Summer Reading Suggestions for Middle Schoolers Part I

As a 6th grade Language Arts teacher, I am always trying to give my students new suggestions on really good books to read.  At the end of the school year, I provide them with a list of Recommended Summer Reading. I'm sharing that list with you! Please keep in mind that I attempt to keep the list as clean as possible and I also try to stay away from really popular titles in hopes that you might discover little diamonds waiting for you!

Today's post is Part I, check back tomorrow for more ideas!

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool--Realistic Fiction, Adventure

When Jack’s mother dies, he is forced to move from Kansas to Maine with a father he hasn’t seen in years.  At his new boarding school, Jack meets Early Auden, a strange boy who reads the number pi as a story.  When Jack befriends Early, he has no idea that it will take him on an adventure on the Appalachian Trail in search of the Great Appalachian Bear and truth. 

Star Wars: Jedi Academy  and  Star Wars: Jedi Academy #2 Return of the Padawan  by Jeffery Brown—Science Fiction, Graphic Novel

If you have a Stars Wars fan in your house (and even if you don’t) this will be a favorite. It’s funny, smart, and cute. Jeffery Brown puts a young Roan into Jedi Academy, but he’s a few years behind his peers. Antics ensue! It’s a great summer read. Lots of fun and could be paired with a viewing of some of the original movies!

Al Capone Does My Shirts by  Gennifer Choldenko –Historical Fiction

Moose Flanagan is just your average, baseball loving 12-year-old who happens to live on Alcatraz with his family.   His mother wants to send his older to sister a special school in San Francisco for children with autism, but she is rejected.  Now Moose is in charge of watching his sister in the afternoons.  At the same time, he’s dragged into schemes dreamed up by the warden’s daughter in which Al Capone plays a role.  Will Moose be able to help his family, stay out of trouble, and keep his sister safe?

Lincoln’s Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin –Nonfiction

The true story of how robbers planned to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln and demand, as ransom, the release of counterfeiter Benjamin Boyd.  This is a great read.  Sheinkin writes in an easy and interesting style that allows readers to really get pulled into this true story.

I'll have more ideas to keep your middle schooler engaged in reading this summer!



Part II, III, IV and V