A Thinker in Space

(Books for Readers Young and Old #2)

This article is a bit different than some of the other articles I have posted. Throughout my time as a MS (Middle School) teacher at a Christian school, I have curated a list of novel recommendations for parents to consider as additional reading for their child. I thought it would be fun to run this list as a series of articles in honor of the beginning of the school year! This series will focus more on novel content than other recommendations, as the novels discussed are being seen through the lens of giving the novel to a middle schooler.

First, I would like to highly recommend two different screening resources for books, movies, television shows and games. Sometimes it is hard to keep track of what our students and children are reading, because we don’t necessarily have the time to read the books first. These two sources analyze the book for you and give you a review of the content your child is reading (both have a variety of other media forms they can be utilized for as well, including movies, television, and video games).

Common Sense Media: This is a website run by parents that reviews novels and gives them a potential age ranking. I would take their actual age recommendation with a grain of salt as this site has a secular worldview and will often rank media “12+” even when it contains a significant amount of objectionable content. However, they give an honest and factual content summary on their page, and they review novels (many other content analyzers do not include quality reviews alongside content reviews). Their content reviews are similar to an IMDb Parental Summary, breaking down the content of the novel based on each of the different objectionable categories. It is a valuable resource that I have utilized on multiple occasions.

PluggedIn Reviews: This is a phenomenal resource that primarily deals with movies but has tackled many novels as well. It is run by Focus on the Family and has the goal of both explaining the content from a Christian perspective and giving a review of the novel through the lens of biblical understanding. It is an excellent resource to use when trying to screen movies, as they have most of the films that have come out within the past fifteen years, covering many beforehand as well. Their novel selection is smaller than Common Sense Media, but it is growing, and it couples the strict “this is what bad stuff is in the book” with a spiritual look at the novel as well, discussing the message and the impact the story might have on the target audience, particularly with young adults that are still exploring and discovering their faith.

For each of the books/series I mention, I include the approximate page length, a short summary of the concept within the book, and the reason I am recommending it (as well as any warnings/stipulations you should know about the novel or series). I will also qualify recommended grade level (focused on content and readability, though books marked 8^th+ are often fine for 7^th graders as well, and books at a lower reading level can be excellent for both 7th and 8^th graders). As an important note – this list focuses on fictional novels rather than non-fiction. I have included some of the novels that were my favorites when I was in seventh and eighth grade, as well as some I have grown to love as an adult, so I hope you enjoy perusing this list! This is not meant to be short reviews of each novel (don’t expect the type of analysis from my Top Movies series), instead it is supposed to be a list to match a child with their interests and recommend some solid YA novels that you may or may not have heard of before!

I am also open to any recommendations that you have seen your child enjoy (or that you enjoy!) that might be solid additions to what I have presented here! I seek to continuously expand this list as new books come to my attention. These novels have been sorted by genre – this week, I will be tackling realistic fiction and historical fiction/non-fiction. Some of the books listed here will likely show up later on in this series with full reviews!

Realistic Fiction

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Grade Level: 6^th+

Length: ~200 pages

Concept: A girl who breaks the mold moves into a school full of cliques and strict social rules. She changes the rules with her exciting outgoing personality, and conflict ensues.

Recommendation: This is an excellent book that I seriously considered making part of my curriculum, and might add to the 7^th Grade book list eventually. It hits close to home, because it takes place in a middle school and is all about peer pressure and how it is a destructive influence. It deals with some middle school romance in a relatable way, and dives into the social aspects of middle school that prompts the students to some sincere self-evaluation of the culture around them.

Nothing but the Truth by AVI

Grade Level: 6^th+

Length: ~200 pages

Concept: In this school, the students are supposed to stand silently while the national anthem plays. So what happens when a student decides to break this rule, and sing the anthem?

Recommendation: If you have not heard of AVI yet, he is an excellent author of young adult novels – he is known for writing twisting plotlines and culturally/socially relevant stories that engage young readers. I would recommend researching the rest of his novels, as each one has an excellent message and a lot of interesting concepts to explore. Nothing but the Truth is an incredibly relevant novel for today’s day and age, especially with all of the debate about the national anthem in our culture. It is also written through news articles and various other non-narrative methods, which is unique. However, it does have some minor profanity to watch out for that could upset younger readers.

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Grade Level: 6^th+

Length: ~250 pages

Concept: A story involving a young boy and Al Capone.

Recommendation: This is a fun easy-read novel about Al Capone. It has a sequel called Al Capone Shines my Shoes that I have never read, but might be worth investigating as well.

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

Grade Level: 7^th+

Length: ~250 pages

Concept: One of the classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries! Join Sherlock and Watson as they investigate a series of happenings tied to a moor and a hound that seeks to destroy all in its path.

Recommendation: This is an excellent gateway into Sherlock Holmes, a fantastic series with a reputation that speaks for itself. Highly recommend!

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Series – Books 1-5

Grade Level: 6^th+

Length: 200-300 pages

Concept: A story of gifted kids placed in extraordinary situations.

Recommendation: This is a relatively new series about gifted kids in a secret society full of mystery and intrigue. The first novel is the strongest, but they are all worth reading!

Speak by Laura Hasle Anderson

Grade Level: 8^th+

Length: ~300 pages

Concept: A freshman girl narrates her first year of high school, attempting to leave behind and cope with a traumatic event of her past.

