BLOGS > OCTOBER 9, 2024
Looking to stock up on the hottest titles? These novels for maturing readers explore themes relevant to their middle school experience while sharpening their literacy skills with longer sentences and more involving narratives.
View the 5 top-selling middle school classroom novels below, and see the full list here:
Shop Top-Selling Middle School Book Collection Get a Quote
By Pedro Martin
Pedro Martin's grown up in the US hearing stories about his legendary abuelito, but during a family road trip to Mexico, he connects with his grandfather and learns more about his own Mexican identity in this graphic memoir.
“The vibrant, action-packed panels offer plentiful details for readers to pore over, from scenes of crowded family chaos to the sights of Mexico. A retro yet timeless story of family and identity.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
2. The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)
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 (starred review)
3. The Giver
By Lois Lowry
Given his lifetime assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas becomes the receiver of memories shared by only one other in his community and discovers the terrible truth about the society in which he lives. Now a major motion picture. Includes interviews with cast members of the movie based on the novel.
“Lowry is once again in top form – raising many questions while answering few, and unwinding a tale fit for the most adventurous readers.” – Publishers Weekly
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Book 1)
By J.K. Rowling
Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
“This hugely enjoyable fantasy is filled with imaginative details, from oddly flavored jelly beans to dragons' eggs hatched on the hearth. It's slanted toward action-oriented readers, who will find that Briticisms meld with all the other wonders of magic school.” – Kirkus Reviews
By Linda Sue Park
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.
“Based on a true story, this simple yet compelling tale will leave a lasting and reverberating impact. Highly recommended.” – Library Media Connection
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