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adult personality begins emerging

capable for self-awareness, insight and empathy

more reasonable and tolerant than 11s, but still  unpredictable, hard to read, appear moody, introverted and withdrawn at home (as they try to unpack their emotions)

sometimes enthusiastic and uninhibited, appear to feel secure

care about peer opinions over teachers and parents

will initiate own activities

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physical energy, growth spurts

puberty first with girls

lots of sleep/food/exercise is needed

movement every 10-15 minutes-- use physical manipulatives in instruction (Wormeli)

exercise will rejuvenate oxygen hungry brain and helps them do better academically

sports provide a rite of passage

thrive in a classroom where food is allowed, snacks!

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able to think abstractly

begin to excel at a subject or skill

can see both sides of an argument

interested in civics, history, current events, politics, social justice, environmental issues, pop culture, latest cool clothes/accessories

increasingly able to organize their thoughts and work

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sarcasm, slang, double meanings, word play, more sophisticated jokes, enjoy conversation with adults and peers

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Give them choices in school projects, to help with self-direction

Treat academic struggle as strength

“At this junction, then, it’s important to show students that not everyone starts at the same point along the learning continuum or learns in the same way.”

Provide multiple pathways to standards

Different ways to take notes

Different choices in how to complete the standards

Redo work and assessments until they master the content

Give formative feedback

Compare what they were supposed to do with what they did do.

Return things in a timely manner, use exit tickets

Interested in novel things, or things that relate to them. Dare to be unconventional.

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Involve Them In Community, Give Meaning to the Curriculum

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Involve Them In Community, Give Meaning to the Curriculum

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Important to have involvement in organizations and clubs to build bridges into adult like roles

rituals and ceremonies are really meaningful rites of passage (ex. bar/bat mitzvahs, graduations, honor assemblies, service awards)

need tangible recognition (from adults and peers alike) that they are changing and growing into responsible members of society

Smaller responsibilities (ie cleaning room) are less well received or a priority, constant and humorous excuses to avoid them

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Chaotic early adolescent years, struggle for identity, greatest need is to be with friends, excited by more academic challenges

Important to share student work with parents

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Seven Things Middle Children Want in Curriculum (Wormeli)

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Seven Things Middle Children Want in Curriculum (Wormeli)

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"...Seven conditions that young adolescents crave: competence and achievement; opportunities for self-definition; creative expression; physical activity; positive social interactions with adults and peers; structure and clear limits; and meaningful participation in family, school, and community.”

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“Teachers who hold class meetings and discussions of consequences will be more successful in getting twelves to accept responsibility for their behavior.”

Fairness and process of making rules are important

they need an opportunity to discuss and modify rules

consistency is crucial

maintaining ultimate adult authority clearly and calmly (fair and firm)

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Classroom Management Tips (LoveTeach on Weareteachers.com)

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Classroom Management Tips (LoveTeach on Weareteachers.com)

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Use a quiet voice to redirect student behavior.

“Come up with some kind of unique activity, game or tradition that is quirky, fun and unique to your class.”

Houses based on different things-- like harry potter, great thinkers, colors, etc.

“I’m in a portable, so I have a sidewalk out front. I use sidewalk chalk to write students notes on their birthdays, write quotes or wish them good luck on testing days. It makes for something special that everyone in the school can see when they walk by.”

“We use the sign language symbol for ‘I love you’ to respond when a student shares a writing, when they admit to something difficult—pretty much whenever we feel one of us needs and/or deserves love or appreciation. I don’t like clapping as it sometimes becomes a symbol of popularity (louder = more popular). The kids are pretty awesome with this one. Someone will be sharing a writing about sadness, and the signs just go up. It makes me cry.”

No power struggles

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https://www.teacher.org/lesson-plan/toothpick-structures/

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btog6KI7Efg

Video of one of the bridges collapsing :)

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Fits into developmentally appropriate practice of using physical manipulatives and also using a novel way to engage learning. (Wormeli)

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Lesson Plan: Writing a Student Newspaper

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Lesson Plan: Writing a Student Newspaper

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https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/Expository-Writing-Students-Create-a-Themed-Newspaper-50238

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Fits into developmental practice: can provide tangible recognition from peers if they share their work (Yardsticks), and helps them explore their creativity and potentially their identity.

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Padlet Maddie Made for Tech Strand: 7th Grade Geometry

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Padlet Maddie Made for Tech Strand: 7th Grade Geometry

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Social Media Community Building Exercise

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Social Media Community Building Exercise

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Have your students fill out a Facebook questionnaire, so that they can get to know each other.
Or, have them fill out a printed survey like you would have for a social networking site, but it is to help them find friends with similar interests in your class!

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Middle school students faced plenty of issues before the social, political, and economic upheavals of the past few years. At the same time, challenges to what students are allowed to read in school have made some of their experiences even more marginalized than they had been. With that in mind, we revised our recommendations to be even more inclusive, with an eye toward middle school books you may not already have in your library.

Today's classroom requires flexibility, especially with young readers. Not all middle school books have to be read silently or independently. Read some aloud to your students, give them audiobooks to listen to, or let them read one chapter at a time to each other. See what kind of conversations come up. Engaged students learn better, and you don't need a canned curriculum from some corporation to tell you that.

