Grade 7 reading books
Recommended reading books for middle school children in Seventh Grade ages 12-13
Here are some popular and exciting upper middle grade books for early teens in Seventh Grade. At this stage, readers benefit from literature that introduces more intricate plots, multi-layered characters, and thought-provoking themes such as identity, friendship, morality, and social issues.
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At this age, students are prepared to engage with more mature topics like teen relationships, conflict, and social challenges, providing age-appropriate ways to explore complex and intriguing subjects. Many teens begin to develop strong preferences for certain genres. The books on this list, while still within the middle grade category rather than young adult, address these themes in a thoughtful and balanced way.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Jenny Han
The Summer I Turned Pretty is the first book of a trilogy about Belly, a young teenage girl who spends every summer at a beach house with her family, and their close friends the Fishers who have two teen boys of their own. Summers at the beach house have always been her favorite time of year. This year feels different though, with Belly a year older and as feelings and family circumstances are revealed.
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This coming of age novel for tween or early teen girls is especially perfect for those sympathetic to the experiences of first time romances.
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Relationships, Relatable
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The Haunting of Sunshine Girl
Paige McKenzie
Based on a popular YouTube series, The Haunting of Sunshine Girl is a supernatural thriller about 16-year-old Sunshine as she moves with her mother into a creepy home and realizes something is very wrong. Strange, eerie occurrences, including mysterious sounds and an ominous presence, lead her to believe the house is haunted. Confiding in newfound friend Nolan, Sunshine begins investigating the house's history and soon discovers her connection to the spiritual world.
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While the title may give the impression of an intense horror, Haunting is balanced with mystery and character development, making it as much a story about self-discovery and friendship.
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Suspense, Relatable
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The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games is the first book of the high-stakes survival series following 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen. In a dystopian future a tyrannical government controls the 12 districts from which girls and boys must compete in the annual Hunger Games. Katniss must use her skills in archery, hunting, and survival to outlast the others. As complicated alliances are formed inside the arena, Katniss also begins to realize her actions hold even greater significance everywhere.
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More than just a gripping story, The Hunger Games presents a world full of power dynamics, social and moral choices, and sacrifices.
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Adventure, Friendship, Heroism
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Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan
John Flanagan
In the first book of the Ranger's Apprentice series, 15-year-old Will anxiously awaits his fate with his fellow ward mates—Horace, Alyss, George, and Jenny—orphans like him who have come of age to be chosen for privileged apprenticeships. Those not selected are sent to work as farmhands. One by one, each of Will's friends are selected into their preferred apprenticeships. Will hopes to join the Battle School, but his hopes are crushed when he is deemed too small and lacking in strength. His future looks grim—that is, until a mysterious Ranger intervenes.
An terrific fantasy series with superb narration and engaging and unexpected character evolution.
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Adventure, Friendship, Positive Behaviors, Heroism
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The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit is a classic fantasy novel that follows the adventure of Bilbo Baggins, a content and unassuming hobbit who is swept into an epic quest by the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves. As the group marches towards an inevitable encounter with the dragon Smaug to claim vast treasures, the group faces numerous dangers and mysteries including trolls, goblins and giant spiders. He also discovers a powerful ring which will become pivotal in later adventures.
Set in the immense imaginary world of middle-earth before the events of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit is a richly told adventure with enduring themes of courage, greed, and friendship.
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Adventure, Imagination, Descriptive Writing
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