Middle School is a crucial time for growth. Not only do children undergo significant physical changes during this time, but they also experience exponential intellectual strides – especially when it comes to their reading skills.
At St. Timothy’s School, reading plays a huge role in a student’s middle school experience. Not only do our students participate in required summer reading programs. They also are encouraged to read independently and with peers throughout the school year. In doing so, students progressively graduate to higher reading levels where they can think critically and independently through complex storylines, driving intellectual growth through middle school and beyond. Read below for a comprehensive list of the best book series for middle schoolers.
Harry Potter
It goes without saying that Harry Potter is an ultimate children’s classic. This seven-book series has captured the hearts of young readers for decades and is an excellent starter for middle schoolers looking for lengthier chapter books. Harry Potter follows the tales of a young boy named Harry whose life transforms when he discovers he’s a wizard. After being summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards, Harry encounters a whole new world of magic and adventure that keeps readers coming back for more!
Middle School
Resonating with its name, the Middle School book series by James Patterson is perfect for readers in grades 6-8. This critically acclaimed, comic-style series follows the life of sixth grader Rake Khatchadorian as he embarks on his middle school journey. While a funny and lighthearted read, Middle School also aims to address some more serious issues, including first crushes, different family dynamics, and discovering personal identity as an adolescent. This 16-book series encapsulates readers with its relatability, humor, and eye-catching in-text illustrations –you won’t find anything else like it!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a fan-favorite among middle school readers. This unique series by Rick Riordan showcases a crossover between real and mythological worlds, as the main character, Percy, discovers he is the son of the Greek god, Poseidon. As Percy explores his newfound demigod identity, he and his two friends, Annabeth and Grover, embark on a series of quests toward world preservation against Kronos, leader of the Titans. This one-a-kind series is a real page-turner for readers who can’t get enough of the wondrous worlds of Greek mythology.
The Hunger Games
Another shelf staple for middle school readers is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This three-book series takes place in the dystopian world of Panem, consisting of a shining Capital and twelve outlying districts. Each year, the Capitol holds a televised event known as The Hunger Games, where one boy and girl from each district are randomly selected to fight to death for all of Panem to see. Read along as young and tenacious Katniss Everdeen enters The Hunger Games and fights not only for her life but also against the cruel and inhumane injustices of the Capitol’s administration.
The Maze Runner
Like The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner by James Dashner is another young adult dystopian series that takes readers on a wild adventure. This #1 New York Times bestselling series centers on a teenage boy named Thomas who suddenly wakes up in a limitless, ever-changing maze with no recollection of his past life. Throughout the books, Thomas and his friends encounter a series of wild ups and downs as they struggle to navigate the maze and fight the deathly obstacles in their way.
Private Education at St. Timothy’s School
At St. Timothy’s School, we lay the groundwork for students to become lifelong readers. We incorporate grade-level books and reading activities in our curriculum to promote intellectual, social-emotional, and spiritual growth throughout lower school, middle school, and beyond. Visit our site today to learn more about our middle school program at St. Timothy’s.
