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. Links to Common Sense Media Reviews have been provided so you can see if these books would suit your school community.
This blog post contains affiliate links which are of no cost to the reader. If you make a purchase through the provided links this blog will receive a small commission to help with the financial costs of maintaining the site.
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. Is this book a good fit for your classroom? Read the Common Sense Media Book Review and Movie Review
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Fantasy Fiction)
An usual boy who resides in an uncommon place. Bod lives in a graveyard and has been raised by ghosts werewolves and other cemetery inhabitants. Bod has to decide if he can straddle both worlds. Is this book a good fit for your classroom? Read the Common Sense Media Book Review
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. Is this book a good fit for your classroom? Read the Common Sense Media Book Review and Movie Review
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.
Is this book a good fit for your classroom? Read the Common Sense Media Book Review
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. Is this book a good fit for your classroom? Read the Common Sense Media Book Review and Movie Review
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (Historical Fiction)
Follow the journey of a Jewish family as they leave Copenhagen, Denmark during World War 2. Is this book a good fit for your classroom? Read the Common Sense Media Book Review
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. Is this book a good fit for your classroom? Read the Common Sense Media Book Review
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. Is this book a good fit for your classroom? Read the Common Sense Media Book Review
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. Is this book a good fit for your classroom? Read the Common Sense Media Book Review and Movie Review
Other Great Reads
- 10 Books for Picky Middle School Readers
- Book Reviews
- Finding Affordable Books For Your Classroom Library
Book Assignments for Your Classroom
Related Posts
