Middle School Novel Study Favorites
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated April 07, 2024
During the 20 years I spent in the ELA classroom, the middle school novel study was something that was always central to my teaching . Not only does reading aloud these engaging stories foster a love of reading, it also builds classroom community, helps build authentic vocabulary, and provides unique opportunities for students to see both themselves and others through the experiences of the characters. The middle school novel study continues to be one of my favorite things to teach.
To see all of the middle school novel study favorites I have available in my TPT shop, click on the image or button below!
In this post I will share some of my middle school novel study favorites. These choices are not based on reading levels (please don’t get me started with that can of worms), as they are meant to be read aloud as shared text. Each choice has been classroom tested, and includes an engaging plot and intriguing characters that are especially appealing to this age group.
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Interested in hearing more about the benefits of the middle school novel study? Check out my previous post here.
1- The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson
The Girl Who Owned a City was first introduced to me by my older sister during my childhood, and it remains an enduring favorite. I’ve had the pleasure of reading this tale aloud to my grade 7/8 students on numerous occasions. Additionally, I’ve included the graphic novel version, which is truly excellent, in my classroom library.
Within this compelling narrative, a devastating virus sweeps across Earth, resulting in the tragic loss of all adults. Confronted with the dangers posed by child gangs, Lisa and her younger brother Todd rally with neighborhood children to address the critical needs of finding food, shelter, and protection.
This classic story is a great introduction to Dystopian Fiction, with a strong female protagonist and engaging plot. While the story was written in 1975, the virus concept seems even more relevant today…
For more information on Dystopian Fiction, check out our complete guide!
2- The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
Another Dystopic Favorite, 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, and their world slowly collapses into darkness, Lina and Doon must team together to unlock the mystery that is The City of Ember.
Like The Girl Who Owned a City, this story shares a strong female protagonist and engaging plot. The mysterious world of Ember lends itself to great classroom discussion, visualization activities, and setting analysis.
3- Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
In Touching Spirit Bear, an angry teen must face the consequences after severely injuring another student. Instead of jail time, he is enrolled in an Indigenous program called Circle Justice, and banished to live on a remote Alaskan Island for a year. While there, the protagonist must deal with the root causes of his anger as we works towards healing and escaping a vicious cycle.
I have read this novel aloud to my grade 8 students several times, and it has always been a hit. I find it especially goes over well with my struggling boys. Be prepared for lots of class discussion, as this book cover some heavy issues in need of unpacking. It is a really great story, and one that a lot of students this age need to hear.
I have a novel study unit to go along with this story that you can snag here or by clicking on the image below.
For more survival themed novels, check out our guide to survival themed novels your learners will love!
4- Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
I still remember reading Island of the Blue Dolphins when I was in middle school, and have always enjoyed sharing it with my own students. This story is based on the true story of a Nicoleño Indian girl. She lived alone on an island off the coast of California for 18 years in the 1800s.
Students quickly connect to Karana’s adventurous spirit as she struggles to survive alone on the island. It is a powerful story of strength and perseverance. It has been a read aloud favorite in my classroom for many years.
For additional information on teaching this engaging story, check out 4 of our favorite Island of the Blue Dolphins activities!
5- Holes by Louis Sachar
This novel was required reading in my university education program, with good reason. Of all the stories mentioned above, this one is my very favorite to teach. It follows a young boy named Stanley Yelnats, who is sent away to a Camp Green Lake after being falsely accused of stealing some valuable sneakers. Camp Green Lake is not green, and there is no lake. Instead, it is in the middle of the desert. The boys are forced to dig holes all day for an unkind warden, and eventually come together to end the Yelnats family curse.
It is an inspiring story of perseverance, justice, and the power of friendship. There are multiple storylines going on in this novel at the same time. This makes it a great story to help focus in on plot and story structure. There is a great movie adaptation as well, which makes a great class party addition after completing the story.
6- Safe as Houses by Eric Walters
Safe as Houses is relatively new to my read aloud rotation, but it is quickly becoming a class favorite. The story is based on true events caused by Hurricane Hazel in October 1954. This Canadian disaster caused the Humber River near Toronto to overflow its banks, causing terrible flooding. The story follows a small group of children as they use resourcefulness, cooperation, and courage to escape the rising flood waters.
The plot on this novel is definitely fast paced and engaging, and I really like how it is based on historical events. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for ways to introduce the genre of historical fiction.
Looking for more Middle School Novel Study Information?
For more information on teaching specific novels, you won’t want to miss our posts on teaching Wonder, The Hunger Games, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Outsiders!
Looking for an engaging middle school novel study to use in your own classroom?
Check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store by clicking here or on the image below. I have a wide variety of different novel studies available.
Looking for a FREE novel study resource?
Click here or on the images below to download a FREE activity to teach plot! It includes detailed student notes and fill in the blank notetaking templates!
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