Neal Shusterman

Unwind is a dystopian book where the need for organ transplants has expedited so people have invented new technology that makes it possible to harvest every organ in the human body. To solve the other issue with problematic teenagers, guardians now have the ability to send their child to be unwound– to be harvested for all their organs, or ‘live in a divided state’. Three teenagers sent to be unwound have to work together to fight this system their society lives in to see if they can change how the world is.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it changed my perspective on a lot of things and changed my opinion on organ transplants, but also what it means to be human and alive. Throughout the book, Shusterman references a bunch of real-world incidents related to human trafficking and it made me realize how despite the book being a work of fiction, there’s still a real meaning behind it that is strikingly close to what real life is like. As well as that, I think the book (and the series) is beautifully written and there are a lot of messages to be picked out whether it be through individual characters or smaller stories that are inside the larger plot.

This book definitely isn’t for everyone – when I read it, there were many scenes that completely creeped me out. I’d recommend this book for more mature audiences, like 7th and 8th graders, however if you feel like you can handle a lot of gruesome, tragic scenes, and also a very difficult and complex topic, then this book is definitely a great option for you.

Emily

I really loved The Grace Year by Kim Leggett because it made me think about our society and how we can make our community better. It was really well written and I was always on my toes about what was going to happen next. 

This book is set in a dystopian world where they send the teenage girls out to the wilderness to fend for themselves, instead of working together they go against each other and fight for the little materials that they have. They are told about these creepy people in the wilderness who are out to get them and are dangerous. The question is who is the real enemy?

  This book is so impactful one minute I was laughing and the next I was crying. It does bring up mature themes so I suggest 7 and 8th graders would enjoy reading this.-Georgia 

Disclaimer: This book has mentions of rape and self harm that may be upsetting for some readers, this doesn't mean it is inappropriate and I believe it is suitable for all middle school grades. - Elina

Harper Lee

This book is set in a fictional town in Alabama during the great depression. To Kill a Mocking Bird portrays the life of the finch family and illustrates some common themes like racism, small town dreams, and community. I loved that this book is raw and invigorating and creates a window to a different time period. The language also may be a little confusing but bear with it! It’s such a good read, you will have no regrets. I think mature 5th graders can read this book. But this book is more up a 6th,7th and 8th graders alley because of the language. Any type of reader that is curious in justice and law but fair warning the book is dry and a little confusing at times. Josie

Ernest Cline

As more and more of the world is becoming digital, this book demonstrates a world, called the Oasis, where school and society as a whole is fully digitized. The creator of this world, James Halliday, has died. As part of his legacy, he left a challenging trail of hints and clues with the ultimate prize being well worth the struggle. People fight to win this in the game, but it gets so intense that the battle spills over into real life.

I loved this book because of how it was a dystopian book but it also showed what our future could be when bigger and bigger chunks of the world are digitized.

This book would be such a good read for anyone in middle school and I think it is mainly for people who like dystopian books. People should be aware that there are a lot of deaths in this book.

Grayson

The Martian

By Andy Weir.

The Martian book is about a group of astronauts on an expedition to Mars, where when things go south, they accidentally lose one of their astronauts named Mark Watney, from a Mars dust storm. The story follows Mark as he learns how to survive on mars with limited supplies in the mars base, and how he communicates to Earth using an old Mars rover that he found. It also follows how he becomes creative and cultivates his own food, how he makes his own water, and how he makes his way through mental and physical challenges, until a rescue team is sent out toward him to pick him up.

I really enjoy this book, and the story as well, as it's a very creative situation, and a very interesting one! I also like watching/reading sci-fi stuff about space and planets, especially something that isn't out of this world crazy, as this could technically happen. There's also a movie in the book as well. But I recommend reading this book first, then watching the movie. But I'm not in charge of you so you do what you think is best.

Anyone who likes a little tense and sci-fi action with some spacey themes, well I’d recommend this book. It's perfect for all ages from 5-6th all the way up to 8th and over. You will like this book if you're interested in people colonizing other planets/and or doing research there.

Stokely

Thrive – Kenneth Oppel

This is the third book in the series The Overthrow about strange alien plants that suddenly appear on the Earth. In the preceding books, the protagonists Anaya, Seth, and Petra grow strange alien features, and in this book, they find others with similar characteristics, however all of the hybrids like themselves are locked up for research. While locked up in harsh conditions, the protagonists learn they can communicate via telepathy with aliens that are soon to invade Earth.

