Summer Reading List for Reluctant Middle School Readers

Summer reading is more than just a way to keep bored adolescents occupied. It keeps their minds sharp for the next school year, teaches new concepts, teaches life lessons, and also increases vocabulary and reading speed. Unfortunately, the students who need to read the most are usually the students who don't like to read. It is a vicious circle. To complicate matters, their parents often feel helpless to recommend something their student would enjoy.

However, in my 30 years of teaching language arts, I have found a reading list that converts many reluctant middle school readers into being much more enthusiastic about reading, or at least improving their attitudes toward reading while increasing their quantity and quality of books.

I am often wary about reading lists. Too often they are titles that only the teacher or adult making the list prefers, but my list is compiled of books that reluctant readers have enjoyed and had success in comprehending year after year. This is, actually, a list of books created by students by their very act of reading them, acting excited when they pass a test on them, and recommending them to others. These books consistently get great reviews by all or most of the reluctant readers who read them!

On top of that, I have read them all, and I can see why students enjoy them. Too many times teachers don't actually read all of the books that interest their students, but that has always been one of my goals, and I love to read, so I can speak with authority on this subject from the standpoint of both the reader and of the teacher who sees her students repeatedly enjoying these books.

Without further ado, here is the list with a very brief description. I have found that saying too much builds up too great of an expectation. I simply tell my students that this book is a big favorite with other students, to trust me, and then I give a general idea, whether it's about animals, or sad, or funny, etc. It seems to work because I have students begging me for book titles and often waiting in line to sign up for their turn at a book.

A Bundle of Sticks: Both girls and boys like it, although geared a bit more for boys. Deals with a bully and martial arts. Not one bad review from my students, ever.

Number the Stars: Wonderful book about a girl during the Holocaust. One of the very best on this topic. Starts a bit slow, but the last 3/4 of the book makes it worth it. One of my most skeptical readers kept wanting to quit in the first few pages, but soon she was a total fan and told everyone they should read it.

Sounder: A sad book that involves a boy, his dog, and his dad. A quick and easy read.

The Flunking of Joshua T. Bates: Funny and entertaining.

How to Eat Fried Worms: Funny.

The Whipping Boy: Involves a prince and his whipping boy. Historically interesting, and kids love it.

The War with Grandpa: Every reluctant reader I have ever had has enjoyed this book. A boy has to let his grandpa use his room.

Castle in the Attic: Involves a miniature live knight. Very entertaining!

Something Upstairs: Involves a ghost and some time travel. Historically interesting. Great book!

The Sign of the Beaver: A boy survives on his own. Both males and females seem glued to this book.

There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom: Funny.

All About Sam: Funny

The Pinballs: Another book that never gets a bad review. Involves kids who must live in foster care.

The Dollhouse Murders: A cool mystery with some ghostly activity. Geared more toward girls but boys like it too!

On My Honor: A boy deals with his guilt about a friend's drowning. Kids rave about this book.

Most of these books have either won reading awards or were nominated for them. The reading levels for some of these books range from grade 3 - 6, but don't let those numbers influence you overly much. I have seen students read above their tested reading level and have high success. I also don't believe that a book should be discouraged if it is below a student's reading level. I read these books and I am over 40! I enjoy them and learn from them, and as long as students don't ONLY read below their reading levels all the time, I say ignore the levels and just get kids reading books and enjoying them. That is the key!

So head for your local library or book store and encourage your student to read, read, read this summer! Don't be afraid to give some rewards for reading. I used to allow my kids to stay up later if they read in their beds, (be sure to have a reading lamp or good light provided) or have special snacks while they read. Make it a very fun and positive experience.

One last tip. YOU, the parent, should read some of the books too and show your enthusiasm when you enjoy a book! Your attitude could have a major impact. Moms and dads can and should get into the act. You can even discuss the book and do some analysis such as "Why do you think Billy acted the way he did?" Not only will you get to read some good books yourself, but you will be preparing your reluctant reader for more success in school. Happy summer reading!