This is the fourth and final list of “Ten Books Loved by 7th Grade Readers.” I asked 7th-grade readers to tell me about a book they read this school year that they “loved” and was worthy of recommending to other teen readers. They obliged, writing a short summary to entice others to give it a read. I compiled these recommendations in this four-part series: 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The book-I-most-loved-so-far-this-year list is as diverse as the readers. Our readers love these books for a range of reasons because books offer us a range of experiences. Some want to escape. Some want to ponder the world. Some want to lean into a future self. Some want to go back to a younger, “easier” time in life. Some want to travel to another time or place. Some just want to learn. Books can do all of that.
We share our favorites here in the hopes that we can offer you some ideas for your classroom library, Christmas gifts, or ever-growing to-read list. (But you can still text, tweet, or message me for recommendations!) Here is List 4!
- Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner: I believe you should read the book Goodbye days. I say this because it really pulls you into the book and makes you tense, sad, happy, and any other emotion you can think of. For example I started reading at 8:00 O clock and went all the way to 10:00 O clock at night! My parents were begging me to go to bed but I said please just a couple more pages probably 20 times I never really enjoyed books but I did enjoy this one. So for these reasons and so many more this Is why I defiantly recommend this book and say it is worthy of your time. (Recommended by Ryan W. — and Ian, Shreya, Adi, and Matthew.)
- El Deafo by Cece Bell: El Deafo is about a Girl named Cece Bell who has challenges about being deaf. This book is actually a true story about the author; Cece Bell. Cece has many challenges having good friends, and having a “normal life”. This book is basically about her perceiving through those challenges. I would recommend this to readers because they get enlightened of how it is to be deaf. Not just how it is physically, but how it impacts you mentally too. I want readers to see the perspective of the author and the main character who is deaf and how it feels “to be in their shoes”. (Recommended by Ishan.)
- The Someday Birds by Sally J. Pla: This book is about a book who likes looking for birds, and his name is Charlie. His dad got hit by a bomb that happened in Afghanistan and got moved to a Hospital in Washington DC. Charlie and his siblings had to go all the way to Washington DC so they can see their dad. (Recommended by Ali.)
- To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough: In this book, “To Catch A Killer,” the main character is a girl named Erin. When she was a little girl her mother was murdered. She is experiencing a rough time in her life right now and is trying to find her mothers killer for a number of reasons. She doesn’t have anyone who she knows of as family except for her mothers friend who lives with her. The book is very interesting and mysterious. Little does she know someone else is out there waiting for her and could be her source of help. In elementary school I hated books and would never want anything to do with them. But this was the first book I read in junior high and now I’m reading a wide variety and really enjoy it. This is probably my favorite book I’ve read so far. (Recommended by Naya.)
- Auggie and Me by R. J. Palacio: Auggie and Me is a book about a kid name Auggie who is being judged based on how he looks and something different about this book is that you get to experience the same situation three times in a different person’s perspective. I think you should read this book because this is a unique story and I think you get to learn a lot about bullying and never to give up even if no one likes you as there will always be someone right beside you and will always be there for you when you need them. (Recommended by Gaurika.)
- Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark by Ridley PearsonThis story takes place in a location we all know of. Disney World is among one of the most popular spots during the day, but have you ever wondered what happens after the park closes? This book may not be the most accurate description of the after hours, but the story certainly isn’t cliche. For the characters, what is real, isn’t and what isn’t real, is. (Recommended by Maya.)
- Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer: This story takes place in a location we all know of. Disney World is among one of the most popular spots during the day, but have you ever wondered what happens after the park closes? This book may not be the most accurate description of the after hours, but the story certainly isn’t cliche. For the characters, what is real, isn’t and what isn’t real, is. (Recommended by Nishika.)
- A Dog’s Purpose, A Novel for Humans by W. Bruce Cameron: This hilarious comedy is about a funny cute lovable dog who lives a life and then dies and come out as a different species and name and meets the same people he did in his previous lives. This book will keep the pages turning fast! It is an adult book but I thought it was more of a kids/teen book. (Recommended by Lisa.)
- Divergent Series by Veronica Roth: I think all three of the main books and the 4th book, Four, is just a thrilling and a place to escape from life type of books to read. The books are about the life of Tris and Tobias in a futuristic and destroyed Chicago. I recommend these books to any reader who seeks action. (Recommended by Brian.)
- Posted by John David Anderson: It is about four friends that get broken up by a new student called Rose. One friend leaves and Rose joins their group. I feel like it was also a very realistic book. (Recommended by Ryan B.)
