3 Dystopian Novels for Middle School
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Nov 28, 2023
The Dystopian genre has long been a favorite with my middle school learners. The overarching themes of survival, governmental control, and loss of individual freedoms make dystopian novels great for keeping this age group engaged and asking questions.
Favorite Dystopian Novels for Middle School Learners
In my previous post I shared some important information about the genre. I also shared a list of dystopian short stories to share with your students. Today I am back to share my top 3 dystopian novels for middle school. I hope you can find a new title to add to your read aloud list or classroom library.
As a side note, affiliate links are included in this post. If you choose to order any of these diverse picture books through these links, Amazon will provide me with a small kickback (at no additional cost to you).
If you’re interested in exploring more engaging literature for this age group, check out my recommendations on The Best Short Stories for Middle School Classrooms.
The City of Ember – Jeanne Duprau
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau tells the story of Lina and Doon, two young teens living in an underground world lit only by lightbulbs. As supplies begin to run out, their world slowly collapses into darkness. Lina and Doon must team together to unlock the mystery that is The City of Ember.
This story features strong male and female protagonists and an engaging plot. The mysterious world of Ember lends itself to great classroom discussions. There are a lot of opportunities for visualization activities and setting analysis. The story is ripe with opportunities to explore key themes of greed, power, and the relationship between man and mother nature. The plot is fast paced and tension rich. Because of this, it is a hit with reluctant readers.
If this book interests you, you can grab it on Amazon here. There is a graphic novel version of this story that is also available, which is equally fantastic.
I have a novel study to go along with this engaging story available in my TPT shop – snag it here or by clicking on the image or button below.
The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
Many of your students will be familiar with this series, thanks to the popular movie franchise. Don’t let this deter you from including it your curriculum though, as this novel is well worth the hype – and is so much better than the movie! This novel packs a powerful and emotional punch that is no way diminished by knowing the outcome beforehand.
Katniss Everdeen is an inspiration and down-to-earth heroine living in Panem, one of many districts that exist in the wreckage that once was North America. Panem is ruled by a capital that is as corrupt as it is wealthy. Every year, two kids from each district are chosen to compete in the televised Hunger Games. While there, they must fight to the death.
This is a powerful story about power, control, courage and rebellion. While dark, it is also a story that somehow remains hopeful and inspiring. There are great opportunities here for classroom discussions about rebellion for a cause, government control, and human nature.
You can grab a copy of this engaging novel from Amazon here.
I also have a novel study to go along with this novel in my TPT shop. To check it out, click here or on the image below.
The Giver – Lois Lowry
This Newberry Award winner was an instant hit when I first started including it in my ELA curriculum. The story revolves around 12 year old Jonas. Jonas lives in a world of conformity and contentment that at first appears to be ideal. In this world, no one has memories of pain, lies, or suffering. When he is awarded the job of Receiver, however, things change for Jonas. He soon learns the dark and complex secrets that lurk in the shadows of the community.
While the text is accessible, the themes of this novel are heavy. There are boundless opportunities for class discussions on the meaning of happiness, freedom of choice, and what it means to be human. The ambiguous ending provides ample opportunity for critical thinking.
The story has been a classroom favorite with both my avid and reluctant readers. The underlying themes of conformity and challenging authority hit hard with this age group.
Grab a copy of this book for your classroom library by clicking here.
Grab a novel study to go along with this novel from my TPT shop by clicking here or on the image below.
To enhance your teaching of such rich literature, consider reading my 5 Tips for Teaching Figurative Language, which can be particularly effective in dystopian novel studies.
Looking for more information on dystopian Novels?
Check out my previous blog posts below!
9 Favorite Dystopian Short Stories for Middle School
looking for Books Studies for Dystopian Novels?
Check out the dystopian novel studies I have in my TPT shop by clicking on the images below.
Looking for some activities to teach more about dystopian Novels?
Click on the images below to check out the Dystopian resources in my TPT shop.
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