Welcome to the FHS/FMS Library

Middle School Recommended Reading List

These books didn’t make this list because somebody said they’re “supposed” to be good.

These books made this list because they are good.

 

 

 

 

Watership Down – Richard Adams

Not only the greatest book about rabbits ever written, but it also may be the finest animal tale ever told. One of Mr G’s personal favorites.

 

 

Speak – Laurie Halse Anderson

This novel has just about reached the point where it is going to be older than many of the people reading it. And it’s still as controversial and compelling as it always has been.

 

 

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – Ann Brashares

People have been loving this one for 15 years now. And it’s good enough that they’ll still be loving it for 15 more.

 

 

Peaches – Jodi Lynn Anderson

Did you like the Traveling Pants? Then you’ll love picking Peaches!

 

 

Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card

Arguably the best YA action novel that’s ever been written and another of Mr. G’s personal favorites. Ask me about some other very good books from the same world with the same characters!

 

 

Artemis Fowl – Eoin Colfer

Evil genius. criminal mastermind, undisputed sociopath; yep these could all describe Artemis Fowl. But nobody is ALL good…. Or bad. A fun character you should check out.

 

 

The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins

Most books that receive this much hype and attention do so because they’re written to the lowest common denominator; this is not most books. If you haven’t read this yet, come in the library and check it out; right now.

 

 

The Maze Runner – James Dashner

Is it as good as The Hunger Games? No, it’s not. But if you liked The Hunger Games, you will like this; c’mon give it a shot!

 

 

The Tale of Despereaux – Kate DiCamillo

You don’t expect much when you pick up a book about a mouse, but in this case your expectations are entirely irrelevant. Props to a very good writer for creating this great little read.

 

 

Inkheart – Cornelia Funke

A great idea and very well executed by the author. Don’t let the size deter you; you’ll be really glad you gave this one a try.

 

 

Caroline – Neil Gaiman

This book reaches a level of creepiness that you rarely find in a novel, much less one written with students in mind. If you like it strange and disturbing, grab this one.

 

 

The Princess Bride – William Goldman

An old school fairy tale with subtly humorous characters that was ultimately made into a wonderful film. Read the book and watch the movie; they’re both high quality media.

 

 

The Outsiders – S. E. Hinton

I swear that when this book is 100 years old, kids are still going to be gobbling it up. Ten million copies sold and still going strong…

 

 

Redwall – Brian Jacques

The first and best book of Jacque’s classic animal series. Anthropomorphic swords and sorcery at its best.

 

 

The Wave – Todd Strasser

A classroom experiment gone wrong shows the power and danger groupthink and peer pressure. Even creepier because it’s based on real life events.

 

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Jeff Kinney

If you are in the mood for something that’s going to make you laugh, always go for the Wimpy Kid. This is funny stuff at any age.

 

 

The Chronicles of Narnia – C. S. Lewis

This is definitely one of the greatest fantasy series ever written. And yes, the books are waaaaayyyyy better than any of the films.

 

 

Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH – Robert O’Brien

I won’t call it one of the greatest children’s books of all time, simply because it’s not just a children’s book. It’s an awesome story at any age and I still love it to this day.

 

 

Eragon – Christopher Paolini

I’m not a huge fan of dragon books, but this one hooked me right away. Give it a shot and it will probably hook you too.

 

 

Hatchet – Gary Paulsen

If you’re looking for a survival book written by a young adult, look no further. This is the one that you want.

 

 

The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan

The first in the series and the one that started it all. Are there any awards this book didn’t win?

 

 

Holes – Louis Sachar

A great writer at the peak of his powers. If you haven’t read this, quit messing around and go get it!

 

 

A Series of Unfortunate Events – Lemony Snicket

How can a tale of such misery and woe, be so hysterically funny? This is just a fantastically original series; everybody should read at least one.

 

 

The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien

If the Lord of the Rings is still a bit heavy for you, give this one a shot. The same world with similar characters but a lighter, faster read.

 

 

The 5th Wave – Richard Yancey

An excellent first book in what promises to be a really great series. Gritty characters in a deadly world trying to protect an Earth under attack.

 

 

Johnathon Livingston Seagull – Richard Bach

If it’s true that the greatest wisdom is the simplest, then this book could be the wisest ever written. How could such an easy read be so inspiring?

 

 

How to Eat Fried Worms – Thomas Rockwell

This is definitely a timeless classic. Come on in and check it out; I bet you a cup of fried worms that you’ll like it.

 

 

Jurassic Park – Michael Crichton

Yes, the dinosaurs in the movie(s) are very much awesome. But the additional tension and detail in the original book make it better than anything that was ever put on film.