I loved this book because it felt impossible to put down. There was action from the start to the finish, and I liked it better than both the first and second books of the series. Unexpected reveals made this book a page turner.

This book is for any middle schoolers, but it’s best if the preceding books are read first.

-- Ellis

I really loved reading this book because the writing was captivating and intriguing and it didn’t feel like you were reading a nonfiction book. Also in this book there were drawings to really bring the writing to life and create a visual for the reader. This book is really wonderful and it is a delightful way to learn about history.

I would recommend this to any grade level!This story displays the historical event of the stealing of the Mona Lisa. It follows the actual thief, the creator of the Mona Lisa (Leonardo Da Vinci), and how the public experienced this heist as well. It also traces important inventions that were created at that time period and you get to see how the Mona Lisa became as famous as it did and how it came to be her. One other interesting factor about this book is that you get to gain a deeper understanding of how Leonardo Da Vinci’s brain worked. 

I really loved reading this book because the writing was captivating and intriguing and it didn’t feel like you were reading a non fiction book. Also in this book there were drawings to really bring the writing to life and create a visual for the reader. This book is really wonderful and it is a delightful way to learn about history.

I would recommend this to any grade level!

• Rebeca

The Hate U Give is a representation of wrongful accusations towards black people using gun violence as a form of punishment. The book centers around two teenagers who are attending a house party that suddenly goes bad when someone is mysteriously murdered. Once the two leave the party and are on their way home does a cop car stop them. The guy Khalil hops out of the car, and then one wrong move had him gone entirely. I loved this book because of the sincerity and the way the characters approached the situation. The main idea is to not suffer in silence and take a stand for what you want to see change. This is a young adult book so I recommend that this is a 7th and 8th grade read because of the intensity of language and action. - MacKenzie

The Naturals

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Naturals series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a series about a group of older teenagers who catch serial killers. There are four books (soon to be five) in this series but I am only going to talk about the first one which (named after the series) is called The Naturals. This book tells the story of a 17 year old named Cassie Hobbes who is natural at reading people and profiling skills. Throughout this story Cassie and her team try to catch a serial killer who is pretending to be the killer of Cassie’s mom. This book was very intriguing and I couldn’t put it down. The Naturals makes it easy to follow along with the characters so you can try and figure out the killer on your own. 

I would recommend this book to people who love mysteries, aren’t too afraid of books with murder, and like to read books written by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. The Naturals series is an amazing one and I really recommend it!!!

Note: This book doesn't have any inappropriate scenes but it is a little creepy (because of the whole serial killer plot) so I would recommend it for mature readers.

Grace

Where the Red Fern Grows

by Wilson Rawl

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawl is a novel about a boy named Billy who has two coonhounds and is set in the mountains during the great depression. Throughout the story they become great companions and become an amazing hunting team. Overall the story explores themes of love, loyalty, determination, and the cycle of life and death. 

I really love this book because it helped me experience what love is really like whether it is with humans or animals. I also handle what grief can be like and how one deals with it. Grief can be a hard thing but I love this book because it touches on it in the perfect way.

 I would recommend this book to all grades. I read it in 5th grade and loved it, but I still read it now and love it. It is definitely a heartfelt book that might invoke tears. 

When We Collided 

By Emery Lord

When We Collided is the story of a girl named Vivi who moves to California after something big goes down in her old town causing her to get into a huge fight with her friends. In California she meets a boy named Jonas and his family. She becomes good friends with Jonas and his family and they eventually fall in love but as the story goes on you start to see the internal struggles that Vivi faces due to mental health issues and eventually she tries to commit suicide due to her mental health struggles. 

This story is a beautiful story that weaves love and support with the struggles of mental health and it really causes readers to think about what is happening in their life and someone's struggles may not be obvious.

I would recommend this book to any reader 5th - 8th but some of the storylines are heavy and there are a few mature scenes that aren’t very descriptive but this book would probably be more enjoyed by 7th and 8th graders.

15 year old Lina Vilkas is a Lithuanian girl that got deported to a Siberian work camp by Soviet officers in 1941. She tries to connect with her father and uphold her survival through art. Throughout this novel the story of two other characters and their struggles with the war are also shared. This novel has won the Indies Choice Book Award.

