High Interest Low Reading Level Books for Middle School
Find skilful books for your middle school students who are reluctant readers, maybe even struggling readers.
From graphic novels to nonfiction books, I'm sharing six categories of books plus recommendations in each category of books that are motivating, some at lower levels, and really, really expert. In other words, kids will like them!
Not only have I taught reluctant readers but besides my oldest daughter is a reluctant reader. So I know that you have to try everything including matching kids with the right book. Books that they'll dear to read. Which is easier said than done.
Think of your readers' interests and requite them some books from this list.
Go Specific Strategies to Motivate Your Eye Schoolers Here: 12 Means to Motivate Center School Readers to Read.
Find Volume Recommendations for Every Historic period Here: Book Lists Past Historic period.
Middle School Books
Beginning WITH GRAPHIC NOVELS
Grin by Raina Telgemeier
6th grade is difficult enough for Raina but it's even worse with braces, headgear, and friend troubles. Kids love this series that starts with Grin. Besides READ: Drama, Sisters
Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova
This book is SO RELATABLE for any kid who struggles with conviction and speaking upwards like the main character, Peppi. This well-done graphic novel tackles the issues of friendships and confidence, among other things.
Brave by Svetlana Chmakova
Just like Bad-mannered, this takes place at Berrybrook Middle School where Jensen is the miserable target of the school's bullies attacks. Friends, Jenny and Akilah call up that they can use the newspaper to help him, just their plans without Jensen's consent hurt their friendship. The ups and downs and challenges volition experience familiar to readers and you'll be rooting for Jensen to stop the bullies and find his place in the world.
I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 (Graphic Novel) by Lauren Tarshis, Georgina Brawl, illustrated by Haus Studio
Retold in a graphic novel format, this tells the story of a boy on the Titanic who is traveling with his mom and sister to reunite with his male parent in the Us. If you have a reader who prefers graphic novels, give this historical fiction book a try.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anybwile
The Crossover graphic novel version is a fast-paced read that packs a large dial visually and emotionally. Kids honey Alexander's lyrical writing and how he seems to just "get" the teenage man status. (Hint: it'southward messy and wonderful and complicated and real.) Basketball game histrion 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. He shares about getting into problem when he hits Jordan in the face with a basketball game. And he reveals the pain of watching his father as his centre fails. Don't miss this coming-of-age story about a boy trying to figure out his life.
All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
Growing upwardly, Imogene (aka. Impy) e'er loved her family's function in the Renaissance Faire . . . that is, until middle schoolhouse. Even though she gets her dream to work in the faire equally a squire, she as well just wants to exist similar the other girls at her school, too. Her journey is painful and honest equally she figures out who she wants to exist. It's narrated as a hero'southward journeying which, with the faire background and middle school drama, feels perfect.
The Croc Ate My Homework by Stephan Pastis
This volume is and so funny and my kids LOVED this book, as did I. It'south from the author of the Timmy Failure books and thePearls Before Swine comic strip. The main characters, the crocs, are non the smartest and their not-very-smart-thinking volition go on yous thoroughly entertained.
Roller Girl past Victoria Jamieson
Roller Girl shows the struggles of friendship and finding your place in the world equally Astrid works hard to become a amend roller derby skater, reconcile that her best friendship has ended, and develop a new 1. (I recommend going to a roller derby event with your kids to help them know more than about this cool sport for girls — it's such a blast and would be helpful for reading this book, but non essential.) Well-written and relatable.
Big Nate Welcome to My World by Lincoln Peirce
I call back the Big Nate comics are even amend than the novels — they are just and then stinking funny! The episodes will continue both you lot and your kids neat up.
New Child past Jerry Craft
Jordan's parents make him get to a private school across boondocks where he's one of the only kids of colour. Likewise having the tricky business of navigating friendships, he now must bargain with the ii carve up worlds of his neighborhood and his schoolhouse along with racism and balancing academics with his art. This story feels truthful, relatable, and of import.
