Picking up from Part One, this continuation of the list of popular titles reflects the diversity and range of readers in my school.
The Crossover: Graphic Novel by Kwame Alexander and Dawud Anyabwile
This book is fantastic on so many levels. It captures the interest of a wide range of readers. The Crossover was the key that opened the door and forged a connection with one of my most guarded and worst behaved students. While supervising the hallway and working during my prep period, this student sat next to me and read The Crossover for the entire hour. He asked to borrow the book and finished it by the end of the day. From that day on, we talked about basketball, books, and continued to develop a strong teacher-student relationship. He trusted me enough to work with me during free periods and be open to learning in my classroom. It was a powerful experience that stemmed from always having a few graphic novels in my bag.
Guts by Raina Telgemeier
No surprise here. I have yet to meet a reader who didn’t fall in love with Raina’s stories. With a high number of students with anxiety, this book helps my students understand that they are not alone.
The Breakaways by Catherine G. Johnson
After my comics club videoconferenced with Cathy, thanks to the #KidsNeedMentors program, I had to purchase additional copies to keep up with demand. The novel’s cast of relatable, diverse characters connects with a wide range of readers, especially my students who aren’t popular athletes.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn series by Dana Simpson
Who doesn’t want to be friends with a unicorn? Thanks to a donation from Andrews McMeel Publishing, I have a few more copies to share with my students.
Real Friends and any other title by Shannon Hale
Shannon Hale gets middle school friendships and voice.
SciFu by Yehudi Mercado
There are so many wonderful aspects of this book– KungFu, Hip Hop, UFOs, and an endearing main character.
Babysitters Club graphic novel series
I have three students who are devouring this series. Luckily, my local public library has multiple copies of each. Nothing makes me smile more during independent reading time than hearing a reader giggling as they enjoy the adventures of Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, Stacey, and their friends.
Through The Woods by Emily Carroll
I have several horror-loving readers this year, which always presents a challenge at the middle school level. Through the Woods is still my go-to book. Emily Carroll’s artwork is spectacular.
Humor books: You can never go wrong, combining humor and middle schoolers. Here are the books that are hot right now with my readers:
- Camp Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom by Terry Blas, Molly Muldoon, and Matthew Seeley
- Mighty Jack series by Ben Hatke
- Peter and Ernesto, Books 1 and 2 by Graham Annable
- Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey