Books about middle school

Best Friends by Shannon Hale is a poignant and relatable graphic memoir that perfectly captures the whirlwind of emotions that come with navigating sixth grade. Following the success of Real Friends, Shannon finds herself in the "Group," the most popular circle of friends in school. However, staying on top is harder than it looks. Shannon must navigate the unspoken rules of popularity, the pressure to be funny and cool, and the constant anxiety of wondering if she truly belongs. It is a must-read for children who love Raina Telgemeier or Victoria Jamieson.

This graphic novel is ideal for readers interested in realistic stories about the ups and downs of middle school life. Shannon Hale’s honest portrayal of social anxiety and the quest for authentic connection makes this a great choice for parents looking to help their children understand complex social dynamics. The vibrant illustrations by LeUyen Pham bring Shannon’s internal world to life, making the story accessible and deeply engaging for middle-grade readers.

Highlights:

• Relatable exploration of middle school social hierarchies and popularity.
• Honest depiction of childhood anxiety and the pressure to fit in.
• Beautifully illustrated graphic novel format that appeals to visual learners.
• A powerful lesson on finding true friends and being yourself.

In the sixth installment of the sensationally popular Dork Diaries series, Nikki Maxwell finds herself navigating the high-stakes world of middle school romance. With the biggest dance of the year approaching, Nikki is desperate for her crush, Brandon, to ask her to be his date. However, things are never simple in Nikki's world. Between the constant interference of her rival MacKenzie and her own hilarious insecurities, Nikki's diary is filled with the ups and downs of a "not-so-happy heartbreaker."

This book is perfect for children who love illustrated journals and relatable stories about the trials of growing up. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in friendship dynamics, school drama, and the awkwardness of first crushes. Rachel Renée Russell's signature blend of humor and heart makes this a great choice for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid who are looking for a female-led perspective on the middle school experience.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school drama involving friendships and first crushes.
• Engaging diary-style format with fun illustrations on every page.
• Empowering messages about staying true to oneself despite social pressure.
• A humorous and lighthearted look at navigating school rivalries.

Ein neues Schuljahr beginnt für Greg Heffley, und eigentlich könnte alles so einfach sein. Doch Greg hat ein riesiges Problem: Sein älterer Bruder Rodrick hütet ein peinliches Geheimnis über Gregs Sommerferien. In Gregs Tagebuch - Gibt's Probleme? begleiten wir den sympathischen Anti-Helden dabei, wie er verzweifelt versucht, dieses Geheimnis zu bewahren, während er gleichzeitig den ganz normalen Wahnsinn des Schulalltags und den täglichen Kampf mit seiner Familie überstehen muss.

Dieses Buch ist die perfekte Wahl für Kinder, die humorvolle Geschichten lieben und sich gerne in den alltäglichen Katastrophen eines Teenagers wiederfinden. Durch die einzigartige Mischung aus Text und witzigen Comic-Zeichnungen ist es ideal für Leser, die sich für kurzweilige und unterhaltsame Lektüre interessieren. Jeff Kinney schafft es meisterhaft, Themen wie Geschwisterrivalität und die Angst vor Blamagen mit einer ordentlichen Portion Ironie zu verpacken, was das Buch zu einem absoluten Favoriten für Lesemuffel und Bücherwürmer gleichermaßen macht.

Highlights:

• Witzige Comic-Illustrationen, die den Text perfekt ergänzen
• Authentische und humorvolle Darstellung des Schul- und Familienlebens
• Spannende Handlung rund um Gregs wohl gehütetes Geheimnis
• Leicht zugänglicher Schreibstil, ideal zur Leseförderung

Set in the 1970s, Swing It, Sunny follows Sunny Lewin as she navigates the ups and downs of middle school and complex family life. After her summer in Florida, Sunny is back home, but things aren't quite "sunny." Her older brother is away at boarding school, her parents are constantly worried, and she is trying to find her footing in a new school year. This graphic novel beautifully captures the awkwardness of growing up while dealing with serious family dynamics and the search for normalcy.

Perfect for children who love the Smile series by Raina Telgemeier or Real Friends by Shannon Hale, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in relatable stories about resilience and empathy. Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm create a nostalgic yet timeless atmosphere that resonates with both kids and parents. It is a great choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy visual storytelling and characters who feel like real friends facing real-world problems.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school experiences and friendship dynamics.
• Sensitive exploration of family challenges and sibling relationships.
• Engaging 1970s setting with nostalgic cultural details.
• Expressive graphic novel format that appeals to visual learners and reluctant readers.

In the fifth installment of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley is finally facing the "ugly truth" about growing up. As he navigates the complexities of middle school, Greg finds himself dealing with more responsibilities, awkward physical changes, and the realization that his childhood is quickly slipping away. With his best friend Rowley out of the picture for a while, Greg must face the challenges of boy-girl parties, increased homework, and the dreaded "The Talk" all on his own.

Jeff Kinney’s signature blend of hilarious text and iconic line drawings makes this book a perfect choice for reluctant readers and fans of funny, relatable stories. It captures the universal anxieties of pre-adolescence with wit and charm, making it an ideal read for children interested in realistic fiction that doesn't take itself too seriously. This book is a great choice for parents looking to engage their middle-grade readers with a story that mirrors their own school-day experiences while providing plenty of laughs.

Highlights:

• Relatable middle school struggles told through a humorous and honest lens.
• Engaging hybrid format of text and comic-style illustrations that appeals to all reading levels.
• Explores the changing dynamics of childhood friendships and family expectations.
• Perfect for fans of the Big Nate, Dork Diaries, or Middle School series.