We read good literature in our family.
Sure, my kids like to read fluff once in a while, but they always come back to the good stuff and even complain about their choices of pop fiction with its poor writing, incorrect references to mythology, and predictable plots.
Of course, we all love Narnia, Tolkein, Anne of Green Gables, and The Little House series.
I discourage my kids from reading much of the popular fiction with its themes of dating drama, sexual situations, and occult references.
We go to the library weekly and we see the marketing displays of popular fiction for teens. The book covers make me want to guard their eyes. It’s almost as bad as Harlequin romance novels with those ripped bodices! Many of the plots involve vampires and witches. Almost none of it is worthwhile reading material.
My criteria for good books:
- Is it stimulating to the mind and imagination? I want books that are engaging and require my kids to make connections or dream of possibilities.
- Does it cultivate our values? I often encourage reading books that differ from our worldview. It’s thought-provoking and a great conversation starter!
- Is it well-written? We don’t waste time on poorly written material.
- Is it interesting or challenging? I want books that encourage my kids to think long after they close the book. How can we be kinder, help others, be servant leaders?
- Does it encourage discussion? I love discussing books with my kids and hearing what they think about what they read!
We read world mythology and folk tales as part of our homeschool curriculum. And my kids love/hate the Percy Jackson series because it’s so “inaccurate,” lol!
I see the value in dystopian lit and we often read these books together and discuss them. I do love sci-fi and fantasy and encourage my kids to love it too.
After completing my homeschool reading assignments, my older teens are welcome to read the popular YA fiction to see for themselves. And so far, they agree with me.
This list goes a bit beyond the great classics that everyone should read.
5 Great Book Series for Middle Schoolers
My 8-year-old daughter is a very advanced and mature reader and has read all of these and approves them.
I have listed the recommended ages and grade levels, but always preview reading material for appropriateness for your child and family.
1. My Side of the Mountain and more by Jean Craighead George
Fun adventure books about nature and animals.
These living books teach about survival skills, respecting the environment, identifying plants and animals. They’re great for any nature lover!
Age Range: 10 and up
- Grade Level: 5 and up
2. Swallows and Amazons series by Arthur Ransome
12 books about adventurous kids set between the two World Wars.
We love reading about these siblings and all their pretend play in a simpler time.
3. The Giver series by Lois Lowry 
A great dystopian series about valuing all lives.
We love the lessons these books teach about society and relationships.
- Age Range: 12 and up
- Grade Level: 7 and up
4. Brian’s Saga series by Gary Paulsen
Survival and self-discovery.
Great books for boys and girls about survival skills, relationships, and learning about self.
- Ages 11-13
5. Wonder series by R.J. Palacio
Lovely books about looking beyond physical appearances and being kind.
We’re currently reading these and loving them! I encourage kindness in our lives.
- Age Range: 8 – 12 years
- Grade Level: 3 – 7
I’m always on the lookout for great literature to add to our collection. We don’t shy away from tough topics. Literature is important for us to learn about the world we live in. I’m raising readers!
Do you have any great books or series to add to my list?
Reading the My Side of the Mountain series to my boy this summer! We love to share books out loud as well as on his own!
Great list!!! My girls are devouring The Giver books as we speak. I finally said they were old enough to give them a try last night, and they are both already on book 3 tonight! :) Thanks for sharing this post at my Lifelong Learners Link-Up Party at DesperateHomeschoolers.com!
Tina
Thank you so much for linking at #overthemoon! I look forward to seeing what you share every week. Please come back for #WonderfulWednesday or #ThursdayFavoriteThings. Don’t forget to comment your link #’s so I can be sure to visit and you get a chance to be featured! Pinned and shared.
Hatchet has been on our list for ages now. I’ll have to look into these others. Thanks for the list. Pinned.
We also loved the My Side of the Mountain Series! Thank you for sharing your list on the Art of Home-Making Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth! :)
I absolutely love The Giver, and my oldest daughter did, as well. Thanks for reminding me about it so I can get it for the other kids! Visiting from Wholehearted Wednesday. ?
Good to know now that I have twin 6th graders! Thanks for the great list. We’ve read a few already but now have a to-do list.
A great list, Jennifer. We’ve read many of these and loved them. My son at almost 17 loves it when I find a William O. Steele book to add to his collection I started for him years ago. Thanks for linking up with Thankful Thursdays.
These look like some great suggestions! I pinned this post to share with my grandchildren. Blessings!
I love to read and have since i was little! What a great list for middleschoolers!! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday!! Hope to see you again tomorrow!! Pinned!!