Chapter 1: 30 Special SEL Books for Middle School Readers

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has gained significant attention in recent years as a vital component of education. For middle school students, who are navigating the complexities of adolescence, SEL books can serve as powerful tools for fostering emotional intelligence, empathy, resilience, and interpersonal skills. Below is a curated list of 30 special SEL books that are perfect for middle school readers, each selected for its ability to engage young minds and provoke thought about their emotions and relationships.

Section 1: Understanding SEL in Middle School

Social and Emotional Learning involves teaching students how to manage their emotions, develop positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. During middle school, students experience dramatic changes both physically and emotionally. Literature can provide a safe space for them to explore these changes, understand themselves, and connect with others.

The following list of books can help facilitate discussions around these important themes, allowing students to reflect on their own experiences while learning from the characters’ journeys.

Section 2: Recommended SEL Books

1. “Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai

This novel-in-verse follows a young girl’s experience of immigrating from Vietnam to the United States. It touches on themes of resilience, identity, and the immigrant experience, making it a powerful read for students learning to navigate their own identities.

1. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio

A contemporary classic, “Wonder” tells the story of a boy with facial differences who enters a new school. This book explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and the importance of looking beyond appearances.

1. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas

This powerful novel addresses issues of race, identity, and social justice through the eyes of Starr Carter, a young girl who witnesses a police shooting. It encourages readers to think critically about societal issues and their own roles in advocating for change.

1. “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds

The first book in the “Track” series, “Ghost” follows a boy who discovers his talent for running. This story highlights themes of perseverance, friendship, and the impact of personal trauma on one’s journey.

1. “Fish in a Tree” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

This heartwarming tale centers on a girl who struggles with dyslexia. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting those with learning differences, promoting empathy and resilience.

1. “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander

Written in verse, this novel tells the story of twin brothers and their love of basketball. It explores themes of family, identity, and the challenges of growing up.

1. “A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness

This poignant story about a young boy dealing with his mother’s illness addresses themes of grief, fear, and the complexity of emotions, allowing readers to explore their feelings in a safe way.

1. “El Deafo” by Cece Bell

A graphic memoir about growing up with hearing impairment, “El Deafo” highlights themes of friendship, acceptance, and finding one’s voice, making it relatable for many middle school readers.

1. “The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl” by Stacy McAnulty

This story features a girl who, after being struck by lightning, gains extraordinary math skills but struggles with social situations. It encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness and confront their fears.

1. “Counting by 7s” by Holly Goldberg Sloan

This novel follows a gifted girl who faces profound loss and learns to navigate her way through grief with the help of a community of misfits. It underscores the importance of connection and resilience.

1. “The First Rule of Punk” by Celia C. Pérez

A story about a girl who embraces her punk rock identity while dealing with cultural differences and friendship, this book celebrates individuality and self-acceptance.

1. “The Other Side” by Jacqueline Woodson

This poetic narrative explores the friendship between two girls from different backgrounds. It delves into themes of segregation, understanding, and the power of connection.

1. “Sunny” by Jason Reynolds

The third installment of the “Track” series, this book focuses on the character Sunny, who must navigate family dynamics and personal challenges, reinforcing the importance of self-discovery.

1. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry

This dystopian classic raises questions about individuality, emotion, and societal structure, making it a thought-provoking read that encourages deep discussion.

1. “The Breadwinner” by Deborah Ellis

Set in Afghanistan, this novel tells the story of a girl who disguises herself as a boy to support her family. It emphasizes themes of courage, resilience, and gender roles.

1. “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill

In this fantasy tale, a girl raised by a witch learns about love, sacrifice, and the importance of embracing one’s true self. It’s a beautiful story about growth and self-acceptance.

1. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson

This memoir in verse chronicles the author’s childhood and her experiences with race, family, and identity, making it a powerful reflection on personal history and resilience.

1. “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai

The memoir of Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, this book tells her story of advocating for girls’ education in Pakistan, highlighting themes of courage and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.

1. “Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green

This novel explores mental health through the eyes of a young girl dealing with anxiety. It’s a raw portrayal of the challenges of living with mental illness and the importance of friendship.

1. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle

This classic science fiction novel tackles themes of love, courage, and the battle between good and evil, inspiring readers to believe in themselves and the power of love.

1. “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick

This illustrated novel blends adventure and mystery while exploring themes of loss, hope, and the importance of storytelling.

1. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie

This semi-autobiographical novel follows a young boy who transfers to an all-white high school, highlighting issues of identity, race, and the complexities of navigating different worlds.

1. “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros

This coming-of-age story told through vignettes addresses themes of culture, identity, and the struggle for self-definition in a multicultural society.

1. “One Crazy Summer” by Rita Williams-Garcia

Set in the 1960s, this novel follows three sisters who travel to California to meet their mother. It explores themes of family, identity, and the impact of social movements.

1. “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd

This novel delves into themes of loss, forgiveness, and the search for belonging, making it a compelling read for young adolescents.

1. “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster

A whimsical adventure that encourages curiosity and the love of learning, this classic also highlights the importance of understanding and appreciating the world around us.

1. “The War That Saved My Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

This historical fiction novel tells the story of a girl with a disability who escapes her abusive home during World War II, emphasizing themes of resilience, love, and healing.

1. “Wonderstruck” by Brian Selznick

A unique blend of text and illustrations, this novel tells two parallel stories that highlight themes of connection, family, and the power of storytelling.

1. “The Girl Who Spoke to Spirits” by Liza H. Wiemer

This story explores themes of grief, loss, and the supernatural, encouraging readers to confront their fears and embrace their emotions.

1. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky

This coming-of-age novel addresses issues of mental health, friendship, and the challenges of adolescence, making it a relatable and thought-provoking read for middle school students.

Section 3: Conclusion

These 30 special SEL books for middle school readers provide a diverse range of stories that resonate with the challenges and triumphs of adolescence. By engaging with these narratives, students can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence. Educators and parents can utilize these books not only to enhance literacy but also to facilitate important conversations around social and emotional learning. Through the power of storytelling, young readers can learn valuable lessons that will last a lifetime.