Great books for 7th graders by interest

Seventh graders have evolving interests and reading capabilities. At this age, many students are ready to explore more complex themes, diverse cultures, and different perspectives – especially if the stories also resonate with their own experiences. Here's a curated list of books well-suited for 7th graders, offering a mix of classic literature, contemporary novels, and thought-provoking non-fiction.

Fiction for 7th graders

1. "The Giver" by Lois Lowry - This modern classic introduces readers to a seemingly utopian society where a young boy named Jonas uncovers its dark secrets. The novel explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the complexity of human emotions.

2. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio - A heartwarming story about a boy with facial differences attending a mainstream school for the first time. It's a powerful tale about kindness, friendship, and acceptance.

3. "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan - An adventure-packed series that combines Greek mythology with modern life, perfect for sparking an interest in ancient cultures while entertaining readers with action and humor.

4. "Holes" by Louis Sachar - A unique blend of mystery and adventure centered around a boy sent to a juvenile detention center. The story weaves together various timelines and characters in a compelling narrative.

5. "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare - This historical fiction novel set in 17th-century New England follows a young girl navigating life in a Puritan community. It explores themes of independence, tolerance, and the dangers of superstition.

Non-fiction for 7th graders

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1. "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson - A memoir told through poetry, detailing the author's childhood as an African American growing up in the 1960s and 1970s. It's a beautiful exploration of identity, family, and the power of words.

2. "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer - The inspiring true story of a Malawian teenager who built a windmill to save his village from famine. It's an incredible tale of ingenuity, perseverance, and the impact one person can make.

3. "I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb - The memoir of the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai, who stood up for girls' education in Pakistan and survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban.

4. "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly - This powerful book uncovers the incredible true story of the African American female mathematicians at NASA who played a crucial role in America's space program, yet whose contributions were largely unrecognized for decades. It’s a story of resilience, brilliance, and breaking racial and gender barriers.

5. "The Omnivore's Dilemma: Young Readers Edition" by Michael Pollan - Adapted for younger readers, this book takes a deep dive into the question of what we should have for dinner. By tracing the origins of our food, Pollan exposes the environmental and ethical implications of our food choices, encouraging readers to think critically about sustainable eating.

6. "Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive" by Laura Hillenbrand - A riveting biography of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic track star who survived a plane crash in WWII, drifted at sea for 47 days, and was then captured and imprisoned by the Japanese. It's a saga of survival, resilience, and redemption.

Graphic novels for 7th graders

1. "Smile" by Raina Telgemeier - A graphic memoir about the author's tumultuous middle school years, dealing with dental issues, friendships, and growing up. It's relatable, funny, and touching.

2. "New Kid" by Jerry Craft - This graphic novel tells the story of a young African American boy navigating life at a prestigious private school. It addresses themes of race, class, and fitting in with humor and insight.

3. "Roller Girl" by Victoria Jamieson - A coming-of-age story about a girl who discovers her passion for roller derby while navigating changing relationships with friends and family.

4. "El Deafo" by Cece Bell - A heartfelt and humorous graphic memoir about the author's childhood experiences with hearing loss. It's a story of overcoming challenges and finding one's inner superhero.

5. "Ghosts" by Raina Telgemeier - This captivating story explores themes of family, friendship, and acceptance, set against the backdrop of a young girl learning to live with her sister's chronic illness, all while uncovering the mysteries of the town they've just moved to.

6. "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi - This profound graphic novel memoir tells the story of the author's youth in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. Through a strikingly simple yet powerful black-and-white illustration style, Satrapi conveys the complexities of life under a repressive regime, the nuances of Persian culture, and the universal experiences of growth and self-discovery. It's an eye-opening look into the impact of history and politics on personal lives, making it a compelling read for 7th graders expanding their understanding of world events and human resilience.

More advanced reads for 7th graders

1. "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck - A short yet powerful novel about a poor Mexican family's pursuit of wealth and the consequences it brings.

2. "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card - A sci-fi classic that follows a gifted boy recruited to attend Battle School, where children are trained to fight an alien threat. It explores themes of morality, leadership, and the effects of war on children.

3. "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian'' by Sherman Alexie - This semi-autobiographical novel follows a young Native American boy's experience attending a predominantly white school outside his reservation. It addresses issues of identity, prejudice, and resilience.

4. "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds - A captivating novel about a talented runner with a troubled past who joins an elite middle school track team. It's a story about overcoming obstacles and finding where you belong.

5. "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart - Follows the adventures of four gifted children as they are recruited by an eccentric benefactor to go on a secret mission. This series is filled with puzzles, mysteries, and a captivating plot that promotes critical thinking and teamwork.

Science fiction & fantasy for 7th graders

1. "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle - This timeless science fiction story takes readers on a thrilling adventure through space and time with Meg, Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin.

2. "The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau - A gripping tale about a city built to sustain humanity for centuries, now on the verge of collapse, and the two children who find the secret that could save everyone.

3. "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini - The first book in an epic fantasy series about a young farm boy who discovers a dragon egg, leading him on a path to become a Dragon Rider and battle an evil king.

4. "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman - Part of the His Dark Materials series, this novel introduces readers to a parallel universe in which a young girl named Lyra sets out on a quest to the Arctic North, encountering witches, armored bears, and a host of otherworldly creatures. It's a captivating blend of fantasy and philosophical inquiry into the nature of good and evil.