Gorgeous artwork sets the tone for an otherworldly story. The 5 worlds are falling into chaos. When ane world attacks another, Oona Lee, a girl who is a sand dancer, rescues two boys and the three determine to lit the unlit Beacons and salve the worlds. But, they confront a dark forcefulness that comes with a devastating betrayal. (I mentioned this on Instagram simply this book enticed my 7th-course daughter with a chronic affliction who hasn't felt well enough to read in months to read!!)
Queen of the Sea past Dylan Meconis
A must-read, atmospheric historical graphic novel virtually the early years of Queen Elizabeth the Showtime of England. Margaret is an orphan who grows up in an island convent. She doesn't learn that she is a hugger-mugger princess until her half-sister, Eleanor, is banished to the isle. Eleanor is the former queen. On the island, she's both kind and manipulative and nonetheless bonds with Margaret so much so that when she escapes at the end of the story, Margaret joins her.
This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews
A compelling graphic novel gamble filled with curiosity, magic, and friendship –as well equally a talking bear, a map-drawing crow, and a special journeying to the stars. Every twelvemonth for Autumn Equinox, the town sends lanterns downward the river to join the stars in the sky. Curious to know if this is truthful, Ben and Nathaniel, boys whose unstable friendship doesn't bode well for cooperation, follow the lanterns on their bikes. Before long, they meet a talking fisherbear who is looking for the river, too. They meet and are imprisoned past a potions maker, make a daring escape, grow into a true friendship, and finally, learn the unexpected, magical truth virtually the stars.
Nathan Hale's Chancy Tales: Big Bad Ironclad! by Nathan Unhurt
Boy readers especially like this series much more than me simply it's just personal preference –the more sarcastic tone and the violence of the books do non appeal to me personally. And yet, and so many kids similar these books that I finally decided to add them to my list. No dubiety, these introduce kids to history and tin motivate kids to read so those are good things. This particular story takes place during the American Civil War focusing on the ironclad steam warships with the battles, other military machine aspects of the war, and real people like William Cushing.
Kids will relate to the ups and downs of Shannon's friendship in elementary and center school in this true-to-life graphic novel with incredible artwork. Nosotros run across Shannon struggle with friends, the popular girls, and even her own behavior, we scout every bit she discovers her passion — using her large imagination to make up stories.
TRY A NOVEL IN VERSE
Considering this is written in verse, this is a fast read only packs a large punch, peculiarly for boys. Basketball player and twin Josh narrates his life in quarters, only 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 virtually watching his father equally his heart fails. This is a coming-of-age, gripping story nigh a middle school boy who is only trying to figure out life.
Booked by Kwame Alexander
I'grandAMAZED at how skillfully Alexander writes about the teenage human status — he but gets it! 12-yr old Nick struggles with his parents' separation, a school neat, and the clumsiness of a outset trounce. The but matter that feels right is soccer…until he gets injured and tin can't play. This lyrical, fast-paced story feels honest and relatable. Alexander'south books are near always guaranteed to go centre schoolhouse kids excited to read, reluctant readers included.
House Arrest by K.A. Holt
You'll experience and then many emotions reading this tender, heartwarming story that shows a brave boy who feels acrimony, fear, worry, and love over his challenging situation. Timothy is under house arrest for the side by side year. He lives with a brother who needs constant medical care and feels and so much pain and defoliation over his big life changes. Part of his year-long punishment is to meet with a probation officer, meet with a therapist, and write in a journal which is the book we're reading. When his picayune brother gets assigned an abusive new nurse, Timothy feels similar fifty-fifty if he gets thrown in juvie, he must practice something drastic to help his blood brother.
