The titles on this 7th grade summer reading list are good books for ages 11-13 (or thereabouts) and will aid in the prevention of the "summer slide" as well as peak their interest and help them maintain good reading habits.
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Table of contents
More summer reading lists for 7th graders:
Contemporary Realism
Nothing but the Truth by Avi
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.
Summer of Brave by Amy Noelle Parks
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.
MORE: 12 books for 12 year olds
Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart
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 by Debbi Michiko Florence
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 (series) by Varian Johnson
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 by Shelley Pearsall
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 by Aisha Saeed
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.
Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson
14-year-old McKenna has Stargardt disease (a juvenile form of macular degeneration) but she's kept this hidden from her family because her sister has already lost her sight to the disease and McKenna doesn't want to lose her autonomy. She's hoping to keep her secret long enough to compete in a days-long dog sled race that raises awareness for Stargardt disease. Needless to say, this is a risky endeavor and Johnson's fast-paced, suspenseful book highlights the challenges McKenna faces, not just in the race, but as a teen learning how to identify as someone with a disability.
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Holling Hoodhood always seems to be getting into scrapes, but his father appears to be mostly concerned with how Holling's antics affect his business reputation. On Wednesday afternoons, most of his classmates head off to Catholic or Jewish religious education classes. However, the Hoodhoods are Presbyterian, so Holling stays behind at school where his teacher introduces him to Shakespeare. Holling's antics at school, his involvement in a Shakespeare production, and the general mayhem he creates wherever he goes make for lots of laughs from a master storyteller.
Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Seventh grader and Syrian-American, Kareem, messed up his football tryouts. He has the opportunity for a do-over, but it comes at a cost. Meanwhile, he is tapped a new kid around school because he's a Syrian refugee, and Kareem's mother is stranded in Syria. Safadi's verse novel deftly translates Kareem's feelings of being caught between different groups of people and his journey to finding a voice to speak up for what is right.
MORE: Check out all our summer reading resources, like reading bingo, the great library challenge and more.
Fantasy and Science Fiction
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
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 (series) by Jennifer A. Nielsen
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 Blackthorn Key (series) by Kevin Sands
This is an incredibly suspenseful and action-packed upper middle grade series. Christoper, an orphaned apprentice in 17th century London, must solve a complex puzzle surrounding the recent rash of murders of apothecaries. Despite the seriousness of the plot, the well-drawn characters provide some humor.
The Storm Runner (series) by J.C. Cervantes
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.
A Wizard of Earthsea (series) by Ursula K. Le Guin
Award-winning author Ursula K. Le Guin will be familiar to fans of children’s fantasy literature. This is the first book in her Earthsea series and introduces us to the young man, Ged, who discovers that he is full of magic. This one is great for fans of Tolkein.
The Edge of the Silver Sea by Alex Mullarky
13-year-old Blair feels stranded when her parents drag her along to a remote Scottish island with no internet or cell service. Soon she meets the Celtic goddess, Cailleach, with whom she strikes a bargain in an attempt to get off the island. What follows next is an enchanting adventure full of magic, secrets and mythical creatures, perfect for fans of folklore and tales about other worlds.
Only You Can Save Mankind by Terry Pratchett
Fantasy novelist extraordinaire, Terry Pratchett, has written a poignant series of books, the Johnny Maxwell trilogy, about a boy whose life merges with his video game through his dreams. A fighter in the ScreeWee game asks him for help so that she can survive the battle. The action of the book takes place against the backdrop of the Iraq war, but the themes are still relevant today. Ages 10 and up.
Historical Fiction
How to Find What You're Not Looking For by Veera Hiranandani
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 by Gail Carson Levine
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
Grenade by Alan Gratz
Hideki lives on Okinawa and in 1945, he is conscripted into the Japanese army. Just landed on the same island is Ray, an American soldier about to experience his first battle. Told in alternating points of view, this is a harrowing tale of two young men's foray into war, and the effect it has on individuals. Riveting.
Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Kitchen maid, 13-year-old Elsbeth Culpepper, searches for her father in revolutionary Boston during a smallpox epidemic in this utterly engrossing novel that explores family, vaccines, hope, and survival in the face of political and societal turmoil (and yes, it's set in 1776).
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
In the 1860s Elijah becomes the first free child born to runaway slaves in a colony in Canada. His family sees him as "fragile", crying too easily or getting scared or hurt. The first part of the book is filled with humorous antics surrounding the community of Buxton. Later, Elijah makes the decision to travel to America to help a friend recover money that was stolen from him and the nature of freedom stares him straight in the eye.
Graphic Novels
Weirdo by Tony Weaver, Jr., illustrated by Cin Wibowo and Jes Wibowo
Seventh grader, Tony, loves comics and video games but he struggles with fitting in and gets bullied by his peers. When he starts a new school, he wants things to be different and starts a club to connect with others who share his interests. Weaver's graphic novel memoir is full of humor and young readers will recognize their own journey towards self-acceptance mirrored in his.
MORE: Books for Kids Who'd Rather Play Video Games
Borders by Thomas King, illustrated by Natasha Donovan
A mother sets out with her son to visit her daughter in Salt Lake City. When asked for her citizenship at the border, the mother responds, "Blackfoot." She will not identify as Canadian and so is refused entry to the United States. When turning around to re-enter Canada, she is also refused entry and the pair sits in limbo between countries. Kings' beautiful and careful storytelling asks readers to think about nationhood, Indigenous peoples, identity and justice.
MORE: Graphic Novels for 4th - 8th Grade
Beetle and the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne
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.
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, adapted by Chuck Dixon, illustrated by David Wenzel
My young teen has recently become obsessed with all things Tolkien, and so of course this graphic novel was at the top of his reading list. I did not personally read this one, since the Lord of the Rings universe is not my passion, but the fan in our house declared it to be, "Great! But still read the original and watch the movie." There you have it folks, your professional review.
MORE: Graphic Novel Adaptations of Classic Literature
Nonfiction
The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur by Allan Wolf, illustrated by Jose Pimienta
This fascinating graphic novel tells the true story of a Louisiana lake which completely disappeared. All the fish, boats, plants–everything. Gulp! Gone! It's a dramatic story that has been mostly forgotten (the author speculates because there were no casualties) but is a fascinating–and very suspenseful!–tale of an incident in which human behavior and nature clashed! A definite page-turner!
The Monkey Trial: John Scopes and the Battle over Teaching Evolution by Anita Sanchez
Sanchez's expertly researched book will introduce young readers to the infamous 1925 trial in Tennessee. She discusses the events surrounding the trial from a fascinating array of perspectives, and encourages readers to put on their critical thinking hats. The book includes photos, source notes, a timeline, and even includes excerpts from the appauling student textbook.
Who Owns the Moon?: And Other Conundrums of Exploring and Using Space by Cynthia Levinson and Jennifer Swanson
With the ascendance of several privately owned space companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, as well as the chatter about traveling to Mars, kids may be eager to learn more about what is and isn't possible. This is a great books for young teens who want to explore the historical, ethical and practical implications of space travel. (Not to be confuses with a book written for adults with the same title.)
Breaking the News: What's Real, What's Not and Why the Difference Matters by Robin Brown
Find it: Amazon
Published by National Geographic, this volume aims to illuminate journalism, the dissemination of news through the media, and how kids can be proactive in spotting bias and propaganda. With loads of illustrations, photographs, sidebars, call out boxes filled with digestible and sometimes amusing facts, examples from ancient to contemporary history as well as tips to make smart choices, the book is easy to read and full of an incredible amount of information.
Angela @ Setting My Intention says
Thanks for this list! Im always looks ng for great booksnfor my kids - especially over the summer!
Erica says
Happy reading!
Rebekah Gienapp says
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.)
Erica says
It's a wonderful book. Happy reading.
Jenny says
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.
Sandy says
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.
Jill says
Do you offer these lists as a print out, so that we don’t have all the ads?
Erica says
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/
Larrymcbottom2538493 says
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!
Erica says
Thanks for the correction!
Kloe says
Its a lovely list