I love this book so much, because it was suspenseful with what felt like mystery, while simultaneously educating me on history that I previously didn’t have much knowledge about. As it being a historical fiction novel it helped me feel inside the characters minds and see the book as a window into others lives rather than a mirror reflecting onto my own, I enjoyed getting to see other perspectives.

I recommend this book to 7th graders and up. It deals with the hard realities of events occurring during the war, along with some death, and a few matures scenes of sexual violence.  -Kate

By: Reagan

The Rose Bargain story revolves around two kingdoms; one in Victorian England, the other in a Fae court. England's immortal Fae queen - Queen Mor, gives bargains to the people of England in trade for something. When Ivy (the main character) turns 18 she enters a contest to take the hand of Bram the eldest prince of England. During the contest her and the other girls go through brutal tests of endurance, loyalty, and bravery. Bram is not as he seems, and has a huge secret that will shock Ivy, and all of England.

I really liked that this book took place in a past time because I love their style. I also really liked the way the book was written, with the competition, romance, and deceit. 

I recommend this book for 6th grade and up, just because there is a bit of violence, but otherwise it’s a great book for all people.

Evelyn is the daughter of Cuban immigrants, whose mother died when she was young, leaving her with an abusive father. She worked her way to fame, doing whatever it takes and using what she had. But Hollywood is a complicated place for women in the 1950s, and Evelyn might have to give it all up for love. Many years later, Evelyn Hugo, now 79, hires a journalist (Monique Grant) to record her story. Little does Monique know, their stories intertwine in unexpected ways.

This book stuck with me all throughout middle school, and I read it at least once a year. Every time I read it, I couldn’t put it down. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is truly the definition of page turner.

I would recommend this book to anyone, but it’s aimed more toward 7th and 8th graders. There are a few mature scenes, but they focus on emotions in the moment, not the actions happening.  --Thaïs

This book has not only taught me life lessons, but to also be grateful for what I have, and to celebrate even my smallest wins, because any little bit of success is progress. I recommend this book to anyone above the age of 13, as there are a few mature scenes. -- Court

I loved this book because it hooked me from the beginning while keeping it action packed. It featured unexpected plot twists with character development.

This book is meant for 7th and 8th graders. People who enjoy betrayals and secrets.

• Cedric

Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick

I am Malala is about how Malala Yousafzai’s life was changed forever when she took a chance and stood up for what she believed in. It starts with her remembering her hometown and ends with the reception of the Nobel Peace Prize. It takes readers through the emotional and physical challenges young Malala faced, how she became who she is today, and how we all can wield power and change the world. 

This book resonated with me because of its highlight and her focus on gender equality, access to education, and having courage even when events happening in the world are built to break and discourage you. My favorite parts of the book were when Malala realizes that people all over the world were on her side, supporting her through the aftermath of the attack. 

I would recommend this book to anyone, although the Young Readers Edition will be better fitted to fifth through eighth grades and the adult version for people who feel like they are ready to read about mature themes, especially graphic violence, and don’t mind reading a longer book.

— Mia

Have you ever worn, seen or used a Nike product? If so this is where it all began. Phil Knight does an amazing job telling the story of his success. From a small salesman in a little town in Oregon to a business man of the undisputed global leader in the sportswear and footwear industry. He describes the struggles, the successes and failures of Nike. In the heartfelt and captivating memoir Shoe Dog.

I really loved this book because it helped me gain an appreciation for small businesses and how Nike came to be. I also learned about all the struggles and the big decisions that it took to create such a successful business.

I would recommend this book to anyone. But older, more mature students will gain more from this book and the deep meaning of the memoir. It does have some words said in the book that are best to leave in the book and it has mentions of alcohol and smoking. --Max

 I loved this book because of the influence it had on me. It is so cool and acts as a window to Russia and its beliefs during the Stalin era. It really changed my perspective on the world, because it covers very important subjects like religion and aspects of human society.

I recommend this book to 6th grade and above, but it does have some mature content, it is so incredible and influential that anyone can read it and walk away with a newfound sense of belonging and respect.

• Lucas

Not Quite Dead Yet

Holly Jackson

Not Quite Dead Yet is about Jet, a twenty-seven year old set in Woodstock, Vermont. On Halloween night Jet gets attacked in her home, which left her with a fatal brain injury. The doctors tell her she only has a week to live and she decides to solve her own murder with her childhood best friend Billy.

What I loved about this book was that Holly Jackson the author used a really good variety of words. I liked how this book has a very specific plot and it's not a common plot.