Remember, maturity levels vary widely, and you know your students best. Be sure to read the books first before you share them with your middle school students.

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

Best Middle School Books

1. Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

This remix of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's National Book Award-winning Stamped From the Beginning is an urgent exploration of how the history of race affects us in the here and now, created for young people. There's even a teachers guide.

Buy it: Stamped on Amazon

2. Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

Khosrou is not like the other kids in his Oklahoma middle school, but he knows how to tell a story. This true story of Khosrou's family and their escape from Iran in the middle of the night is an immediately gripping account of both middle school chaos and personal strife.

Buy it: Everything Sad Is Untrue on Amazon

3. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This is the story of 16-year-old Starr Carter as she wrestles with her emotions after seeing her unarmed childhood friend killed by police, which has become a generational touchstone. Definitely for older kids-and definitely worth the conversations that follow.

Buy it: The Hate U Give on Amazon

4. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue ... by Christina Soontornvat

This book is a thrilling and information-packed true story of survival about the 2018 cave rescue in Thailand. Full of interviews and firsthand accounts, the story will keep even the most active students on the edge of their seats.

Buy it: All Thirteen on Amazon

5. Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Louise Wolfe is a Muscogee high schooler caught between family obligations and everything that being a teenager involves. Another one for older kids, this is an authentic coming-of-age story with a fresh voice.

Buy it: Hearts Unbroken on Amazon

6. Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman

When Amanda Gorman read The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison in eighth grade, she was inspired to become a writer. "It was the first time I had seen a dark-skinned girl on the cover of a book and that absolutely enthralled me. Reading Morrison taught me how to write unapologetically with a Black feminist voice that was my own," she said. Later in life, when she spoke at the presidential inauguration in 2021, Gorman raised the voice of her generation. Her book of poems is expansive and inventive, and it's one of the top must-read books for today's middle school kids.

Buy it: Call Us What We Carry on Amazon

7. The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan

Simply put, this is one of the most well-written books you'll ever find in YA lit. Protagonist Leigh Chen Sanders' voice is stunning in this expertly woven tale of love, friendship, tragedy, and imagination.

Buy it: The Astonishing Color of After on Amazon

8. Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto

Yes, we're going there. No middle school book catalog is complete without a few good Manga titles. It's time to shrug off any reluctance and dive into what the kids are already reading. These are teacher-approved, rich with storytelling and character exposition, and ripe for literary analysis. If these titles don't seem fit for your students, check with them-they know best! First up is the classic Naruto, a story about a young chaotic kid who is determined to become the world's greatest ninja.

Buy it: Naruto on Amazon

9. Bakuman by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata

This spin on traditional manga (with the usual high-flying warriors and action sequences) tells the story of two kids who want to become manga artists themselves. The characters are high school kids trying to live their dreams-very relatable to young readers.

Buy it: Bakuman on Amazon

10. A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Oima

When Shoya meets Shoko six years after he knew her in school, he learns about the consequences of bullying. This is a great story for middle schoolers and is an accessible way into the manga genre.

Buy it: A Silent Voice on Amazon

11. The March Series by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

The three-part graphic novel series details how John Lewis made his way from his family farm to the Edmund Pettus Bridge alongside Martin Luther King Jr. for the historic Selma-to-Montgomery March. Beautifully rendered and powerfully told, this trilogy lends itself to all kinds of classroom readings and activities.

Buy it: The March Series on Amazon

12. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Acevedo brings her slam poet sensibility to this emotionally vivid story about Xiomara Batista, a first-generation Dominican American teen in a religious family who "feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood."

Buy it: The Poet X on Amazon

13. The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy

The first of two books by Maulik Pancholy, this story follows Rahul Kapoor, a middle schooler who loves his grandpa and is crushing on a boy at school.

Buy it: The Best at It on Amazon

14. The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden

Explore the cultural divides around class and the gun debate through the eyes of seventh grader Zoey, who lives on the edges of society and tries to find her way forward.

Buy it: The Benefits of Being an Octopus on Amazon

15. Monster by Walter Dean Myers

The recipient of multiple awards, this novel follows Steve, an amateur filmmaker. As a way of coping with the horrific events that entangle him, he decides to transcribe his trial into a script, just like in the movies.

Buy it: Monster on Amazon

16. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

With connections to Common Core standards, this book follows Coyote, a young woman who travels the country with her dad in an old school bus. Over the course of thousands of miles, she will learn that going home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all.

Buy it: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise on Amazon

17. Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Twelve-year-old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real one. Now a ghost, Jerome watches the devastation unleashed on his family and community in the wake of what they see as an unjust and brutal killing. Soon, Jerome meets another ghost: Emmett Till, a boy from a very different time but similar circumstances.

Buy it: Ghost Boys on Amazon

18. Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson

The recipient of multiple awards and one of our favorite middle school books, this novel is a powerful story about a girl striving for success in a world that too often seems like it's trying to break her.

Buy it: Piecing Me Together on Amazon

19. Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Another one of our fave middle school books! Follow 11-year-old Melody, who is not like most people. She can't walk, she can't talk, she can't write, all because she has cerebral palsy. But she also has a photographic memory-she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She's the smartest kid in her whole school, but NO ONE knows it.

Buy it: Out of My Mind on Amazon

20. Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez

A timely story for middle schoolers. After Tyler's father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure. Tyler isn't sure what to make of them.

