BLOGS > OCTOBER 10, 2024
EL Education recommends these books for a curriculum that helps students master literacy standards while building a deep knowledge of real-world subjects like social studies, STEM, and literature.
View the Top 5 most popular books in the EL Education Book Collection below, and see the full list here:
Shop EL Education Book Collection Get a Quote
By Rick Riordan
Percy, expelled from six schools for being unable to control his temper, learns the truth from his mother that his father is the Greek god Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half Blood where he is befriended by a satyr and the demigod daughter of Athena who join him in a journey to the Underworld to retrieve Zeus's lightning bolt and prevent a catastrophic war.
“The sardonic tone of the narrator's voice lends a refreshing air of realism to this riotously paced quest tale of heroism that questions the realities of our world, family, friendship and loyalty.” – Kirkus Reviews
2. Refugee
By Alan Gratz
Although separated by continents and decades, Josef, a Jewish boy livng in 1930s Nazi Germany; Isabel, a Cuban girl trying to escape the riots and unrest plaguing her country in 1994; and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015 whose homeland is torn apart by violence and destruction, embark on harrowing journeys in search of refuge, discovering shocking connections that tie their stories together.
“With this book, Gratz accomplishes a feat that is nothing short of brilliant, offering a skillfully wrought narrative laced with global and intergenerational reverberations that signal hope for the future. Excellent for older middle grade and above in classrooms, book groups, and/or communities looking to increase empathy for new and existing arrivals from afar. Poignant, respectful, and historically accurate while pulsating with emotional turmoil, adventure, and suspense.” – Kirkus Reviews
3. Night
By Elie Wiesel
Presents a true account of the author's experiences as a Jewish boy in a Nazi concentration camp.
“Wiesel’s memoir, first published in English in 1960, has emerged as a classic work of literature from that darkest of eras, and it deserves to be read and reread for decades to come.” – Kirkus Reviews
By Linda Sue Park
"Sandpiper." When the Sudanese civil war reaches his village in 1985, eleven-year-old Salva becomes separated from his family and must walk with other Dinka tribe members through southern Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya in search of safe haven. Based on the life of Salva Dut, who, after emigrating to America in 1996, began a project to dig water wells in Sudan.
“Salva's heroism and the truth that water is a source of both conflict and reconciliation receive equal, crystal-clear emphasis in this heartfelt account.” – Kirkus Reviews
By Jason Reynolds
A Caitlyn Dlouhy book." "Ghost, a naturally talented runner and troublemaker, is recruited for an elite middle school track team. He must stay on track, literally and figuratively, to reach his full potential.
“Very slick, rather tense, sophisticated and amusing.” – Kirkus Reviews
Do you need help with finding books to support your ELA Curricula?
The Follett Content team can help you discover the best collections for core literacy programs, phonics instruction, classroom libraries, and top-selling novels to help your students meet their literacy goals.
Complete the form to contact a rep!
2026 ALA Youth Media Award Winners: Find the Best Children's & YA Books of the Year
January 26, 2026
On their 150th anniversary, the American Library Association (ALA) revealed the ALA YMA 2026 winners and honorees on January 26, 2026, honoring the year’s most exceptional books and media for children and teens. Recognized globally for their impact and excellence, the...
Read more
An Author Interview with Jennie Wood
January 9, 2026
From non-binary author Jennie Wood, creator of the acclaimed graphic novel series Flutter, comes I Didn't Ask For This, which follows a group of kids who share one thing in common: their parents are social media influencers who’ve shared their...
Read more
An Author Interview with Don Everts
December 17, 2025
What peculiar thread connects secret superpowers, chicken farming, Victorian architecture, and the impossible awkwardness of being 14? Debut middle grade author Don Everts weaves it together for us in this conversation about his new book, Oscar and the Mystery of...
Read more
An Author Interview with Sara Amini and Illustrator Shadia Amin
December 17, 2025
Author Sara Amini and artist Shadia Amin team up for this charming, semi-autobiographical middle grade graphic memoir that explores evolving friendships, puberty mishaps, and finding a place to belong. Navigating life as a multiracial girl has never been more hilarious...
Read more
An Author Interview with Katherine Applegate
December 17, 2025
Go behind the scenes with Newbery Medal-winning author and literary superstar Katherine Applegate as she discusses her returns with two exciting new titles releasing in spring! First up is The Littlest Elephant, a picture book adaptation of the best-selling middle grade...
Read more
An Author Interview with Amy Timberlake and Illustrator Jon Klassen
December 17, 2025
Award-winning author Amy Timberlake and illustrator Jon Klassen team up to bring you the latest in the Skunk and Badger trilogy. Rock Paper Incisors follows odd-couple roommates Skunk and Badger as they explore the complexity of friendship and the meaning...
Read more