Best Books for 11-Year-Olds (Sixth Grade)
I’ve taken all my book reviews to create this list of the best books that 11-year-olds, 6th graders, love to read. Each book includes a genre tag so look for mystery, fantasy, realistic, and sci-fi if that’s helpful.
Discover favorite book series for your 6th grader here.
If you want harder books, go to books for 12-year olds. For easier books, go to books for 10-year olds.
Gift ideas if you need those, too:
Gifts for 11 Year Old Girls
Gifts for 11 Year Old Boys
The Ruins of Gorlan: Ranger’s Apprentice book 1 by John A. Flanagan FANTASY (series)
Will is apprenticed to become a Ranger, a job he’s unsure about. But as he develops a relationship with his master and learns what being a Ranger is all about (spying for the kingdom), and comes to embrace his new life. When an old enemy of the kingdom sends out dangerous beasts to attack Will’s master, Will is instrumental in getting help and killing the creatures. Action, fantasy, adventure, friendship, excellent writing — this book has it all! IT’s a must-read, especially for boys. BOX SET
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede FANTASY (series)
We read this dragon book twice for a bedtime story in addition to the subsequent books in the series including the newly published FOURTH book, Talking To Dragons! You’ll love the strong female main character princess named Cimorene who doesn’t want to live the typical princess life. She leaves her home to apprentice herself to a dragon. Just for fun. No prince rescuing involved, thank you very much. Then she must help save her dragon from a group of evil wizards. We LOVE and highly recommend this dragon series. BOX SET
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill FANTASY
Wonderfully crafted and imagined, this 2017 Newbery winner is a fairy tale of sorts about a good witch who rescues a town’s abandoned (the town thinks sacrificed) babies and gives them to another town to love. Except for one baby who she adopts for her own; a special baby named Luna who is accidentally infused with moon magic. It’s also the story of the baby’s magical, bereaved mother, a wicked witch who feeds off sorrow, a woodcarver who wants justice, and most of all, Luna.
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley HISTORICAL FICTION
A Newbery Honor winner!!! Ada and her brother escape their mother’s abuse when the London children are evacuated during WWII and go to live with a grieving woman in a small country town. It’s difficult for both the woman and children to trust each other but slowly the trust grows. As it does, all three regain something lost — hope and love. “I slipped my hand into hers. A strange and unfamiliar feeling rand through me. It felt like the ocean, like sunlight, like horses. Like love. I searched my mind and found the name for it. Joy.” I can’t recommend this book enough, it will touch your heart at such a deep level. Don’t miss the equally amazing sequel: The War I Finally Won.
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
REALISTIC – DEAF, LONLINESS
Do you ever have a book that changes your life? Song for a Whale is one of those books for me.
Iris is a lonely Deaf girl who feels alone at her school and in her immediate family. At school, Iris learns about Blue 55, a whale who is called the loneliest whale in the world because his song is at a different hertz than other whales. Iris immediately feels a connection to him. “Blue 55 didn’t have a pod of friends or a family who spoke his language. But he still sang. He was calling and calling, and no one heard him.“ Iris uses her compassionate heart, intelligence, and tinkering skills to write and record a whale song that Blue 55 will hear. Why? She wants him to know that he’s not alone. Even though she sends the song to the research station tracking Blue 55, Iris wants to see him for herself. She and her grandmother, who is also Deaf, sneak off without Iris’ parents’ permission on a cruise to the Alaskan research station. Their adventure is different than either could have imagined but profoundly life-changing for them both. It’s a heartening, poignant story that gives readers insight Deaf children, the richness of Deaf culture, and the life-changing power of compassion.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
REALISTIC / BOOKS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS – OCD
My daughter and I love this book! The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl is a thoughtful coming-of-age story about a girl genius with OCD whose grandma wants her to go to public middle school to make one friend, read one non-math book, and join one school activity. Surprisingly, Lucy does find friends and more than that, too. A well-written, heart-warming story!
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
REALISTIC
Like The Penderwicks, you’ll fall in love with this quirky, wonderful family from the first page. The Vanderbeekers’ landlord wants them out by the end of December but the Vanderbeeker kids are determined to change his mind, even though he hates noise, kids, and their family. But it’s almost Christmas and their efforts are only making things worse. What will they do? Charming and heart-warming.
Refugee by Alan Gratz HISTORICAL/ MODERN DAY
Follow three distinct, alternating stories about being displaced from your country, on the run, and in danger. First is a young Jewish boy who escapes from Nazi Germany on a ship to Cuba, only to be turned away from the Cuban port and sent back to Europe. Next is a Cuban girl in the 1990s who, with her family and neighbors, flees in a homemade raft to the United States at great peril. Finally is a Syrian boy whose home is bombed in a country at war. He and his family travel a great distance to find a country that will allow them shelter. Gatz skillfully connects all three stories with a satisfying, realistic conclusion.
Winterhouse by Ben Guterson, illustrated by Chloe Bristol
MYSTERY
Elizabeth, an orphan, is unexpectedly sent to a large, stately hotel with a kind, grandfatherly proprietor for Christmas vacation. There, she discovers a magical book, a sinister couple, a family mystery, and a new friend who loves puzzles as much as she does. The writing is mesmerizing, the mystery fascinating, and the characters, enchanting. This is a delightful, atmospheric read.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein ADVENTURE (series)
Kyle and a few classmates win a sleepover at the new town newly created library by game-creator Mr. Lemoncello. The silly Mr. Lemoncello devises a fun way to get OUT of the library — you can only get out if you solve the puzzles around the entire library. Will the kids work together or will it be every child for himself? BOX SET
Edge of Extinction The Ark Plan by Laura Martin ADVENTURE / DYSTOPIAN
Action from the first page! This is an awesome story about a dangerous world where cloned dinosaurs have taken over. Now Sky and her fellow humans live below ground in safety with Noah as their supreme ruler. Sky discovers that her missing (maybe traitor?) father left her a secret note with cryptic instructions on how to be found. She decides to leave the underground city in order to find her dad. Barely outside a day, she and her friend Shawn are rescued from hungry dinosaurs by a boy who lives in a treetop enclave. When his enclave is attacked by Noah’s soldiers looking for her, Sky realizes that everything she believed about Noah is wrong and is even more determined to find her father. LOVED it!
Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson ADVENTURE / TRUE STORY HISTORICAL (series)
(Next in the series: Lost in Outer Space: The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13.)
Space Case by Stuart Gibbs SCI FI (series)
review written by 11-year old JJ
This series was AMAZING! It was a murder mystery on the moon. I can never turn down a good, realistic sci-fi PLUS murder mystery. It has it all! It was placed in 2040 and their second-in-command had died. He had walked out the airlock (to the moon’s surface) with his space suit on wrong– he died in seconds. Everyone thought he had gone crazy, but Dashiel Givson suspected differently. Murder. The first book is almost mirrored in the second –the base commander this time disappears. With just enough breaking the rules, they can figure out where she is and who did it.