Buy it: Return to Sender on Amazon

21. Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker

Zenobia July is a trans girl in Arizona who is trying to adjust to a new school.

Buy it: Zenobia July on Amazon

22. In the Key of Us by Mariama J. Lockington

Another new addition to our list, this is a coming-of-age story about young love between Andi and Zora, two Black girls at a mostly white summer camp.

Buy it: In the Key of Us on Amazon

23. The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater

Taken from the national news headlines, this book follows two teenagers and a heinous hate crime that crosses gender and racial lines.

Buy it: The 57 Bus on Amazon

24. A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

A tale of two stories, told in alternating sections, about two 11-year-olds in Sudan-a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985.

Buy it: A Long Walk to Water on Amazon

25. Wanting Mor by Rukhsana Khan

Jameela lives with her mother and father in Afghanistan. Despite the fact that there is no school in their poor, war-torn village, and Jameela lives with a birth defect that has left her with a cleft lip, she feels relatively secure, sustained by her faith and the strength of her beloved mother, Mor. And then Mor passes away. ...

Buy it: Wanting Mor on Amazon

26. When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

A graphic novel about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a former Somali refugee.

Buy it: When Stars Are Scattered on Amazon

27. Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

Set against the backdrop of the segregation history of the American South, take a trip with an 11-year-old boy who is about to discover that the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem-his G'ma included.

Buy it: Clean Getaway on Amazon

28. Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

Grayson is caught between knowing she's a girl and everyone believing she's a boy. This is a beautifully written story about self-esteem and empowerment.

Buy it: Gracefully Grayson on Amazon

29. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist: books.

Buy it: The Book Thief on Amazon

30. George by Alex Gino

George knows she's a girl, but everyone else sees her as a boy. Gino does a masterful job of taking us into what social ignorance about gender assignment feels like.

Buy it: George on Amazon

31. Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Genius Willow Chance loses both parents in a car crash, but she is nonetheless able to both change her life and impact those around her.

Buy it: Counting by 7s on Amazon

32. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Born with extraordinary physical deformities, Auggie finally braves going to an actual school. He is stared at and tormented, but he also finds friendship. Middle schoolers will cheer for him and also cry for him.

Buy it: Wonder on Amazon

33. Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Castle Crenshaw, known as Ghost, has been running ever since his father threatened him and his mother with a gun. It's not until he starts running for the middle school track team that he begins to see what running can do for him.

Buy it: Ghost on Amazon

34. Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass

Ellen is a neurodiverse kid with a best friend who helps her navigate through school and sometimes confusing social situations. But when new friends and opportunities come along, Ellen has a chance to learn even more about how she actually fits into the world.

Buy it: Ellen Outside the Lines on Amazon

35. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Ponyboy and his brothers, Darry and Sodapop, have a tough life. They know they can count on their friends-true friends who will do anything for them. Unfortunately, the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids, make them prove their loyalties after a night of fighting goes too far.

Buy it: The Outsiders on Amazon

36. Nikhil Out Loud by Maulik Pancholy

Nikhil is a 13-year-old gay Indian American boy who depends on his voice for his joy-he's a voice actor for a popular cartoon. Then he ends up in a small Ohio town trying to put on a school musical. This is a relevant and touching story kids will love.

Buy it: Nikhil Out Loud on Amazon

37. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Basketball-loving twins Josh and Jordan find their way through isolation and conflict in this novel in verse by master poet Kwame Alexander.

Buy it: The Crossover on Amazon

38. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda Sordino can't tell anybody why she called the police to break up a party the summer before ninth grade. In fact, after the trauma she suffered, she can't speak at all.

Buy it: Speak on Amazon

39. The Breadwinner series by Deborah Ellis

Parvana is 11 when the Taliban comes to power in Afghanistan. Her father is arrested, and women are not allowed to leave the house without a male escort. Parvana must disguise herself and find work to save her family.

Buy it: The Breadwinner series on Amazon

40. Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine

Ling Chang must find a way to survive after her father is taken away during China's Cultural Revolution.

Buy it: Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party on Amazon

41. Stella by Starlight by Sharon Draper

Stella and her brother aren't supposed to leave the house at night, but they run into much bigger problems when they stumble on a Ku Klux Klan rally. Stella fights racism within her community and learns about compassion in the process.

Buy it: Stella by Starlight on Amazon

42. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Woodson's verse memoir tells the story of coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement.

Buy it: Brown Girl Dreaming on Amazon

43. Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn

Molly has concerns when her family moves into a church with a graveyard next door, but when her already-odd stepsister makes a sinister new friend, things get downright dangerous.

Buy it: Wait Till Helen Comes on Amazon

44. Refugee by Alan Gratz

Gratz weaves together stories of child refugees in three different eras: Nazi Germany, 1990s Cuba, and present-day Syria.

Buy it: Refugee on Amazon

45. Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt

Jack Hurd gets a foster brother, Joseph, an eighth grader whose only dream is to be with his daughter.

Buy it: Orbiting Jupiter on Amazon

46. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Nine-year-old Cassie Logan faces racial discrimination and financial hardship during the Great Depression.

Buy it: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry on Amazon

47. Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Tally Youngblood lives in a dystopia in which all 16-year-olds have cosmetic surgery to make them pretty.