Lifeboat 12 past Susan Hood
Thinking Hitler will invade England next, Ken's family sends him to rubber in Canada. But, Ken's ship doesn't make information technology. Information technology's torpedoed and sunk only days into the journey. Written in verse and based on a true story, this is a moving account of bravery and survival as Ken, several other kids, a priest, the send's just adult female, and members of the crew spend weeks adrift at ocean in an ill-stocked lifeboat. You lot'll read about their swollen feet, dehydration, and starvation as well as the stories and songs that helped go on the kids distracted and hopeful. Ultimately, y'all'll be left with a sense of amazement at the resiliency of the human spirit.
Emmy in the Key of Code by Aimee Lucido
This is an exquisite book that celebrates music, Stalk, making friends, and growing into yourself.Emmy's eager to commencement a new school and make friends but she'due south thwarted by rudeness at every turn. A daughter of professional person musicians, Emmy decides to accept that even though her unabridged life is music and she lives for music, she'll never be a musician herself. So for an elective, she takes computer programming instead of music. A girl in her programming class named Abigail is friendly but but during class. Which makes Emmy feel both skillful for that little attention but angry at existence kept a hole-and-corner. As Emmy's family adjusts to San Francisco, Emmy figures out her place in the world, especially equally information technology relates to her growing love for programming.
Other Words for Habitation past Jasmine Warga
Written in evocative all the same very readable poesy, follow a immature girl from her habitation in Syria as she moves with her mother the U.s.a.. Jude'south journeying is one of growing up, being brave, and discovery. Readers volition see how Jude finds her way– relating other ESL students in their safe classroom space, finding new friends, getting her period and starting to wear a headscarf, and even performing in the school play. Her insights on life in America helps put us in her shoes of an immigrant experiencing this land for the first fourth dimension.
Become HOOKED ON SURVIVAL, Action, & Risk
Heady and fast-paced, this is an easy-to-read, page-turning hazard perfect for beast and survival enthusiasts. Ben, Noah, and Ben's dog Hero, a retired search and rescue canis familiaris, get out the prophylactic of indoors during an oncoming hurricane to search for Ben's missing friend, Jack. Hero leads the friends to Jack only their risk gets more challenging from at that place. A mudslide, an alligator, a lost Lookout troop with an injured leader, and lots more than mean Hero must work hard to go the boys safely dwelling house. Excellent!
Lost is a riveting retelling of a soldiers' plane crash thenweeks of thirst and starvation in the perilous southward seas on precarious lifeboats. The fast-paced writing moves the story along with purpose and the photographic evidence is fascinating. Readers volition be hard-pressed to put this intense truthful story downwardly. (Don't miss next volume in the series: Lost in Outer Space about the Apollo 13 moon mission.)
Storm Runners by Roland Smith
Smith always writes non-stop action and gamble books. This series is about what happens when a hurricane hits, flips the schoolhouse bus, and Hunt and his classmates are stuck in a swamp. Be warned, the first book ends on a cliff-hanger but there are iii in the series then y'all can keep reading with book two, The Surge.
The Last Kids on World by Max Brallier, illustrated by Douglas Colgate
Based on this book, yous'd call back the zombie apocalypse was totally fun. At least that's how Jack approaches life, zombie fights, and survival. He and his best friend, Quint, live in an upgraded, well-defended treehouse where they programme for rescuing his crush June (she doesn't need rescuing being quite capable) and fighting zombies and monsters. Illustrations throughout brand this fifty-fifty more than appealing to read and imagine. Delightful. Who would take idea?!
Miles Morales by Jason Reynolds
Miles' spidey sense is whacking out when he'due south at school, peculiarly in his history class. Add together to that, he's worried he will turn out like his criminal uncle. Then, Miles, who is Puerto-Rican and African American, stops being Spider Man. Until he discovers a chilling plot of men named Chamberlain who work nether the control of The Warden. Now, he must use all his skills to save the world from a racist threat. Yous'll dearest the diversity, the 2-parent family, and the complexity of Mile's graphic symbol.
