The best way to get your middle school students reading more is to offer them exciting, compelling reads that will hook them from the get-go. As they finish each book, they’ll find another one waiting for them and they can continue to read about their favorite characters and their adventures.
There are loads of amazing series out there for this age group, with genres to suit everyone! We’ve made a list of 66 of the best book series for middle schoolers that you should consider adding to your class library to grab your students’ attention and get them reading. Read on to see which ones your kids would love!
1. Middle School 7 Books Collection Set by James Patterson
Let’s start with a series your kiddos will almost definitely relate to! These funny tales about Rafe and his middle adventures at Hills Village Middle School will have them hooked. Written with an outlook on life that all middle schoolers can appreciate and relate to, this series is sure to be a hit in your class.
2. The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
Let your kiddos lose themselves in a world of magic and intrigue! This is one to add to your reading list as well as your middle schoolers, as people of any age will appreciate the retellings of these whimsical, well-known tales. It’s a breath of fresh air for familiar stories that will inspire your learners and make them want to read on.
3. Fudge Box Set by Judy Blume
This one is for the mischief-makers! You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone in your class who doesn’t like this classic series about Peter and his mischievous little brother Fudge. This middle school book series has been a favorite of many for over 50 years, and for good reason!
4. The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
Graphic novels are a super way to start a great reading habit in your kiddos. These offerings contain more heart, compassion, character development, and humor than you could possibly expect. Get your middle school reader hooked on this story of survival and then you can watch the Netflix adaptation together!
5. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
The powerful story carried throughout this series will keep any of your middle schoolers hooked until the end. In a race against time, the readers will be rooting for the main characters in this series as they try to figure out the secrets of their city before they are plunged into darkness forever. There’s even a movie adaptation you could watch together once they’ve finished reading.
6. Theodore Boone by John Grisham
Have a budding lawyer on your hands? Get them interested in this series now! With the same intrigue as his adult legal thrillers, John Grisham flawlessly writes intriguing young adult suspense thrillers with his main character Theodore Boone. With so many twists and turns, they’ll be excited to be along for the ride!
7. The Secret Series by Pseudonymous Bosch
This middle school series is a perfect choice for any of your kiddies who love mystery and suspense. Even the author’s name and the title of the books are kept a secret! Don’t be surprised if they’re so hooked they finish the entire series in a week!
8. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Your class will be hanging off every word as they follow the unsuspecting demigod, Percy, in this fast-paced and action-packed series! As Percy contends with his new demigod identity he is faced with navigating a tumultuous tide of titans, treacheries, and training camps. Myth meshes with the modern, crafting a saga of battles and brotherhood that your kiddos are sure to love!
9. The Baby-Sitter’s Club Graphic Novels Adapted by Gale Galligan and Raina Telgemeier
This graphic novel adaptation of a classic series will have any reader fully immersed in the lives of Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Stacey, Dawn, and Mallory. The illustrations bring a whole new element to these stories as the girls take on the world of babysitting!
10. Berrybrook Middle School by Svetlana Chmakova
Your middle-grade readers will get a kick out of these fantastic stories from Berrybrook Middle School. They’ll be able to relate to the stories, that cover everything from crushes to bravery as well as those awkward middle school moments! This series even comes with a ‘dairy’ book too where they can pen their own story!
11. Ruby Redfort by Lauren Child
Your kiddos will love this series where they’ll get to see the world through Ruby Redfort’s eyes. Juggling spy missions, secret codes, and school this young detective walks a tightrope between espionage escapades and everyday exams. This series is full of adventure, wit, and wisdom which will keep your readers hooked through each exhilarating book!
12. Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Is any library complete without the amazing Harry Potter series? This series is beloved by all and offers an escape from everyday life as your readers are thrown into the wizarding world. They’ll be enchanted by the story of Harry Potter as he battles evil and finds friendship along the way. It’s a tale of hope and finding light in the darkest of places that your kiddos will simply adore.
13. Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene
This one is the perfect pick for your wannabe detectives! Let them dive into the world of Nancy Drew, a young sleuth who has been inspirational to many women around the world. They will be drawn into each story and try to help this fabulous detective find clues on every page and solve each mystery.
