This blog post contains links and summaries of some of the best 6th Grade books. Your students will enjoy reading these books in and outside of school.
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11 of the Best 6th Grade Books
Wonder by R.J Palacio (Realistic Fiction)
August Pullman has a facial condition has prevented him from going a public school. All he wants is to be treated like any other kid in 5th Grade. Will his new classmates be able to look past his unique face to able to bond with August? Is this book a good fit for your classroom? Read the Common Sense Media Book Review and Movie Review
The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis (Historical Fiction)
Ten year old Kenny lives in Flint, Michigan with his mother, father, sister and his older brother Byron who at thirteen has been labelled “juvenile delinquent.” They depart on a trip to visit grandma the only one who can help Byron. During their visit to Birmingham, Alabama. Grandma’s church is attacked.
Linked By Gordon Korman (Realistic Fiction)
In the usually quiet town where Michael, Link, and Dana live, a mystery is about to unfold. One morning, a swastika — a symbol of hate — is found to be on the wall of the school, but who put it there? The three band together to figure out the truth of who vandalized the school and why. If you teach Grade 6 Social Studies in Ontario, this book ties in with the Holocaust education requirements found in the 2023 curriculum expectations.
City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (Science Fiction)
“The City of Ember” is set 200 years in the future in an underground city. For generations there has been an electrical system that sustained the needs of the underground city. It was only created to last for just over two hundred years. Lina and and Doon must figure out the clues to save their city before time runs out.
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko (Historical Fiction)
After falling on hard times, Moose Flanagan’s family moves to Alcatraz Island the home of the famous jail for the worst criminal offenders. His bumpy transition to the island is partially due to his sister, whose exceptional needs are not understood by their new community. Students will enjoy becoming attached to Moose and all of his adventures.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Fantasy Fiction)
Percy Jackson is on a quest to save a dangerous weapon – Zeus’ bolt. On his journey he faces mythological creatures who pose a challenge for this 12 year old boy. Students will love this story which is full of references to Greek mythology.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (Historical Fiction)
Follow the journey of a Jewish family as they leave Copenhagen, Denmark during World War 2.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (Adventure/Realistic Fiction)
When Brian’s plane crashes in the middle of the wilderness, leaving the pilot dead and the plane unable to fly – Brian must find a way to survive this ordeal.
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Science Fiction)
Luke is a “shadow child” – he is not allowed to exist. It is outlawed by the Population Police to have this many children. He must stay hidden in his house or risk being exposed. One day he meets a girl who also lives in the shadows. Together they decide to take a risk which could have dangerous consequences.
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt (Historical Fiction)
Set during the Vietnam War era, Holling Hoodhood is in Grade 7 at Camillo Junior High. Every Wednesday afternoon his peers attend religious classes outside of school. Holling is the only one who does not have a religion class to attend. He must stay behind with his teacher Mrs. Baker who is not super thrilled to have Holling stay with her every week. Holling must navigate the social structure of Grade 7 along with pleasing his parents.
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis (Realistic Fiction)
Eleven year old Parvana lives with her family during the Taliban rule in Afghanistan. One day her father is arrested leaving their family with no income source. Parvana must disguise herself as a boy and find a way to earn money for her family.
12 Genre Book Reports Assignment
Love teaching with genres?
Help your students dive deeper into their reading with these 12 different genre-focused book report assignments. Each assignment enables students to showcase their creativity while meeting curriculum standards. This assignment covers both fiction and non-fiction books. The assignment structure rotates every three months helping students achieve proficiency, while still providing student choice. Assignments can be used in any order. A sample teaching schedule is provided.
Included Genres
- Realistic Fiction
- Mystery Fiction
- Graphic Novel
- Science Fiction
- Biography & Memoirs
- Historical Fiction
- Classical Fiction (pre-1970)
- Fantasy Fiction
- Non-Fiction
- Traditional Literature vs. Fractured Fairy Tales
- Sports Fiction
- Free Verse Fiction
Assignment Types:
- Written Response – critical thinking and written reflection assignment.
- Creative Choice Board – students are provided with 3 options and must select which creative option they want to produce.
- Oral Presentation – a book talk format assignment.
- Student-Created Lesson based on a non-fiction book
- Traditional Literature vs. Fractured Fairy Tales Comparison Assignment
Find the 12 Genres Book Reports resource on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Help Your Students Love Reading with Lit Launch
Are you ready to share your passion for reading and inspire your students?
Lit Launch: Middle School Reading Professional Development is for teachers looking to create meaningful reading engagement in their classrooms.
In just three hours, this online workshop equips teachers with strategies to connect with their middle school readers, ideas for classroom management challenges and shares high-impact lesson ideas.
Workshop Includes:
- 3 Hours of Professional Development Videos
- 145 Page Workbook
- 10 Reading Resources
- Professional Development Certificate
- Supporting Resource Links
- Reading Interest Inventory
In this self-paced workshop, teachers will get actionable ideas and lessons they can implement in their classrooms.
Learn more about Lit Launch on Teachers Pay Teachers USD or Shopify CAD.
Check Out These Other Grade 6 Resources
Are you looking for more Grade 6 book lists?
- Fantastic 6th Grade Books
- Books Your Grade 6 Students Will Love
- Popular Grade 6 Books Every Young Reader Should Know
For more great middle school books, check out this blog post – Best Middle School Book Recommendations. Also, check out some fantastic YA books in this blog post – High School Book Recommendations.
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