Buy it: Uglies on Amazon

48. We Should Hang Out Sometime by Josh Sundquist

YouTuber Josh Sundquist tells the true story-with graphs!-of his failures in dating.

Buy it: We Should Hang Out Sometime on Amazon

49. Feed by M. T. Anderson

The Feed scrolls constantly through Titus' brain, providing him with entertainment, advertising, and social networking. On a spring break trip to the Moon, he meets a girl who sees life differently.

Buy it: Feed on Amazon

50. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Spoiled princess Esperanza moves from her family's ranch in Mexico to a migrant camp during the Great Depression. She learns to rely on her inner strength and the support of her family.

Buy it: Esperanza Rising on Amazon

What are your favorite middle school books? Come share them in the WeAreTeachers Helpline group on Facebook.

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50 Great Books To Teach in Middle School

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Want to know the best middle school books to use in your class? We love these life-changing selections that will help your students grow.

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UPDATED June 2019!

Summer is here! Well, at least in the northern hemisphere... Time to stock up on summer reads for your middle graders!

There is something for everyone on this extensive list of multicultural middle-grade novels!

50+ Multicultural Middle-Grade Novels for Summer Reading

African & African American

When brothers Caleb and Bobby Gene meet their cool new neighbour, Styx Malone, they are in for a mad adventure. Styx convinces them to join in the Great Escalator Trade: Exchanging one small thing for something better in the hope of ending up with a motorbike. But soon things get out of control. The Season Of Styx Malone is a heartwarming novel about friendship, trust, and the yearning to escape the ordinary.

11-year-old Genie and his older brother Ernie are leaving Brooklyn for the very first time to spend the summer with their grandparents in rural Virginia. It is a time full of surprises for Genie and learning about himself and his family: From finding out that his grandfather is blind to discovering his secret room to learning that bravery can mean different things. Just published this month, As Brave As You Are is a thoughtful and gentle middle-grade novel by Coretta Scott King/Johnson Steptoe Award-winner Jason Reynolds (When I Was the Greatest).

All twelve-year-old Shayla wants is to make it through seventh grade with her best friendships intact, learn to run track, and have a cute boy see past her giant forehead. But in junior high, she's suddenly questioning who her best friends are and some people at school are saying she's not black enough. Through her sister, she starts getting involved in the Black Lives Matter movement and soon has to decide to do what's right. A Good Kind Of Trouble is a funny and big-hearted debut novel about family, friendship and standing up for what is right.

Brown Girl Dreaming is a deeply personal and touching account of the author's childhood as an African American girl in the 1960's and 1970's. Growing up in South Carolina and New York, she becomes increasingly aware of the Civil Rights Movement. In poetic language full of imagery this award-winning book gives a glimpse into a child's soul and her journey of self-discovery.

After the death of his mother, 11-year-old Langston and his father move from Alabama to Chicago's Bronzeville district. Everything is different here and Langston misses his home, his family and his friends. Being bullied at his new school and not seeing much of his father, Langston feels lonely in the big and noisy city. The library becomes his safe place and this is where he discovers the Langston his mother named him after. Finding Langston is a lyrical novel about one boy's experiences during the Great Migration.

12-year-old Caroline Murphy struggles with being bullied by students and teachers alike at her small school on St. Thomas of the US Virgin Islands, a spirit that keeps following her, and the fact that her mother left home one day and never came back. When Caroline befriends Kalinda, a new student from Barbados, she soon realizes that her feelings for her are more than platonic. Although those feelings are not being reciprocated, Kalinda wants to help Caroline look for her missing mother and so the girls set out in a hurricane to find her before it is too late. Award-winning Hurricane Child is a moving and suspenseful coming-of-age novel that young readers will love.

More Caribbean books: 36 Children's Books set in the Caribbean

13-year-old Muchoki and his little sister Jata have lost almost everything: Political violence has destroyed their Kenyan village and killed their father. Now living in an overcrowded refugee camp with their ailing mother, the siblings are faced with hunger and fears about the future. Driven by both hope and desperation, Muchoki and Jata set off on a brave, seemingly impossible journey, walking hundreds of kilometers to find their last remaining family. Walking Home is an inspiring and moving story about loss and forgiveness, perseverance and hope.

Imani is adopted and she knows exactly what she wants as her big bat mitzvah gift: to find her birth parents. Being Black in her mostly White Jewish community, she has always wondered where she came from. When her great-grandma Anna passes away, Imani discovers her old diary from 1941, the year she was twelve and fled Nazi-occupied Luxembourg alone. Anna's diary records her journey to America and her new life with an adoptive family of her own. As Imani reads the diary, she begins to see her family, and her place in it, in a whole new way. The Length Of A String is a gripping novel about identity, family and belonging.

Set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry tells of one family's struggle to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. This classic masterpiece focuses on Cassie Logan, an independent girl who discovers why having land of their own is so crucial to the Logan family, and learns to draw strength from her own sense of dignity and self-respect.

Twelve-year-old Ann understands there is only one thing to be grateful for as a slave: having her family together. But when the master plans to sell her and her younger brother to two different owners, the family decides to run away on the Underground Railroad. Will they survive the dangerous trip to their freedom in the North? Ann Fights For Freedom is a compelling read with expressive illustrations.

