ariel’s parents are upset, Ariel is struggling with being able to write well at school, and she can’t stop thinking about her sister and everything happening in the world. How to Find What You’re Not Looking For  is a poignant, moving, and brilliantly written middle grade novel about family, identity, and love.

Averil Offline

Published: February 13, 2024

Averil’s mom and several parents of kids in her school and neighborhood use an app called Ruby Slippers to track their kids’ location, request video and photos from them on demand, and generally monitor their behavior and actions all day and Averil and her classmate Max are sick of it. Especially when they find out that the app will be updated soon to let parents remotely turn on their kids’ cameras at will. Both kids make a plot to ditch a camping trip and find the original app developer, Rider Wollybeck, in hopes of asking him to rescind the update. This hijinks-filled story is reminiscent of classic stories where kids run away to save the day as Max and Averil stay on their town’s college campus, eating at the cafeteria and sleeping in the library for the 2-3 days needed to accomplish their plan. I love the gentle mystery, STEM angle, and theme of childhood autonomy this book explores. I think it has major kid appeal — and it’s only 208 pages long!

That’s What Friends Do

Published: January 28, 2020

Sammie and David are best friends who first met at Little League. As the only girl on the baseball team, Sammie enjoys being one of the guys, and she and David get along excellently. She’s convinced herself that she’s just better at being friends with the boys. Things are great until a new boy, Luke, moves into the neighborhood. Luke is taller than David and keeps trying to flirt with Sammie even though it obviously makes her uncomfortable. While Sammie looks to David for support, David — who has a crush on Sammie — is preoccupied with being jealous of Luke’s seemingly “smooth” skills. As a result, David starts to focus on making his affection known to Sammie, just as Luke seems to be doing. Eventually, an incident on the bus between David and Sammie jeopardizes their friendship and forces Sammie to re-examine the meaning of true friendship. I loved everything about this wonderful, wholesome story.

Violets Are Blue

Published: October 12, 2021

12-year-old Wren lives with her mom after her parents’ divorce. Her dad has moved to New York City and married his lover (with whom he was unfaithful to her mother), who is now expecting twins. Wren is also a special effects makeup aficionado. Caught up in a new school, navigating new friendships, and balancing her relationships with her parents — whose relationship with each other is strained — Wren notices her mom has begun behaving strangely. Violets Are Blue is an engaging middle-grade book with a relatable, creative protagonist dealing with parental substance abuse.

12 to 22 (POV: You Wake Up in the Future)

Published: August 16, 2022

On her 12th half birthday, her parents surprisingly gift her their approval to post on social networks. Thrilled, Harper starts posting TikTok videos like her idol, Blake Riley. Her first video goes viral and brings her closer to the popular crew in her school who only befriend her so she can teach them her edits. Their interest in her creates a rift between Harper and her best friend Ava. In the midst of the chaos, Harper tries a TikTok filter, which, combined with a wish to be 22, suddenly makes her 22! Unfortunately, her future is much different than she imagined. Is being 22 as great as she imagined? Or will she just want her old life back? And can she even get it back? Or is it too late? This is a charming, light,  feel-good story  about  time travel , social media, and treasuring friendships.

Across the Desert

12-year-old Jolene has a tough life. Her mom is misusing opioids and can barely care for her. She’s mocked at school for wearing too-small clothing and looking haggard. Jolene’s only bright spot is a tween pilot she watches via livestream at the library, “Addie Earhart.” Addie and Jolene gradually form a warm friendship and encourage each other through life’s hardships. But one day during the livestream, Addie crashes her plane. No one but Jolene is watching the stream, and Addie’s mom doesn’t know she even flies planes. It’s up to Jolene to save her, but she’s a kid with no money — and Addie’s is stuck miles away in the Arizona desert. This is a heart-pounding middle grade novel about self-worth, friendships, and the struggle of a parent with addiction.

A Perfect Mistake

Published: July 12, 2022

Max and his community are reeling from a night out gone wrong. Max and his friends Joey and Will went out with two older boys, but Will ended up unconscious and in a coma, and Joey won’t speak to Max anymore. Max also has ADHD and is over six feet tall at 11, which means he stands out in his class. Frustrated that he can’t figure out what happened to Will, Max teams up with an inquisitive classmate, but the truths he unravels aren’t pretty. Can Max get to the bottom of this mystery? A Perfect Mistake  is a pitch-perfect  middle grade mystery  about honesty, peer pressure, and standing up for what’s right. 

Published: July 5, 2022

Marianne Blume has convinced herself that she’s not smart. She’s gotten through school so far by charming teachers out of questioning her. But her eighth-grade teacher, Mr. Garcia, isn’t easily fooled. To pull up her grades for high school, Marianne tries to win his favor by joining the school’s trivia team (which he coaches). But as the term progresses, Marianne bonds with the trivia kids and learns that there’s more to being smart than book smart — but also, she’s more intelligent than she gives herself credit for. Bright  is a deeply insightful book about labels, persistence, and self-belief, featuring themes like sisterhood, female friendships, and family.

