It’s finally time for the school year to begin! Our backpacks are filled with fresh supplies and hopefully that includes a good book. Are you looking for the right story to put in the hands of your 6th, 7th or 8th grader? Look no further than this specially curated list of back to school books for 6th – 8th grade. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or an avid bookworm, these selections are sure to engage and inspire them as they start the new school year.

6th - 8th grade books for back to school from The Miraculous Journey of Books at BrittanyDahl.com. Image of book covers shared in this post. The Crossover, I Funny, New Kid, Shine, and more.

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Books in a Series for Back to School

At the start of a school year, I always choose a read-aloud that is the first book in a series. This is one of the best ways to help kids fall in love with reading. It helps them to envision the story more, gives them a common interest among their peers who are sharing the same stories, improves their comprehension, and encourages them to read more. The majority of students in my class who love books can tell me of a series they have read from start to finish!

Read the 7 Reasons to Read Books in a Series blog post to learn more, and also find additional book series recommendations for your reader. Here are some of my favorites 6th through 8th grade series books for back to school:

  • Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling: I really do think 5th or 6th grade is the perfect time to start reading this series. Once your child reads the first one, they’ll want to read the rest! The later books are written at a higher reading level and easier for older kids to understand. This timeless series captivates readers with its blend of fantasy, adventure, and friendship.
  • Brian’s Saga by Gary Paulsen: These survival stories, starting with Hatchet, take place in the Pacific Northwest and are perfect for readers who love adventure and resilience tales.
  • Books of Bayern by Shannon Hale: This fantasy series, beginning with The Goose Girl, is filled with strong characters and enchanting plots.
  • Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan: A blend of modern-day challenges and Greek mythology, this series keeps readers on the edge of their seats with thrilling adventures. Percy Jackson was always a big hit with my students!
  • The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew PetersonA richly imaginative series that combines adventure, fantasy, and humor, perfect for middle grade readers.
  • A Wrinkle in Time Madeleine L’Engle: A science fiction classic that explores time travel and the battle between good and evil.

Back to School Books for 6th – 8th Grade

Before jumping into the remaining recommendations of back to school books, I do want to say that I had some difficulty choosing books for this list. I am very honest in the reviews, so I hope that is helpful for you when recommending something to your child.

I also want to add that I am a reader who mostly enjoys middle grade novels. There is a slight distinction between middle grade stories and young adult (YA) stories. YA books can have slightly edgier content, which I don’t always find appropriate for a child of any age. As I was researching this, I came across Sarah Mackenzie’s explanation for “Why YA is a Genre, Not a Reading Level” (Podcast #132). Please check it out because I feel she put into words exactly what I was thinking!

Please remember that at some point your child will come across content that you might not deem appropriate for them. Make this an opportunity for good conversation. Help them to discern what is right and how to make wise decisions on their own. They can make these decisions based on your frequent book conversations.

With that said, please enjoy our list of back to school books for 6th – 8th grade!

Shine
by JJ & Chris Grabenstein

Shine is about a young girl named Piper whose father lands a new job as a music teacher at a local prep school. Since he is working there, she gets the privilege of free tuition. And so begins the adventure of going to Chumley Prep.

Piper feels nervous about attending Chumley Prep because it has a reputation for being a very posh private school with incredibly talented students. She doesn’t see how she might fit in. However, she always has a positive attitude about the new experience and is very supportive of her father.

Another one of Piper’s unique traits is the kindness that she shows to others. She has a way of stepping into situations and finding a way to help when others might not have considered doing so. I like how Chris Grabenstein shows this trait in subtle ways throughout the book. These little scenes make for some constructive conversations to have with your own children.

In a class assignment, students are asked to consider, “Who do you want to be? And not when you grow up. Right here, right now.” She mulls over her answer all while growing in her love of science, making new friends, and continuing to find her place in this new school.

If you haven’t read anything by Chris Grabenstein, this book is a great start. My other favorites are Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and Welcome to Wonderland: Home Sweet Motel.

The Mysterious Benedict Society
by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Mysterious Benedict Society is about a group of gifted children who are recruited by an eccentric benefactor to go on a secret mission. This quirky and clever series is perfect for kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and adventure.

I Funny: A Middle School Story
by James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein

Jamie Grimm is the main character of this hilarious story about a boy who uses a wheelchair and desires to be a comedian. Because of some difficult situations, he is living with his aunt, uncle, and bully cousin in their garage.

Humor is the outlet he uses to make himself feel more confident, as well as gain some friends. With that, his desire in life is to be a “sit down” comedian.

Through some misfortunes early in his life, he perseveres and is able to grow in self assurance. His uncle is a particular help in this as he encourages Jamie to participate in The Planet’s Funniest Kid Comic Contest.

I Funny is part of a series of six books! It would make a great addition to your back to school books for 6th – 8th grade.

Other Words for Home
by Jasmine Warga

I had the pleasure of listening to Other Words for Home as an audio book. The main character’s name is Jude (pronounced Judah) and she is a beautiful girl seeking to understand two very different cultures.

Her greatest desire is to be an actress. In Syria, she spends countless hours watching Julia Roberts movies and pretending to be famous. This helps her to escape from the unrest of her country, as well as her brother’s political involvement in attempts to make things right for their citizens.

Her pregnant mother, along with her father, are seeking to find safety for the women in their family and they decide to move them to America to live with extended family. Here, Jude is exposed to the prejudices of others despite her calm and kind demeanor. Through it all, she makes friends and grows in confidence.

This is a very sweet story that is thoughtfully well written. I love the theme that home can be found in more than one place. Home is the people and the love that they share.

Ghost
by Jason Reynolds

This book is the first in the Track series and follows the story of Ghost, a young boy with a troubled past who finds his place on a track team. It’s a fast-paced read that touches on themes of resilience, teamwork, and self-discovery. A great choice for reluctant readers looking for an engaging story.

A Place to Hang the Moon
by Kate Albus

Set during World War II, A Place to Hang the Moon follows the story of three orphaned siblings—William, Edmund, and Anna—who are evacuated from London to the countryside. As they search for a new family to adopt them, they face various challenges and adventures. This historical fiction novel beautifully explores themes of family, resilience, and hope, making it a heartwarming and engaging read for middle schoolers who enjoy stories about overcoming adversity and finding a place to belong.

You can read my full review and also find book discuss questions in my post A Place to Hang the Moon: Review and Reading Guide.

The New Kid
by Jerry Craft

I have taught elementary school for eleven years. My students LOVE graphic novels and I often read the things they are interested in reading. So, surprisingly, New Kid was somehow the first graphic novel that I have read. I can definitely see the draw and why kids love it!

This graphic novel follows Jordan Banks, an African American student navigating a predominantly white private school. This is a new school for Jordan because his mom is insistent that it can make a difference for him in the future. He is extremely bright and gets in with no problem. After the first day though, he quickly finds that he is in the minority of students in regards to his family’s lack of wealth and his race.

I like this book because Jordan is very patient in learning this new way of life. He is a typical kid in that he wants to fit in, but he finds himself struggling between these two worlds. Like other kids, he sometimes argues with his mom, but he is ultimately respectful and willing to give the school a shot. He also has a great relationship with his grandfather, who helps to give him advice in making new friends and accepting others who seemingly have little in common with him.

It’s a thoughtful and humorous look at identity, diversity, and the challenges of fitting in, making it a must-read for middle schoolers. This book is the first in a three-part series.