96 Miles by J.L. Esplin
"Dad ever said if things get desperate, it's okay to drink the water in the toilet bowl." Isn't this a keen first sentence? An apocalyptic event has happened, there'due south no electricity, the brothers are solitary, and all their dad and their survival supplies were stolen at gunpoint. At present John and Stewart are on the road trying to get to a friend'southward ranch for their supplies. It'south not going well–they've picked up a girl and her little brother not to mention Stewart is nonstop fighting with John. If you similar survival stories, sibling stories, and take chances, this is a great choice.
Stranded by Jeff Probst and Chris Tebbetts
What a great adventure with realistic conflict between 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 alive. At present they'll accept to work together if they want to survive.
Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart
Sent to an isolated boy's prison, Jonathan has picayune fourth dimension to adjust before all the prison'due south adults are killed in a freak lightning accident. Soon a Lord of the Flies scenario develops, Jonathan'due south friend is banished from the group, and a mysterious erstwhile librarian gives Jonathan books to read that strangely seems perfect for his situation. When a dangerous storm threatens the entire island, Jonathan must decide if he will carelessness his guilt and step up to help the other boys. Moral dilemmas, suspense, and activity, plus good writing brand this an engrossing chance.
Written from many different voices almost ane day in history, readers easily can meet the massive amount of cooperation, planning. and troops from dissimilar countries involved in D-Twenty-four hours (when the Allies invaded France at Normandy.) We hear from an American teenage soldier who was born in Federal republic of germany, a French Algerian girl whose mom is a recently captured spy, a Canadian paratrooper who lands in the incorrect spot, and an American black medic. It's violent and disheartening yet despite terrible losses, racism, and injuries, the fighters persist despite everything to accomplish their goal — to have dorsum the area for the Allies. What an incredible retelling of this 24-hour interval!
READ A Volume Well-nigh Existent LIFE
Orbiting Jupiter past Gary D. Schmidt
Joseph is an abused male child with a tearing father, a parent at age 13, and is now living as a foster kid with Jack'southward family on their organic farm. As he learns to trust them, we slowly larn about Joseph's deep beloved for a rich girl named Maddie, his girl named Jupiter who he's never seen, and his shattering heartbreak. This is an amazing story– painful yet filled with redemption and promise — beautifully written and 1 that volition give middle schoolhouse readers and so much to ponder.
Maybe He But Likes You past Barbara Dees
Middle schooler Mila is feeling trapped— a group of basketball playing boys is getting too close, grabbing her, touching her, and and then telling her that she'south imagining it. Ignoring doesn't stop the behaviors, neither does telling an adult, telling her friends, or wearing baggier clothing. Now her toxic friend Zara is acting mad and jealous that Mila'southward getting the boys' attention. Unexpectedly, Mila finds her strength when she starts karate classes. That helps her observe what works to put a stop to the harassment.I highly recommend this essential book; it should be shared widely with middle school boys and girls.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Ghost accidentally gets on a track team and it's life-changing. His jitney becomes a mentor and father effigy who pushes Ghost to take responsibility for his mistakes (stealing sneakers) and to showtime dealing with the ghosts of his by. Well-written with a hopeful bulletin about growing upward and growing into yourself.
FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION AUDIOBOOKS
Audiobooks can be at any reading level — and content — so the heaven'due south the limit with these! Most children'due south auditory processing comprehension is much college than their actual visual reading comprehension.
Please remember this important truth: audiobooks COUNT.
And they are SO motivating for many a reluctant middle schooler. (Like my ain daughter.)
Audiobooks build vocabulary, allow kids to practice strategies like prediction and inference, and develop a love for books. Plus, they really benefit children with reading challenges or learning difficulties. I can't tell you how glad I am that my neurodiverse daughter can heed to audiobooks and get through assigned reading — or just get "into" a story.
Attempt these favorites:
Harry Potter past J.Grand. Rowling, narrated past Jim Dale
The best selling children'south book of all fourth dimension, this is a MUST READ (Mind) for so many reasons: the brilliant storytelling, a complex and entertaining plot, relatable characters, rich language, essential life lessons about friendship and bravery, and more.