More historical fiction: African American Historical Fiction for Middle School

Seventh-grader Jordan Banks' passion is drawing cartoons about his life. He'd love to go to art school but his parents decide to send him to a prestigious private school known for its academics instead. Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds. New Kid is an engaging graphic novel about fitting in and staying true to yourself.

"Like lightning / you strike /fast and free / legs zoom / down field / eyes fixed / on the checkered ball / on the goal / ten yards to go / can't nobody stop you..." In this follow-up to award-winning The Crossover, twelve-year-old Nick struggles with problems at home, is faced with a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. With the help of his best friend and inspiring books given to him by a rapping librarian, Nicky learns about the power of words and how to stand up for himself. Booked is an exciting and heartfelt novel-in-verse about soccer, family, love and friendship.

One night 11-year-old Stella and her brother witness a Ku Klux Klan meeting in the North Carolina woods. For the African American siblings, living in the South is a dangerous, scary and often humiliating experience. Stella by Starlight is a gripping and realistic portrayal of life in the segregated South during the Great Depression.

In an old attic in Lambert, South Carolina, Candice finds a letter addressed to her grandmother, who left the town in shame. The letter tells of an injustice that happened decades ago, a mystery and the fortune awaiting the person who solves the puzzle. Together with her friend Brandon, Candice embarks on a journey that leads deep into Lambert's dark history, and deeper into their own families, with their own unspoken secrets. The Parker Inheritance is a powerful novel about racism, justice and friendship.

More books about racism: 37 Children's Books to help talk about Racism & Discrimination

Generations ago, twins, black cats, and other potentially magical beings were outlawed in the kingdom of Kaloon. So from birth, twins Flissa and Sara had to pretend to be one princess, Flissara. But when a magical attack puts their mother's life in danger, the girls must break the rules that have protected them to save her. They set off on an epic quest to the Twists-a forbidden place full of dark magic-to find the evil mage who cursed the queen. The first book in a new series, Twinchantment brings to life a fantastical world of sisterhood, adventure, and incredible twists.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham
by Christopher Paul Curtis

Meet the "Weird Watsons": 10-year-old Kenny, his mom, dad, little sister Joetta and older brother Byron. When Byron gets into too much trouble, the family drives to Alabama to visit Grandma, the one person who can shape him up. It's 1963, and little does the family know that they are heading straight into one of the most horrific moments in America's history: the bombing of a church that killed four little girls. Award-winning The Watsons Go To Birmingham is both hilarious and heartbreaking - a modern classic that every middle grader should read.

Because of his disruptive antics and pranks, Thelonius Mitchell is in special ed, separated from the "normal" kids at school who don't have any "issues." When a gun is found at a neighbourhood hangout, Thelonius and his pals become instant suspects and they must find the real culprits in order to prove their innocence. The Usual Suspects is an engaging and honest middle-grade thriller that young readers won't want to put down.

One Crazy Summer is the first book of Williams-Garcia's award-winning trilogy about three resilient young sisters in the late 60's. Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern travel to Oakland in 1968 to spend the summer with their mother who abandoned them seven years earlier. They receive a cold welcome from their mother, a dedicated poet and printer, and are being sent to the Black Panther's day center every day. This heartfelt, funny and thought-provoking novel addresses two difficult subjects: The controversial Black Panther Party, and a mother who leaves her children behind.

The other books in the trilogy: P.S. Be Eleven // Gone Crazy in Alabama

Asian & Asian American

Another fantastic brand new release! In times of the anti-Iran sentiments of the 1970s, fitting in has become even more difficult for brainy loner Zomorod Yousefzadeh. Her family has just moved again, this time to Newport Beach, California, and she is determined to fit in, even changing her name to all-American Cindy. It Ain't So Awful, Falafel is a moving yet lighthearted middle-grade novel from the author of best-selling Funny in Farsi.

After India has been divided into two countries (India and Pakistan), 12-year-old half-Muslim/half-Hindu Nisha doesn't know where she belongs anymore. Her family embarks on a dangerous journey to find a new home. Told through Nisha's letters to her late mother, The Night Diary is a poignant story of loss, identity and hope.

More books set in Pakistan: 15 Children's Books set in Pakistan

Instead of spending her holidays at the beach, Californian girl Mai has to accompany her grandmother to Vietnam. Her parents are hoping that the trip will connect their out-of-touch daughter with her roots, but Mai struggles with the foreign country and its culture. Bestselling Listen, Slowly is an irresistible and poignant story about the true meaning of home, culture, family and friends. The paperback edition includes a letter from the author, a Vietnamese glossary and a pronunciation guide.

Ten-year-old aspiring writer Mia Tang manages the front desk of a motel where her immigrant parents clean the rooms. If the mean motel owner, Mr Yao, finds out they've been letting other immigrants stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed. Featuring an irresistible protagonist, award-winning Front Desk is an engaging middle-grade novel about immigration, poverty and resilience.

More books about immigration: 30 Multicultural Picture Books about Immigration

Save Me A Seat is told from the points of view of Ravi, who recently arrived in the US from India, and Joe, whose best friend has just moved away. Both boys attend Fifth Grade at the same school and - each in their own way - struggle to acclimatise to the new situation. Over the course of a single crazy week, they find out that they have more in common than they thought: Dillon Samreen, the school's biggest bully. Together Ravi and Joe try to take control of their lives. Released earlier this month, this is an authentic middle grade novel about fitting in and staying true to yourself.

