Top 10 Book Recommendations for Middle Schoolers
As humans, we have always been hungry for adventure and excitement. But through our busy, mundane lives, the thrill of adventure always seems beyond reach. But what if it was actually just beneath our fingertips? Books are our portal to all the adventures one can imagine. Below are the top 10 books that have earned a spot on the Branksome Middle School Book Hall of Fame.
1. A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder, Holly Jackson
Five years ago, in Pippa-Fitz-Amobi (or Pip)’s quaint, quiet town of Fairview, there was a murder in which a young woman, Andie Bell, was murdered by a young man, Sal Singh. Or at least that’s what the authorities think… Pip begs to differ. The case has laid untouched for years–until Pip arrives. Pip decides to delve deeper into the tangles of this mystery for her senior capstone project. While working alongside the alleged murderer’s younger brother, Pip becomes obsessed with the case and uncovers startling facts at each turn. This novel is great for readers aged 12+ and has plot twists lurking behind every corner.
2. Inkheart, Cornelia Funke
Meggie Folchart’s father, whom she calls Mo, has given her two things: The unconditional love that her mother, who’s been missing for years, has never been able to give her and a lifelong love of reading.
Mo has worked as a book doctor for all of Meggie’s life, repairing torn pages and broken spines. But everything begins to change when a stranger turns up at the Folcharts’ doorstep, and Mo is sent away on an urgent mission to repair books at Meggie’s great-aunt Elinor’s library, a tedious task in which Meggie is dragged along. Mo begins to act secretively, and it is not long before Meggie discovers why: A special book has been hidden in Elinor’s library. The book contains evil and good, secret upon secrets, and Mo wants nothing to do with it. A book named Inkheart. What is the meaning of this mysterious book? Meggie soon reveals all the secrets in one twisted story. This fantasy novel is a sure classic on the bookshelf and will leave readers clinging to every word.
3. One Of Us Is Lying, Karen M. McManus
One strange day, 5 students are called to detention for an act they swear they didn’t commit. In true Breakfast Club form, the students include Bronwyn Rojas, a straight-A student, and a strict rule abider. Nate Macauley, with a criminal history and rocky reputation. Cooper Clay, legendary baseball pitcher, and Addy Prentiss, the beauty-pageant-bound damsel. And finally, Simon Kelleher, known for creating Bayview High School’s infamous gossip app, About That. Shockingly, only 4 made it out of detention, and Simon is found dead. The murderer is among them. This novel is recommended for ages 13+, with detailed characters and a giant plot twist guaranteed to make you gasp!
4. The Giver, Lois Lowry
This captivating story centers around a young boy named Jonas, who lives in a world of blissful conformity. His society lives without memories of the past, except for one man, known as the Receiver of Memories. The community has no choice or freedom. Without choice, the leaders of the society believe they can erase negative events, such as inequality and war. Soon, Jonas is given a job as the new Receiver of Memories, where he learns about the intricate, complex secrets his fragile community has been hiding. This thought-provoking novel is perfect for ages 11+ and will keep readers hooked!
5. Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt
What if you could live forever? Young Winnie Foster has lived a straightforward life, spending each passing day with her strict grandmother, who thinks Winnie should grow into a proper young woman. One day, Winnie stumbles upon the Tuck’s, a secretive and tight-knit family. It isn’t long before Winnie discovers the Tuck’s secret: they have the power to live forever after drinking out of the cursed spring water that flows from the spring behind Winnie’s backyard. After forcing Winnie to never tell a soul about the spring and their secret power, things become complicated when a stranger decides to put the spring up for sale. In this classic novel, Winnie discovers that living forever can actually be a curse disguised as a blessing. This short, timeless read is great for readers ages 11+!
6. The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
Each year, the Hunger Games come to haunt the citizens of Panem. This live-broadcasted television show randomly selects two contestants, one male and one female, to participate in the Games. Two tributes from each of the twelve districts fight to the death in an enclosed arena while the rest of Panem awaits the reveal of the lone victor. On the day of the selection, Katniss, who luckily has never been called up, faces a heart-wrenching blow upon hearing her sister Prim’s name. Everything changes when Katniss volunteers to participate in the games instead of Prim. This thrilling page-turner is perfect for ages 12+. Be cautious of some more violent moments, and let the games begin!
7. Little Woman, Louisa May Alcott
In stunning, 19th century New England lived four young, intelligent girls. Ambitious Jo, sweet Beth, beautiful Meg and vain Amy. The girls are responsible for keeping the house whilst their father is away serving in the war. In this beautiful novel, these sisters discover their true identities while transitioning from youth to womanhood. This timeless novel is great for readers with a classic taste, ages 13+.
8. Life As We Knew It, Susan Beth Pfeffer
Miranda Evans has led a normal teenage life. She gets decent grades (but never good enough for her mother), has quarrels with her brothers, and hopes to continue living this life until the very end. But everything changes when an asteroid hits the moon out of orbit, leaving the Earth in chaos. Miranda’s future is suddenly shattered–graduating high school and getting into college. The world will never be the same again. This thrilling novel sees a chaotic world through a sixteen-year-old girl’s eyes, eerily reminiscent of the pandemic, it is great for readers 13+.
9. The Inheritance Games, Jennifer Lynne Barnes
This intriguing novel follows the story of Avery Grambs, who since losing her mother, lives with her older sister Libby. Her mission is to survive high school, get a scholarship, and get out of the small, congested town where she lives. However, her future is immediately altered when she learns that a billionaire, Tobias Hawthorne, has left Avery almost all of his fortune. Avery has no clue who this man is or why he sent all his inheritance to her, a complete stranger. Readers will become fascinated by the twists and turns within this novel!
10. A Mango Shaped Space, Wendy Mass
This novel focuses on Mia Winchell, a thirteen-year-old girl who suffers from synesthesia. Mia sees the world through a different lens, a more colourful one. Even words and sounds have colours. Mia struggles to overcome adversity and be accepted by her peers, wishing that people wouldn’t see her as odd or abnormal. People around her make fun of her for having a disability and think that she’s making it up for attention. In this heartbreaking novel, readers will engross themselves in the ups and downs of Mia’s life and learn the importance of being yourself.