Welcome to a new series on finding books for reluctant readers! This four-part series will be divided by grade level, from kindergarten through sixth grades. For books for K-2, click here. For books for grades 3-4, click here. For 5th grade, click here. by Elizabeth Cossick, M.Ed.
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Let’s face it. Most middle schoolers (especially boys) are not thinking much about books. They’re thinking about how they look. Or how she looks (especially boys). But, this is actually prime time to get these students hooked on an engaging author. The key? A relatable main character who experiences action, suspense, humor or (appropriate) romance. Here are some great teacher-selected, adolescent-approved titles:
The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis
Turn Homeward, Hannalee by Patricia Beatty
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Holes by Louis Sachar
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
The Cay by Theodore Taylor
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
My 5th graders really enjoyed reading From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg during a recent novel study. This is an award-winning novel about 2 children who run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I held the students’ interest with a virtual field trip to the Met, a debate about the ethical choices in the novel, and an “out of the box” book report project. They loved the story, so it was a great way to get the class (yes, including the boys!) to really get excited about this book!
That’s a GREAT title, Kristin! Thanks for the fabulous addition. I LOVE your ideas, too. Can I come be in your class??