Booked by Kwame Alexander REALISTIC
Alexander skillfully writes about the teenage human condition — he just gets it! 12-year old Nick struggles with his parents’ separation, a school bully, and the awkwardness of a first crush. The only thing that feels right is soccer. That is until he gets injured and can’t play. Written in free verse, this is a lyrical, fast-paced story that feels honest and relatable.
Because this is written in verse, this is a fast read but packs a big punch. Basketball player and twin Josh narrates his life in quarters, just like the game he plays. He writes about missing his twin when his twin, Jordan, gets a girlfriend; about getting in trouble when he hits Jordan in the face with a basketball; and about watching his father as his heart fails. This is a coming-of-age, gripping story about a boy who is just trying to figure out life like most boys at age 12.
The Serpent’s Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond #1) by Sayantani Dasgupta MYTHOLOGY
This story pulls you in from the first page. Kiranmala discovers on her 12th birthday that she’s a princess from another realm and her parents are trapped in a black hole-type place. But there’s a lot more she’ll learn — like who her real parents are (yikes!) and that demons can be your friends. The prince’s demon grandma, Ai-Ma, is my FAVORITE character. She says things like “Be good, sweet beetle-dung toadstools.” Okay, Kiranmala’s parents are super awesome, too. You’ll love every second of this entertaining, Indian mythology adventure.
The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, illustrated by Kevin Cornell HUMOR
My daughter read this first and begged me to read it immediately. It’s SO funny! And, you can learn some valuable cow trivia. But, it’s mostly the hilarious adventure of two pranksters who eventually work together to pull off the biggest prank of all time — a prank that will ensure they get April Fool’s Day off from school. The entire seriers is great. Your kids will zip through them, laughing all the way.
Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo REALISTIC
What a luminous, sparkling gem of a book with quirky, complex characters! Granny drags Louisiana out of bed in the middle of the night, insisting that they leave their home to confront the family curse. Not only does Louisiana not want to leave her friends and home, but things get even worse when Granny abandons Louisiana at a motel along the way. Forced to fend for herself, Louisiana figures out how to survive miles from home while worrying that the family curse has destined her for an unhappy life. Don’t miss this enthralling, emotionally resonant story.
Set in Victorian London, this is a beautiful, bittersweet story about a plucky girl and her protector golem which in the telling, illuminates the horrifying lives of chimney sweep kids as well as the world’s anti-semitism. Young Nan’s Sweep father-figure is gone; she still dreams of his kindness and their life before he left. To survive, she works for a cruel chimney sweep who uses children to make himself richer. When another sweep tries to burn Nan alive, a charcoal golem, formerly a piece of charcoal left to her by Sweep, emerges to save her. She and her growing protector golem, Char, find a new place to live but must stay vigilant so her old master doesn’t find them. On their own, they are helped by a street boy and a kind Jewish teacher. It’s an irresistible story that will expand your heart…and your definition of what makes a monster.
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale (series) FANTASY
We love this book (and the series) because it’s a unique story with memorable, wonderful characters. Miri and the other girls in her mountain village are ordered to attend a newly created school to learn enough to be considered wife material for the prince. But the prince, when he does appear, sees cold and unfriendly making Miri reconsider what she wants. Then, when bandits take over the school and hold the girls hostage, Miri finds her inner strength and clarity of purpose.
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper REALISTIC
Hands-down one of the best life-changing books you’ll ever read. Narrated by Melody, we learn what it’s like for her, trapped in a body with cerebral palsy that doesn’t allow her to speak or take care of herself. No one, except her parents think she’s smart. Then one day, she gets a chance to prove it. Heartbreaking. Real. Inspiring. Beautifully written.
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier, illustrated by Douglas Colgate
SCI-FI
If you went by this book, you’d think the zombie apocalypse was kind of fun. At least that’s how Jack approaches life and zombie fights. He and his best friend, Quint, live in an upgraded, well-defended treehouse where they plan for rescuing his crush June (she doesn’t need rescuing being quite capable) and fighting zombies. Illustrations throughout make this even more appealing to read and imagine. Delightful. Who would have thought?! BOXED SET HERE.
The Giver by Lois Lowry SCI-FI
Set in a dystopian society, this Newbery medal winner grabs your attention and keeps it until the end. What is going on in this strictly controlled community? When Jonas is assigned his job as “Receiver of Memory” he learns just how much the government has suppressed from the people’s knowledge not to mention that they’re giving pills meant to control people’s behavior and that they murder so-called defective babies and older people. When his foster baby brother is up to be killed, Jonas must decide how he will save them both. BOX SET
Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras FANTASY / HISTORICAL
Set in medieval Scotland, this is an action-packed adventure of a strong female protagonist with close family bonds, medieval and mythical elements, and an exciting plot. When Drest’s war-band family is kidnapped by knights she sets off in pursuit, taking a wounded soldier hostage with her. Throughout their travels, the two develop a complicated friendship and Drest learns uncomfortable truths about her family. I love when a girl rescues boys from death! What an excellent story — I highly recommend it.
Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt REALISTIC
One of the BEST books ever, it’s so well-crafted with deep emotional resonance. Doug is a boy who is struggling to read with no support from his home life. Not only are his dad and older brother abusive but they all live in abject poverty. What saves Doug is his connection to a librarian who shows Doug Audubon’s bird paintings and how to draw. This eventually leads to reading and hope.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling REALISTIC
The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr, illustrated by Katie Harnett FANTASY
Impyrium by Henry H. Neff FANTASY
Don’t miss this excellent first story in a new series. Hazel is the third granddaughter, a princess who resembles no one else in the family except the most dangerous magician ruler the kingdom ever knew. She, like her ancestor, is gifted at magic and her grandmother wants to use Hazel’s magic to protect the kingdom. But it’s an unjust kingdom, and Hob, a young spy and commoner boy in her service, wants things to change. Hazel will face a choice to follow in the dark magic footsteps of her ancestor. Hob will face doing what he’s ordered or following his heart. Plots within plots, twists and turns, make this an enthralling new fantasy adventure.
Masterminds by Gordon Korman SCI-FI (series)
This is is a fantastic series that grabs you and blows you away little by little. Eli and his friends discover that their utopian town is all a big science experiment to determine if kids with bad genes, cloned from criminal masterminds, can be “good” when raised in the so-called right environment. The cloned kids know they can’t stay in the town anymore but how can they escape when the minute they reach the border, they experience violent pain and guards surround them? And if they do escape, what next?
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan REALISTIC
This book is beautiful, moving, and life-changing! 12-year old Willow is a genius with limited social skills (it’s never stated but we might guess she’s got Aspergers) whose adopted parents are killed in a car crash leaving her so confused without her parents’ support and explanations about the world Willow observes. But, Willow pushes on and finds a most unexpected new family in the back of a nail salon.
All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor REALISTIC
This book hooked me from the first page, taking me on a coming of age story that was both heartbreaking and filled with hope. Perry is well-loved by his mother and her friends. . . in prison. That’s where Perry has lived since he was born eleven years ago. But in an unexpected and unpleasant turn of events, his best friend’s stepfather, the new District Attorney, forces Perry to leave the prison. Not only that, the DA tries to stall Perry’s mother’s parole hearing. Perry discovers the stories behind the inmates’ lives, hoping that they’ll be helpful in reuniting him with his mother. This story will stay with you long after you read the last page.
