If you’re planning on teaching The Giver in Grade 7, this post is your full teacher prep guide. When I reread The Giver as an adult preparing to use it in my classroom, I realized something important: This is not a simple dystopian novel. It’s emotionally heavy. Ethically complex. And yes — it contains scenes […]
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Every now and then, a book hits your classroom like a tidal wave—MiNRS by Kevin Sylvester was that book for us. I introduced MiNRS as one of several options during our literature circles unit, unsure how many students would gravitate toward a sci-fi survival story set on a distant planet. To my surprise, it quickly
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Every once in a while, a picture book comes along that makes you pause, breathe deeply, and feel seen. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho is one of those books. Illustrated by Dung Ho, this beautifully crafted story is more than a celebration of Asian features—it’s a lyrical affirmation of cultural identity,
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I recently read Sadia by Colleen Nelson and immediately knew it needed a place on every middle school classroom bookshelf. This award-winning Canadian novel is an excellent example of inclusive young adult fiction. It explores themes of identity, friendship, belonging, and standing up for what’s right—all through the eyes of a determined teen girl navigating
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When I first read The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family, I knew it would spark meaningful classroom conversations. Written by Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and author S.K. Ali, this picture book shares a touching story of pride, identity, and strength. The illustrations by Hatem Aly make it even more powerful. If you’re
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The Misfits by James Howe is an incredible book that perfectly captures the middle school experience. Told through the eyes of Bobby, the novel follows a tight-knit group of friends as they navigate seventh grade and take on student council elections. This story resonates deeply with young readers, offering relatable characters and heartfelt lessons. Relatable
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Explore The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, a dystopian classic with powerful themes. While it’s perfect for classroom shelves, its age shows, making it less impactful as a read-aloud. A solid 4/5 stars.
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Explore The Last Apprentice: Seventh Son by Joseph Delaney, a thrilling fantasy perfect for middle school readers. Follow Tom Ward’s journey as he trains to battle witches and ghosts. Ideal for independent reading!
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Discover Nancy Farmer’s The House of the Scorpion, a thought-provoking dystopian novel for middle school readers. Explore themes of identity, ethics, and power in a futuristic world of clones and “eejits.” Perfect for classroom discussions on complex topics like morality, technology, and societal structures.
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Exploring Monster by Walter Dean Myers: A Screenplay-Style Novel for Middle School Classrooms When I picked up Monster by Walter Dean Myers, I was drawn to its unconventional format and powerful themes. This award-winning novel, written in the unique style of a screenplay, provides a fresh narrative perspective that engages readers while exploring critical societal
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