I recommend this book to 6th-8th grade and people who like murder mystery. It is recommended for adults but the only thing I noticed was blood, and language.

“The Summer I Turned Pretty” series by Jenny Han, is about a girl named Belly who is lost in her love journey. She spends each summer at her family friend's beach house. This story involves deep family bonds and  romantic love triangle tension. 

Something I loved about this book is how there’s teen drama as well as the descriptive coastal setting. This book always brings me the feeling of summer and feelings of reconnection with family and friends.

I would recommend this book to any middle schoolers who just want a good romance and summer read. -Sasha

This book not only provided a thrilling story, but also several different perspectives and points of view from different people. Ruta Sepety’s meaningful, deep writing gives the story a level of depth that keeps the reader hooked throughout the whole book and it taught me how every character has a different and unique point of view. Salt to the Sea beautifully expresses the struggles that refugees faced during World War II and it is a thrilling, engaging read. 

I would recommend Salt to the Sea to anyone, but mostly mature readers around 7th or 8th grade. It contains some mature content including death and war and violence but I would recommend it to any historical fiction reader. It also won the Carnegie Medal in 2017.

- Eden

Charlie 

Out of My Mind

Sharon M. Draper

The book Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper describes the perspective of a person with a condition called cerebral palsy. It goes into detail about what happens inside the character's mind, Melody Brooks. As she navigates through life it becomes difficult to interact with people who don't have that condition.

There was a specific part that stuck with me. During school Melody was left out of a school competition because of her condition. She was often overlooked by others and couldn't make it to the competition. This hit me hard especially while watching the movie. I thought this highlighted how she didn't let this stop her from continuing through with the competition. Melody proved everyone wrong and showed that even though you may have a disability you can still accomplish many things.

I recommend this book to all ages. I think it's important to understand that people are different from each other and that you shouldn't overlook or underestimate others. 

This book was a constant read throughout my middle school years, and it reminded me that your past mistakes don’t have to dictate your future. This book was beautifully written and crafted to evoke many different emotions out of you.

This book is written for anyone in middle school and maybe even 4th graders who like realistic fiction books.

- Mac

The book inheritance game is about a girl Avery inheriting a billionaire's fortune (Tobias Hawthorn) after he dies with no connection to him whatsoever. But Avery can't just take the money and move on with her high school life, she has to navigate through puzzles and riddles and clues left behind by Tobias. In the midst of finding clues and answering riddles, Avery gets caught in a love triangle with Tobias Hawthorn's Two grandsons, Grayson, and Jameson. Read it to find out what happens!

What I loved about this book was the mystery and romance aspect of it. With you being able to guess the riddles while reading the book and wondering who Avery will get with. And the suspense on if Avery will die or not, it's just an overall amazing book.

If you like suspense and some romance this book is for you! It's a good mix of mystery and love and suspense and everything in between!

I had never really read mystery before reading Truly Devious. When I read it I immediately got hooked and couldn’t put it down. There were plot twists and the book just kept getting more and more interesting as I kept reading. After reading this book I started to read more mystery and got introduced to a new genre. 

I would recommend this book to anyone but just with a warning because it is a mystery about murder and has mild profanity and violence elements. Readers who like a thrilling mystery book with a hint of romance would love this book. 

-Clara

I love this book because of the themes it shows including independence, curiosity, and self worth. I loved the different challenges that each character faces and how they get over them. It is the second book in The Giver series and it is my favorite out of all of them.

I would recommend this book to any age starting at 5th grade!

By Alena

This book revolves around relationships as well as personal growth, and shows how important it is to balance the two. I love this book because I think it’s an accurate depiction of conflicting emotions, and internal hardships. Normal People represents normal human flaws and traits in a way a lot of other books in the realistic fiction and romance genre don’t. It doesn’t follow the usual format of romance books with ‘perfect’ endings and unrealistic characters. 

This book is definitely for older audiences, and while it’s probably suitable for a few older students, Normal People is definitely an adult book. It does have mature romantic scenes and profanity. 

Inheritance Games 

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The book Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is about a teenage girl named Avery who gets written into the will of a billionaire she doesn’t know. She lives in the house of this man called the Hawthorne house. She is very curious about why she was chosen and solves the mystery of the inheritance. She meets the brothers and battles love, hate and jealousy.

I love this book because of the mystery and slight romance between the brothers and Avery. It has many storylines and endless aha moments that left me wanting to read more. I’m not usually a lover of reading but I loved this book.

