Well, 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan is a popular one. It combines Greek mythology with a modern - day adventure, which is really exciting for middle school students. 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle is another classic. It takes readers on a journey through space and time, exploring themes of good vs. evil and self - discovery. Also, 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry is thought - provoking, as it presents a dystopian society and a boy's discovery of the truth.
First, they can consider their interests. If they like adventure, books like 'The Hobbit' would be good. Second, look at the reviews. Check online platforms or ask friends who have read certain books. Third, think about the themes. For example, if they are interested in coming - of - age stories, 'The Catcher in the Rye' might be suitable.
Many of them are likely to have relatable characters. For example, characters that middle school students can see themselves in, like kids dealing with friendship issues or family problems.
There is also 'Ghost' by Jason Reynolds. It's about a boy named Castle Cranshaw who has a talent for running. The book delves into his past, his family situation, and how running becomes a way for him to deal with his problems and find his place in the world.
Some of the top middle school fiction books include 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's a thrilling dystopian story that follows Katniss Everdeen in a fight for survival. Another is 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan, which combines Greek mythology with modern-day adventure. 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is also a must - read. It takes readers into a magical world full of wizards, witches, and mythical creatures.
Some of the best historical fiction books for middle school are 'Island of the Blue Dolphins' by Scott O'Dell. It's based on the true story of a girl left alone on an island for years. 'A Single Shard' by Linda Sue Park is set in 12th - century Korea and tells about an orphan boy's journey to become a potter. 'Esperanza Rising' by Pam Muñoz Ryan is about a wealthy Mexican girl who has to flee to California during the Great Depression and face the hardships of migrant work.
'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a classic. It's set in England and features the transformation of a young girl as she discovers a hidden garden. It gives a sense of the time period and the social attitudes.
Some popular ones could be 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's a thrilling dystopian story. Another is 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling which is about a magical world and a boy's adventures. Also, 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians' by Rick Riordan which combines Greek mythology with modern-day adventures.
One great book is 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky. It beautifully captures the experiences of a high - school student on the verge of graduating and entering a new phase of life. The protagonist's journey through friendship, first love, and self - discovery is really relatable.
'The Spectacular Now' is a good one. It focuses on the life of a high - school senior. It shows his relationships, his future uncertainties, and how he deals with the end of high school days. It's a very real and raw look at that stage of life.