1. Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull (5 book series, medium length)

Warning: Fablehaven is a magical reservation that siblings Seth and Sadie discover when they go visit their grandparents one summer. They soon realize their family has the special task of keeping magical creatures safe as well as containing some of those creatures that are dangerous for humans. With a hilarious cast of characters, strange magic and creatures, and a wonderful, dangerous plot, Mull always keeps me glued to the page.

 

2. The Last Olympian Series by Rick Riordan (5 book series, medium length)

Warning: Percy Jackson is a delightful, witty narrator who’s just trying to survive middle school. When strange monsters start following him, he finds out that his biological father was the Greek god Poseidon. Percy’s adventures over the entire series are full of fun mythology, a sweet romance, and an understanding of what it takes to be a hero. I would recommend these books to anyone, that’s how inventive and entertaining they are!

 

3. Beyonders Series by Brandon Mull (3 book series, long length)

Warning: I can’t get enough of Brandon Mull! These books include a portal to a magical world, one that pulls through a boy and girl. They have to learn to make friends, solve puzzles, and survive in a strange world if they ever want to find a way home. These books were incredibly inventive and included a fresh take on fantasy characters and worlds.

 

4. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart (3 book series, long length)

Warning: A group of unusual, extremely gifted children are grouped together by the wealthy Mr. Benedict after they pass a difficult test. Mr. Benedict hopes to use the children’s gifts to stop his twin from taking over the world via brainwashing. These books are like nothing you’ve ever read before, full of kooky characters and plenty of humor. They’re also written beautifully.

 

5. Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan (Stand-alone, short length)

Warning: Esperanza is a thirteen-year-old-girl from a wealthy, landowning family in Mexico. When her father is killed by bandits and her corrupt Uncle takes over the land, the remnants of her immediate family must escape to the Depression-Era United States. Watching Esperanza grow, and struggle, is engrossing. A wonderful book to expand your worldview and challenge stereotypes. I remember it even over a decade later.

 

6. Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz (11 book series, medium length)

Warning: Alex Rider is a teenaged spy recruited by M16 after finding out that his recently deceased uncle died on a mission for them. The Alex Rider books introduce a likeable, hardworking, clever protagonist who takes some hits along the way but still manages to save the day. Perfect version of spy thrillers for a younger group, but enjoyable for all ages.

 

7. Ashes to Roses by Mary Jane Auch (Stand alone, medium length)

Warning: Teenager Rose has just recently immigrated to the United States with her family from Ireland. Trying to help her family she goes to work in the Triangle Waist Factory. There she struggles with harsh working conditions and the eventual tragic fire that kills one hundred forty-six employees of the factory. Honest and poignant, Rose’s story sticks with you.

 

8. Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Stand-alone, short length)

Warning: Wonder beautifully follows the character of Auggie and how he struggles with his congenital facial abnormality. Palacio allows each character, from Auggie’s family and friends, to Auggie himself, to really breathe. It’s moving and inspiring and it reminds us that compassion can be our greatest strength.

 

9. The Giver by Lois Lowry (Stand-alone with books in related world, short length)

Warning: Lowry’s novel is a classic for a reason. It perfectly captures our fears about what life would be like if we were forced into sameness and our emotions were relegated to just one individual who is allowed to feel all the pain and fear of others. Breaking free from such a restrictive society is the mission of our main protagonist, but how can you go against such widespread brainwashing? Lowry is straightforward and unafraid in her short, punchy work.

 

10. Anything by Sharon Creech!

Warning: All of Sharon Creech’s books are perfect for middle schoolers. Each book from her offers complex characters and new, fresh stories. Some of my favorites include Ruby Holler and Walk Two Moons.

 

11. Rules by Cynthia Lord (Stand-alone, short length)

Warning: Protagonist Catherine has always wanted a normal life. Currently, everything revolves around helping her brother navigate his autism. But, even as she wishes he would just understand what is so clear to everyone else, she begins to realize that society creates its own ideas of what’s normal. It’s a classic growing-up story, one that allows for true honesty. Catherine gets where she need to go.

 

12. So B. It by Sarah Weeks (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: Heidi’s life has always been a little different from other people her age. She was forced to grow up fast and learn to manage with her mother’s fear of leaving the house. When her mother begins using a new, strange word, Heidi is sure it is related to the past and extended family she knows nothing about. The haunting, spinning journey that follows pulls at the heartstrings.

 

13. Anything by Gail Carson Levine!

Warning: Levine’s books always include magic, interesting characters, and continuous surprises. She’s famous for her twists on fairytales, like Ella Enchanted, but I also have a soft-spot for her book The Wish.

 

14. East by Edith Pattou (2 book series, long length)

Warning: Rose has always felt out of place in her large family. When a large, white bear offers to take her to a faraway castle in exchange for wealth and good health for her struggling family, she easily accepts. But, the castle is nothing like it seems, already home to a stranger who appears only at night and other hints of magic. This retelling of the classic folktale, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, is bold and ambitious. Rose is a wonderful hero, curious and smart and compassionate above all else.

 

15. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (Stand-alone, short length)

Warning: Another fan-favorite, Raskin’s novel is equal parts clever and funny. Sixteen strangers of all ages have been called to hear the will of a recently murdered millionaire. They are informed that the large fortune left behind will go to the person who can solve the intense puzzle and game put in place. The dizzying word-play, eccentric characters, and incredible mystery make for a delightful read.