Wishing Upon the Same Stars

This debut middle-grade novel by Arab-American author Jacquetta Nammar Feldman follows young Palestinian-American Yasmeen Khoury, whose parents move from Detroit (which has a thriving Arab-American community) to San Antonio, Texas, where there are few to no other Arab-American families. But just before Yasmeen despairs, she discovers that their next-door neighbors are Arab-Americans too — only, they’re Israeli-American, not Palestinian-American. She befriends their daughter Ayelet, but her father is not pleased, especially with the current Palestinian-Israeli tensions. On top of adjusting to a new school and finding her place in the world, can Yasmeen help her dad see beyond the differences? This is a moving, poignant exploration of finding common ground despite differences and strife.

Coming Up Short

Published: June 21, 2022

Bea is winning at being a shortstop, finally making headway with her crush, and is excited to go to summer camp with her friends when her dad’s legal license is suspended in a town scandal. Suddenly, she develops a case of the yips and begs her parents to send her to another softball summer camp on Gray Island, where her mom grew up. Throughout the summer, Bea learns more about her parents’ previous marriages and other secrets.  Coming Up Short  is a sporty, summery, and serious coming of age story about a girl dealing with difficult emotions and circumstances. 

The Bridge Home

Published: February 5, 2019

This heartbreaking middle grade novel follows sisters Viji and Rukku, who flee an abusive home situation into the streets of Chennai, India, where life isn’t so much better. Faced with hunger and homelessness, the sisters befriend two other kids in the same situation and keep trying to find respite until a tragedy upends their lives. This is great for readers looking for more books about poverty and homelessness or stories set in India.

The Road to Wherever

Published: May 11, 2021

11-year-old June (Henry Junior) Ball’s mother sends him off on the road with his adult second cousins after his father disappears without a word. Cousins Thomas and Cornell are “Ford Men” traveling throughout the US to fix people’s old Ford trucks for free. The Ford owners only have to buy spare parts. As the road trip progresses, the men teach June about Ford trucks, fixing cars, and being kind. June also processes his father’s absence while expanding his heart by meeting just as many broken humans as Ford trucks. This is a heartfelt  road trip adventure story  about family,  community , and purpose. 

Golden Girl

Published: February 22, 2022

Afiyah has a problem with taking things (seemed like kleptomania) even when she tries really hard not to. Fortunately, she’s often remorseful and returns the stolen items. She’s shaken when her father is wrongfully arrested for embezzlement at the airport during a family trip. The situation puts a strain on her family and moves Afiyah to strongly examine her tendency to steal — especially after she gets caught in the act. Golden Girl  is a touching, realistic coming-of-age story about trying to break bad habits and dealing with a  family crisis . 

Best Friends, Bikinis, and Other Summer Catastrophes

Published: May 17, 2022

Alex is looking forward to spending the summer (as she’s always done) with her best friend, Will. Will’s mother runs the concession stand at their community pool, and both kids have spent several summers playing games at the pool. This summer, though, a schoolmate named Rebekah has eyes for Will — and him for her! As Rebekah and Will begin a tentative crush-friendship, Alex feels threatened and ropes Will into a big summer project (building their treehouse), for which they’ll need several summer jobs to afford building supplies. Surprisingly to Alex, Rebekah also wants to be her friend too. Can Alex get over her jealousy and other issues in her life to figure out this summer friendship drama? This is a terrific  summery middle grade book  about  evolving friendships , growing up, and adjusting to changes.

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

Published: April 26, 2022

Tae Keller’s newest middle grade book,  Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone , opens with new girl Jennifer Chan declared missing at her middle school. As whispers begin, her next-door neighbor Mallory Moss worries that Jennifer may have been abducted by aliens (which Jennifer believed existed). Mallory reunites with two former friends begging them to help her find Jennifer following clues from her time with Jennifer and the diary Jennifer left behind. The story alternates between past and present as readers discover that Mallory’s search is also motivated by an ulterior motive: the need to prove that she and her popular friends didn’t run Jennifer Chan out of town with their bullying. Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone  is a razor-sharp, realistic portrayal of kids mismanaging their insecurities and coping by  bullying others .

Falling Short

Published: March 15, 2022

In  Falling Short , we meet Marco and Isaac. They’ve been besties for as long as they can remember and now they share one pain in common: both their dads aren’t in their lives as they’d like. Isaac’s dad is attentive but currently struggling with alcoholism. Marco’s dad wishes Marco were more athletic, instead of nerdy. At the start of middle school, both boys decide to help each other reach their goals. For Isaac, it’s getting better at more than just basketball — getting better grades and being more responsible. And for Marco, it’s learning a sport: basketball. Can they reach their goals? And will their friendship survive it? I loved this look at a warm friendship bond between boys. 

Everywhere Blue

Published: June 1, 2021

When Madrigal’s (Maddie) older brother, Strum, goes missing from his college campus, her musical family loses its harmony. Her French mother is distraught — broken for the first time as Maddie has never seen her. Her piano-playing father doesn’t even touch his instrument, and her fiery sister retreats into a rebellious funk, drinking and partying, even though she’s only 16. Maddie tries to keep everything together: focus on her oboe lessons and compulsive counting that calms her mind. But when her parents leave to look for Strum and Maddie is left with Aria, things seem hopeless. Maddie continues trying to manage school work, friendships, practicing her instrument, and maybe joining a new eco club at school. Eventually, though, with all leads looking dead-ended, Maddie just might have what it takes to find Strum. But can she find her way to him? Everywhere Blue  is a poignant, moving  middle grade verse novel about family ,  mental health , music, and  caring for the environment .

The Kate in Between

When a bunch of popular kids seems to welcome Kate into their clique, she is torn about ditching her longtime best friend, Haddie. Things get complicated, however, when Kate is a passive participant in a bullying incident that leads to Haddie sinking on thin ice. Then, Kate is captured on camera saving Haddie, and the video goes viral. While news outlets hail “Kate the Great” as a shining example for tweens who should not be bullying other kids, Kate continues to oscillate between craving acceptance from the popular kids and trying to keep her friendship with Haddie, all the while maintaining her public image by appearing in newspapers and on popular YouTube channels. But how long can she keep up the charade? And, is Kate great? Or is she a bad person? The Kate in Between  is a timely, complex, and engaging middle grade book about identity, popularity,  bullying culture , and going viral.

Those Kids from Fawn Creek

Published: March 8, 2022

This book follows 12 seventh-graders in Fawn Creek’s middle school. These kids have grown up together in their small factory town and know each other in and out. They’ve formed semi-permanent cliques and it’s tough for them to break out from the general expectations of their peers. The story is told by multiple narrators, including the new girl Orchid Mason (who says she’s from New York and has grown up in cities around the world), shy girl Dorothy, and her best friend (and the only person she talks to) Greyson. Cousins Janie and Abby have recently become a duo since their “Queen Bee,” Rennie Dean, moved away to a nearby town but still tries to keep tabs on them and control their actions. When Rennie and her crew find out about Orchid’s seemingly exotic background, they’re at once jealous and convinced that she’s lying. But is she? Those Kids from Fawn Creek  is a gorgeously written, character-driven, slice-of-life middle grade  book about bullying  and the power of kindness.

Published: March 9, 2021

Starfish  features Ellie, a fat girl who has been bullied for her weight since she wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash in the pool. Even her older brother and sister make fun of her weight. Her mom controls her diet, monitoring her portions and choosing lackluster “healthy” alternatives. Ellie is feeling more disheartened because her friend Viv who is also plus-sized is moving away. Thankfully, after Viv moves, Ellie finds a friend in her new neighbor Catalina and her family. The family loves food and welcome Ellie with open arms, never judging her for her weight. At school, bullying intensifies when a chair breaks after Ellie sits on it. Her mom is also pushing for gastric bypass surgery for Ellie. Eventually, her father gets her mother to ease off by taking Ellie to a therapist who helps her accept her body and defend herself against bullies. Starfish  is a powerful, fat-positive middle grade  verse novel  about a girl who is learning that she deserves to take up space.

No Fixed Address

Published: September 11, 2018

12-year-old Felix Knuttson is a sweet kid whose brain soaks up trivia like a sponge. His mom Astrid (whom he calls by her name), is loving but unreliable and can’t seem to hold on to a job or a house. When they lose their apartment in Vancouver, Astrid “borrows” a camper van from an ex and moves them in there “just for August” until she finds a job. But September comes, and there’s still no job or house, and Felix needs an address to enroll in school. Astrid figures out a way to do that, but Felix can’t tell anyone about their home situation. At the new school, he makes two new friends and finds out about a trivia contest that might change their housing situation. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned. This is a compelling, realistic, and funny middle grade  book about homelessness, poverty , friendship, and mental health.

Violet and the Pie of Life

12-year-old Violet wishes that math could solve all her problems — and she does try to use her math. Unfortunately, her parents are fighting more and more. Her mom seems to nag constantly while her dad is the fun one who does things like buying them fried chicken for dinner. Eventually, after a heated argument one night, her father moves out and her mom won’t tell Violet where he’s gone. At school, her best friend Mackenzie seems to make fun of just about anyone, but especially the nice, pretty girl in their class, Ally. So when Violet gets cast as the Lion in the Wizard of Oz play and Mackenzie gets a small role, while Ally plays Dorothy, Mackenzie asks Violet to quit the play with her. Violet refuses. That and a budding friendship with Ally put a strain on her friendship with Mackenzie, adding to Violet’s overall stress. Violet and the Pie of Life  is a realistic portrayal of the impact of  parental separation  on a child.

A Song Called Home

Published: March 15, 2022

Lou and her sister Casey have to move from the city to the suburbs to live with their new stepfather, Steve, leaving behind their old schools and Lou’s best friend Beth Tsai. Forming this new family is hard on Lou and Casey for different reasons. Lou feels like she’s leaving their alcoholic father behind and Casey worries that Steve is being too nice and the “real Steve” will show up soon. On the day before their move (which is also Lou’s birthday) Lou finds a guitar right outside their old apartment addressed to her. Convinced it’s from her dad, she starts learning to play guitar to maintain that bond with him. As they all navigate the blending of their families, Lou learns about herself and what family truly means. A Song Called Home  is a realistic, heartrending depiction of the process of  blending a family  while dealing with the trauma of having an alcoholic parent.

Farewell Cuba, Mi Isla

Published: September 5, 2023

1960, Cuba. Cousins Victoria and Jackie love living in their island country with their large family. When when Fidel Castro’s communist government takes hold, things change swiftly, leading Victoria’s father to relocate his family to Miami, leaving Jackie and her family behind. As Victoria adapts to life in the US, Jackie and her family struggle in Cuba—until the family decides to send Jackie over to the States with Operation Peter Pan. But will Jackie ever see her family again? Both girls band together to bring the rest of their family to America. Farewell Cuba Mi Isla  is a moving, authentic book chronicling the impact of Fidel Castro’s communist regime in Cuba.

Published: March 31, 2020

When Ross is diagnosed with a rare lacrimal gland cancer (in his eye), it’s like a new trial for his seventh-grade existence. Add to that the fact that his mom died from cancer years before, he’s going blind in one eye, his best friend is moving away soon, and mean kids at school are making terrible memes about his illness, and you have a dumpster fire of a year waiting to happen. Or is it? Wink  by Rob Harrell is a brilliant, funny, and thoughtful middle grade book about navigating a cancer diagnosis in 7th grade.

Kyra, Just for Today

Published: March 5, 2024

In this companion to A Song Called Home , Kyra’s mother is an alcoholic in recovery. She could always count on having her best friend, Lu — until now. Lu has new friends and splits her time between both friend groups, eventually asking Kyra to join them sometimes. Kyra is also getting bullied for being bigger than most other 13-year-olds. Already, Kyra does so much at home: cooking, and even helping her mom out with her cleaning job. But then her mother starts acting weird, leading Kyra to believe that she’s relapsed. I loved how the author shows readers that recovery is not linear and I enjoyed watching Kyra feel safe in her own skin. Hand to fans of Sumner’s Maid for It and readers who love books featuring food and cooking.

Fox Point’s Own Gemma Hopper

Published: April 11, 2023

7th grader Gemma Hopper’s mother has left their family. Gemma lives with her dad, older brother Teddy, and their twin younger brothers. While their dad works overtime to fend for the family materially, Gemma is saddled with caring for the home and her twin siblings while also serving as a ball machine/practice partner for her brother, who’s a baseball prodigy of sorts. One day, while practicing with Teddy, she strikes him out with two impressive pitches, capturing the attention of some scouts from a competitive baseball team. All of a sudden, Gemma now also has star potential. Can both siblings find a way to work together? This is an engaging graphic novel about family (absent mothers), baseball, and  sibling relationships . 

The Braid Girls

Published: June 13, 2023

In  The Braid Girls , Maggie’s summer is off to a rocky start when her parents announce that she has a half-sister—a daughter her father never knew about until now. Callie’s presence throws off soft-spoken Maggie’s dynamic with her outspoken best friend Daija, even more when Callie joins their hair-braiding business. This is a sweet, relatable middle grade  book about sisterhood , entrepreneurship, and finding your voice.

No Matter the Distance

  Published: February 21, 2023

This book centers on young Penny, a middle schooler with cystic fibrosis. Penny has to take digestive enzymes and do her breathing treatments to help her lungs get rid of mucus that affects her breathing. While her CF case is relatively mild-moderate, she still struggles with being chronically ill. One day a dolphin shows up in the lake near their house and Penny feels a strong connection with the animal. It turns out the dolphin (whom Penny names Rose) is also sick and needs to return to her pod to get better. Penny may be the only one who can help the scientists take Rose back. But can she do that, when she feels so drawn to the animal? No Matter the Distance  is a beautiful  middle grade verse novel  about living with cystic fibrosis and finding belonging in community.

Morning Sun in Wuhan

Published: November 8, 2022

I’ve had  Morning Sun in Wuhan  on my radar for a long time because it’s set in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic (and mostly because of the cover). 13-year-old Mei loves cooking and playing a cooking video game with two of her friends. She lives with her physician dad and is still grieving the loss of her mother. Her life suddenly turns upside down when a new virus starts killing people in her hometown Wuhan. Her dad is stuck working at the hospital and leaves Mei at home when the city is locked down. Can Mei cope with the pandemic — and find a way to help others around her? Morning Sun in Wuhan  is a fascinating, insightful middle grade account depicting the genesis of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan. 

Absolutely Positively Natty

  Published: May 9, 2023

Reeling from the impact of her mother’s depression on their family, Natty decides she’s going to be “Good Vibes Only.” She even starts a pep rally club in her cheerless new town. But her pursuit of positivity wears on her friendships and her–until the facade starts to crumble. An insightful exploration of toxic positivity and how kids can manage tough situations instead.

