Middle School Summer Reading

Summer reading is a great way to get your child interested in books, on his or her own terms. For the best books for middle school summer reading, we turned to the nation’s finest independent bookstores to get their favorites, from classics to new releases, swashbuckling adventures to the just plain fun, silly or sweet. Here are their recommendations for a summertime full of fantastic books:

Nothing but the Truth by Avi

Ninth grader Philip Malloy is suspended for humming the National Anthem during homeroom. When the story hits the national news, the results of telling nothing but the truth unfold in surprising and thought-provoking ways. Recommended by Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, CO. Where to buy.

The Book of Everything by Guus Kuijer

This lovely little novel’s young protaganist, Thomas, must try to reconcile the religious fervor of his father with the cruel abuse his father inflicts upon his family. Along the way, Thomas spends time talking to Jesus —who's actually visible and talks back — and befriending the next door neighbor, who just might be a witch. This is the kind of book that you can read with skepticism, but I suggest you jump into it and believe. It confronts heavy subjects with light, magical grace. Recommended by Powell’s Books, Portland, OR. Where to buy.

The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas

Protagonist-narrator Conn shows a talent in larceny as well as in his studies with the wizard Nevery in this first book of a trilogy which ought to please Harry Potter fans with its blend of adventure, magic, and youthful hijinks. Recommended by Prairie Lights Books, Iowa City, IA. Where to buy.

Revolution is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine

This beautiful and emotionally challenging novel tackles a tumultuous period in Chinese history. Recommended by 57th Street Books, Chicago, IL. Where to buy.

Cupid by Julius Lester

A fun, witty retelling of the romance of Cupid and Psyche, this book will get readers interested in the tricky ins and outs of Greek mythology. Recommended by Linden Tree Children’s Recordings and Books, Los Altos, CA. Where to buy.

Want to see more from Education.com’s book list? Here’s a collection of our favorite books for middle school:

The Invention of Hugo Cabret By Brian Selznick

This novel set in 19th century Paris tells the story of a twelve-year-old orphan boy who lives in the walls of a train station. This artful blending of narrative, illustration and cinematic technique unravels a mystery your child won't soon forget.

Main Street by Ann M. Martin

This is a new series from the author of The Baby-sitters Club, about two sisters who are orphaned and move to their grandmother’s small town.

The Mistfits by James Howe

This is a fantastic book about four friends who band together to stop name-calling at their school.

The Seems: The Glitch in Sleep by John Hulme and Michael Wexler

12-year-old Becker Drane works as a "Fixer" in The Seems, the world behind our world that controls our existence. A glitch in the Department of Sleep is keeping everyone up at night, and he will have to rely on all of his training and intellect to fix the problem and save the world!