Books for your Middle School Library

I currently teach inclusion special education in the eighth grade. When I am picking books for my classroom library, I always want to make sure I’m picking books that suit the needs of my students. Many of my students have difficulties with reading. Because of that, when I am looking for books for my classroom I like to make sure that I have books that are high-interest and 5-6 grade reading level.  I do also keep books that are on grade level because I do have students who are reading on grade level.  These books I have listed are high interest, but lower than eighth-grade difficulty.

Harry Potter Box Set by J.K. Rowling

I couldn’t pick a specific Harry Potter book to recommend because that is like picking your favorite child.  I just love them all!  The Harry Potter books tend to be popular because most kids have seen the movies and most of my students claim to have liked the movies.  So, when we are telling them that they have to read a book, they often pick Harry Potter because they already know that they like the story.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

I am a huge fan of this book, it has a great message, and is about a student roughly the age of my students.   Auggie, the main character of the book has a facial deformity that has prevented him up until this time from going to a mainstream school.  In the novel, they decide that it is time for him to begin attending the local mainstream school.  When he does, his classmates have a hard time seeing past his face.  This novel is the story of his community’s journey to acceptance.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

This is a novel that used to be in the eighth-grade curriculum but I think recently it was moved down to a lower grade.  I like this book because the students really enjoy the story, and I am a big fan of Lois Lowry’s writing style.  There is very little that she has written that I have not loved.  This novel takes place in the future in a dystopian society. And this novel was written long before The Hunger Games and Divergent.  The main character is a young boy who is chosen to be the memory holder of his society and begins to receive the memories of what life was before his time.  It is a great story with surprises and some action.

 

Babysitter’s Club Graphic Novels by Ann M. Martin

Some teachers do not like graphic novels because they are not real novels.  I feel like they are a stepping stone to reading a real novel.  My students have to read a certain number of books per year but they are limited to the amount that can be graphic novels.  I feel as though graphic novels are great for students who really struggle with reading because they are still following a story and reading dialogue but the pictures make it easier for them to follow the plot.  I like to use these as a starting point for a student who really hates to read.

Nancy Drew Series by Carolyn Keene

Part of why I include some of the Nancy Drew books in my library is selfish.  Nancy Drew was one of my favorite things to read when I was a kid and I want to pass this love along to my students.  I like them because, although they are a little outdated, they are high-interest mysteries and they are not a difficult reading level.

What are some books that you think should be on this list?  I am always looking for new, amazing books!  Leave your ideas in the comments.