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    You are here: Home / Books / 7th Grade Summer Reading List - Recommended Books

     

    7th Grade Summer Reading List - Recommended Books

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    Finding good books for middle schoolers is of the utmost importance! As your pre-teens and young teens get older, it's crucial to help them maintain good reading habits. The suggested books on this 7th grade summer reading list are perfect for ages 12-13 (or thereabouts) will aid in the prevention of the "summer slide" as well as peak their interest and help them choose some great books to read.

    7th grade summer reading list books collage

    This is a diverse collection of titles and includes a variety of genres like historical fiction, graphic novels, adventure stories and mysteries. Kids going into 7th grade will be able to spend their summer soaking in some sun, lazing by the pool and swinging in the hammock while turning the pages of these exciting books.

    More summer reading lists for 7th graders:

    • 6th grade summer reading list
    • 8th grade summer reading list
    • Nonfiction for Middle School Students

    MORE: Check out all our summer reading resources, like reading bingo, the great library challenge and more.

    Table of contents

    • Contemporary Realism
    • Fantasy and Science Fiction
    • Historical Fiction
    • Graphic Novels

    Would you like a printable version of this summer reading list for 4th graders? Grab it at the end of the post!

    Note: this post contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn commission for this blog. Bookshop supports independent booksellers. You can see this list, in addition to our other summer reading lists curated at Bookshop.

    Contemporary Realism

    Summer of Brave book cover

    SUMMER OF BRAVE by Amy Noelle Parks

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    Seventh grader, Lilla, is torn between her dad, who wants her to go to a specialty art school and her mom, who wants her to go to a STEM school. But Lilla secretly believes that she would prefer a general education where she could try out lots of subjects. This summer, her friend, Vivi, challenges Lilla to be brave and stand up for herself. Working as a camp counselor, Lilla has an uncomfortable experience and decides to use an upcoming art project to make her voice heard. A stunningly good book.

    Nothing But the Truth summer reading book cover

    NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    I couldn't put this book down! In an effort to get transferred away from a particular teacher's class, Phillip causes a class disruption. But the chain of events that he sets in motion has the community examining what it means to be truthful, patriotic and respectful of others. The narrative is "documentary style," with dialogue, interviews, letters and diary entries telling the story from different perspectives, making for a unique reading experience.

    MORE: 12 books for 12 year olds

    Scar Island book cover

    SCAR ISLAND by Dan Gemeinhart

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Scar Island will remind readers of Lord of the Flies, only with a less disturbing outcome. When a freak (and I mean freak!) accident leaves all the adults of Slabhenge Reformatory School for Troubled Boys dead, the boys look forward to finally getting away from the wretched place of misery. But some of the boys decide they would prefer a few days alone on the island before coming under the thumb of adults again. As you can imagine, things go awry in the power vacuum, and secrets previously kept hidden are revealed. It is a very compelling read and your child will have a hard time putting it down.

    Just Be Cool Jenna Sakai book cover

    JUST BE COOL, JENNA SAKAI by Debbi Michiko Florence

    Find it: Bookshop |Amazon

    Seventh grader, Jenna, has a lot going on. Most of all, her journalism advisor has given her an assignment outside of her comfort zone and Jenna does everything she can to avoid completing it. On top of that, her newly divorced parents are still figuring out how to get along and Jenna is trying to be in the same room as her ex-boyfriend without freaking out. She starts hanging out after school at a Broadway-themed diner where she meets a new friend and learns a few things about herself. This books will speak to every seventh grader!

    MORE: Books with Asian and Asian-American Protagonists

    The Great Greene Heist book cover

    THE GREAT GREEN HEIST (series) by Varian Johnson

    Find it: Bookshop |Amazon

    This fast-paced heist story is a fun choice for summer reading. Jackson Greene decides to intervene when he thinks his classmates are rigging the school election against his friend, Gabby. Jackson and his friends engage in a scheme to make sure the election ballots are counted honestly. With school political shenanigans, a diverse group of protagonists and a clever, twisting plot, your kids will love this book.

    MORE: Spy and Heist Books for Kids

    The Seventh Most Important Thing book cover

    THE SEVENTH MOST IMPORTANT THING by Shelley Pearsall

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    After Arthur hurls a brick at a man collecting trash, the judge overseeing his case sentences him to community service working for the victim. The "junk man," James, gives Arthur a list of the Seven Most Important Things he must collect. James, it turns out, is creating a fantastical work of art. Set in the 1960s, and inspired by folk artist James Hampton, this unusual story will get kids thinking about redemption, and friendship.

    Amal Unbound book cover

    AMAL UNBOUND by Aisha Saeed

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    I could not put this book down! It is an important book to remind our children that there are still kids around the world who are denied an education and the freedom that it can bring. In her Pakistani village, Amal dreams of becoming a teacher one day, but an unfortunate event results in her going to live as an indentured servant in the household of her village's corrupt landlord. Amal is a strong protagonist who takes matters into her own hands, determined to achieve her goals, despite her circumstances.

    Fantasy and Science Fiction

    MORE: Graphic novels for 4-8th grade

    the girl who drank the moon book cover

    THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    The Protectorate has always sacrificed a baby to keep the witch in the forest at bay. Little do they know the witch has been saving the babies all these years. One year the witch decides to raise the baby herself, and inadvertently fills her with a fierce and strong magic. As the girl grows older and comes into her magic, a man in the Protectorate vows to find and vanquish the witch, revealing the truth about both the Protectorate and the witch.

