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 Summer Reading List (age 11 – 12)
8th Grade Summer 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:
- Bloom by Kenneth Oppel
- The Wizenard Series: Training Camp by Wesley King
- The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
- Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
- Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
- House of Scorpions by Nancy Farmer
- Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts by Erika Lewis
Realistic 7th Grade Summer Reading List
If you like realistic books, you’ll love:
- Pippa Park Raises Her Game by Erin Yun
- Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsen
- Starfish by Lisa Fipps
- Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling
- Boy, Everywhere by A.M. Dassu
- The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz
Adventure & Mystery 7th Grade Summer Reading List
If you like adventure, try these books:
- City Spies by James Ponti
- Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation by Stuart Gibb
- 96 Miles by J.L. Esplin
- Whale of the Wild by Rosanne Parry
- The Van Gogh Deception by Deron Hicks
- Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart
- Beneath by Roland Smith
Historical Fiction 7th Grade Summer Reading List
Love historical fiction? Try a book of this list:
- Allies by Alan Gratz
- The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman
- Brothers Keeper by Julie Lee
- How To Find What You’re Not Looking For by Veera Hiranandani
- Loyalty by Avi
- Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh
- The Last Cherry Blossom by Kathleen Burkinshaw
- When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler
- Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson
Nonfiction 7th Grade Summer Reading List
Try a nonfiction book! Here are incredible choices you won’t be able to put down:
- Rise Up: Ordinary Kids With Extraordinary Stories by Amanda Li
- History Comics: The Roanoke Colony: America’s First Mystery by Chris Schweizer (graphic novel)
- Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation adapted by Ari Folman
- Accidental Archeologists: True Stories of Unexpected Discoveries by Sarah Albee
- Unforgotten The Wild Life of Dian Fossey and Her Relentless Quest to Save Mountain Gorillas by Anita Silvey
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Best Book Series for 7th Grade
14 Responses
I love this site as a book hoarder and reading teacher I am constantly looking for books to recommend and read to share with kids. I teach IDS and wanted to get aprintable copy of the 7th and 8th grade reading list, but can’t find a link.
Thanks for your support and enthusiasm on your page.
rhonda lawson
Thank you so much!
Here are the links:
https://imaginationsoup.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/7th-grade-summer-reading-list.pdf
https://imaginationsoup.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Teen-8th-grade-summer-reading-list.pdf
Hi! I’m going into the 7th grade and will definitely try this list.
Happy reading!