| | | | | |

Middle School Novel Study Favorites

After spending 20 years in the ELA classroom, I have read more than my fair share of YA novels out loud to my students. Not only does reading aloud 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. Having spent 20 years in the ELA classroom, I’ve certainly shared my fair amount of YA novels with my students through read-alouds. This practice not only nurtures a love for reading but also cultivates a sense of community within the classroom. Moreover, it contributes to the development of genuine vocabulary and offers distinct chances for students to connect with characters’ experiences, seeing both themselves and others in the process. The middle school novel study continues to be one of my favorite things to teach.

Interested in hearing more about the benefits of the middle school novel study? Check out my previous post here.

middle school novel study activities

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.

This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase something after following the link, I will receive a small kickback (at no additional cost to you). The kickback goes towards keeping thing blog up and running 🙂

The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson

middle school novel study activities

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…

You can grab yourself a copy from Amazon here.

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.

middle school novel study activities

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. 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 novel available in my TPT shop – snag it here.

Grab yourself a copy form Amazon here.

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.

middle school novel study activities

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.

middle school novel study activities

You can get yourself a copy of this engaging YA novel on Amazon here.

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.

middle school novel study activities

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.

middle school novel study activities

I have an engaging novel study to go along with this novel in my TPT shop. You can grab a copy here or by clicking on the above image.

Pick up a copy of this novel on Amazon by clicking here.

Holes by Louis Sachar

middle school novel study activities

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.

middle school novel study activities

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.

middle school novel study activities

You can grab yourself a copy of a fun novel study to go along with the novel here or by clicking on the above images.

Grab a copy of this novel on Amazon here.

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.

middle school novel study activities

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.

middle school novel study activities

Would you like a novel study to go along with this title? Check out my TPT store by clicking here or on the image above.

You can pick up a copy of this novel on Amazon here.

Looking for more Middle School Novel Study Information?

Check out my previous post here.

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.

middle school novel study activities

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!

middle school novel study activities

Interested in signing up for my email list?

If you are interested in signing up for my email list, you can do so by clicking on the link below. I periodically send out emails with free resources, teaching tips, and exclusive deals. Signing up will also give you immediate access to some of my best selling Interactive Notebook resources – foldable activities, graphic organizers, and other fun activities.

Similar Posts