I think the hardest age for summer reading is in middle school, don’t you? Try these good books for 7th graders (age 12 – 13) and see if entice your middle schoolers to read throughout the dog days of summer.
I’m wondering if your 7th graders are reading on a device? My daughter does. At least most of the time. And I like that she’s reading so I don’t care if she reads on a Kindle, an iPad, a paper book, or phone. Just that she’s reading is good. Without too much nagging . . .
Also check out:
All book recommendations & reviews for 12-year-olds
All summer reading lists by grade level
6th Grade Reading List (age 11 – 12)
8th Grade Reading List (age 13 and up / teen)
7th Grade Summer Reading List (Ages 12 – 13)
Fantasy/Sci-Fi 7th Grade Summer Reading List
If you like fantasy & sci-fi books, you’ll love:
- Eragon by Christopher Paolini
- The Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly
- The Maze Runner by James Dashner
- The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
- Renegades by Marissa Meyer
- Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
- Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
- Minrs by Kevin Sylvester
- City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
Realistic 7th Grade Summer Reading List
If you like realistic books, you’ll love:
- The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
- Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh
- Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
- The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
- Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
- A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
- Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead
- Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
- I, Funny by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
- Restart by Gordon Korman
Adventure 7th Grade Summer Reading List
If you like adventure, try these books:
- Lockwood & Co The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
- Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evans
- Raft by S.A. Bodeen
- Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
- House of Scorpions by Nancy Farmer
- Stranded by Jeff Probst and Chris Tebbetts
- I Am the Weapon by Allen Zadoff
- Ranger’s Apprentice series by John A. Flanagan
- Loot by Jude Watson
Historical Fiction 7th Grade Summer Reading List
Love historical fiction? Try a book of this list:
- Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart
- Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Refugee by Alan Gratz
- Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan
- Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation adapted by Ari Folman, illustrated by David Polonsky
- Touch the Sun by Emily Conolan
Nonfiction 7th Grade Summer Reading List
Try a nonfiction book! Here are incredible choices you won’t be able to put down:
- An Invisible Thread: A Young Readers Edition by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
- Bonnie and Clyde: The Making of a Legend by Karen Blumenthal
- It’s Up to You, Abe Lincoln: How I Made the Biggest Decisions of My Life by Tom & Leila Hirschfeld
- Path to the Stars: My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist by Sylvia Acevedo
- Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
- Hidden Figures (Young Readers’ Edition) by Margot Lee Shetterly
Melody Rose Proctor says
Hi! I’m going into the 7th grade and will definitely try this list.
Melissa Taylor says
Happy reading!
Venessa Bazile says
HI! My name is Venessa Bazile and I’m currently in the 7th grade but getting ready for 8th in a couple days. I am looking for a book that can challenge my brain and improve my vocabulary. I hope I find the perfect book thank you! I love this website!
Melissa Taylor says
THANKS! So happy to hear it! I hope your summer is filled with many wonderful books. 🙂
Naomi Lacore says
Hi I’m looking for some good reading book online for my 10 who’s about to be in 6 grade and I want to prepare him now but having a hard time finding the books that he can read online. I don’t want to buy any thing at the moment I just need him to be able to go on my phone and read a book that he or I picked any suggestions please help
Melissa Taylor says
I would try your library’s ebooks — they’re free to check out on a computer or other device.
Joanna says
There’s also a great site/app called Epic Books where he would have access to tons of titles.
Jewel says
Thanks so much for this! I’m always searching for great books for my kids.
Becky says
Is there a print option for the 7th grade reading list? I am not seeing it. Thanks!!
Melissa Taylor says
here is the link: http://19xnly3cl9rt2qvk731lwbxpeay.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/7th-Grade-Summer-Reading-List.pdf
Graham Downs says
So what would it take to get Billy’s Zombie on that list? I’ve been told that it’s suited to 12-13 year olds… you don’t have a horror/scary story category on here, though. 😉
http://www.grahamdowns.co.za/p/billys-zombie.html
Melissa Taylor says
I don’t because it’s not something I personally enjoy reading or reviewing.