The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn

Published: July 11, 2023

Maudie is a sweet, autistic girl spending the summer with her dad. When her dad’s home is razed in a California wildfire, they move to the small beach town where her father grew up. Throughout the summer, as Maudie makes new friends, starts learning to surf, and enters a surfing contest, a secret tugs at her–one her mother has asked her to keep from her dad.  The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn  is a vivid, triumphant, and authentic coming-of-age story about discovering one’s inner strength.

A Work in Progress

Published: May 2, 2023

Will feels like the only chubby kid in his class and feels insecure about his weight. Add to that the bullying he faces and his observations of his mother’s attitude toward food, and he falls into a pattern of disordered eating and over-exercising. Thankfully, a budding friendship with a new classmate changes his view. This is a great book about body image issues, and it’s done in an illustrated verse format that I think kids will love.

The Wildly Unknown Myth of Apple and Dorothy

Published: September 19, 2023

Apple and Dorothy are half-gods, descendants of the Greek gods Zeus and Hera and Pandora, respectively. When Dorothy’s mother refuses to return to Olympus one solstice, she becomes a full human and is soon killed in a car accident, leaving Dorothy and her father grieving. Motivated by a promise she made to Dorothy’s mother, Apple befriends Dorothy. But when the gods rule that all half-gods must return home to Olympus and take their place as gods or remain human, Dorothy chooses Earth, to Apple’s dismay. Apple’s fear of losing Dorothy leads her to make a decision with terrible consequences. As a non-fantasy reader, I loved this book — how clever, creative, and profound it is, especially in the way it approaches friendship and grief. I think fans of  Greek mythology  will love it.

There they are: 50 of the best books for seventh graders! I hope you find something appealing for your kids. If you’d like more upper middle-grade book recommendations, here’s my list of upper middle grade books .

Which of these books for seventh graders have you read and enjoyed? And which other ones would you recommend?

More Book Lists

• Realistic fiction for 7th graders
• Mystery books for 7th graders
• Historical fiction for 7th graders

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• About Afoma Umesi

Afoma Umesi is the founder and editor of Reading Middle Grade where she curates book lists and writes book reviews for kids of all ages. Her favorite genre to read is contemporary realistic fiction and she'll never say no to a graphic novel.

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Reader Interactions

What do you think leave a comment cancel reply.

November 16, 2020 at 2:53 pm

The only one I’ve read here is Amal Unbound. So good! 🙌

November 17, 2020 at 4:57 pm

Another handy list! I’ve read a few of these and a few are new to me. I should really check out The Prettiest. The Story That Cannot Be Told caught my eye. (BTW, you have the description for One Last Shot underneath Serena Says).

November 18, 2020 at 4:10 pm

Hi Jenna! Thank you so much for your kind comment. Yes, you’ll love THE PRETTIEST! And thanks for the heads up, I’ve fixed that mistake now 🙂

November 21, 2020 at 12:40 pm

There are so many amazing books on this list! And a few I haven’t read yet!

June 14, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Bookmarking this post! Love it!

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25 Best New Books for 7th Graders

We’re going to need a bigger bookmark.

Seventh grade is one of my favorite grades.

It’s the best of both worlds, middle school speaking. Students are “so past” the babyish immaturity of 6th graders, but not quite as jaded as their 8th grade counterparts. They’re too cool for the kind of silliness that totally derails class, but aren’t too cool for games or stickers. They’re just dipping their toes into who they are and their place in the world. And they’re (unfortunately for those of us who teach them and have to keep a straight face) hilarious.

The last year has seen a fantastic crop of books for this age, and our list is the perfect starting point for a 7th grade classroom or a 7th grader you know and love. While there are great lessons to be learned in each of these books, make sure to preview them before assigning or recommending them to ensure they’re a good fit for your kids.

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

1. The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill

Anya protects the lunar moths that keep her village thriving. But what happens when being a moth-keeper isn’t all she thought it would be? Seventh graders will love this gorgeous graphic novel and the world K. O’Neill builds within it.

Buy it: T he Moth Keeper on Amazon

2. Finally Seen by Kelly Yang

Lina Gao is finally joining her parents and sister in America after five long years of being separated. But so far life in America isn’t turning out to be what she thought: at school, at home, or anywhere in between. A story about courage, resilience, and high-achieving little sisters (ugh), Finally Seen will be a welcome addition to any classroom library.

Buy it: Finally Seen on Amazon

3. The Superteacher Project by Gordon Korman

What if you found out your teacher was an AI robot from a top-secret experimental project? For Oliver Zahn, that question is about to become a reality. Seventh graders will love getting to the bottom of this hilarious, mysterious story.

Buy it: The Superteacher Project on Amazon

4. The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh

So far, the pandemic is leading to a lot of stress and isolation for 13-year-old Matthew, who is dealing with big shifts in his family. But when he finds a clue in an old black-and-white photograph, he will learn that his family’s past contains a shocking story of strength and resilience from the Holodomor, the famine that killed millions of Ukrainians in the 1930s and was covered up for decades. This book, called “the resistance novel for our times” by the New York Times, will hook your 7th graders from the first chapter.