Keeper of the Lost Cities
I stayed up all night to finish this book -it was fantastic! Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. And Sophie has a secret—she’s a Telepath and not human. She must leave the human world for the elvin world where she’ll face danger from both worlds. Her only hope is to regain the memories about her past.
Lockwood & Co The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud GHOST ADVENTURE (series)
Taking place in old-time London, we learn that dangerous ghosts and spirits are appearing everywhere with mal intent BUT only kids can see them. Teens Lucy, Anthony, and George badly need money for their ghost agency so they take a perilous job that may just be their last. A great choice for sixth-grade kids.
See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng REALISTIC
Luminous and heartfelt, 11-year-old Alex Petroski’s story will grab your heart and expand it. His dream is to launch a rocket into space with his iPod of recordings about life on earth. The story is a transcription of what he records on the iPod — his solo journey to the rocket convention, the interesting people he befriends on the way and there, his trip Las Vegas to find information about his deceased father, and his unique, innocent perspective that tries to make sense of the world.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien SCI-FI/ ADVENTURE (series)
This is a must-read, excellent Newbery winning book about amazing lab rats with intelligence who escape from the lab and form their own community. This was always one of my fifth graders favorite read-alouds.
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier GRAPHIC NOVEL / MAGICAL REALISM
Catrina’s little sister, Maya, is sick with cystic fibrosis. A ghost tour outing with a neighbor boy sends Maya to the hospital. Cat feels guilt and fear for her sister, knowing that her sister’s lungs will never get better. But as the neighbor introduces Cat to the beautiful Day of the Dead celebration, Cat starts to see death and life differently. Beautifully written and illustrated, this story deftly deals with big issues in an interesting, unique way.
The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict
by Diana SudykaMYSTERY
9-year-old Nicholas Benedict, a genius orphan with narcolepsy, lives in a poorly run orphanage where he’s maltreated and bullied. In this prequel to the series, Nicholas discovers there’s a treasure somewhere in the orphanage. While he and his friend search, he finds a way to improve life for all the kids living there. Boxed set here.
Chains, Forge, Ashes (Seeds of America) by Laurie Halse Anderson HISTORICAL FICTION
Live the Civil War time period through the eyes of an African-American girl named Isabel and her friend, Cuzon. Enslaved, escaped, or enlisted, these two are determined survivors. The writing is amazing and the stories, captivating. I love and highly recommend these books; they’ll transport you back into history. Boxed Set Here.
Ahisma by Supriya Kelkar HISTORICAL FICTION
All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
REALISTIC / COMING OF AGE / GRAPHIC NOVEL
Growing up, Imogene (aka. Impy) always loved her family’s part in the Renaissance Faire . . . that is, until middle school. Even though she gets her dream to work in the faire as a squire, she also just wants to be like the other girls at her school, too. Her journey is painful and honest as she figures out who she wants to be. It’s narrated as a hero’s journey which, with the faire background and middle school drama, feels perfect. Beyond being a terrific coming of age story, I’m sure this book will interest tween readers in Renaissance festivals themselves.
Smile, Drama, Sisters by Raina Telgemeier REALISTIC / GRAPHIC NOVEL
Raina shares her growing up stories with humor and amazing art in these three popular books. My 10-year-old daughter read Sisters four times the first week she owned it – they’re excellent books and quite addictive.
Midnight Without a Moon by Linda Williams Jackson HISTORICAL (series)
Rose Lee Carter is a girl who is raised by her grandma and father, works in the cotton fields, and is best friends with the preacher’s son. She dreams of leaving Mississippi for the north like her mom and aunt, especially after the white men who killed Emmett Till are found not-guilty in a real-life historical trial.
Podkin One-Ear The Legend Begins by Kieran Larwood (series) FANTASY
The Seventh Most Important Thing: One Kid. One Crime. One Chance to Make Things Right by Shelley Pearsall REALISTIC
Angry with grief, Arthur throws a brick at Junk Man’s head. The judge sentences Arthur to work for the Junk Man who asks Arthur to collect the items on the list of the Seven Most Important Things. Transformed by the experience, Arthur becomes an advocate for the Junk Man’s art. This is fictional but is inspired by the true story of American folk artist James Hampton whose work is in the Smithsonian. This story resonates emotionally and would make for a great bedtime or class read aloud.
A Tale of Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz FANTASY (series)
This book is bloody and macabre and an excellent, imaginative story that weaves Hansel and Gretel with eight more Grimm fairy tales. Hansel and Gretel abandon their terrible parents in order to find better ones –ones that won’t try to kill them. The narrator, a strong, quirky voice, warns us of the bloody things to come. While he’s sometimes distracting, for the most part, I liked how his snarky voice kept me from getting too freaked out by the gruesome parts. Once in the wild forest, Hansel transforms into a ravenous, hunter-beast and Gretel continues on her own. This book will make you want to reread your Complete Brother’s Grimm. (Just don’t read it right before bed.)
The Fog Diver by Joel Ross SCI-FI (series) / DYSTOPIAN
Dystopian middle-grade! The world is covered by a deadly “fog” that kills humans so the humans live only on the highest mountain peaks. Our heroes, a band of scavenging orphans, are trying to find something in the world below that they can sell in order to travel to another city where they can treat the cloud sickness of their beloved mother-figure. I loved the suspense, the fascinating world, the characters, and the happily ever after. I couldn’t tell from the ending if there will be more books because thankfully there was no cliff hanger.
Sanity & Tallulah by Molly Brooks SCI-FI / GRAPHIC NOVEL
Sanity and Tallulah are two good friends who live on a space station. Sanity is a brilliant inventor — but her newest (illegal) creation, a three-headed kitten named Princess Destroyer of Worlds has escaped and is living up to her name — destroyer. The friends look for their missing kitten but instead discover a big problem that will destroy the space station only it’s not caused by the kitten. While the station is evacuated, the friends work hard to stop the duct weasels and the engine from overheating. I love the space station setting, the super-smart problem-solving main characters, and the non-stop action.
Running Out of Night by Sharon Lovejoy HISTORICAL FICTION
I highly recommend this powerful story of two maltreated girls who hope for a better future. The narrator is a white girl in the south who is nothing more than a slave to her family, she doesn’t even have a name. She meets and joins a runaway slave who is escaping the horrific brutality of slavery and separation from her family. Together they find kindness and hope with a Quaker family. “You just keep mending and darning, stichin and stichin. At first, things look all pieced together, but after a while, you don’t even notice the stitched-up spots everywhere; they just look all of a piece. Never like new, but all of a piece and good enough to last a life.”
Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders by Brandon Mull FANTASY / ADVENTURE (series)
Brandon Mull has outdone himself with an inventive, totally unique world and characters! Cole, a regular kid, is trick-or-treating with his friends when they all get kidnapped. Cole manages to hide but follows the kidnappers — to another world – a world of five kingdoms, slavery, and magic. Cole is found and sold to slavers on the Outskirts. There he’ll battle mysterious beings living on cloud castles, discover an exiled princess, escape from slavery, and have unimaginable adventures. Amazing!