Abandoned by their father, sisters Soledad and Ming from the Philippines live in Louisiana with their evil stepmother. All they have is the stories their deceased mother used to tell them about the travels of her magical sister. The stories give the sisters hope, but for little Ming they also blur the lines between fact and fiction. Sol needs to find a way to pull her sister back into reality. Mixing fantasy and realism, The Land of Forgotten Girls is an enchanting middle-grade novel about sisterhood, hope and the power of imagination.

Lou Bulosan-Nelson plans to build a tiny house on land she inherited from her dad. She longs for a place where she can escape her lovable but crazy extended Filipino family. But then she finds out that the land may not be hers for much longer. With Lou's determination and the help of friends and relatives, her dream eventually begins to take shape. The House That Lou Build is a warm coming-of-age story about culture and family, forgiveness and friendship.

More books about friendship: 18 Multicultural Children's Books about Friendship

11-year-old Ema is looking forward to the arrival of her baby sibling. Finally, someone who will understand how it feels to be half American and half Japanese. But spending the summer with her grandparents in Japan is difficult for Ema: Her harsh grandmother, her mother's tricky pregnancy, and then their stay is extended and she must attend a new school, once again not fitting in. When the tragedy of 9/11 strikes an ocean away, and her grandfather falls ill, Ema feels more helpless than ever and learns about the tender side and the strength of her grandmother. Entirely written in free-verse, Somewhere Among is a heartfelt debut middle-grade novel about family, loneliness and hope.

In 1977, 11-year-old Zhongmei travelled for several days to attend the open auditions of the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy. Against all odds, the poor country girl beat out 60,000 other girls, became a famous dancer, and made her New York debut with her own dance company when she was in just her late 20s. Written by Zhongmei's husband, A Girl Named Faithful Plum is a fascinating account of one girl's journey from the remote farmlands of China to the world's stages.

More books about female artists: 40 Multicultural Children's Books About Fabulous Female Artists

Chinese-American Cilla Lee-Jenkins has already written a "Bestseller" and a "Classic"―now it's time for her to write an Epic Story. Epics are all about brave heroes overcoming struggles to save the world, and this year, Cilla is facing her toughest struggles yet: She is in fifth grade and, unlike her classmates, not at all ready to start middle school; she has to look after two younger sisters who don't get along, and her beloved grandfather YeYe has had a stroke and forgotten his English. With humour, heart and a lovable main character, Cilla Lee-Jenkins: The Epic Story will appeal to young readers entering middle school, especially aspiring young writers.

After her father and younger brother were killed in accident, Cedar and what's left of her family are spending the summer in Iron Creek. The Asian American girl befriends local boy Leo who introduces her to the renowned Summerlost theatre festival. Cedar gets a job at the festival and soon finds herself surrounded by mysteries: That of a deceased Hollywood actress haunting the halls of Summerlost, and that of the strange gifts Cedar keeps receiving. Summerlost is a tender and touching middle grade novel about processing loss and finding friendship.

Hispanic & Hispanic American

11-year-old Celeste lives a peaceful life among family, friends and neighbours in the idyllic seaside town of Valparaiso, Chile. But her world is turned upside down when one day warships arrive, and classmates start disappearing without an explanation. Celeste doesn't quite understand but she knows that no one is safe anymore. Celeste's parents have to go into hiding and send Celeste to America to protect her. Based on true events during Pinochet's dictatorship, I Lived on Butterfly Hill is a heart-rending historical fiction novel about exile and reunification, loss and hope.

Island Treasures is a collection of autobiographical stories from renowned author Alma Flor Ada, offering a moving glimpse into her childhood in Cuba. The book features Ada's award-winning books 'Where the Flame Trees Bloom' and ' Under the Royal Palms' as well as five new stories, family photos and a Spanish/English glossary. The poignant and often humorous stories bring to life some of the important people in Ada's life, from her blind great-grandmother with her wisdom and generosity to her brave aeroplane-flying Uncle Medardo, from music-loving worker Samoné to Ada's beloved and supportive dance teacher.

Twelve-year-old Güero is a Mexican American border kid with red hair, light skin and freckles. He is a book, game and music nerd and has just started 7th grade with a woke English teacher who knows how to make poetry cool. They Call Me Güero is a vibrant novel-in-poems about growing up between two cultures.

"'Nobody believed me when I said two skunks stole my old trike. But I'd seen those stinkers take it. Swear.' When Fourth Grader Mateo Martinez insists that two talking skunks stole his old trike, his family believes he was only dreaming, as he also constantly dreams of being a medieval knight. But that's not all that's difficult in Mateo's life: He has to deal with bullies at school, with Johnny not being his best friend anymore and with developing his new friendship with Indian American Ashwin. And above all, he struggles with his Mexican American identity. The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez is a funny and action-packed middle-grade novel with a touch of fantasy, a story about growing up and letting go.

Growing up in the rough South Bronx, Sonia Sotomayor dreamed of becoming a lawyer and a judge. Her determination, along with the guidance from mentors and the love of her extended Puerto Rican family, propelled her forward until her dream eventually came true. She became the first Latina and the third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court. The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor is the middle-grade adaptation of this inspiring woman's memoir. Includes an 8-page photo insert and a brief history of the Supreme Court.