Buy it: The Lost Year on Amazon

5. The Town With No Mirrors by Christina Collins

At first glance, the town of Gladder Hill seems like a utopia. Everyone seems happy in this town that has outlawed cameras and mirrors. But when Zailey is determined to see her face for the first time, she unlocks a world of knowledge that might unravel the history of her town and herself. Ask your 7th graders, “What would life be like if we didn’t have cameras or mirrors?” and they’ll be fully committed to find out what happens in this book.

Buy it: The Town With No Mirrors on Amazon

6. The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore and Allison Hong Merrill

When Tai Choi is sold into slavery to pay for her father’s gambling debts, she is forced into a new life of huge change and hardship. She goes from Tai Choi to Tien Fu Wu, the name forged on her immigration papers, and from her home in the Zhejiang province of China to San Francisco. She is rescued from her life of servitude, but how can she trust her new friendship? Heather B. Moore and Allison Hong Merrill adapted a true story to this powerful, moving story for young readers that 7th graders (and their teachers) won’t be able to put down.

Buy it: The Paper Daughters of Chinatown on Amazon

7. Lolo’s Light by Liz Garton Scanlon

Grief. Guilt. Death. You might be tempted to think these are topics a middle school audience isn’t ready for, and yet these are topics middle schoolers are already facing . This is the story of Lolo, a main character 7th graders will love, who encounters an unavoidable tragedy when babysitting her neighbor’s child. Walking through Lolo’s thoughts, emotions, and responses offers 7th graders the opportunity to have important conversations about grief and death, but also about redemption and life.

Buy it: Lolo’s Light on Amazon

8. A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga

From the author of Other Words for Home , A Rover’s Story is a powerful tale told from the point of view of Resilience, a Mars rover. Res was made to explore Mars, but will he be able to conquer the harsh terrain of this new planet, or disappoint the legions of people watching his journey back home? (A note for teachers: A Rover’s Story is fantastic for teaching character development and point of view.)

Buy it: A Rover’s Story on Amazon

9. Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

Chet, Kaori, Virgil, and Valencia couldn’t be more different. In fact, one of the only things bringing them together is that they live in the same neighborhood. But all of that is about to change when a prank puts Virgil and his guinea pig’s life in danger. All at once, he’ll need the intelligence, courage, and a little cosmic fairy dust from his neighborhood gang.

Buy it: Hello, Universe on Amazon

10. Life Skills for Tweens by Ferne Bowe

There is one in every class. OK, there are several in every class: the kids who would rather watch informational TikToks than look at scores of memes. Kids who eschew fantasy and sci-fi with “Why would I want to read about something that isn’t real?” Life Skills for Tweens is perfect for those knowledge-hungry realists, with how-tos on everything from communication and self-regulation skills to keeping calm in emergencies.

Buy it: Life Skills for Tweens on Amazon

11. Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories From BIPOC Authors, an anthology edited by Aida Salazar and Saied Méndez

If you’re watching Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret this summer, this anthology with 16 short stories about menstruation is a perfect companion. Written by authors who are Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color, Calling the Moon showcases coming-of-age stories that range from hilarious to heartrending, helping readers understand they’re not alone in the period wilderness.

Buy it: Calling the Moon on Amazon

12. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

To stay and fight for a country you love or escape and survive? This speculative novel about the Syrian Revolution will have 7th graders hanging on Katouh’s every word. Something to note: Fans of The Book Thief will love As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow , particularly the way fear is personified as Salama’s companion Khawf.

Buy it: As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow on Amazon

13. Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho

Kat Cho has done it. First, she has taken the secret dream of so many teenagers and written it down in book form: What if a K-pop star asked you to prom? Then, she has horrified legions of K-pop fans with: What if you’re not sure you want to go? Once Upon a K-Prom is fun and funny, and it’s one of those books that will entertain your 7th graders’ inner fanfolks.

Buy it: Once Upon a K-Prom on Amazon

14. Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo

Sue can’t wait to go to summer camp with her friends and make comics all day. So when her family announces they’re going to visit relatives in a remote area of Honduras with no cell service or Internet and they’re throwing her a surprise quinceañera complete with giant fluffy dress, she wonders if it’s humanly possible for her life to get worse. Kat Fajardo’s debut graphic novel is a hilarious journey about family, tradition, and self-discovery, perfect for middle schoolers.

Buy it: Miss Quinces on Amazon

15. Azar on Fire by Olivia Abtahi

After a condition in infancy damaged her vocal chords, Azar has decided to stay silent in high school. But when she hears about a local Battle of the Bands concert, she can’t resist—will she end up speaking to her crush to convince him to sing vocals, or miss out on a dream altogether? If you’re looking for books for 7th graders who love both music and feisty main characters, try Azar on Fire .

Buy it: Azar on Fire on Amazon

16. Camp QUILTBAG by Nicole Melleby

Twelve-year-old Abigail can’t wait to go to the inclusive camp for queer and trans kids, Camp QUILTBAG. Thirteen-year-old Kai is … not excited to be there. After a rocky start, the two make a pact to help each other in navigating camp life—will it end in success or disaster? We’re grateful for Nicole Melleby’s work in making sure all kids are represented in literature .