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger, narrated past Julie Roundtree
Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. And Sophie has a secret—she'southward a Telepath and not human being. She must leave the man world for the Elvin world where she'll face danger from both worlds. Her simply hope is to regain the memories of her by. Mesmerizing!
The Graveyard Volume by Neil Gaiman, narrated by Neil Gaiman This volume is and so excellent, I'd say it'southward a modernistic children's volume classic. Bod lives in the graveyard with an assortment of ghosts and other cemetery creatures who raise him after his parents are killed when Bod is only a baby. Bod'due south primary guardian is Silas who cares for him, feeds him, and teaches him about the human world. The ending is bloodshot (my daughter yelled at me for making her read a lamentable story) just perfect. Despite the scary-sounding title, the scariest part is in the first chapter when Bod's parents get murdered.
The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud, narrated by Miranda Raison In old-time London, nosotros acquire that dangerous ghosts and spirits are appearing everywhere with evil intent BUT simply kids can encounter them. Teens Lucy, Anthony, and George desperately need money for their ghost agency and so they take a perilous job that may just be their last.
Cinder
Cinder is a skilled mechanic cyborg, a human with machine parts, and lives with her step-mother and sisters. (Remind you of Cinderella withal?) When Prince Kai asks her to set up something for him, she becomes entangled in a plot which puts her life at risk and the entire state's fate is hanging in the balance. This is an Amazing can't-put-information technology-downward series that is good for eye school readers who aren't ready for too-mature YA content quite yet.
The Prisoner of Cell 25 (Michael Vey #i) by Richard Paul Evans, narrated past Fred Berman
If you like fast-paced, not-too-difficult scientific discipline fiction, y'all'll love this fantastic audiobook about a boy with electrical powers versus an evil grouping who wants to control him and others similar him. It's an addictive series for middle schoolers who enjoy action, suspense, and take chances.
NONFICTION
Beavers: The Superpower Field Guides by Rachel Poliquin, illustrated by Nicholas John Frith
In this fact-filled, funny, and illustrated nonfiction book, you'll run across Elmer who, like other beavers, has superpowers like Chainsaw Teeth and an Always-Toiling Tail. Wow, right!? After you lot nil through this engaging nonfiction book, I predict Elmer volition be your new favorite kind of animal — and you'll be a beaver expert, besides. Splendid, engaging writing.
If your kids dear Nike, they'll devour this like shooting fish in a barrel chapter book well-nigh the origin story of the brand… Readers will see that it's not plenty to have a good idea and smashing product but y'all also must figure out how to sell your product — and Nike did this by sponsoring elite athletes like Michael Hashemite kingdom of jordan to wear their shoes. The company'south journeying shows kids that businesses go through ups and downs. However, continued innovative thinking combined with hard work and determination leads to success.
Survivors of the Holocaust: True Stories of Six Extraordinary Children by Kath Shackleton, illustrated by Zane Whittingham
Holocaust survivor stories like these MUST be told. Because these six children started just like any of the kids reading their stories, they were ordinary kids who experienced the hardest things a child could face…existence torn from their homes, separated from family, captured as a prisoner, and/or forced to hibernate. Graphic storytelling with unique artwork supports the clear, compelling narratives that will stay with you lot. Information technology's pretty sad to witness the tragedies in these children'due south lives. Powerful, emotional, deeply agonizing that leaves us with a sense of loss, even with these children's survival. We need more books like this. We must never forget. Buy this volume for your classrooms and libraries!
Almanac 2020
All-new content and interviews with renowned National Geographic explorers will help you lot learn near what's going on in the globe! Filled with photos, facts, crafts, features on animals, science, nature, engineering, conservation, plus games, activities, jokes, quizzes, comics. This is an exciting, fun-to-read tome of information.
Weird only True 8
Exercise your kids dearest the Weird But True! books equally much every bit mine? This new edition contains 300 all-new wild and wacky facts and pictures. Want to hear a few?
