Finding the right book for middle school readers can be tough! This list of teacher-recommended books is perfect for young men and includes well-known authors like Gordon Forman and James Patterson. It includes exciting stories, Greek mythology, and even true stories. Check out these 18 books on this boy's book list!
1. Middle School-The Worst Years of My Life
Humorous and full of mischief, this book follows a young man who makes it his personal duty to break every rule! Sixth grade, seventh grade, or even eighth-grade middle school boys will enjoy this cute tale of naughty behavior from this likable character.
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2. Restart
Gordon Korman brings us another hit for middle school boys and girls! This is a touching story of a young boy who suffers an accident and has to relearn everything in life all over again. His memory is gone and he has to figure out how to be himself all over again.
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3. Harbor Me
A beautiful story of friendship and trust, Harbor Me is a terrific story for middle school boys or girls. When this unique group of friends joins together, they learn how to express their fears and worries and be there for one another as they work through middle school life together.
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4. Tight
This is the exciting story of a boy who always does the right thing and suddenly starts risky behavior. He does not like the way it makes him feel. Ideal for sixth grade, seventh grade, or eighth-grade students who may be tempted to try new and risky things, this book shows the better option of staying straight and narrow.
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5. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
When a young boy, Bruno, moves to a new and unknown place, he meets another young boy in an internment camp. While Bruno is an explorer and longs to escape these fences that surround him, he also longs for a friend.
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6. The Giver
Jonas learns about the world through a brand new perspective when he receives a very special assignment. Lois Lowry brings a complex story about Jonas, his entire family, and their ideal community.
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7. Downriver
Adventure meets trouble! In this chapter book, a group of teenagers takes on the adventure of a lifetime. All is well until things start to crumble. When things get tough, what will they do? After all, they didn't have permission to borrow the gear and set out on this dangerous journey in the first place.
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8. New Kid
This graphic novel is about a seventh grade boy who starts a new school. He is a talented artist but does not get to utilize his talents at his new private school. He struggles to fit in and many middle schoolers will relate to this boy and his struggles.
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9. The Outsiders
Growing up is hard to do. These incredibly detailed characters form friendships and forge through adolescence together. Along the way, they experience life with ups and downs-good and bad. They stick together and support each other.
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10. Hatchet
After a plane crash in the middle of the wilderness, a young boy survives alone and must learn to live life in the woods. With nothing more than a hatchet, he must learn how to survive as he goes along. During the time he is stranded, he matures and learns more about the person he really is inside.
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11. Swindle
This exciting story of a con man who tricks a boy out of his baseball card collection. He and his friends figure out a plan for how to break in and get their stuff back. This story is funny and fun and your middle schoolers will enjoy it!
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12. Wonderstruck
Two different stories come together to tell of two young children who wish for things to be different in their lives. Told through a series of pictures and words, this story unfolds in a complex but uniting way.
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13. Schooled
This touching story of a boy forced into public school at the age of twelve is a great story for middle school boys. He does not fit in with the others and he struggles to find his place among the students at his new school. His way of life is different. Will he ever be accepted by his peers?
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14. Freak the Mighty
An incredible story of triumph and overcoming, this book is about two boys with their own unique set of challenges. While one is big and one is small, one is smart and one struggles, they form the perfect friendship.
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15. Crossover
Twin brothers have incredible talent on the court and as they begin to grow up and face the challenges of adolescence, they soon realize that all choices come at a price. Written in beautiful prose, its poetic writing will hook readers into the storyline!
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16. A Long Walk to Water
This beautifully written chapter book is a testament to hope and strength. Written about two young adolescents, the story of each is told. Based on a true story, this book tells the gripping truth of what life was like for these young people.
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17. Heat
This great sports book tells the story of a talented young man. His incredible pitching skills get noticed quickly, but he begins to worry when opposing teams start to question his age. He is orphaned and will do whatever it takes to keep him and his brother together.
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18. Wonder
A chapter book to give hope and optimism to others, it tells the story of a young boy with a physical difference. His face is deformed and he has hidden away from others most of his life. Now he is ready to face the world and enrolls in school. How will he weather through his new journey?
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