    MORE: Big Giant List of Fantasy Novels for Kids

    the false prince book cover

    THE FALSE PRINCE (series) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    The kingdom is in turmoil and a nobleman is determined to pass off an unknown orphan as the missing prince. He brings three boys to train at his estate, promising that the one who best completes the test will have a new life as the ruler. Readers will find themselves constantly on their toes as to the outcome and a surprise twist will leave kids eager to read the next books in the series.

    the storm runner book cover

    THE STORM RUNNER by J.C. Cervantes

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    In The Storm Runner, Mayan mythology is front and center.  Thirteen-year-old Zane learns that the volcano in his New Mexico backyard is actually a prison for a Mayan god. When Brooks, a mysterious shape-shifting girl, shows up to help Zane fulfill his destiny, the adventure begins.

    MORE: Latinx Middle Grade Novels

    Historical Fiction

    How To Find What You're Not Looking For book cover

    HOW TO FIND WHAT YOU'RE NOT LOOKING FOR by Veera Hiranandani

    Find it: Amazon|Bookshop

    It's 1967, and the Supreme Court has just struck down interracial marriage prohibitions in Loving v. Virginia. Although Ari lives in Connecticut, where interracial marriage was never banned, Ari dwells on the recent court case because her sister, Leah, has fallen in love with a young man from India. Ari's Jewish parents disapprove of the relationship, so the pair elope and disappear. Ari grieves the loss of her sister and wants to find her. Ari also has to navigate her complicated relationships with her parents and at school faces the antisemitic taunts from a classmate, as well as struggles with undiagnosed dysgraphia. There's a lot going on here, but the unique second-person narration grips the reader from start to finish.

    A Ceiling Made of Eggshells  book cover

    A CEILING MADE OF EGGSHELLS by Gail Carson Levine

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Taking place just before the expulsion of the Jews from Spain, Levine's intensely moving and suspenseful tale follows the adventures of Paloma as she grows up in a relatively well-off Jewish family. Loma's grandfather is well-connected and famed for his ability to deal with Christians. Loma accompanies him on his travels around the country as religious and political tensions grow, facing dangers, prejudice and the constant threat of forced conversions. This is a page-turning book with an extremely strong girl at its heart and your kids won't want to put down.

    MORE: Historical Fiction with Strong Girl Protagonists

    Graphic Novels

    Tell No Tales graphic novel book cover

    TELL NO TALES: PIRATES OF THE SOUTHERN SEAS by Sam Maggs, illustrated by Kendra Wells

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Tell No Tales is a swashbuckling graphic novel inspired by the legendary female pirate, Anne Bonny. Anne and her diverse crew make up an unconventional family as they bond over getting to know each other as they prepare for an encounter with the pirate-hunting villain, Woodes Rogers. Absolutely great fun. An author's note gives some background on the diverse cast of characters, their real-life counterparts and a (very) brief overview of piracy.

    MORE: Graphic Novels for 4th - 8th Grade

    Beetle and the Hollowbones book cover

    BEETLE AND THE HOLLOWBONES by Aliza Layne

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    Beetle is a young goblin and aspiring witch who is reunited with her friend Kat Hollowbone. Their friendship has Beetle questioning her feelings about her relationship with Kat as well as with her friend Blob Ghost. But it turns out Kat's aunt is evil and has plans to destroy the mall where Blob Ghost lives. This is a unique fantastical graphic novel.

    « 9th Grade Summer Reading List - Books for 14-15 Year Olds
    8th Grade Reading List - Recommended Books »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angela @ Setting My Intention says

      May 02, 2017 at 2:02 pm

      Thanks for this list! Im always looks ng for great booksnfor my kids - especially over the summer!

      Reply
      • Erica says

        May 03, 2017 at 11:17 am

        Happy reading!

        Reply
    2. Rebekah Gienapp says

      May 02, 2017 at 8:23 pm

      Blue Birds sounds fascinating! My family has ties to the Roanoke area, but I remember being uncomfortable with how Native Americans were portrayed in some of the history at the historical sites we visited (at least how it was portrayed 25 years ago.)

      Reply
      • Erica says

        May 03, 2017 at 11:16 am

        It's a wonderful book. Happy reading.

        Reply
    3. Jenny says

      May 03, 2017 at 8:23 pm

      I love your book lists! I read a lot and yet have only read 2 of the books on this list...I'm going to encourage my 12 yo to check out a few of these...and I'll check them out as well. I really, really loved The Girl Who Drank the Moon...a great story but with lots of wisdom tucked throughout.

      Reply
    4. Sandy says

      July 24, 2017 at 4:49 pm

      Many 8th grade classes read The Diary of Anne Frank. Please check with your school before having your 7th grader read it as they will not be able to do some predictor activitdoes and can create spoiler alert moments. You could read it with them during the year.

      Reply
    5. Jill says

      July 24, 2020 at 1:55 pm

      Do you offer these lists as a print out, so that we don’t have all the ads?

      Reply
      • Erica says

        July 24, 2020 at 6:27 pm

        Some of the lists do have printables but not this one. I have over 300 lists so it takes a bit of time to go backwards to make all the printables. You can always use https://www.printfriendly.com/

        Reply
    6. Larrymcbottom2538493 says

      July 15, 2021 at 8:52 am

      I really liked this list. the only thing is that on the summary for The False Prince; The kingdom is called Carthya. and the estate that the nobleman brings them to is called Farthenwood. Otherwise this is a great list!

      Reply
      • Erica says

        August 09, 2021 at 10:57 am

        Thanks for the correction!

        Reply
    7. Kloe says

      September 21, 2022 at 5:23 am

      Its a lovely list

      Reply

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