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park BIOGRAPHY / HISTORY
Sudan’s reality, past and present, collide in this beautifully written true story. In 1985, we follow the harrowing journey of a young boy who, after his village was attacked, walks miles and miles to a refugee camp. In 2008, we learn about a girl who must walk two hours morning and night to get fresh water. Their stories are compelling; you won’t be able to put this down, nor take peace and clean water for granted again. A must read!
The Worst Class Trip Ever by Dave Barry HUMOR
Hilarious. Of course. While on a class trip to Washington D.C., Wyatt and his best friend, Matt, are positive they’ve discovered a plot to blow up the White House. Wyatt’s crush, Suzanna, helps the friends make a plan, and as you can imagine, disaster and humor strike as the kids try to stop the bombing.
Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger HUMOR / MAGICAL REALISM (series)
A funny but poignant story of middle-school angst and discovery! Unpopular Dwight can make origami Star Wars characters. When his puppet of Yoda comes to life, just like Yoda, the origami Yoda is wise and helpful during the many trials of middle school.
Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova REALISTIC / GRAPHIC NOVEL
My daughter found this book SO RELATABLE — just like she struggles with confidence and speaking up, so does the main character, Peppi. This well-done graphic novel tackles the issues of friendships and confidence, among other things. (So glad I’m not in middle school anymore.) We highly recommend this graphic novel.
Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee FANTASY
Stuck in a museum with her sister and father who is working on a sword exhibit, Ophelia’s curiosity leads her to a locked room where she finds a boy who has been trapped for thousands of years. But Ophelia doesn’t believe in that kind of thing. Except for she kind of does — because her mother used to tell her about witches and magic. This is a breathtaking journey of loss, acceptance, hope, and friendship. It’s a wonderful retelling of The Snow Queen.
Captain Superlative by J. S. Puller REALISTIC
Right from the start, we know Captain Superlative is gone. This foreshadowing kept me reading with curiosity because I couldn’t imagine who this superhero girl in a book that was not a fantasy. It’s a thoughtful plot with captivating characters. The big lesson our main character, Janey, learns is about not standing by when injustice is happening. She learns this from a girl dressed in a swimsuit, wig, mask, and high tops who arrives at her middle school and changes everything. Read this with a book club or with your child — there’s so much to talk about!
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly ADVENTURE / HISTORY / FANTASY
This is the story of three children in medieval France and tackles big issues such as faith, God, prejudice, friendship, and family. The writing, the story, the characters, and the themes all pack a big punch adding up to a compelling novel that will make you think deeply and leave you changed. (Sensitive readers: there are a few swear words and two scenes with a lot of blood.)
Middle School: The Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts, illustrated by Laura Park HUMOR
What a totally hilarious premise paired with fantastic writing! Rafe’s goal in middle school is to break every single rule. You can imagine how his plan will go, right? Filled with cartoon-like illustrations, this story is going to crack you up and be a sure-fire hit with kids.
To Catch a Cheat by Varian Johnson ADVENTURE (series)
Someone is trying to frame Jackson for a prank he didn’t even commit — and they’re doing a great job of it! It will take months to prove the video is falsified and by then Jackson will have missed the robot contest due to his punishment. Jackson and his friends are determined to prove their innocence but it won’t be easy. This is a great adventure filled with twists and turns.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle SCI-FI (series)
I’ve read this book so many times, I can’t count — many times with my classes as a read aloud — and every time it’s just as fantastic. (That doesn’t always happen with books.) A Wrinkle in Time is a remarkable, well-written adventure in space that deals with the overarching theme of good vs. evil. Meg and her brother, Charles Wallace, and friend, Calvin, set off to find her scientist father who disappeared while researching tesseracts.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds REALISTIC (series)
Ghost accidentally gets on a track team and it’s life changing. His coach becomes a mentor and father figure who pushes Ghost to take responsibility for his mistakes (stealing sneakers) and to start dealing with the ghosts of his past. Well-written and hopeful about growing up and growing into yourself.
Anyone But Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp
FANTASY / HUMOR
I read many parts out loud to my kids while I was reading this book – they were just so funny!! Now my kids are addicted to this series, too. Quirky but lovable Ivy’s adventures involve a sinister ghost, a mystical jewel, and a surprising destiny.
Beetle Boy by M.G. Leonard ADVENTURE / SCI-FI (series)
Darkus Cuttle’s museum director dad mysteriously disappears from a locked room in the museum. Darkus learns that there’s something very strange going on . . . and it has to do with intelligent beetles and a cruel benefactress of the museum. This middle-grade chapter book took me by surprise, it’s filled with charm, uniqueness, and interest.
Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman FANTASY
If your child hasn’t learned about Nordic mythology, this will be a great (short) intro! To end the long winter, Odd must journey to find Asgard, a city under siege from the Frost Giants. A wonderful, nail-biting adventure.
The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner MAGICAL REALISM
One of my favorite books of 2016, The Seventh Wish is a magically captivating coming-of-age story filled with friendship and family challenges and . . . wishes. Charlie is struggling with her sister leaving for college and subsequent problems with drug addiction, her parent’s inattention, and trying to make sense out of her life. So when she accidentally catches a wish fish while ice-fishing, she’s sure that the fish will solve all her problems. Only that’s not exactly what happens.
The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency The Case of the Missing Moonstone by Jordan Stratford, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
MYSTERY
I LOVE this fantastically developed historical fiction story for several reasons – the girl-centric history is really interesting (and empowering), the characters are so well-developed you feel as if you know them, and the plot is a grand adventure! The author imagines a friendship between Ada Byron, genius daughter of Lord Byron and the world’s first computer programmer, and Mary Shelley, the world’s first science-fiction author who almost could have been friends in real life but for about a decade of years. Mary joins Ada to study with Ada’s tutor and the duo form a detective agency. In this first adventure, Mary and Ada learn about another historical figure who invented hypnotism and solve the case of a stolen heirloom.
The Looney Experiment by Luke Reynolds REALISTIC
As I read this book I kept thinking wow– another important life lesson — because they just keep coming in this story. Atticus is bullied, upset at his parents’ separation, and uninspired in school . . . until he meets the language arts substitute, Mr. Looney. Mr. Looney shows Atticus, and his classmates, how to find WHO THEY ARE in the company of characters in a story (specifically To Kill a Mockingbird) and how that transfers to their own lives. I loved Mr. Looney’s character — how he just was present for Atticus without giving advice but facilitating Atticus’ self-discovery. I also loved that the story had a realistic ending. (However, I didn’t love the use of the word crap so much — but that’s just a personal preference but understand that it’s an honest depiction of how many kids talk so in that respect it makes sense.)
Hera: The Goddess and her Glory by George O’Conner MYTHOLOGY / GRAPHIC NOVEL
Both my kids love O’Conner’s graphic novels and can’t wait for his next book, Hades. If you’re big Greek mythology fans, check out his other books, Athena and Zeus: King of the Gods.
Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan REALISTIC
Amina’s struggling. Her best friend, Soojin, befriends another girl as well as wants to change her name to be more American. Then Amina’s mosque is attacked, dimming her worries about middle school. In a lovely turn of events, the community, including her friend Soojin, support the mosque with a place to gather and rebuilding efforts. Through it all, Amina learns there’s space for more than one friend in her life.
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen REALISTIC
I can’t recommend this book enough — it’s life-changing and profound! Angry at the world, 15-year old Cole beats a classmate into a coma and brain damage. To avoid the jail time, Cole agrees to spend a year by himself on an island in Alaska, thinking he’ll escape as soon as possible this form of Native American justice. But after Cole almost dies, he decides to give the year long process a chance. Throughout the experience, you’ll feel Cole’s pain and anger deeply which makes his healing and transformation that much more powerful. I just finished this amazing story and want to reread it again.
The Outcasts: Brotherband Chronicles, Book 1
by John Flanagan ADVENTUREI’m a new John Flanagan fan — this was such a well-written story of a young, father-less boy named Hal whose mom was an Araluen slave. To survive the town’s prejudice against him, he is helped by another outcast, his dead father’s former shipmate, a one-armed recovering drunk. When it’s time for his Brotherband training, he becomes the leader of a rag-tag group of boys. They’ll complete against better, stronger teams who don’t always play fair . The stakes are high and Hal must win even with his group of misfits.
Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker Rhodes MAGICAL REALISM
Now that I’ve read this book, I can’t wait to read all of Jewel Parker Rhodes other books — this was amazing! We follow the youngest daughter of sisters as she visits her grandmère in the bayou for the first time. There, she discovers that she’s inherited her grandmother’s special connection (magic, if you will) with nature. Maddy loves everything about the bayou, including her new best friend, Bear, who has a father with severe alcohol issues. Trouble comes to the bayou when the big rig spills oil and makes it way towards them. Maddy calls upon her magical connection with the river goddess to stop the spill and save the Bon Temps bayou.
Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick REALISTIC (series)
This series kept my daughter reading all summer last year. The story begins when a group of 6th graders join a mother-daughter book club. Each book in the series focuses on one book the girls read (such as Little Women, Daddy Long Legs, and Pride and Prejudice) and the relationships of the girls among themselves, the relationships with their mothers, and the business of growing up.
The Tapper Twins Go to War (with each other) by Geoff Rodkey HUMOR
What I love about this book, besides the structure which I’ll explain in a minute, is the true-to-life depiction of the twins. As the pair seeks revenge upon each other, they feel justified and sort of guilty at the same time. (Of course, this doesn’t stop either of them though.) The interjecting texts between the parents, mostly unsure of how to handle parenting these twins perfectly balance our view of the family. As I mentioned, the structure of this book is fun, making it a quick read. It’s written in interviews, text messages, photos, handwritten additions, and screenshots which is appealing to our kids who live with these styles of communications every day.
Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart ADVENTURE
Sent to an isolated boy’s prison, Jonathan has little time to adjust before all the prison’s adults are killed in a freak lightning accident. Soon a Lord of the Flies scenario develops, Jonathan’s friend is banished from the group, and a mysterious old librarian gives Jonathan books to read that strangely seem perfect for his situation. When a dangerous storm threatens the entire island, Jonathan must decide if he will abandon his guilt and step up to help the other boys. Moral dilemmas, suspense, and action, plus good writing make this an engrossing adventure for 11-year olds in sixth grade.
The Absolute Value of Mike
The title is the only math concept Mike understands — absolute value — a subject in which Mike’s dad wants Mike to excel. Only Mike hates math and when he gets sent to a small town for the summer with distant relatives, Mike learns is true value.
The Cloak Society by Jeramey Kraatz ADVENTURE
Alex’s parents raised him in their secret society of supervillains, training him all his life for a life of villainy. He surprises himself in a battle when he saves the life of his enemy, a Ranger of Justice girl named Kirbie. They secretly become friends making Alex question his entire life and the next big mission to wipe out all of the Rangers. Very adventurous and interesting!
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick REALISTIC
Bem and Rose secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known. Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his mother’s room and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out alone on desperate quests to find what they are missing. AMAZING!
Pax by Sara Pennypacker REALISTIC
I almost couldn’t read this story because I was so sad at the beginning when Peter’s father forces Peter to leave the fox Peter’s raised from a kit in the woods, then drives Peter 300 miles away to his grandfather’s house to live. I mean, talk about heartbreaking! Peter feels just as awful and sets off, on foot, to find his fox. We also read the story from Pax’s point of view who is so confused but hopes his boy will return. Fortunately, Pax is adopted by a leash of foxes who teach him to survive in the wild and Peter is helped by a grumpy war-veteran hermit. Yes, this is a coming of age book but it’s also a commentary on war and the power of friendship.
Outlaws of Time: The Legend of Sam Miracle by N.D. Wilson FANTASY (series)
By the same author as 100 Cupboards, this is a creative, thrilling, action-packed time-traveling adventure. Our hero, Sam Miracle, is a foster kid with two bad arms, who sees things that no one else can — things in a parallel world. Of course, he’s got enemies who wish to stop him. In fact, those enemies have killed him many times in past versions of the world. But with the help of a wise Native American healer, a Native American priest, the two personality-filled snakes that have become his arms (!), and his friend, Glory, maybe, just maybe, Sam can live and save the world.
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech REALISTIC
This is a wise, Newbery award-winning story of loss, death, love, and grief. As she travels with her grandparents across the United States in search of her missing mother, Salamanca Tree Hiddle makes sense of her life by telling stories. In this case, about a girl named Phoebe Winterbottom who like Salamanca has a lost mother. Readers must piece together clues to the truth of Salamanca’s life — this is an excellent book club choice, there’s so much to uncover and discuss.
Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban HISTORICAL
It would be hard as an author not to vilify this country for sending thousands of Japanese Americans to prison camps. But this author doesn’t. She just skillfully shares the evocative story of 10-year old Manami of Washington State, who is sent with her family to a dusty camp, leaving behind her beloved dog, Yujiin, and everything else they owned. Devastated, Manami stops speaking. Her story is painful, sprinkled with hope, and all too real. Please read this with your kids– it’s important.
Sea of Trolls series by Nancy Farmer FANTASY (series)
A bard, a boy, a band of Viking berserkers, trolls, dragons, and a quest — what more could you want in a series? This is one of those can’t put it down books that will keep you up all night reading and I loved this it. (Actually, I love all Farmer’s books.) Your kids will enjoy reading a new adventure in Norse and Old English mythology.
Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter by Beth Fantasy MYSTERY
In Chicago, 10-year old Isabel sells the newspaper she wants to write for during the days of speak-easies and the Mob. When one of her customers is accused of murder, Isabel decides to investigate and prove the woman’s innocence. She meets the famous woman reporter, Maude Collier, and two new friends who all are important to solving the case. This historical mystery grabbed my attention from the first page. The book’s memorable characters and interesting plot makes the historical setting very memorable.
Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi FANTASY (series)
Magic and color are closely linked in her world. Only Alice has no color in her skin or hair. And her Father has been missing for years making her even sadder. She travels with a boy named Oliver to a different magical land in order to find and rescue her Father. But the rules are wildly different and the inhabitants eat people for their magic. Even though Oliver and Alice start their quest at odds, the many challenges join them in a solid friendship. Furthermore is a uniquely creative plot that is dense with description and beautiful language.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan FANTASY / ADVENTURE (series)
Don’t judge this excellent series by its dreadful movies, please. These books are really amazing! Basically, there are really still Greek gods and sometimes they have kids with humans and those kids are half-bloods with unique powers. Unfortunately for these kids, monsters are out to kill them and they are the only ones who can save the world from war between the gods and in a later book, between the Titans and the gods.
Dead City by James Ponti PARANORMAL / SCI-FI (series)
Molly’s recruited to hunt zombies in New York City, just like her mother, who is dead. Or is mom actually a zombie? And why is she trying to contact Molly? This is a great action-adventure-mystery series with a zombie focus.
Starcatchers series by Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson FANTASY / ADVENTURE
I adore this series and know your kids will, too. The authors imagined what happened BEFORE Peter Pan and this is the result. A stunning, totally creative fantastical adventure of magical star stuff, evil shadows who want to rule the universe, and so much more.
Gone Crazy in Alabama by Rita Williams Garcia HISTORICAL
It’s a typical southern summer in Alabama 1969 and Delphine and her two sisters are visiting their extended family. Daily life means minding their grandmother, Big Ma, a crotchety matriarch, getting extra loving from their much sweeter great-grandma, Ma Charles, hanging out with neighbor, JimmyTrotter, and working at the tricky business of growing up. No matter what happens, a Vonetta-stealing tornado included, this is a strong family that loves each other and God with all they’ve got. It’s a powerful book that transports you into Delphine’s world, if only for the summer.
Science Comics: Bats Learning to Fly by Falynn Koch NONFICTION / GRAPHIC NOVEL
Factual information is embedded within this story about a lost little bat who observes a tour group in the desert learning about bats from a tour guide. When the little bat gets hurt, he’s taken to a wild animal hospital where he meets other kinds of bats. At the hospital, the bats lively conversations help the little brown bat learn more about bats — what they eat, how they fly, different species, echolocation, and where they live. SO well done!
Two Naomis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich & Audrey Vernick REALISTIC
What is it like when your parents are divorced — and one finds a new partner? In this coming-of-age story written from two different points of view, Naomi’s mom is dating a man named Tom who has a daughter also named Naomi. Both girls’ parents push them to become friends. Of course, both girls feel resistant — especially when Naomi’s mom asks her to go by her first and middle name — Naomi Marie — to differentiate the two. It’s a tricky time in these kids’ lives, something the authors made relatable and enjoyable to read. The wisdom the parents give to their kids and their unwavering love of their children is inspiring. This is a story that rings true with a pitch-perfect ending.
Classy Crooks Club by Alison Cherry MYSTERY
AJ’s parents are leaving on a research trip so she must stay with her very strict grandmother Jo who doesn’t approve of AJ’s soccer and skateboarding, and other non-ladylike pursuits. After hearing strange sounds, AJ discovers a room filled with exotic, talking birds and learns that her proper grandmother has “rescued” these birds from bad environments. In fact, grandma Jo and her old lady friends are a team of crooks, a heist club. And they want AJ’s help. Well-written and interesting, this is an excellent mystery and coming-of-age story.
Crown of Three by J.D. Rinehart FANTASY (series)
The realm is ruled but a power-hungry and despicable king. When his mistress gives birth to triplets of a prophecy, the three children are spirited away and hidden separately. Now that the children are older, each of them face challenges and adventures that lead them to the truth of who they really are — the foretold saviors of the empire. It’s a great adventure story with cool creatures, a few zombies, danger, and epic kid-power. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn: A Heavenly Nostrils Chronicle by Dana Simpson HUMOR
Sarcastic and hilarious, this is a laugh-out-loud comic book story about a precocious young girl and her reluctant unicorn “best friend”.
Big Nate Welcome to My World by Lincoln Peirce
HUMOR
Lincoln Peirce “gets” kids and their struggles. Nate’s real-life adventures will keep your kids laughing from the first page to the last. These are great for reluctant readers. Boxed set here.
Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan HISTORICAL
The writing, plot development, and characterization are masterfully done but it is long — almost 600 pages. The story takes place during different years around the second world war. The thread that ties the characters together is a most magical harmonica. Lovely and very well-written.
Jack and the Geniuses at the Bottom of the World by Bill Nye and Gregory Mone MYSTERY / STEM (series)
Jack and his genius siblings, Ava and Matt, are orphans who start working for a scientist / inventor named Dr. Witherspoon. The three accompany their inventor boss to the Arctic for a science competition where they discover one of the researchers has gone missing. Is it because she’s made the biggest discovery of her life and another scientist is jealous? A decent read for science and mystery enthusiasts but be ready for sluggish pacing.
Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus HISTORICAL FICTION
An award-winning historical fiction adventure set in the late 1800s about Manjiro, a shipwrecked 14-year old Japanese boy who is rescued and adopted by an American ship’s captain. Americans are very prejudiced against Japanese but when he returns to Japan, he’s rejected as an outsider there and imprisoned. Excellent.
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd MYSTERY
I struggled a bit with the British words– maybe your kids will as well. (It’s a great opportunity to learn to make inferences with British vocabulary!) All that aside, this middle-grade novel is a puzzling mystery that only the boy named Ted who seems to be on the spectrum (his brain is different but not explained) can solve. How did his cousin disappear from a closed pod on the London Eye? The enjoyable action and intrigue will keep your attention throughout — and you’ll wonder why you didn’t guess the ending before Ted.
Sticks and Stones by Abby Cooper REALISTIC
Now that Elyse is twelve, it’s not just the words that other people say about her that appear on her skin, but also her own self-talk. The words stay about two weeks and the negative words itch badly. Because there are a lot of negative words right now ever since her best friend’s ditched her. Anonymous notes encourage Elyse to try new things, and grow out of her comfort zone. She does and is surprised with the positive results including a self-acceptance. This would be an interesting book to discuss with a book group
Hypnotists by Gordon Korman ADVENTURE (series)
Mix the action-packed writing of Korman with a boy who can hypnotize others – and who is recruited to be in a “special” school to save the world. But is that really what the school does? Another hit for the talented Gordon Korman!
The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary by Laura Shovan REALISTIC
The assignment is to write poems that will go in the time capsule when Emerson Elementary is closed. The students have mixed feelings — some are very upset that the school is closing while others aren’t. When the kids learn about protesting, they take their cause to the school board. Not only did I love this story, I really loved that it was written from the students’ unique voices in verse. Shovan does a skillful job writing in each child’s voice so we really get to know each individual. Teachers and parents, you’ll appreciate that the back of the back of the book includes explanations of the different forms of poetry the kids used along with writing prompts. This is a quick read with some interesting topics to discuss.
A Whole Nother Story
by Cuthbert Soup HUMORMr. Cheeseman, his three relatively odor-free children, a psychic hairless dog, and a sock puppet named Steve are on the run. Why? Because Mr. Cheeseman invented a time machine, of course. Now they’re being chased by international super spies, top secret government agents, and a genius monkey. Dr. Cuthbert Soup, the head of the Center of Unsolicited Advice, narrates this wild wacky adventure.