Recommendation: (WARNING – This book deals with some extremely sensitive material. I believe it is one of the best young adult books that deals with this subject, but look this novel up first so that you know exactly what your child is going to be reading about. It is fantastic for opening up a discussion about a difficult but important topic (I wouldn’t recommend it if I didn’t think it was an excellent novel for this age group) but more than any other book on this list I would recommend screening this novel before allowing your child to read it.) Alongside the fact that this novel deals with mature subject matter in a healthy way, it also contains potent and noticeably well-crafted narration – the voice of the main character allows her to come to life throughout this novel, and makes for an excellent, relatable experience for many readers.

Historical Fiction/Non-Fiction

The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss

Grade Level: 6^th+

Length: ~250 pages – Non-Fiction

Concept: A family of Jewish refugees during World War II hide in an upstairs room while the world falls down around them.

Recommendation: The Upstairs Room is an excellent novel that explores what it would mean to be a Jew hiding while the Holocaust is going on around you. It stars two sisters who stay together during one of the most challenging times in their childhood, and is a fantastic novel for middle schoolers to read. It is also an autobiography, and the woman who authored it is still alive today, sharing her story with all who will listen.

Fever 1793 by Laura Halse Anderson

Grade Level: 6^th+

Length: ~300 pages – Fiction

Concept: A young adult journey through the Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793.

Recommendation: This is a fantastic exploration of a historical event not always discussed in schools, where Philadelphia was ravaged by an outbreak of Yellow Fever. A warning, however – be careful of Laura Halse Anderson’s other novels. Make sure you research them before allowing your child to read them, because some of them can be morally treacherous and deal with very mature topics. Fever 1793 is completely appropriate, but as a reader, when I read a book I enjoy I tend to want to explore the other works by that author (as most readers do), so this is something of which to be aware.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Grade Level: 5^th+

Length: ~150 pages – Fiction

Concept: A young Jewish girl living during the Second World War has to wrestle with the challenges of the time period.

Recommendation: This novel is a short, bite-sized exploration of living as a Jew during one of the most challenging periods of their history. It is not groundbreaking, but is an accessible and easy-to-read book. Readers used to challenging novels will make short work of this, but will still get something out of it!

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Grade Level: 8^th+

Length: ~300 pages – Fiction

Concept: A Victorian romance novel by Jane Austen

Recommendation: This novel is another tough read, but it is an excellent introduction to the writing style of Jane Austen! It is relatively short, which makes it a fantastic gateway classic if your child is interested in the subject matter!

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Grade Level: 6^th+

Length: ~250 pages – Fiction

Concept: This story traces the life of a beautiful horse in the 1800s

Recommendation: This is a classic tale – one of the first novels in its genre. The story presented is a heartwarming tale about the bonds between animal and man, and allows the student to be transported to 1800s England.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Grade Level: 4^th+

Length: ~325 pages – Fiction

Concept: A story about a girl who is sent to a boarding school after her father joins the military.

Recommendation: This is an excellent and beautiful tale about family, friendship, and love. I also highly recommend the 1995 film adaptation of this novel – it is one of my favorite movies in this genre!

Kidnapped by Robert Lois Stevenson

Grade Level: 6^th+

Length: ~300 pages – Fiction

Concept: A boy gets kidnapped from his home and embarks on an incredible adventure.

Recommendation: A classic from Robert Lois Stevenson follows a young boy on a perilous adventure to find his way home, and in the process, himself.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Grade Level: 8^th+

Length: ~760 pages – Fiction

Concept: A story about four girls growing up in Victorian England.

Recommendation: This is a undisputed classic of coming-of-age literature – I have heard from more than one person that every young woman should read this novel. It is a beautiful portrait of life, with themes centering on the importance of family (and with some romance mixed in, of course). This novel is a challenge (not quite as intense as Jane Austin’s writing, but certainly not a walk in the park for middle school), but is a rewarding experience to dive into.

Heidi by Johanna Spyri

Grade Level: 5^th+

Length: ~300 pages – Fiction

Concept:  A story about a 5-year-old girl who moves in with her elderly grandfather in the Swiss Alps.

Recommendation: This novel is near and ear to the hearts of quite a few people I know – it is a story about family bonds, and about growing up in challenging situations. It is not a challenging read, but it is an excellent story.

Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)

Grade Level: 8^th+

Length: ~450 pages – Fiction

Concept: A story about a boy named Pip who ends up in a series of intertwined events that begin with an escaped convict and a strange relationship with a shut-in woman and her daughter.

Recommendation: Dickens has many amazing works, and Great Expectations is him at his finest. Incredible characters, amazing storylines, and potent lessons about humanity and growing up all tie together in an excellent novel that takes us through the boyhood and early adulthood of Pip.

Treasure Island by Robert Lois Stevenson

Grade Level: 6^th+

Length: ~250 pages – Fiction

Concept: One does not simply mention a Robert Lois Stevenson book without bringing up one of the most classic tales on the high seas – Treasure Island. A story of pirates and treachery, of kindness and folly, and of a young man seeking wealth and riches beyond imagination. 

Recommendation: Robert Lois Stevenson’s vocabulary may be difficult at times to understand, presenting a challenge for young readers, but the content is excellent, and his stories are well worth the time they take to read through. I highly recommend this novel – it is a classic for a  reason, and it deserves its reputation!

Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

Grade Level: 7^th+

Length: ~200 pages – Fiction

Concept: A story about a young girl in a time of arranged marriages struggling to find herself and save herself from a horrible fate.

Recommendation: This is an excellent coming-of-age story about a young girl in England written in diary form. There are a few small content concerns due to the subject matter, so it is worth reviewing first, but it should be appropriate for boys and girls in this age group. This is a classic YA book and has been praised for strong characters and narrative delivery. Definitely worth the read!

I will be continuing into other genres in the next few articles! Let me know if there are any I should add to this list – I am always in the market for solid novels to recommend to young readers.

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