Best Summer Reading For Middle School

"Any book that helps a child form a habit of reading to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.”  ~Maya Angelou 

Developing depth, stamina, and passion in middle school readers 

Middle school reading is about building depth, stamina, and passion. Supporting independent reading to increase volume, understanding of complex issues, reading for its sheer joy and to learn about the world; can be identified as small goals for middle schoolers. 

Time, choice, response, vision, expectations and challenge are important parameters to foster independent reading.  

5 recommended definite steps to foster reading identity and nurturing lifelong readers:  

Non-negotiable time to read in order to create the habit of reading and set the stage for school assigned reading. Encourage wide reading in all genres, however, middle schoolers should also pursue an author or genre study. Reflect on reading in writing (themed notebooks & writing notebooks are good aids) Facilitating discussions at home, joining blogs or reading sites for discussions. Commit to helping readers, which further aids in defining a child as a reader and writer. Challenge to read 200-600 pages/week  

Recommended list 2022 - summer reading  

• The Genius under the Table by Eugene Yelchin - Great book to introduce Russian society, Russian families through the lens of the young boy who tries to find his passion to stay relevant in his world. 

• The Assignment by Liza Weimer -  A thought-provoking book as it connects holocaust to society today. Masterfully written, The Assignment is great complimentary material to your Holocaust education, as it ties in to the Wannsee Conference and Germany’s “Final Solution to the Jewish Question.” Not only does it touch on this history, but the book also encourages students to think about social responsibility in their own lives. 

• Unplugged by Gordon Korman - An adventurous read as you listen to multiple voices in an electronics-free wellness camp where the wealthy, spoiled Jett, leads other campers to stop a criminal. 

• The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor:  This historical graphic novel celebrates marginalised voices and as author states, “ If history failed us, fiction will have to restore us.” 

•  The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden: A beautifully layered look at courage it takes to stand up to, and stand up for, the people you love- including yourself. An award-winning debut novel published in 2018, explores the cultural divides around class and the gun debate through eyes of one girl, living on the edge of the society, trying to find her way forward. 

• Other Boys by Damian Alexander: A tastefully done, powerful and moving graphic memoir that highlights bullying and stress disorder because of the death of a parent. This memoir showcases how each one of us isn’t just one story but we’re hundreds of them all tied together. 

The author is Founder & Director, One Up Library & Learning Lab