- The 1904 World's Fair featured a life-sized elephant made of almonds.
- moonbow = a nighttime rainbow
- Scientists found sharks living in an underwater volcano.
- Octopuses have bluish claret and ix brains.
The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution by Jonathan Due west. Stokes
The Thrifty Guides Handbooks for Time Travelers are irresistible, wildly imaginative romps through history. These books are filled with tongue and cheek hilarity while besides being boldly informative about their historical topics…If you've decided to travel to the American Revolution, you'll desire your Thrifty Guide forth for this heady adventure!
"Set your Time Corp Time Machine Colonial to Apr 18, 1775, and get some residue, considering you are not going to take another hazard to sleep for the next day. The good news is, things are about to become very exciting. The bad news is, well, you're probably going to go shot by a British musket."
Lucky for y'all, the book provides a helpful hints section of your odds of being striking by a musket forth with information about the battles, casualties, and leadership. ("Better commanders than William Howe: Finn Greenquill'due south grandmother, a wet sock, a bowl of soggy oatmeal, this volume, a cat stuck in a washing automobile.") The guides are published by Fourth dimension Corp in the year 2164 to help vacationing tourists with the most practical data for their time travel trips.
Worlds Strangest Creepy-Crawlies Peak twoscore Weird and Wonderful Hair-Raising Bugs
Big, assuming text and huge color photographs catch your attending immediately starting with #40, the elephant protrude and ending with #1, the exploding ant. Huh!? Yes, this emmet from Malaysia explodes and dies — yikes! Each problems featured gets a 1- or 2-page spread including of import facts, a habitat map, photographs, and ratings on the "strangeometer" for creepiness, superpowers, issues dazzler, and fight factor. Irresistible!
Ascension Upwards: Ordinary Kids With Extraordinary Stories by Amanda Li, illustrated by Amy Blackwell
Middle schoolers volition love the colorful layouts, exceptional writing, and wealth of information about SO many amazing office model kids. Learn nearly Poorna Malavath from India who climbed Mt. Everest, Desmond Doss, a WWII hero from the U.S., and Molly Kelly from Commonwealth of australia who escaped from forced resettlement for Aboriginal children. The writing grabs yous from the first sentence — and makes these children's truthful stories exciting and dramatic equally if you were reading an adventure story.
Insect Superpowers 18 Real Bugs that Smash, Zap, Anesthetize, Sting, and Devour! by Kate Messner, illustrated by Jillian Nickell
Stylized to expect like a comic book of superhero action with oversized pictures and the occasional large comic-style typeface of smack! pow! and chomp! print upon the reader simply how super these superbugs are. Bugs like the Green tiger beetle, the fastest of all insects. Messner shares the must-know basics (name, size, hideout, superpower) then launches into fascinating details about each including what they eat (favorite foods) and who eats them (archenemies). Action-filled cartoon panels prove a problems stalking and and then devouring its nutrient. Interesting insets of information characterize more facts about each insect. What child could resist reading this enthralling tome!?
Totally Wacky Facts Nigh History by Cari Meister
This reminds me of the Foreign But True books simply about history and from a dissimilar publisher. And, I LOVE It! This little book makes history interesting to kids — it'southward filled with colorful photos and illustrations and yeah, wacky facts. Hither are a few to get you started:
Early Chinese spies flew on big kites to gather information about their enemies.
Ancient Romans were the first to tape seeing UFOs.
Napoleon suffered from ailurophobia. that means he was agape of cats.
Crazy cool, right? It makes y'all want to know more!
Percy Jackson'southward Greek Gods by Rick Riordan, illustrated by John Rocco
My kids can't stop reading and rereading this enormous volume of Greek myths, retold Riordan way — I'm talking laugh-out-loud style. Remember all the hilarious chapter titles in Riordan'south Percy Jackson books? And the witty, sarcastic voice of Percy? Yup. All here.
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Source: https://imaginationsoup.net/middle-school-books-reluctant-readers/
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