My Favorite Books for 7th Graders

One of the best parts of being an ELA teacher? Getting to read young adult literature (especially with students). There is no better feeling than a lively classroom discussion or socratic seminar about a class novel. That’s why I wanted to share some books for 7th graders that always result in passionate classroom discussions!

You can use this book list to find new books for your 7th grade reading curriculum or to add books to your classroom library.

Freak the Mighty – Realistic Fiction

Max is a slow learner inside the body of a teenage giant. Kevin is a tiny genius in leg braces. Together, they make an unlikely and powerful duo. This is a story of overcoming shame and loss, and embracing imperfection.

When I read this book in class, you could hear a pin drop! My students are zoned in and completely immersed in the novel. Of course, that’s followed by a lively discussion as we dive into this novel. My students always have a lot to say about this book. If you want help leading discussions and socratic seminars for Freak the Mighty, check out the novel study.

Restart – Realistic Fiction

Chase has lost all of his memories. He doesn’t even know his name. When Chase wakes up from a coma, he must start over. But who exactly is Chase? When he goes back to school, he begins to discover that the person he was, may not be the person he wants to be.

Okay, I’m a sucker for any book with a great theme. This explores bullying, fitting in, and the dynamics of school. This book works really well in literature circles or book clubs because students can lead independent discussion with these topics.

Fever 1793 – Historical Fiction

It’s the summer of 1793, and mosquitos are invading Philadelphia. People are becoming sick with fever. At first, Polly is happy that her family business is growing as people visit her coffeehouse, far from the mosquito-infested river. But then the fever strikes closer to home…

This is a fictional story about the yellow fever epidemic. Not only is this a good book, but I enjoy being able to pair nonfiction passages with the novel. We also make connections to the world (even more relevant in our COVID world). I have a full novel study for Fever 1793 here!

Brown Girl Dreaming – Nonfiction

Jaqueline Woodson grew up in the 1960s and 1970s during a pivotal time in America. As an African American girl, she watched the Civil Rights movement spark to life. This novel, which details her childhood, shows Jaqueline searching for her place in the world.

This novel is really powerful. This is another book that works well for pairing. I like to bring in primary sources and news articles to read along with the text. You can also dive into characterization with Brown Girl Dreaming. I created a full novel unit, which hits every single nonfiction ELA standard!

Hey, Kiddo – Graphic Novel, Memoir

Jarrett has a complicated family. His mom is an addict, constantly in and out of rehab. His dad is a mystery. Jarrett lives with his loud, loving grandparents. Jarrett begins to express himself through art, and grapples with his complicated family.

Anytime I add a new graphic novel to my library, I know it will be checked out almost instantly. There is always a wait list for this book in my class because word gets around quickly about how good it is. This book contains some older themes, which I think makes it even more appealing to 7th graders. But it discusses everything in an age appropriate way.

Out of the Dust – Poetry, Historical Fiction

Billie Jo is fourteen years old and living through some of the darkest times. As the Oklahoma dust storms rage through Billie’s family farm, she chronicles the emotional and environmental turmoil that comes with it. 

If you are looking for another addition to your poetry unit or something to pair with The Dust Bowl, this is the novel for your class. This book can be a tough one because the emotion is easily felt. I think it makes for great discussion on diction and the power of poetry. Of course, I have a novel unit for Out of the Dust, which includes discussion questions, lesson plans, and PowerPoints to make teaching simple.

Divergent – Dystopian

Chicago has been divided into five factions each dedicated to a different value. Beatrice must make a choice between her family and being true to herself. The faction she chooses surprises everyone, and the events that come after put Beatrice through more challenges than she could have imagined.

I always like to include books in my library that have been turned into movies. For lots of my reluctant and struggling readers, this often motivates them to read! Divergent is one of those easily recognizable books, and enough students have read it that I can always find a student willing to booktalk it for the class!

The Maze Runner – Dystopian Fiction

Thomas wakes up in a strange place with no memories. The same thing has happened to every single boy in this strange place – they woke up with no memories. And now, they are trapped in a changing maze. That is until one day, a girl arrives in the maze and the message she delivers startles them all.

I have lots of 7th grade students who love action and suspense, so this ends up being one of their favorite class novels every year! I have created a super in-depth novel unit for The Maze Runner, containing 28 lesson plans. By the end, I think your students will be obsessed with this book as mine were!
If you want more books for 7th graders, I have more novel units available. Because sometimes you just want to enjoy reading with your 7th graders, instead of worrying about all the pesky planning!