When Sal Vidon and Gabi Real meet for the first time, it isn't under the best of circumstances. Sal is in the principal's office for allegedly putting a raw chicken in Yasmany's locker (that has since magically disappeared), and Gabi, student council president and editor of the school paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany. Sal prides himself on being an excellent magician. When Gabi learns that he's capable of conjuring things much bigger than a chicken-including his dead mother- and she takes it all in stride, Sal knows that she is someone he can work with. There's only one slight problem: their manipulation of time and space could put the entire universe at risk. Sal & Gabi Break The Universe is a hilarious and quirky novel that middle-graders won't be able to put down.

Daughter of undocumented Mexican immigrants, Jacinta Juarez doesn't know much about the world outside her barrio. When a well-known news anchorwoman becomes her mentor after reporting on her youth center, Jacinta finds herself caught between two cultures. She want to embrace a better future but also longs for the comfort of her family and the barrio. When her family is torn apart, Jacinta needs to find her own strength to pick up the pieces. Look Both Ways in the Barrio Blanco is a charming and authentic coming of age story, told with humour and sensitivity.

Sixth-Grader Merci Suarez and her older brother are the only scholarship students at their private school in Florida. They have to do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. Added to that Merci is being targeted by a jealous girl and at home, her beloved grandfather is acting increasingly strange. Merci feels very alone with her confusion and worry and tries to find her own way of navigating the difficult situation. Award-winning Merci Suárez Changes Gears is a heartfelt yet humorous coming-of-age novel about change, authenticity and family connection.

Set in 1981 during Guatemala's Civil War, this is the story of a young boy who has to flee when soldiers invade his village. Separated from his mother, Carlos joins a band of guerillas and tries to make his way to his grandmother's mountain village. Written entirely in free-verse, Caminar is a gripping and moving story of a young boy's loss, survival and growth.

In this follow-up of the instant hit Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble, Leonora Logroño has finally been introduced to her family's bakery bruja magic. But since her special power hasn't shown up yet, her family still won't let her perform her own spells, and they expect her to keep the family magic secret, even from her best friend Caroline. Suddenly spirits are popping up all over town, causing all sorts of trouble! Is this Leo's fault? And can she reverse the spell before it's too late? Love Sugar Magic: A Sprinkle Of Spirits is a charming book that middle-graders will love.

Initially, 12-year-old Lizzy is not keen on spending the summer with her grandmother in a remote village in New Mexico. But soon she enjoys her loving Nana's company and the enchanted atmosphere of a village frozen in time. Lizzy also starts to uncover the mystery surrounding her father who died before she was born. Tortilla Sun is a gentle story about family, friendship and dealing with the past.

11-year old Celi Rivera has lots to grapple with, from her changing body to her first crush and her best friend's exploration of gender fluidity. But most of all, she is dreading the looming arrival of her first period, because her mother insists on having a traditional Mexican moon ceremony. Told in verse, The Moon Within is a sensitive and humorous coming-of-age story that will appeal not only to young Latinas but girls everywhere.

Recently immigrated to the U.S., Lety Muñoz loves volunteering at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter because the dogs and cats there don't care how fast she can find the right word in English. When another volunteer sets up a secret competition to determine who will be the official shelter scribe, Lety is worried that if the shelter finds out, they'll kick her out of the program. And then she'll never be able to adopt her favourite shelter dog! Lety Out Loud is a touching story about compassion, empathy and living between two cultures.

10-year-old Fina Mendoza's mom just died. She and her older sister Gabby move to Washington, D.C. to live with Papa, a congressman from California. Fina loves riding the Capitol subways, grabbing snacks in congressional offices, and spending more time with Papa. But after she encounters a mysterious cat, a string of disasters follows, and Fina must solve the mystery of the Demon Cat of Capitol Hill. Welcome To Washington, Fina Mendoza is a fun read with a lovable protagonist that will appeal to middle-graders everywhere.

Junior, an aspiring cartoonist, leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school. Based on the author's own experiences, The Absolute True Diary of a Part-time Indian is a touching and funny middle grade novel about the contemporary adolescence of a Native American boy. Illustrated with poignant cartoon-style drawings.

12-year-old Willow Chance is obsessed with nature, diagnosing medical conditions, and counting by 7s. Struggling to connect with anyone other than her adoptive parents, she leads a quietly happy life, until both her parents die in an accident, leaving her alone in a confusing world. But Willow manages to push through her grief and find a substitute family. With a multicultural cast (Willow describes herself as a 'person of colour", her new family is of mixed Vietnamese, African American, and Mexican heritage), bestselling Counting by 7s is a moving middle grade novel about loss, resilience and the true meaning of family.

Written in the form of a notebook, The Unforgotten Coat chronicles the events of Julie's sixth-grade year many years ago. Two Mongolian brothers inexplicably appear one morning in her class in Liverpool, England. Chingis, the older brother, proclaims Julie as their "Good Guide" - a nomadic tradition of welcoming strangers to a new land -, and Julie must somehow navigate them through soccer, school uniforms, and British slang, whilst dealing with her own typical tween issues. A unique, moving and sometimes funny middle-grade novel about immigration and two brothers trying to survive.

