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New YA classics from your favorite middle school teacher :)
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items I teach middle schoolers reading and writing all day long. The new young adult and middle grade lit coming out these days is a delightful blend of coming of age and the current issues facing kids. These books are easy reads that will build your empat...
Casey Mcquiston is the queen of queer romance in the adult and YA spaces. This novel tackles church school culture and the feeling of being the only “progressive” kid in a world of fervent religion. Very humorous and a romantic mystery!
I Kissed Shara Wheeler book by Casey McQuiston
A Y.A. version of Demon Copperhead! Such an incredible empathy builder and education on addiction as it impacts teens. My students love the edgy narration but are learning so much about the epidemic in the process.
Gather by Kenneth M. Cadow
A quietly powerful queer coming of age set in the 1980s 💕
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets... book by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
A spooky series full of seriously cool Irish teenager with special powers connected to their Tarot decks :) your dark/goth inner teen will love.
All Our Hidden Gifts book by Caroline O'Donoghue
For the nonfiction junkies and loves of all things Salem witch trials! This is such an accessible overview of the history with gorgeous illustrations. Your history loving teen will love it but it’s truly a fit for any age.
Witches: The True Tale of Salem Disaster
Newberry medal winner especially appropriate for tweens! Lots of time travel drama set in a fascinating 1960s New York. Beautiful musings on life and friendship. A favorite amongst my students.
When You Reach Me (Newbery Medal Winner)
This novel errs more on the side of middle grades and early tweens — but what a sweet and simple story. Quirky, outsider like kids must rescue an introverted friend stuck in a well. A favorite for 5-6 grade!
Hello, Universe: A Newbery Award Winner
My kids are absolutely obsessed with this YA graphic novel of two young men navigating their first gay relationship. Full of drama and sweetness. Also a Netflix show to watch after you finish the series!
Heartstopper #1: A Graphic Novel
My kids are fighting over this book series in our school library. It’s basically the new sensation a la Hunger Games. Dystopian YA!
Scythe (Arc of a Scythe)
My younger middle schoolers love this graphic novel series. Strong female lead, historic fun, and gorgeous illustrations!
Enola Holmes Graphic Novels: Case of Missing Marquess
This is THE novel I give out to my non readers. It’s a powerful sports story on family and brotherhood told in verse (so it’s a delightful collection of chapters in poetry form and an easy read for those who struggle with reading stamina)
A Newbery Award Winner (The Crossover Series)
My 8th graders loved this story of queer kids of color falling in love while uncovering difficult racial histories in their tiny hometown. Beautiful!
We Deserve Monuments: 9781250816559: Hammonds, Jas
This is a favorite amongst my true crime junky teens and is a frequent check out in my library!
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson