6th - 8th Grade Summer Reading List (Fiction)

This list of 6th - 8th grade books, only includes Fiction books.  Please check out our Non Fiction Collection and our Graphic Collection

Age Range:  10 - 14

Middle grade readers tend to gravitate towards books that touch on themes reflecting their own lives and offer glimpses into the broader world.  Themes such as identity, friendship, family dynamics, adolescence, a sense of belonging, mental well-being, empathy, emotional exploration, embracing diversity, mortality, and loss.  Keep an eye out for narratives delving into significant societal issues like immigration, bullying, and racial discrimination. Even within the realm of fantasy books, there's a resonance with the journey of self-discovery and growth, mirroring the challenges of adolescence.

Themes serve as the overarching concepts within a book, encompassing various storylines, subjects, and plots. While themes in middle grade literature can be intricate, they generally maintain a level of appropriateness for the age group, avoiding the maturity levels found in young adult literature. Topics explored in middle grade fiction span a range of complexities, from navigating family changes like divorce, navigating complex friendships ("frienemies"), to coping with learning disabilities or managing anxiety. These themes transcend genres, manifesting in historical fiction, science fiction, mysteries, and beyond.

It's undeniable that young readers have an enduring affection for humorous tales. Children have an innate fondness for laughter, making amusing and whimsical stories perennial favorites among this age group. As I often advise parents, every instance of reading, regardless of genre or content, contributes to a child's literary journey.