Grade 6 reading books
Recommended reading books for middle school children in Sixth Grade ages 11-12
As Sixth Grade students transition to middle school, classroom assignments take greater focus which often times leads to reduced parent oversight of reading at home. For some, leisure time is replaced by greater commitments to extracurricular activities, or becomes driven by a child's social group.
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It is beginning in these middle school years however that literacy skills come into sharper focus. Whereas elementary classroom expectations may be limited to mastering fundamental language skills, by middle school students will be expected to apply critical thinking in writing book reports and essays. A strong vocabulary and command of advanced grammar developed by continued reading habits is crucial during these years.
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Restart
Gordon Korman
Restart is a unique and thought provoking take on self-reflection and second chances. The story follows Chase Ambrose, a popular but notorious bully who suffers a fall and loses his memory.
As he returns to school with no recollection of his past, Chase navigates tricky relationships with former friends and victims. Soon, Chase is piecing together his old life and he must confront the lingering effects of his past actions on those who remember the old Chase.
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Restart is the rare "character driven" story that most middle graders will find well-paced. It's filled with relatable situations, believable characters, and good humor that boys and girls will enjoy.
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Self-Discovery, Relatable
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Howl's Moving Castle
Diana Wynne Jones
Howl's Moving Castle is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the story of Sophie Hatter, the eldest of three sisters. Sophie believes she is destined for an ordinary life, until her world is turned upside down when a witch curses her, transforming her into an old woman. Sophie stumbles upon the moving castle of the infamous wizard Howl, where inside, she meets a fire demon who sets her off on an adventure to break Sophie's curse.
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The story is reminiscent of a fantasy fairy tale but with a rich story line, complex characters, and the wit and emotional depth which will appeal to even teens and adults.
Imagination, Descriptive Writing
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Greenwild: The World Behind the Door
Pari Thomson
Greenwild is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of 11-year-old Daisy Thistledown. After her mother goes missing, Daisy stumbles upon a magical world called the Greenwild—a secret, verdant realm hidden behind an ordinary door in London. In this lush, enchanted place, plants have extraordinary powers, and a group of people called Greenwilders protect the magic of the natural world. As Daisy unravels the mysteries surrounding her mother’s disappearance, she uncovers a looming threat that could harm both the Greenwild and the human world.
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A vividly told and fast-paced adventure for fans of stories with a mix of magic, special abilities, and hidden worlds. This series will also resonate with eco-conscious readers.
Adventure, Imagination, Positive Behaviors
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The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Brian Selznick
The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a historical fiction set in 1930's Paris. The story follows Hugo, an orphan, clock keeper, and thief, who secretly lives in the walls of a bustling Paris train station. Hugo's carefully hidden life begins to unravel when he crosses paths with two unlikely figures: an eccentric, bookish girl named Isabelle and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station.
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What stands out is the narrative, which combines traditional text with over 200 pages of detailed, cinematic illustrations. The artwork is extraordinary, helping to create a cinematic feel and immersing readers in the grandeur of 1930's Paris.
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Adventure, History, Language Building
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A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning
Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events is the story of three very unlucky siblings—Violet, Klaus, and Sunny—whose lives are turned upside down when their parents perish in a mysterious house fire. Left orphaned, the children are placed in the care of a distant relative, the sinister Count Olaf, who is only interested in getting his hands on their vast family fortune. The siblings must use their unique talents and intellect to thwart Olaf's plot amidst a series of unfortunate events.
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A highly entertaining tragicomedy where readers will see creative intellect pitted against wicked schemes and under unfortunate circumstances. It's also excellent for its vocabulary building.
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Adventure, Ingenuity, Language Building
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