14. Middle School Mayhem by CT Walsh
If your kids loved James Patterson’s middle school collection, they will also love this offering. It’s full of humor, likable characters, and crazy middle-school fiascos, which will keep them hooked! What’s not to love about this funny and relatable series?
15. A Mermaid in Middle Grade by A.M. Luzzader
A Mermaid in Middle Grade is a superb fantasy book that will capture the attention of your kiddos. Follow as Brynn, a mermaid in the 6th grade tries to learn magic and fulfill her role as a sea guardian. Can she be like her friends and family and save the day from an evil sea witch? Your kiddos will need to read to find out!
16. Holes by Louis Sachar
Holes is a staple on any middle school language arts classroom’s bookshelf. Have your kiddies follow the story of cursed Stanley and his quest to figure out what the warden at the boys’ camp he is attending is trying to find. Not many people know that this book is part of a trilogy series – this is sure to be great news for long-time fans!
17. Amulet by Kazi Kibuishi
Let your students lose themselves in this New York Times best-selling series. They’ll follow the story of Emily and Navin as they attempt to rescue their mother from a tentacled creature. They soon discover this is only the beginning, and Emily is meant to do great things!
18. Accidentally Fabulous by Lisa Papademetriou
Introduce your kiddos to Amy, who is the new girl at school! Will she be able to find a way to fit in? Or will she have to deal with the wrath of the mean popular girls for her entire school career? This series will make a super relatable addition to your class library!
19. Baseball Genius Homerun Series by Tim Green and Derek Jeter
Who better to co-author a series about baseball than baseball legend Derek Jeter? The main character Jalen is a baseball genius who can predict almost any play on the field and he soon finds himself playing for the Yankees. This is a super choice for the sports fans in your class!
20. Confessions by James Patterson
Let your kids dive deep into a world where nothing’s as it seems. Amidst the hallowed halls of high school, Tandy Angel turns detective, unearthing disturbing family enigmas. With each revelation, layers of her life unfurl, telling an exciting story of trials and some unexpected truths. This fast-paced series will have your readers piecing together parts of a thrilling mystery as they race toward the gripping conclusion!
21. Epic Zero by RL Ullman
Why not give your kiddies an action-packed superhero series to read? Elliott is surrounded by superheroes, including his family and even his dog. While he longs to join them, he worries that he will always be a zero. Your readers will be eager to follow Elliott’s journey through each book in this fantastic series.
22. The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
Have you heard the story of Nicholas Flamel and how he might be immortal? Your students will fall in love with this mysterious fantasy series about the immortal French alchemist and his dark and dangerous adventures! These fast-paced books set ancient magic against a modern-day backdrop and are sure to captivate your readers’ imaginations!
23. Secret Agent 6th Grader by Marcus Emerson and Noah Child
Get your kiddos laughing with this hilarious trilogy! What is Brody going to do when his calm boring life is disrupted and he is thrown into the world of being a 6th-grade spy? These books are full of moments that will make your middle schooler laugh out loud and keep them engaged from the beginning to the end.
24. The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon
This classic book series has been around for almost 100 years and has evolved over time. It’s a classic series in which good triumphs over evil and we follow brothers and amateur detectives, Frank and Joe Hardy as they fight crime. Your kiddies will get hooked on these books and find hours of enjoyment in the Hardy Boys’ adventures.
25. Brian’s Saga by Gary Paulsen
Hatchet is another staple in any middle school classroom, but did you know it is part of a wider series? If your readers loved it then why not let them keep going by having them read the next four books in the series? They’ll love reading about all of the ways Brian’s survival skills are put to the test!
26. The Alien Kill Series by Rae Knightly
Does your middle schooler love sci-fi? If so, they’ll love this series that follows Ben Archer through harrowing adventures full of superpowers, aliens, and so much more. The fast-paced plots are brimming with action and excitement which will make this series a class favorite!
27. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
They’ve seen the movies but have they read the books? Re-introduce your kiddos to the world of Bella, Edward, and Jacob with the Twilight Saga. From mysterious vampires to territorial werewolves, and teenage romance, this series has it all!
28. The Millicent Min Trilogy by Lisa Yee
Millicent is incredibly smart, but unfortunately, this does not help her fit in well with her peers. But when she meets a girl who actually thinks she is cool, will she be able to maintain the facade or will she lose this friend, too? Kiddos will love following Millicent and her friends in this sweet trio about friendship, family, and the trials of teenage life!
29. The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
What’s better – being people smart or book smart? This question is central to the Lemonade War series, as brother and sister face off to see who can sell more lemonade and solve a mystery in the process. This fun series of six books keeps readers interested with a new mystery to solve each time! Get your kiddos on the case!
30. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton
“Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” Invite your middle schoolers to read this series to see all of the mind-bending tests these children are put on to determine which two boys and two girls will be deemed worthy. Can they solve the mystery before the children in the books?
31. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Encourage your bookworms who are looking for something a little different, but no less action-packed to pick up this series of wonderful adventures that follow the Baudelaire orphans. These are masterfully woven stories that will awaken empathy, resilience, and courage in your kiddos. They’ll be hooked from the first one!
32. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
If it’s a dramatic adventure your avid readers are after, this book series is for them! Suzanne Collins has crafted a gripping dystopian saga that will plunge your middle schoolers into a treacherous battle for survival. The tale of Katniss Everdeen is one of resilience, rebellion, and the human instinct to survive against all odds. They’ll be captivated by this amazing trilogy!
33. Warriors by Erin Hunter
This series is the perfect choice for cat lovers! Through the eyes of feral cats, Erin Hunter crafts a thrilling world of wilderness, valor, and survival that will have your kiddos captivated. It’s a saga that roars with adventure, drawing young readers into the heart of the wild and the intricate politics of animal clans.
34. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Immerse your middle schoolers in this timeless series, where fantasy and reality weave a magical tale. The Narnia series is rich in literary elements that will broaden your students’ views and excite their imaginations. The Pevensie siblings’ journey through Narnia is a saga of faith, courage, and the eternal battle between good and evil; lessons they’ll be captivated by.
35. Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell
Middle school mayhem gets a comic twist in this delightful series. Your kiddos will easily relate to these books as they cover familiar scenarios with youthful exuberance! The diary entries of Nikki Maxwell portray the triumphs, tribulations, and absurdities of teenage life that will captivate your youngsters.
36. Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
If you want to tempt your fantasy-loving readers this is a series you need to add to your class library! This dragon-embellished saga swoops youngsters into a whirlwind story of prophecy, warfare, and heroism. It’s a thrilling exploration of destiny, friendship, and the transformative power of unity amid conflict. What more could you need in a book?
37. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Your little readers will love this fantasy world! They’ll be captivated by the criminal exploits of young genius Artemis Fowl. This series offers a riveting blend of fantasy, wit, and adventure through the mystical world of fairies, dwarves, and trolls. If you’re looking to encourage imagination, this is the book to recommend!
38. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
This hit series is a super starting point for so many kiddos to help them develop a love of reading. For the reluctant readers in your class, look no further than the hilarious and relatable turmoil of Greg Heffley’s middle-school life. The amusing illustrations with witty storytelling, capture the quintessential trials and tribulations of adolescence in an easy-to-read, comic-like book.
39. Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz
Spies, drama, and high-stakes teenage living! In Horowitz’s exhilarating series teenage spy, Alex Rider navigates the cloak-and-dagger world of espionage whilst he faces the struggles of teenage life and growing up. Your adventure-loving readers will be thrilled with this suggestion.
40. The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry
Have your students consider the importance of memories and knowledge with this next pick. The Giver is an insightful dystopian series that delves into themes of memory, conformity, and the price of utopia. It will captivate their thinking and is sure to be a great prompt for class discussions. This series is a super pick for a school book club!
41. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Have you got a young reader needing a good mystery series to captivate them? This dystopian saga will catapult your readers into an intricate labyrinth, teeming with danger and mystery. As the story of Thomas and his friends unfolds, Dashner brilliantly navigates suspense, action, and the chilling reality of survival against all odds. Your young readers will love the thrills this series provides.
42. The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Immerse your middle schooler in a fantastical journey filled with magic, whimsy, and a host of mythical creatures. The Grace children’s adventures in the Spiderwick Estate will offer your kiddos a thrilling exploration of the unseen world that coexists with ours. They’ll be drawn in by the characters along with the perfect balance of warmth, humor, and just a touch of scariness!
43. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
If your kiddos are looking for a book that’s just the right fit, this is it! This series is a heartwarming testament to the power of friendship, teenagehood, and a seemingly magical pair of jeans. Offer them this delightful coming-of-age journey, deeply rooted in love, self-discovery, and the bonds that tie us together.
44. The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander
This is a super series to recommend if your kiddos love to be immersed in a tale they’ll never forget. They’ll join the character, Taran in an enchanting saga set in the mystical land of Prydain. This classic fantasy series is brimming with endearing characters, adventure, heroism, and the timeless struggle between light and darkness.
45. The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
This one’s for the history buffs! The rich tapestry of Egyptian mythology is the perfect backdrop of this riveting series which follows the adventures of Carter and Sadie Kane. Your kiddos won’t be able to put these books down as they unravel a world of ancient gods, hidden powers, and destiny, offering a mesmerizing trip back in time. They’ll be hooked!
46. The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
Combining Arthurian legends and Celtic mythology, this series will take your young readers on a spellbinding journey against the dark forces. They’ll read the story of Will Stanton whose destiny as a Seeker reveals a tale of magic, heroism, and the eternal struggle between light and dark. It’s an epic adventure for them to embark on!
47. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
If your kiddos loved The Hunger Games, then this series is sure to be a hit too! Your middle schoolers will be captivated as Gregor journeys through the Underland – a mysterious world that lies beneath our own. It’s a thrilling saga of prophecy, courage, and the inextricable bonds of family and friendship. What a great choice for your avid adventurous readers!
48. Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke
Challenge your keen readers with these longer epic novels! Your kiddos will love the Inkheart trilogy for its captivating exploration of the power of stories, where the lines between fiction and reality blur. With characters that come to life on the pages, these books are sure to emphasize the magic of reading and the allure of fantasy in your classroom.
49. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Have your kiddos dive into this series all about the struggle between good and evil. They’ll follow two friends who find themselves on opposite sides of the classic divide and must see beyond the obvious in this world where fairy tales become real. This enchanting series explores themes of friendship, destiny, and the blurred lines between good and evil. It’s sure to be a captivating read!
50. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
This series tells a heartwarming tale that will ensnare your young readers and keep pulling them back for more. Through the books, your kiddos will follow the Penderwick family as they navigate life as a tight-knit family who just can’t seem to keep out of trouble. These gentle books make for fun and lighthearted reading for your learners.
51. Lockwood & Co. by Jonathan Stroud
This spine-chilling series will take your young readers on a thrilling ghost-hunting adventure. Stroud’s deft storytelling combines mystery, suspense, and a dash of humor in a haunting exploration of the supernatural world. This paranormal series will captivate even your most reluctant readers!
52. Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
Adventure and fantasy intertwine in this compelling series that will grab the attention of readers looking for a fast-paced narrative. Encourage your kiddos to join Will in his training to become a Ranger as he encounters action-packed journeys, challenging friendships, and the tireless fight against forces that are threatening his kingdom. They won’t be able to put this amazing series down!
53. I Survived by Lauren Tarshis
Open your young readers’ eyes to key moments in history with the I Survived book series. These gripping tales explore pivotal historical events through the eyes of young protagonists and will bring the trials, triumphs, and resilience of humanity to life for your kiddos in vivid detail.
54. The Five Kingdoms by Brandon Mull
Let your readers step into a world where magic reigns supreme and danger lurks at every corner. This series will offer them a thrilling ride through the Five Kingdoms, blending enchantment, peril, and the unyielding power of friendship. They’ll be captivated by the main protagonist, who is a role model for doing the right thing in the most trying circumstances.
55. Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter
This next series is a super pick for readers looking for a relatable, yet exciting read! Carter weaves an enticing narrative combining teenage antics with espionage set against the backdrop of Gallagher Academy, a school for spies. The series is a rollercoaster of adventure, friendship, and the trials of growing up amidst secrecy and danger that your kiddies will love.
56. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
The Lunar Chronicles series offers a futuristic twist on classic fairy tales. Your learners will love to follow the familiar heroines as they navigate a world of cyborgs, hackers, and intergalactic politics. Engage them in this fascinating mashup that breathes new life into beloved tales!
57. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
Allow your kiddos to embark on a magical journey with telepathic elf Sophie Foster as she uncovers mysteries and battles dark forces. They’ll be completely captivated by its enchanting world-building, engaging characters, and high-stakes adventure. Magic and mystery- what more could you need in a book?
58. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan
If you want to recommend a book with humor, wit, and adventure, this is just the one! Allow your kiddos to explore the thrilling world of Norse mythology with Magnus Chase, as he encounters gods, monsters, and daunting quests. Riordan’s series is a riveting blend of action, humor, and ancient lore that will captivate your middle school readers from the start.
59. Wings of Olympus by Kallie George
George spins a tale of mythology and friendship, that your young students will be captivated by. They’ll love getting to know the main characters Pippa and the winged stallion Zephyr. This series is a delightful journey into the realm of Greek gods, heroic challenges, and the power of belief that will be a real page-turner for your kiddos.
60. The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick
Offer a relatable read for your kiddos with the Mother Daughter Book Club series where a group of girls dive into the world of classic literature, all the while dealing with middle-school mayhem. Through attending a unique book club with their moms, they learn life’s lessons from fictional characters and each other. Each page paints a familiar picture of middle-school life and the joy that comes from sharing stories.
61. Drama by Raina Telgemeier
Look no further for a series that your drama-loving students are sure to be obsessed with! They’ll meet Callie, a theater-loving middle schooler who is navigating life’s ups and downs in the Drama series, where behind the curtain, friendships are tested, and young love blossoms. This graphic novel is sure to be a hit with a vibrant splash of adolescence, some stage mishaps, and plenty of heartfelt moments.
62. Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Take a journey with Alice McKinley, from whimsical childhood to insightful young adulthood. Each book in this wonderful series unwraps her different encounters with love and loss, as she travels the long and confusing road that is adolescence. The tales are super relatable for young readers and will help them see that they’re not alone in the tough moments of growing up.
63. The Clique by Lisi Harrison
Let your kiddos step into a world of lavish lunches and clandestine conflicts with the girls of an elite middle school. As allegiances shift and secrets spill, the line between friend and foe blurs. Drama, designer clothes, and dilemmas dominate this tumultuous tale of teenage ties.
64. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
Mystery and intrigue shroud this enchanting series that is perfect for middle schoolers! Your readers will be captivated as Rosewood’s school corridors whisper with rumors after Alison’s eerie vanishing. Her four friends are pulled into a web woven by the mysterious “A,” who threatens to unmask their secrets. Suspense, romance, and riddles galore. Your kiddos will be hooked and compelled to read on to reveal A’s identity in this middle school whodunnit!
65. The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin
Let your kiddos embark on an endearing exploration of friendships formed amidst diapers and deals with this series. Join a vivacious group of girls taking baby steps into the world of babysitting and business as they juggle school, friendships, and their fledgling club with gusto and giggles. These classic books have stood the test of time and are just as popular now as they were when they were released almost 30 years ago!
66. Shadow Children by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Explore an exciting dystopian future with your kiddies in the Shadow Children series. In a future shadowed by stringent rules, thirdborns live under the radar, hiding from watchful eyes. Through layers of lies, secrets, and survival, their tales spin a tapestry of hope and rebellion. It’s a dark dive into what it means to exist and resist that will have your middle schoolers hooked from the first page.
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