Middle school is a crucial time for students to develop their reading skills and cultivate a love for literature. Choosing the right books for this age group can encourage students to engage with texts, think critically, and foster their imagination. Here are 16 great books that are ideal for teaching in middle school:

1. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio: This heartwarming tale follows August Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he navigates his first year in middle school.

2. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry: In a dystopian society, Jonas discovers the truth behind his seemingly perfect world, challenging his perceptions of conformity and individuality.

3. “Holes” by Louis Sachar: Follow Stanley Yelnats as he is unjustly sent to a detention camp where he discovers the mysteries hidden in the desert.

4. “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan: This captivating adventure introduces Percy Jackson, a demigod, and his quest to prevent a war among the Greek gods.

5. “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry: Set during World War II, this poignant story follows Annemarie as she helps her Jewish best friend escape the Nazis.

6. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank: Anne Frank’s firsthand account of her time in hiding during the Holocaust provides a profound insight into the human spirit.

7. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien: Join Bilbo Baggins on his unexpected journey to reclaim the lost Dwarf kingdom from the fearsome dragon, Smaug.

8. “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton: This classic coming-of-age novel explores the lives of two rival groups, the Greasers and the Socs, in 1960s Oklahoma.

9. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: Set in the 1930s, this timeless novel tackles issues of racial injustice and moral courage through the eyes of Scout Finch.

10. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins: In a dystopian society, Katniss Everdeen volunteers for the Hunger Games, a fight to the death, to protect her sister.

11. “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes: This historical fiction novel tells the story of a group of women who become horseback librarians in the mountains of Kentucky.

12. “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner: Thomas wakes up in a mysterious maze surrounded by a group of boys and must find a way out while uncovering the truth.

13. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak: Set in Nazi Germany, Liesel Meminger discovers the power of books and words during one of history’s darkest times.

14. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle: Join Meg Murry and her friends as they embark on a cosmic journey to rescue her father from a dark force.

15. “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green: This heartbreaking yet uplifting story follows Hazel and Gus as they navigate love and loss while living with cancer.

16. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling: Enter the enchanting world of Hogwarts as Harry Potter discovers his magical abilities and battles against evil.

These 16 great books cover a wide range of genres, themes, and writing styles, making them perfect for teaching in middle school. Each one offers valuable lessons, sparks imagination, and fosters a lifelong love for reading.