Summer Reading Suggestions for Middle Schoolers, Part II

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 II, check back tomorrow for more ideas!

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan—Historical Fiction 

Esperanza lives a privileged life in Mexico until she and her mother are forced to flee to California during the Great Depression. They settle in a work camp for Mexican immigrants and Esperanza’s life has turned upside down. Esperanza must find a way to change her attitude and learn to accept not only the people who have helped her and her mother, but also her new life. 

Counting by 7’s by Holly Goldberg Sloan—Realistic Fiction 

Willow Chance is a bit different from most of her peers. When her adoptive parents suddenly die in a car accident, it’s up to Willow to make a family out of the strange mix of characters who reach out to help her. This is a beautiful story about a girl who is different from everyone else and what it means to be a family.








I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai—Non-fiction, Memoir  

Malala Yousafzai’s memoir chronicles her life leading up to the Taliban’s attempt to end her fight for girls’ rights to an education. We see how her city was overtaken by Taliban and what it meant for her and her family as they found their lives in danger. The Young Reader’s edition is easy to read and not too violent, considering Malala’s story. 

Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine—Historical Fiction 

It’s 1958 and tensions are high in Little Rock, Arkansas. Marlee is shy and doesn’t speak much, but then she meets Liz, the new girl in school and Marlee has an instant friend. Then the unthinkable happens and Liz is kicked out school when it’s found out that she is not white. Can Marlee find a voice to speak up against what she knows is wrong so she and Liz can be friends?








One Came Home by Amy Timberlake

After her older sister runs away with “pigeoners”, the sheriff returns, with the news that she is dead. Georgie sets off on a journey to prove that it’s not true, following the clues she can find and searching through her memories, trying to assure herself that it wasn’t her fault. Due to the nature of Georgie looking for a sister who is thought to be dead, this is a darker read, but well written and intriguing.








Check out Part I if you missed it!  Part III, IV and V