Buy it: Camp QUILTBAG on Amazon

17. The Track Series by Jason Reynolds

Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu ended up on the same elite track team together. However, they’re worlds apart in terms of pretty much everything else. Seventh graders will love this series—each is told from a different character’s perspective—and teachers will love the insights that happen when reading the same story from a different perspective.

Buy it: The Track Series on Amazon

18. This Is How I Roll by Debbi Michiko Florence

Your sushi-loving 7th graders (and even those who blanche at raw fish) will love this story about Susannah Mikami. Susannah dreams of being a famous sushi chef like her father, but he won’t teach her his skills (and won’t say why). Suddenly, cute Koji rolls around and offers to film her skills and share them with the world. Will she lie to her parents or go after her dreams?

Buy it: This Is How I Roll on Amazon

19. Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

Simon O’Keefe is a funny kid with a seriously quirky family. But his life turns upside down when he is the lone survivor of a school shooting. He and his family move to the National Quiet Zone, the only place in America where the Internet is banned. Instead of journalists hounding him to talk about the incident, the NQZ is full of astronomers using the quiet to look for signs of life in space. What if Simon finds it? This review speaks to where the book meets 7th graders: “Blunt as trauma, delicate as healing, and hilarious and tragic as middle school can be. This book is as close to everything as one book can be.”—Kyle Lukoff, Newbery Honor–winning author of Too Bright to See 

Buy it: Simon Sort of Says on Amazon

20. Izzy at the End of the World by K.A. Reynolds

For Izzy Wilder, an autistic 14-year-old, losing her mom felt like the end of the world. That is until the world actually ends amid mysterious flashing lights, and Izzy and her dog, Akka, are seemingly the only survivors. Izzy embarks on a journey of regulating her anxiety, interpreting clues for survival that seem like they’re from her mom, and battling some seriously intimidating monsters. If you’re looking for books to hook your 7th graders, give them this nail-biting adventure novel!

Buy it: Izzy at the End of the World on Amazon

21. The House Swap by Yvette Clark

Sometimes you just need a Parent Trap meets The Holiday book, you know? Your 7th graders will love this story of friendship, family, and belonging about Allie and Sage, two girls from across the world who become friends (and confidantes about their family issues) when their families swap houses on vacation.

Buy it: The House Swap on Amazon

22. Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles

Twelve-year-old Lawrence moved to live with his granny in another city. He then promptly got expelled for a fight that wasn’t his fault. Instead of school, he goes to the rec center where a neighbor is running a chess program. Lawrence has a chance to compete in a chess tournament in his home city. Could this be his ticket home? Whether you’re looking for books for 7th graders who love chess or just love an endearing character, Not an Easy Win is a double check in our book.

Buy it: Not an Easy Win on Amazon

23. Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Hold please, while my inner 7th grader screeches with anticipation. OK, thank you. This book follows Hazel Rothbury’s stowaway voyage on the Titanic as she travels to work in a factory to help make ends meet for her family. While exploring the fancy ship in secret, she encounters a mystery—one that only gets more dangerous when disaster strikes on the Titanic . Adventure meets mystery meets survival? I’m just calling it now: This will be one of those books your 7th graders (or your inner 7th grader) will want to reread.

Buy it: Iceberg on Amazon

24. A Bit of Earth by Karuna Riazi

The Secret Garden meets Other Words for Home ? Say no more. To give her a better life, Maria Latif’s parents have sent her from her home in Pakistan to Long Island, New York. Her new life is in many ways not what she expects, the least of all being a secret garden where she feels at home. Peppered with beautiful poetic verses, A Bit of Earth is one of those perfect books for 7th graders to pair with The Secret Garden for a classic/contemporary comparison.

Buy it: A Bit of Earth on Amazon

25. Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf

Haven’t we all gotten mad that our family forgot our birthday and wandered into a forbidden forest? No? OK, maybe just Hamra, the lead character in Hamra and the Jungle of Memories . After breaking every rule of the jungle, Hamra soon discovers she’ll have to embark on the adventure of a lifetime to undo its curse involving mythical beasts, fantastical worlds, and her own courage.

Buy it: Hamra and the Jungle of Memories on Amazon

Love these books for 7th graders? Check out our big list of 50 Refreshing and Relatable Books to Teach in Middle School for even more great books for 7th graders to add to your classroom library.

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21 Amazing Nonfictions For 7th Graders (Age 12)

Reading nonfiction brings awareness about the world around, humanity, history, science. It is essential to have a healthy list of nonfiction books on every 12-year-old’s bookshelf. The options available are wide and varied – based on kids’ interest levels. Child-friendly, language, colorful illustrations, fun information, and facts make them ideal for 7th graders’ reading.

21 Nonfiction Books For 7th Graders (Ages 12 Yrs)

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Check out this list of nonfiction books 7th graders can not put down.

