Back to School Books for Middle School

Is it back to school time already? Depending on which part of the country you live in, some schools will be starting up in the next couple of weeks!

Most middle schoolers aren’t dying to read a book right before school starts, but keep these in mind as read-alouds or read-withs or even a “you might like this book” recommendation, especially if you are a teacher or school librarian!

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Back to School Books for Middle School

The Best School Year Ever by Barbara Robinson: The Herdmans are back and are a force to be reckoned with at Woodrow Wilson School.

Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan: “Don’t judge a book–or a 5th grader–by its cover” is the message that comes through loud and clear in this heart-warming middle grades title. Read our full review and check out our book club tips!

Somebody on This Bus Is Going to Be Famous by J. B. Cheaney: A realistic fiction novel that brings together nine very different students on one bus with one school driver for one school year: who is going to be famous? Read our full review here!

Tangerine by Edward Bloor: A realistic sports story that is so much more than a sports story, Tangerine blends soccer, environmentalism, bullying, racism, and physical disability into a well-written, thought-provoking middle grades read. Read our full review.

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt: A modern classic! Don’t miss the follow-ups: Okay For Now (our review) and Just Like That (our review). Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood learns about Shakespeare, running, and life in this humorous coming of age story. Read our review.

The View From Saturday by e. l. konigsburg: The View From Saturday is a smart book for smart kids. konigsburg raises as many questions as she answers. Readers will have to make some of the connections on their own, but the reward is worth it. Read our full review.

Don’t miss our Back to School Picture Books List for younger kids!