Great Winter Reads for Middle School Students
Winter break is coming soon and with it comes a lot of free time. There’s no need to sit in front of a screen when there are great books to read. Here are some reading suggestions from our Upper School Language Arts Teachers, Mrs. Forrest and Mrs. Paulus. Parents will love them too!
For 5th Graders
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
This riches to rags story follows a young Mexican girl as she starts a new, unchosen journey. Set during the Great Depression, this novels teaches themes such as determination and acceptance and offers opportunities for students to make multiple connections.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
This realistic fiction novel focuses on the relationship between a girl and her autistic brother, and how Catherine’s desire for a normal life may not be as important as she thinks. Young readers will enjoy the themes of love and self-discovery.
For 6th Graders
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
Set during the late 1960’s, this book offers a glimpse into the social upheaval and uncertainty of the time period. Growing up and surviving middle school is all twelve year old Holling can think of, but throughout the plot of this book, thanks to one special teacher he is forced to spend time with, Holling learns to appreciate so much more.
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Who doesn’t want to escape their day-to-day life once in a while? This book centers on Sam’s escape from a busy, urban life and refuge found in the wilderness. Young adult readers who enjoyed the Hatchet series, will find this beautifully written book another way to connect with nature and all of its unknowns.
For 7th Graders
Son by Lois Lowry
This novel is the conclusion to a story which began in The Giver. Narrated from the point of view of Claire, a former birthmother, readers share her journey as she searches for the blue-eyed son who left her community under mysterious circumstances years before. Students may also enjoy the two other books connected to The Giver: Gathering Blue, and Messenger.
Jackaby by William Ritter
First published in 2014, this is the opening novel in a series. The protagonist is a resourceful and independent teenager who finds herself a job working for a Sherlock Holmes-like character called Jackaby, who describes himself as an “investigator of the unexplained”. Set in 1892, this exciting and amusing novel combines elements of both mystery and fantasy.
For 8th Graders
The Girl in The Blue Coat by Monica Hesse
This is a mystery story set in war-torn Amsterdam, in 1943. It is beautifully written, historically convincing, and its heroine, Hanneke, is brave, resourceful, and thoughtful.
The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Easy to read, funny, and yet somehow heartbreaking, this story is told through the eyes of a resilient and self-deprecating teenager, living amidst the poverty and crushing lack of opportunity on the Spokane Indian Reservation. This is the kind of novel that can change the way you think about how some people live. Equally good for both girls and boys, a little bit shocking in places, and fun for those who enjoy cartoon illustration.