5. "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins - This dystopian novel follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenager who volunteers to take her sister's place in the titular Hunger Games, a televised competition in which children from each of the nation's districts fight to the death. It's a commentary on society, power, and survival that resonates with readers of all ages.

Historical fiction for 7th graders

1. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak - This critically acclaimed novel is set in Nazi Germany and follows a young girl who discovers the power of words and storytelling while living with her foster family. It's a poignant tale about friendship, courage, and resilience.

2. "Out of the Dust" by Karen Hesse - A gripping and moving story written in verse that captures the struggles of a young girl living through the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma during the Great Depression. It's a powerful portrayal of hardship, family, and hope.

3. "The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963" by Christopher Paul Curtis - This novel follows an African American family's road trip from Michigan to Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement. It's a humorous yet poignant look at family dynamics, racial tensions, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

4. "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan - A heartwarming story about a young girl who must leave her life of luxury in Mexico and start a new life as a farmworker in California during the Great Depression. It's a tale of resilience, family, and finding strength in difficult circumstances.

5. "The War that Saved My Life" by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley - Set in WWII-era England, this novel tells the story of Ada, a young girl with a clubfoot who escapes her abusive mother and learns to love and trust herself with the help of her new foster family. It's a moving story of bravery, resilience, and the power of love.

Adventure & survival for 7th graders

1. "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen - The story of Brian, a thirteen-year-old boy who survives a plane crash and must learn to live in the wilderness with only a hatchet.

2. "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner - In this action-packed series, Thomas wakes up with no memory in the middle of a maze, joining other boys trying to escape while uncovering the chilling secrets of their world.

3. "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell - Based on a true story, this novel follows a young girl stranded for years on an island off the California coast, showcasing her survival, strength, and resilience.

4. "Wild Robot" by Peter Brown - A heartwarming story of Roz, a robot who finds herself stranded on a remote island. Through her efforts to survive and adapt to her environment, she learns about wildlife, friendship, and what it means to be alive.

5. "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George - This classic novel tells the story of Sam Gribley, a young boy who runs away from home to live in the wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. Armed with nothing but a penknife, some cord, and a flint and steel, Sam learns to fend for himself, demonstrating the timeless appeal of survival against the odds. 

6. "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer - This compelling true story retraces the steps of Christopher McCandless, a young man who gave up his possessions and savings to explore the Alaskan wilderness. It's a profound exploration of the urge to break away from society and find meaning in nature.

7. "The Iditarod: Story of the Last Great Race" by Ian Young - This book provides an exhilarating look into the Iditarod, a grueling thousand-mile dog sled race across Alaska. It's a testament to human and animal endurance, teamwork, and the extreme challenges of nature.

Mystery & thrillers for 7th graders

1. "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin - A group of heirs competes to solve the puzzle of Sam Westing's death, revealing secrets and forming alliances in a race for a massive fortune.

2. "Greenglass House" by Kate Milford - At a smuggler's inn during winter break, Milo finds himself entangled in a mystery involving unique guests, a map, a burglary, and discovering the inn's true history.

3. "Spy School" by Stuart Gibbs - A young boy unexpectedly finds himself recruited into a secret academy for spies, where he must uncover a mole while dealing with school life and espionage tasks.

4. "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman - Emily and James discover an extraordinary book through the Book Scavenger, a game where books are hidden in cities all over the country. When they realize the book contains a mysterious puzzle leading to an undiscovered treasure, they find themselves caught up in a thrilling adventure where deciphering codes and following clues are the only ways to survive.

Humor for 7th graders

1. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney - The first in a popular series, this book follows middle school student Greg Heffley as he navigates the ups and downs of starting a new school and dealing with family and friends.

2. "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli - When Stargirl Caraway transfers to Mica High, she disrupts the status quo with her unique personality and unconventional behavior. Leo, a classmate, must navigate his feelings for Stargirl while dealing with peer pressure and fitting in.

3. "The Misadventures of Max Crumbly" by Rachel Renée Russell - A spin-off series from the popular Dork Diaries, this book follows the hilarious misadventures of Max Crumbly as he navigates middle school and tries to survive his crush on a popular girl.

4. "The Strange Case of Origami Yoda" by Tom Angleberger - Tommy's classmate Dwight has a finger puppet of Yoda that gives surprisingly good advice. As the students question if Origami Yoda is real or not, they keep a case file of all the situations he helps with.

5. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams - This humorous sci-fi novel follows Arthur Dent as he embarks on an intergalactic journey after Earth is destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass. It's a witty and absurd tale that pokes fun at science fiction tropes while exploring themes of friendship and the meaning of life.

6. "The True Meaning of Smekday" by Adam Rex - When aliens called Boov invade Earth, 11-year-old Gratuity Tucci (Tip) becomes an expert in survival against their ineptitude. This hilarious and heartwarming novel is filled with unique characters, wacky adventures, and themes of acceptance and friendship.

Each of these books offers something unique for 7th graders, whether it's an exciting adventure, a glimpse into history, or a look at personal growth. Encouraging students to explore a variety of genres and topics can help foster a lifelong love of reading and learning.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.