12-year-old Malia convinces her friends Dot and Bree to start a babysitting club in order to earn funds for an epic birthday bash. But babysitting isn't exactly what they thought it would be... Best Babysitters Ever is a funny middle-grade novel about friendship, jealousy and first crushes.

Salt is a compelling middle grade novel about the friendship between children of settlers and a Native American tribe. In 1812 Anikwa and James spend their days fishing, trapping, and exploring the forests together. When tensions rise between the traders and the tribe, the two 12-year-olds face the heartbreaking decision where their deepest loyalties lie.

Another one about a friendship between children of settlers and native children, this time with girls as main characters. With rich historical detail, Blue Birds tells the story of two girls from two very different worlds: Alis belongs to a family of settlers from England, and Kimi to a native family of the Roanoke tribe. Despite the tensions between the settlers and the Native people, the two girls form an impossible friendship and risk their lives for one another.

When a string of dognappings grips her Denver neighbourhood, spunky Kazu Jones sets out to track down the culprits with the help of her gang, including her best friend and expert hacker, March; and her ginormous, socially anxious pup, Genki. With a diverse cast of characters and a suspenseful storyline, Kazu Jones and the Denver Dogsnappers is the first instalment in a new series.

*You can buy any of the books on this site from Amazon USA, CAN or UK by clicking on the book titles or covers*

More Multicultural Books for Middle School
African - Middle School Asian - Middle School Hispanic - Middle School Diverse - Middle School

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50+ Multicultural Middle Grade Novels for Summer Reading

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UPDATED June 2019! Summer is here! Well, at least in the northern hemisphere... Time to stock up on summer reads for your middle graders! There is something for everyone on this extensive list of multicultural middle-grade novels! African & African American When brothers Caleb and Bobby Gene meet their cool new neighbour, Styx Malone, they are in for a mad adventure.

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A List of Tech Resources for the Middle School Teacher

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A List of Tech Resources for the Middle School Teacher

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by edshelf

With all the websites, mobile apps, and desktop programs available to teachers out there, it can be exasperating to know how to use them. Most busy teachers simply ask colleagues in their department or the teacher's lounge. Or the resident technology integrator, if your school is lucky enough to have one.

But what if you have already tried those avenues? Or don't have them available? Fortunately, there are a few resources online that you can use. There is Twitter and its various teacher hashtags, social media sites for teachers, or edshelf's collections.

Below is one such collection. It is curated by Mrs. J. Porritt from W.S. Hawrylak School. Generously included are notes for each of the tools she uses in her classroom. If you are looking for a new tool, or want to know more about an existing tool, check out her useful collection of teaching tools.
How a Middle School Teacher Uses Technology in Her Classroom Image attribution flickr user vancouverfilmschool; 57 Learning Technology Tools One Middle School Teacher Depends On

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57 Learning Technology Tools One Middle School Teacher Depends On

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by edshelf With all the websites, mobile apps, and desktop programs available to teachers out there, it can be exasperating to know how to use them. Most busy teachers simply ask colleagues in their department or the teacher's lounge. Or the resident technology integrator, if your school is lucky enough to have one.

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Why do ducks have flat feet?

To stamp out forest fires.

Why do elephants have flat feet?

To stamp out flaming ducks.

There are two muffins in an oven.

One muffin turns to the other muffin and says, "Boy, it's hot in here."

The other muffin says, "OH MY GOD A TALKING MUFFIN."

My friend was cold so I told her to stand in a corner.

---Corners are 90 degrees….

Why did the teacher wear sunglasses?

Because her students were so bright.

A general rule of grammar is that double negatives are a no-no.

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Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went camping.

They pitched their tent under the stars and went to sleep.

Sometime in the middle of the night Holmes woke Watson up and said: "Watson, look up at the stars, and tell me what you see."

Watson replied: "I see millions and millions of stars."

Holmes said: "And what do you deduce from that?"

Watson replied: "Well, if there are millions of stars, and if even a few of those have planets, it's quite likely there are some planets like Earth out there. And if there are a few planets like Earth out there, there might also be life."

And Holmes said: "Watson, you idiot, it means that somebody stole our tent."

Where does the President keep his armies?

In his sleevies.

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Charles, C. (2011) Building classroom discipline (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson

Curwin, R. L., Mendler, A. N., & Mendler, B. D. (2008). Discipline with dignity : new

challenges, new solutions. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com

Morin, A. (2014). Developmental Milestones for Typical Middle-Schoolers. Retrieved

November 04, 2018, from

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/signs-symptoms/developmental-

milestones/developmental-milestones-for-typical-middle-schoolers

Teacher.org Staff. (n.d.). Toothpick Structures Lesson Plan. Retrieved November 4, 2018, from

https://www.teacher.org/lesson-plan/toothpick-structures/

Williams, A. (2011). Expository Writing - Students Create a Themed Newspaper. Retrieved

November 4, 2018, from

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Login?f=%2FFreeDownload%2FExpository-Writing-Students-Create-a-Themed-Newspaper-50238

Wood, C. (2015). Yardsticks: Children in the classroom, ages 4-14. Turners Falls, MA: Center

for Responsive Schools.

Wormeli, R. (2013, March 25). Five Special Strategies for Teaching Tweens. Retrieved

November 4, 2018, from

https://www.middleweb.com/6641/5-strategies-for-tween-teachers/