Nightbird by Alice Hoffman FANTASY
Wow. Nightbird’s magic isn’t only in the story but in the woven images of enchanting characters and plot. This book will stay with you long after the last page. Twelve-year-old Twig lives on the edges, trying to stay unnoticed in order to protect her secret brother — a handsome, smart boy who l ives in the attic of her home. He bears the family curse — he has wings. But when he won’t stay hidden anymore–and reveals himself to their beautiful neighbor girl. Twig hurries to stop the curse and prevent the town from hunting her brother as a monster. It’s a wonderfully bewitching story I couldn’t put down!
Running Out of Night by Sharon Lovejoy HISTORICAL FICTION
I highly recommend this powerful story of two maltreated girls who hope for a better future. The narrator is a white girl in the south who is nothing more than a slave to her family, she doesn’t even have a name. She meets and joins a runaway slave who is escaping the horrific brutality of slavery and separation from her family. Together they find kindness and hope with a Quaker family. “You just keep mending and darning, stichin and stichin. At first, things look all pieced together, but after a while, you don’t even notice the stitched-up spots everywhere; they just look all of a piece. Never like new, but all of a piece and good enough to last a life.”
The Watcher by Joan Hiatt Harlow HISTORICAL FICTION
American-raised Wendy’s Nazi-spy mom takes her to live in Germany during World War II. Wendy doesn’t even speak the language and feels overwhelmed with her mother’s zeal for Hitler. Her mom gives her a bracelet to symbolize “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.” At first, it seems to be a good plan considering all the horrible things that might be happening. But when Wendy starts working at Lebensborn, the place where only Aryan children live — many who were forcibly removed from their parents — she learns from her new friend, a Jehovah Witness, that maybe this philosophy isn’t right and that you should stand up for what’s right. I couldn’t put this book down — it made my stomach hurt to learn about the Lebensborn, and wanted to know more because the author didn’t go into too much detail about the horror of this place, thankfully since it’s a children’s book. I really, really love this book for middle-grade readers – it’s so good! (And don’t worry, Wendy escapes Germany for America in the end.)
Stranded by Jeff Probst and Chris Tebbetts ADVENTURE
Honestly, I was totally surprised that I liked this book. It’s a great adventure with real-life conflict between new step-siblings who are on a sailboat trip with their uncle. A storm sinks their ship and they barely make it to a deserted island. They’ll have to work together to survive. And hope their parents can find them. The books are great fast-paced reading for anyone who loves action and adventure.
8th Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich REALISTIC
I’m in awe of how Rhuday-Perkovich created such a moving story and lovable main character, Reggie McKnight, an unpopular yet thoughtful middle-school student. Very relatable to middle school students.
The Same Stuff as Stars by Katherine Paterson REALISTIC
You may know Paterson as the author of Bridge to Terabithia. Like that novel, this new chapter book is a powerful heart-gripping story of loss, acceptance, and coming of age. Angel’s mother abandons Angel and her brother at their ancient great-grandmother’s and since Angel’s dad is in jail, there is no one else. Angel’s used to taking care of her brother but now she must take care of her grandma, too. What’s worse, when her mom takes the brother and not Angel, now her worry and loneliness feels unbearable. Making things more bearable is a mysterious neighbor who teaches Angel about constellations, sparking a passion for astronomy. He tells Angel that she is made up of the same stuff as stars — and encourages her to keep surviving.
The Last Dogs: The Vanishing by Christopher Holt
DYSTOPIAN
Holt is an amazing writer and the story is a fast-paced, unique dystopian adventure that your kids will thoroughly enjoy. All the humans are gone. Max, a yellow Lab, knows that he must find and save his human family. From the moment he escapes the kennel at the vet’s, Max and his friends, Rocky and Gizmo, face huge obstacles in his quest to find his humans — starving wolves, no food, a gang of subway rats, a house of cats, and the controlling Corporation, a “perfect” society for dogs where everyone works and no one can leave.
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall III, illustrated by James Mark Yellowhawk REALISTIC / HISTORICAL
Jimmy McClean’s grandfather takes him on a road trip where he shares the stories of Crazy Horse — his life and battles up to his death. They travel from the Dakotas (home of the Lakota) to Wyoming and other places significant to Crazy Horse’s life. I thought that following the duo traveling to the sites and then hearing the grandfather’s mesmerizing stories made this book easy to follow and very interesting. I only wish they had included a map so I could picture it in my head without using another reference book. It’s a sobering, powerful story based on historical events.
The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan FANTASY (series)
If you’re a Riordan fan, you’ll want to know about the chapter titles. In this book, they’re haiku. Because this book is about Apollo who is (or was as he’s now a human) the god of poetry, among other things. The tone of this book is also different than Riordan’s other series since we’re seeing things from Apollo’s arrogant and entitled perspective — which somehow Riordan makes appealing to readers. (A hard task to be sure!) As the misadventures ensue (because it’s hard when you have no godly powers anymore) Apollo begins to see himself for less than perfect. In this story, we meet new demigods like Demeter’s daughter, Meg and encounter familiar favorites like Percy Jackson.Ω
Theodore Boone The Scandal by John Grisham ADVENTURE (series)
This is my first Theodore Boone novel and I enjoyed it. I picked this book because it’s about teachers cheating on standardized tests. I think students, teachers, and parents can all relate to hating standardized tests so you’ll find this plot relatable and intriguing. Theodore, a helpful kid known for his burgeoning lawyering skills, learns his friend wrote an anonymous letter to turn in the cheating teachers. Both he and his friend are conflicted, especially when the teachers lose their jobs and are prosecuted.
The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome by Jonathan Stokes, illustrated by David Sossella HISTORY
If Ancient Rome is your preferred destination, you’ll need your handy handbook close by to make sure you survive — which seems to be unlikely since, since as the book says, “Rome is an absolute deathtrap.” Filled with tongue and cheek hilarity while also being boldly informative about the historical topic! These are my new favorite history books.
The List by Patricia Forde DYSTOPIAN
Like any dystopian story, this one begins after the cataclysmic event. One man controls the society, including the 500 words approved in “The List” people can use. (Because words = dangerous thoughts.) Letta is the Wordsmith’s apprentice, the job that controls and manages all the words from now and before. When the Wordsmith disappears, Letta asks her dangerous outsider friend to help her find out what happened. She discovers a sinister plan meant to wipe out the community’s language altogether. There aren’t too many dystopian middle-grade books (lots in YA) but this one is worth reading.
Six: A Devastating Call. An Impossible Journey. And No Turning Back. by M.M. Vaughan SCI-FI (series)
This is a fantastic, fast-paced adventure! When Parker’s scientist father is kidnapped, he sends Parker an interrupted message with only a name. Parker, his friend Aaron, his friend’s butler, and his sister, Emma, race to save their father, only to discover that his father is on another planet and the technology to get him back is the invention his dad was working on.