You can find them in your local library or nearby bookstores. If they are unavailable locally, you can click on the links or images below to purchase from Amazon.

The Finest Hours is the inspiring true story of the US Coast Guard’s Most Daring Sea Rescue . Two oil tankers collided in a 1952 winter storm, breaking into half. Four coast guard risked their lives in adverse weather and went to rescue in a small lifeboat. An uplifting story of survival and heroism.

47 Days is a historical nonfiction read for 12 year olds. When in 1945 Hitler ordered teenage boys to join the war, two boys defied. A heart-wrenching story of how the boys spent 47 days as fugitives on the run. Story of perseverance and the human spirit along with historical facts.

Surviving Middle Schoo l is a must-read nonfictional guide for middle graders. Written by Luke Reynolds, a veteran teacher, this book offers some helpful real-life lessons. Bullying, peer pressure, academic pressure – all things a 12-year-old would need help with. A book filled with humorous and interesting advice.

Almost Ameri can Girl is a gripping graphic memoir suitable for middle grades. Robin’s life changed suddenly when she moved from Seoul to Alabama, USA. Life as an immigrant is difficult, more so for kids – without friends, a new language, a new place. Read how she finds her solace and identity in a comic drawing class.

Sports Biographies for Kids is a can not put down book, for sport-loving tweens . The true stories of struggle tell the kids about the hard work, dedication, perseverance needed in making legends. The biography is filled with sports stars from the 1960s to today’s time.

Check out this list of motivational books for teenage athletes here.

What’s the Point o f Math? tells 7th graders how math is useful in daily lives. Starting with the origin of maths, its uses in ancient times, fun anecdotes to some practical uses in today’s world – this book makes math fun. The exercises are interesting. An informational book for reluctant math students.

World War II History for Kids has 500 historical facts for inquisitive 7th graders. Up your WWII knowledge with small informative tidbits. A total of 11 chapters each contains information about a timezone – starting with before the war to after it. Read about gory true stories, notable people, spies, secrets, and more.

History’s Mysteries is an easy-to-read nonfiction book for 12-year-olds mystery lovers. What is a black hole, Loch Ness monster, bigfoot? Many unsolved historical mysteries, cold, cases puzzles are solved using the scientific method. Full of cool photos, fun facts – this is a must-read book for tweens.

That’s Creepy is for the 7th graders who find spooky interesting. Filled with eerie and mysterious facts, fun information – this is a book children can not put down. Each information is backed by scientific facts, along with amazing National Geographic Kids photographs.

Big Brain Book talks about a very important part of human anatomy. Learn all about inner working for the human brain. How it differs from animal brains. Why do we need to sleep? The mind-body connection. The information is presented in an easily understandable child-friendly format.

Book Of Black Heroes narrates how African Americans contributed to the science, engineering, medicines of the United States. A must-read for middle grades to know more about black history.

20th Century American History for Kids . Read about the major events from 1901 to 2000, that shaped the current century of America. The book narrates 30 such events. Each one is presented with historical context and its impact. There are also additional materials about important figures, fun facts, etc.

Hidden Figures is an uplifting true story of African American women. These 4 mathematicians helped NASA in the space program. Read about  Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden – whose work left a mark in human history.

How to Survive Anything is a survival guide for middle graders. From shark attack to school pop quizzes – this National Geographic book covers a wide range of topics. A hilarious read, it combines fun with learning.

The Way Things Work Now is a celebrated bestseller from David Macaulay. Kids will learn about the inner working of everything. From everyday things like wifi, zippers to jumbo jets, windmills. A definitive go-to book for tweens and teens.

The Final Four is the story of life from a street, college to the dream life of NCAA . It is the story of two teams battling out the final four of the championship, narrated through the eyes of four players. A simple and gripping read of personal journeys and unforgettable moments.

How to Be a Person is a practical guide on everyday things , often overlooked. The things kids would need in their next stage of life. How to fold a T-shirt, importance of writing Thank-you notes, hand-washing dishes – 65 such important life skills. The writing is humorous and non-preachy. A book parents would probably appreciate more than kids!

Super-Cool Science Experiments for Kids has 50 amazing experiments from Steve Spangler. Each one has step-by-step instructions and detailed pictures for easy understanding. The activities are fun and middle graders can do them independently.

Read more science books for middle graders here.

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different . A biography of one of the greatest innovators of today’s time. A visionary with a drive. It is an amazing read for technologically inclined kids.

Dancing at the Pity Party is a girl’s memoir on her motherless life. Starting with her mother’s oncology appointment to celebrating holidays post her mother’s death – it is a candid narration. The writing is humorous, engaging – a book by someone who gets it! You might want to gift to someone in need.

Survivors of the Holocaust is a graphic novel from the darkest hours of human history. Read the extraordinary tale of six courageous kids who survived the ordeal. The book format is engaging. The story also includes timelines and current life updates of each of the survivors.

More 7th Grade Books & Topics For Kids

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• Historical Fiction
• Activity Books
• Science Fiction
• Family & Friends
• Realistic Fiction
• STEM & Nature
• Personal Growth
• Fantasy Books