Best Books for Reluctant Readers in Middle School

We’ve all been there – you have a student who loudly proclaims that they hate reading and another student who falls asleep at even the mention of reading. Reluctant readers fill classrooms, especially as TV and social media shorten our attention spans (I say “our” because I definitely know my attention span is shorter because of it!). However, just because a student is reluctant to read doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. Which is why I’m sharing my favorite books for reluctant readers.

What is a reluctant reader?

A reluctant reader is a student who is – well – reluctant to read! They show a lack of interest in reading. Sometimes this hesitancy stems from never quite finding a book that hooks them, or it could stem from a learning disability that makes reading feel like a chore.

The hope is that by introducing students to high-interest novels, we can get them interested in reading. I taught a lot of reluctant readers during my time in the classroom, so I want to share a few books for reluctant readers that always did the trick.

What are the best books for reluctant readers?

Certain books can be more appealing to reluctant readers. For example, novels with fewer words on the page. Let’s face it: novels can be intimidating! By choosing quicker, fast-paced books, we’re breaking down that barrier to entry for many students. They’ll also feel accomplished once they finish.

Additionally, choose novels with topics that appeal to middle school students. Sometimes that line between babyish and too mature for middle schoolers is hard to discern. However, asking your students what they enjoy reading and asking the librarian can help. This may look like novels that address relationships, sports, or the personal interests of middle school-aged students. 

Lastly, you can never go wrong with graphics novels. Graphic novels can appeal to reluctant readers because the images make them quick and easy to read. But, they can also appeal to students with learning disabilities or those learning English who can use the images to aid in comprehension.

Books For Reluctant Readers

There are millions of books out there, and when spending money on new novels, you want to choose wisely! Here are my favorite books for reluctant readers.

Traditional Novels

Ghost by Jason Reynolds – In this book, a 7th-grade boy navigates some very heavy challenges. This book is all about facing your fears and overcoming obstacles.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie – The mystery lovers in your class will enjoy this. This book is about guests of an unknown host who gather on an isolated island and are killed off one by one. 

Deepfake by Sarah Littman – This book is like an episode of Black Mirror, but age-appropriate for middle schoolers! It considers the dark side of social media and will give students lots to consider about the world around them.

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus – Five students are serving detention when one of them suddenly dies while the supervising teacher is gone. The remaining four students become suspects in his death. This novel was super popular a couple of years back.

All American Boys by Brendan Kiely and Jason Reynolds – this novel tackles the difficult reality of police brutality from the perspective of two high school students. One student experiences the brutality, one student witnesses it, and the novel follows them as they navigate the repercussions.

Graphic Novels

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell – This graphic novel tells the story of two teenagers that work together at a pumpkin patch every fall. They decide to take advantage of their very last shift together and make it an adventure.

New Kid by Jerry Craft – A seventh-grade boy starts at a new school where he is one of the only students of color. Readers follow Jordan’s journey as he navigates his new school and the clash it seems to create with his own identity.

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgal – A Russian-American girl longs to experience what her friends do, like go to traditional summer camp. But, her family can only afford to send her to a Russian summer camp, which seems to be quite a different experience than she expected.

Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright – This novel is the story of twins that start to grow in different directions once they get to middle school. Can their relationship survive the shifts?

Drama by Raina Telgemeier – This is a coming-of-age story that follows a middle school student as she works in her school’s drama production crew.

Young Shadow by Ben Sears – An adventure-packed story of a teenage superhero as he works to protect Bolt City. If you have any Marvel or DC fans in your classroom, they’ll like this one.

Verse Novels

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander – Family drama and love interests make for a powerful read with a strong message.

House Arrest by K.A. Holt – Timothy never thought he’d be the kid on house arrest. And yet, that’s where he is spending the next year.

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse – This verse novel follows the story of a fourteen-year-old girl and her family struggling to survive the Oklahoma Dust Bowl.

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson – A twelve-year-old boy struggles with the realization that his retired professional football-playing father is suffering from a traumatic brain injury.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – An autobiographical verse novel about Jacqueline Woodson’s life being raised in South Carolina and New York in the 1960s and 1970s.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds – Fifteen-year-old Will struggles through the death of his brother. While traveling down an elevator, he confronts different people connected to his brother’s life and pieces together what happened to him. 

What About Will by Ellen Hopkins – this novel explores the relationship between brothers as they navigate changing family dynamics in the wake of a football injury.

When faced with the challenge of engaging our reluctant readers, it’s important to offer a wide variety of books and get to know their interests. Hopefully, some of these books for reluctant readers will help you choose what to add to your library or recommend to students. If you’re looking for a way to incorporate poetry and verse novels in your lessons and units, check out this blog post.