Look Both Ways in the Barrio Blanco by Judith Robins Rose REALISTIC
Poignant and important, this is a well-written coming-of-age story about a Mexican-American girl named Jacinta who gets herself a mentor, a local TV news reporter whom she calls Miss. Both Jacinta and Miss have their struggles and Miss doesn’t want to be anyone’s mentor. Even so, Miss exposes Jacinta to her world and neighborhood which is very different from what Jacinta knows. When Jacinta’s mama tries to return to the U.S. illegally, she gets in a bad situation. Will Miss help Jacinta’s mama or are the stakes too high?
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani FANTASY (series)
The theme is a good one: are people all good or all evil? The School for Good and Evil trains kids to be one or the other — heroes or villains. When this year’s two children are forcefully taken to attend the school, Sophie, a beautiful (yet stuck-up) princess-type, can’t wait to go to the School for Good and tells the other girl, Agatha, a black-wearing, drab classmate, that Agatha is Evil. Only that’s not what happens. Sophie is put in the School for Evil while Agatha goes to the School for Good. Now Sophie spends all her time trying to get into the School for Evil and manipulates Agatha to do so.
Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed REALISTIC / PAKISTAN
The Quest for the Truth series (books 1 – 4) by Brock Eastman SCI-FI / CHRISTIAN (series)
I couldn’t put these books down — which was a very fun surprise because I didn’t know what to expect from a Christian fiction series like this. The writing is fantastic — fast paced and engaging and the story itself is intriguing, a futuristic world in which the four siblings archeologist parents are kidnapped by forces trying to find artifacts which will lead them to eternal life. The kids pursue both the artifacts and their missing parents across different planets where they discover a hidden civilization of blue-colored people, escape a dangerous laboratory with predatory creatures including dinosaurs, learn a friend is really a foe, get captured by pirates, and so much more. I’m looking forward to the final book, book five!
The Metropolitans by Carol Goodman ADVENTURE (series)
Continue to more book reviews for 11 year olds
More Book Lists:
Easy Reader Books for 5- and 6- year olds
Beginning / Easy Chapter Books for 6- and 7- Year Olds
Books for 8-year olds
Books for 9-year olds
Books for 10-year olds
Books for 11-year olds
Books for 12-year olds
YA Books
Challenging Books for Young Advanced Readers
Welcome!
Download my "Can't Put 'Em Down" book lists for your kids ages 3 - 13.
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Sara says
What a great list! I’m trying to add new titles to my 5th and 6th grade reading class and I’m wondering if you have a printable list of titles.
Melissa Taylor says
Sara, I don’t YET — but it’s a great idea. Give me a few days and I’ll get those to you.
Melissa Taylor says
Here you go. Hope this helps! https://imaginationsoup.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Book-List-for-11-Year-Olds.pdf
Sara says
Thank you so much! This is so helpful.
Blissany Wong says
Nice. My child and I enjoyed A lot of them.
Robert Rowe says
My boy loves “His Dark Materials” by the Philip Pullman and “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman.
Melissa Taylor says
LOVE it!! So great to hear about kids who are enjoying books!!
Payal says
Hi Melissa,
Read this very comprehensive reading list you put together a while ago. That was the time my 11-year old was going through a no-reading phase at home. He was either reading books below his reading level or just not reading at all. Then I got him Refugee and Insignificant Events….The latter revived his interest in reading and the former brought joy back into his reading. He is making connections and asking questions, taking sides as he jostles along Josef, Mahmoud and Isabel.
I have als recommended Refugee for the Library Reading Program in one of the schools I work with. Grade 5 will be reading it from July onwards.
Thank you very much for this post and all the hard work you must have put in to compile this.
Payal
Melissa Taylor says
I’m so happy to hear those books sparked his joy of reading — thank you for sharing!!
Madlaina says
My oldest son is 10, just starting grade 5. He was an advanced reader at a young age, reading the Harry Potter series when he was in grade 2 and 3 at his instigation. We have struggled to find reading material that is on his level, but with age appropriate themes. Your booklists contain some wonderful suggestions. I will print out your lists and give them to him to read through by himself, as he currently rejects any book I propose directly.
I will do the same for my younger son (7), who is also an advanced reader.
Melissa Taylor says
let me know if there’s anything else you need. I’m always so happy to help kids find good books!!
Josh says
All THE PEople here are just mothers but I am a kid and I was looking for some books to read once i saw space case one of my favorite books i just kept scrolling down
Since i am a child here some books i like
Spy School
Fun Jungle
Atremis Fowl
Michael Vey and more….
Melissa Taylor says
all great books — thank you so much for sharing your favorites!
Tracy says
My son doesn’t like to read at all. He always says the books are boring. Your list however has given me some great options. Almost all of these books I have never heard of before. (I love to read). Your reviews of these books were written so well. I can’t wait to take him to the library and see which one of these books he picks.
Melissa Taylor says
I”m so excited you found some good options. Please email me anytime if you think I could be of more help! I hope it takes the right book to get your son reading. 🙂
Melissa ([email protected])
Anant says
These books are great!!!!
Lynn Braden says
I love your list, especially how comprehensive and up to date it is. I just wanted to add some information about Crossing the Line by Meghan Rogers. I love this type of story, so I was really unhappy when I found some inappropriate material including the “f” word in the text of the book. Unfortunately, I just can’t include books with the “f” word in my classroom library – such a shame since this book is so good. Just an FYI
Melissa Taylor says
yikes, must have been sleeping to have missed that — thank you, Lynn!
Jenese says
Thanks so much for this truly remarkable list! I have four boys, 16, 13 and 10 year old twins. I love finding good reading options for them. Thank you for sharing!
Melissa Taylor says
you’re very welcome. Happy reading!
Ali Sutton says
I have a few of these! I would recommend Frances Crossno and her book Cole’s Perfect Puppy as well. My 8 and 11 year olds love it! francescrossno.com is her site. She has good info there. But it’s just a really good book!
Melissa Taylor says
thanks!
EJ says
What a lucky day that I found your website! My son’s already read a few books from the list no doubt that hen will enjoy the rest of the books that you recommended.
Thank you so much!
Melissa Taylor says
you’re so welcome — happy reading!
Jen says
This list is amazing! Thank you for all the hard work put into it!
Ivy says
Thanks , I’ve recently been looking for information approximately
this topic for a long time and yours is the best I have
came upon till now. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure about the
supply?
lala says
add the whole Percy Jackson series
Lily Leow Sher Min says
No add HARRY POTTER
gretchen says
yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Trololololololololololololololololol says
Percy Jackson is the best.
michelle says
what a fabulous list! The War the Saved My Life and Echo are two of the best books I have read in a long, long time. A number of the other books on your list my daughter and I have either read or were on our radar, but now I have had to add more! I have loved your blog for some time and it continues to shine!
Karen says
Great list ! You’ve collated a comprehensive reference list…
Excited – I’ll be using it 😀 !
Two other books to add: Ivan the One and Only by Katherine Applegate and The Scarlet Runner by Julie Hunt.
Jessica says
I love this list and the fact that you have reviewed and commented on them. Thank You!
Melissa Taylor says
you’re welcome!