Grade 8

Sadia by Colleen Nelson – A Powerful YA Novel About Identity, Sports, and Social Justice

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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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The Misfits by James Howe: A Relatable and Heartfelt Middle School Story

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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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The House of Scorpion by N Farmer

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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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Monster – W. Myers

4 Star, Book Reviews, Classroom Library, Grade, Grade 7, Grade 8, Literature Circles, Teaching /

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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