I would recommend this book to anyone middle school or older who is interested in a good book.

Lauren Roberts 

The book Powerless was definitely my favorite book I read in middle school. Its about a girl named Payden Grey who is an ordinary pretending to be a psychic trying to survive in these deadly purging trials. Along the way she meets Prince Kai, an Elite tasked with hunting her kind. 

This book explores the theme of survival and power.

I loved this book and I could not stop reading it. I loved how almost every end of a chapter was a clif hanger and I loved the author's writing style. 

I'm pretty sure anyone can really read this book but I recommend 7th and 8th grade because some of the wording is a little complicated.

Sophia

I adored every character in this fast paced book, they are all so funny and lovable. There are some major plot twists that you don't expect, and I ended up crying at the end. It inspired me to start reading more fantasy and romance books such as Quicksilver or Spark of the Everflame. 

I recommend this book to people who are already avid readers who can handle 800 page books. And to people who enjoy fantasy and romance and complicated plots with many characters. This book is not for people who can’t handle some mature scenes (of which there are only three) and violence and profanity. - Parker

What I loved about this book was the insane plot twist and the lies and how all of it ties together at the end perfectly. I loved how with this book you think you have everything figured out but when you get further you realize you were completely wrong and nobody is anything like what they seem.

 This book I would recommend mostly for 7th graders 8th graders and up considering this book has some mutual violence scenes and mature content. -Milly

Meg Haston

“Paperweight” by Meg Haston is an emotionally challenging book surrounding a girl named Stevie. Stevie is a 17 year old girl struggling with the loss of her brother, her mother leaving, a life threatening eating disorder, and her new found sexuality. In this book her father checks her into a residential treatment center in New Mexico in the hopes for recovery to her eating disorder. In the center she meets a therapist who helps her grapple with the death of her best friend (and brother). 

I love this book because it really challenges your emotional intelligence and maturity level. This book really made me reflect on my life in a new way from a new perspective. It also made me grateful for my life and family. 

This book has some graphic scenes and reading about ED can be hurtful or feel hard on someone's mental health. I would recommend this book to all age groups but 7th and 8th grade readers or people who are more mature will understand this book on a deeper level. 

– Hazel

Red Rising is a book set in a world where people are set into castes based on colors. Golds are the highest, ruling over the society, while reds are the lowest, enslaved as miners under the surface of Mars. The story follows one of those miners, whose name is Darrow, after he gets recruited by a rebel group called the Sons of Ares. He has to go undercover as one of the golds in their institute, and overthrow the corrupt government. It deals with themes of betrayal, friendship, and loss. 

I loved this book for many reasons. The first one is that it’s set in space, so it has that sci-fi setting and elements to it. Another reason is the way that Pierce Brown writes his characters to be human. What I mean by that is a “good guy” character may do bad things, and vice versa. It humanizes the characters, and really relates to how in real life, people are not fully good or bad. Finally, it has a romance subplot that is very beautifully done. It is one of the only book series that has ever made me cry. 

This is an adult sci-fi book, but I would recommend it to eighth grade and possibly mature seventh graders. It is not for people who cannot handle mature themes such as death, grief, violence and profanity.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Suzanne Collins

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel of the Hunger Games. It follows a boy named Corialanus Snow, before he became the president of the capitol. His family lost all of their assets when a district got bombed. He has to fake being rich so he can fit in with his friends and his school. He also has a relationship with a girl from district 12, which is almost impossible to keep since he is from the capitol. 

I love this book because of the constant cliffhangers and twists. The ending is very unexpected and pretty sad so if you read this read it all the way it's worth it. It also has some romance but it's appropriate for grades 5-8.

“Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” is about a girl named Margaret who is in 6th grade. She lives in New York City with her mom and dad, but is currently moving to the New Jersey Suburbs. Her mother is Christan and her dad is jewish. When Margaret moves to the suburbs she meets a neighbor her age, Nacy. Nacy invites Margaret to go over to her house and to play in the sprinklers. Later in the book, Margaret is challenged by fitting in to her “new Friends”.

Something I love about this book is that it’s so realistic. The setting, the plot and the difficulties that Margaret has in this book is something you can really relate to. I’m not much of a reader, but when I picked up “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” in the 6th grade. I felt a very close connection with it.

I recommend this book to 5th - 7th graders especially because of the events of the book. - Cameron