Finding the perfect book series for middle schoolers is the key to getting your 11-13 year old kids to want to read more! When your kids can keep on coming back to the characters and places they love, they can’t wait to dive into the next book. Just get ready for a run to the library or another Amazon prime box on your doorstep because these series will definitely leave them longing for the next book!
What is a good book series for 7th graders or 8th graders?
For my middle school readers, I reach for wholesome, clean reads that will challenge their thinking and go deep. This includes some tried and true classics as well as incredible fantasy worlds that capture a tween’s imagination. 7th & 8th graders are ready for complexity and intrigue. They also are drawn to coming-of-age stories about characters like themselves just beginning to navigate teen years and young adulthood.
Be forewarned – some of these books express sentiments and opinions that may be drastically different than those held by our culture today. Powerful book series for middle schoolers expose kids to new ideas, or sometimes very old ideas, in ways that cause them to think critically and challenge their predetermined assumptions. There are some dialogue-worthy concepts here that could spark some robust conversations between you and your middle schooler.
READ: 6th Grade Books for a Stellar Middle School Reading List
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Binge-worthy 7th & 8th Grade Book Series
Book Series for Middle Schoolers #1: The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S.Lewis
Genre: Fantasy
There are seven books in this classic, enchanting book series for middle schoolers, that have captivated readers for over 60 years. This series includes epic battles between good and evil, fantastic talking beasts, and magically enchanted portals between our world and worlds unknown.
- The Magician’s Nephew
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
- The Horse and His Boy
- Prince Caspian
- The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
- The Silver Chair
- The Last Battle
Book Series for Middle Schoolers #2: The Emily Starr Series by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Emily is a starry-eyed, frightened young orphan sent to live with stern extended family. She may be a bit unusual and reserved, but she has a fiery passion and a determined spirit. More than anything, she wants to become a writer. Emily grows from a child to an adult over the course of the three books in the series, navigating school, home, friends, and her own daring ambitions.
- Emily of New Moon
- Emily Climbs
- Emily’s Quest
Book Series for Middle Schoolers #3: The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry
Genre: Dystopian Literature & Science-Fiction
Many kids have read the first book in this incredible series, The Giver, but may not be aware of the three other books in the quartet. The story explores the effects of a futuristic, utopian world gone horribly wrong. What at first seems like an ideal world of contentment and conformity slowly evolves to reveal dark secrets that challenge us to explore our own humanity and sense of right and wrong.
- The Giver
- Gathering Blue
- The Messenger
- Son
Book Series for Middle Schoolers #4: The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Genre: Fantasy
Enter a magical, fantasy world of wizards, muggles, ogres, and dragons! Friends Harry, Ron, and Hermione grow from ages 11 to 18 in their wizard boarding school over the course of the books as they vigorously defend good against evil. This series is a crowd favorite from middle school on up to adults. A page-turning book series for middles schoolers that will hook any reader and leave them begging for more. (And good news! If your kids do start begging for more, there is more available, including several spin-off books as well as movies.)
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Book Series for Middle Schoolers #5: Anne of Green Gables Complete Boxed Set by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Genre: Realistic Fiction & Historical Fiction
Join the classic, irrepressible red-haired orphan Anne with an E as she grows from childhood into early adulthood and on into motherhood. These timeless stories have been favorites for generations of readers and continue to delight today. Many readers are familiar with the first title, Anne of Green Gables, but the other books in the series are also intriguing for middle school readers, especially the 2nd book, Anne of Avonlea, and the books about her children: Anne of Ingleside, Rainbow Valley, and Rilla of Ingleside! Anne is an absolute must-read book series for middle schoolers!
- Anne of Green Gables (childhood)
- Anne of Avonlea (teen years)
- Anne of the Island (college)
- Anne of Windy Poplars (career)
- Anne’s House of Dreams (marriage)
- Anne of Ingleside (motherhood)
- Rainbow Valley (Anne’s children)
- Rilla of Ingleside (Anne’s youngest child, set during WWI)
Book Series for Middle Schoolers #6: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Genre: Distopian Literature
Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take the place of her sister as a contender in the Hunger Games – a life or death battle played out on live television in front of the entire country in a ploy of subservience to the villainous, corrupt government. Her only choice is to kill others or be killed herself. A thrilling page-turner series that will leave your kids filled with gratitude and reevaluating what is really important in life!
- The Hunger Games
- Catching Fire
- Mockingjay
Book Series for Middle Schoolers #7: A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Genre: Adventure & Mystery Fiction
This quirky, action-packed series of 13 books follows two courageous siblings, Violet and Klaus, along with their baby sister Sunny. Learning suddenly that their parents have just died in a fire, they embark on a turbulent journey to outwit their murderous relative, Count Olaf. The books are mysterious thrillers that border on the silly and absurd. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a book series that is off-the-beaten path.
- The Bad Beginning
- The Reptile Room
- The Wide Window
- The Miserable Mill
- The Austere Academy
- The Ersatz Elevator
- The Vile Village
- The Hostile Hospital
- The Carnivorous Carnival
- The Slippery Slope
- The Grim Grotto
- The Penultimate Peril
- The End
Book Series for Middle Schoolers #8: The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Genre: Realistic Fiction
This New York Times Bestsellers series of books for middle schoolers follows the exciting and adventurous Penderwick family as they travel, face personal struggles, and even have a couple of weddings. Featuring four sisters and their father, additional, equally-lovable characters join the ups and downs of life and add to the touching, relatable stories. These girls bear a strong resemblance to the March sisters of Little Women, but with a modern setting and plenty of twists that make it stand out as an excellent series all its own.
- The Penderwicks
- The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
- The Penderwicks at Point Mouette
- The Penderwicks in Spring
- The Penderwicks at Last
Book Series for Middle Schoolers #9: Wonder Boxed Set by R.J. Palacio
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Auggie was born with a craniofacial difference, meaning the features of his face are misaligned. He looks different, and he feels different, too. This heartwarming series for middle schoolers explores the themes of acceptance, compassion, empathy, perseverance, and respect. Grab a box of tissues – this one will really get to your heart! Wonder is a must-read collection.
- Wonder
- Auggie & Me
- 365 Days of Wonder
Book Series for Middle Schoolers #10: The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins
Genre: Fantasy
Another New York Times bestselling series, The Underland Chronicles follow young Gregor when he falls through a laundry grate into a mysterious world far below – a world with giant insects, bats, rats and a host of other creatures, including other humans. Gregor must learn how he fits into the prophecies and find courage to save his family. Exceptionally well-written, your 11-13 year old middle schoolers will want to read more and more.
- Gregor the Overlander
- Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
- Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
- Gregor and the Marks of Secret
- Gregor and the Code of Claw
Book Series for Middle Schoolers #11: Little Women Series by Louisa May Alcott
Genre: Realistic Fiction
This completely unabridged set includes the four classic novels in the Little Women series. Grow along with the four famous March sisters as they navigate through their teen years into young womanhood, balancing domestic duties and personal ambitions. This beloved coming-of-age story has inspired generations of readers and still resonates today.
- Little Women
- Good Wives
- Little Men
- Jo’s Boys
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