Having created a recommended best book series for middle school girls I’ve also made a list for middle school boys.

The lists are recommendations from our own experience and that of friends and family. The books in both the lists for middle school girls and boys are not limiting. There may be books on this list that girls would enjoy and vise versa.

My love for reading has inspired me to share the joy you get out of books. I hope this inspires your children to read and explore the adventures in between the pages of a book.

The Books of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

How would it be to lose light? It’s an intriguing concept and it’s first book The City of Ember starts its tale of a city that only has light because of electricity. Imagine living without the sun.

As the resource slowly goes so do the people’s security and sanity.

It’s an adventure in discovery and the unknown very much up the alley of any middle school boy.

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Although the Hunger Games trilogy tells the story from a girl’s point of view it will definitely make an interesting read for boys. The stories of Peta and Gale have a huge bearing on the events in the book.

It also delves into fighting for peace and freedom. The action scenes in the book will have them sitting on the edge of their seat (as it did for my son and I).

Harry Potter by JK Rowling

This is one of the series that you just want to read over and over. My son is a huge Harry Potter fan having read the series 3 times.

The series has such a strong following that all aspects of the book have been tried. From butterbeer to Quidditch you’ll find plenty of groups and even whole communities living out the wizarding world.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings used to be required reading but was made popular with the release of the movie trilogy. It’s quite a bit of heavy reading but for book lovers and those who love adventure it’s one that you will stick out and thoroughly enjoy.

Most people will likely go for the movies but the books are a must read. It explains many things not in the movies and you gain a better understanding of the characters, their actions, and their decisions.

The series also includes a prequel of sorts, The Hobbit which also has its movie version. Upcoming is The Hobbit, The Desolation of Smaug. I loved the Hobbit and was thrilled to learn that the movies were to be made.

If it’s your first time to read the books, start with the Hobbit then the LOTR trilogy. It’ll explain everything better and you’ll have more insight to some of the characters, their beliefs and their backgrounds.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan

The Percy Jackson series is another one of my son’s favorites. The fight against mythical monsters and Percy’s search for purpose as Poseidon’s son a midst a raging war between good and evil has kept my son’s (and my own) interest.

I quite enjoyed the movie, The Lightning Thief although there were many changes to the original story. The next film The Sea of Monsters looks promising.

The Secrets Of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel

This is similar to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson put together. Brother and sister, Josh and Sophie discover their hidden powers and are chosen to fight against the evil that is slowly conquering earth. The name Nicholas Flamel may be familiar to you because it was mentioned in both the Harry Potter books and movies.

Many were mistaken and thought that this series was a spin off or a prequel to Harry Potter. In truth, the characters featured in the books are well known. You’ll learn that Nicholas Flamel was a scribe and years after his death thought to be an alchemist. Another character of note is Machiavelli, a historian, politician, philosopher, and writer.

The stories are quite intriguing and I had a great time reading them. I could hardly put the books down. My son is in the middle of reading them and is enjoying it so far.

Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke

The possibilities would be endless if the story line in the Inkheart trilogy were probable. Imagine books coming to life as you read them.

The fantasy novels explores medieval times and travels distances from Europe to Italy. A movie was also made from the first book in the Trilogy starring Brendan Fraser (popularly known for The Mummy).

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is more of an enjoyable treat but even in it’s comical writing there’s always a lesson to be learned.

The series has grown to 9 books and counting. I’ve enjoyed reading these books alongside my son and daughter and I’ve watched the movies with them as well. It’s another way to get them to learn while having fun. An example is from the first book Diary of a Wimpy Kid where they focus on the importance of friendship and trust.

Middle School by James Patterson

If your son (or daughter) is looking for books similar to The Wimpy Kids series, the Middle School Series is another set they can read.

This time it follows the adventures of Rafe Khatchadorian in his middle school life. The series has interesting concepts from surviving bullies, broccoli and Snake Hill to Middle School being the worst years of his life.

What are your book series suggestions?

Note: There are links in this post that contain my referral link. Please read my disclosure policy.

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With many books readily available it’s hard to pin down what would be the best book series for your middle schooler. Books are an obvious avenue for learning but aside from sentence construction, grammar, speech skills and the like what else can children learn from books?

They can learn a variety of things such as feelings and emotions. They can be given ideas and thoughts to ponder. They can explore their imagination and see glimpses of the possible. Here are some great book series they can read and delve into.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

The Twilight series would obviously appear on this list. It has all the makings for an addicting book series. The series has 4 books and it also includes the Midnight Sun, a draft that unfortunately did not progress.

• Twilight
• New Moon
• Eclipse
• Breaking Dawn

As you know the series was made into movies which had a huge following. Sadly, towards the end it gained negative reviews.

I enjoyed the book series and even more so the movies. I’m among those who believe that they were both done well and were enjoyable. This series covers many aspects from adolescence to love to heartbreak and is still very much a recommended read.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Written in 1908, the Anne of Green Gables series tells about the adventures of Anne Shirley, an orphan sent to Prince Edward Island. Her adoptive parents were expecting a boy and were sent a bright, eager and imaginative young girl instead.

Today most books are of a modern telling but this series along with a few more are still able to gain the sympathies and empathy of today’s readers.

• Anne of Green Gables
• Anne of Avonlea
• Anne of the Island
• Anne of Windy Poplars
• Anne’s House of Dreams
• Anne of Ingleside

Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter

This adventurous spy book series is plenty fun that teen girls will enjoy. The setting is of an academy for girls but is really a school for spies. That alone makes for an intriguing read.

The series has 6 books and covers the story of Cammie Morgan who falls in love with an ordinary boy while living her life of espionage.

• I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To Kill You
• Cross My Heart & Hope To Spy
• Don’t Judge A Girl By Her Cover
• Only the Good Spy Young
• Out of Sight, Out of Time
• United We Spy

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Who wouldn’t love a fairy tale such as this? When an average girl transforms into a princess she is thrust into a life of responsibilities, etiquette, customs and the occasional ball. My daughter enjoyed the first movie, The Princess Diaries and I’m hoping to get her to read the books as well.

There are 17 books in the series so far and covers Mia Thermopolis’ life from her inception as Princess of Genovia to her latest dilemma of moving beyond the world she has grown to learn and love.

• Vol I: Princess Diaries
• Vol. II: Princess in the Spotlight
• Vol. III: Princess in Love
• Vol. IV: Princess in Waiting
• Vol. IV and a Half: Project Princess
• Vol. V: Princess in Pink
• Vol. VI: Princess in Training
• Vol. VI and a Half: The Princess Present
• Vol. VII: Party Princess
• Vol. VII and a Half: Sweet Sixteen Princess
• Vol. VII and 3/4ths: Valentine Princess
• Vol. VIII: Princess on the Brink
• Vol. IX: Princess Mia
• Vol. X: Forever Princess

The series also includes 3 books from the Princess Lessons which focus on everything you need to know to become a princess.

• Princess Lessons: A Princess Diaries Book
• Perfect Princess: A Princess Diaries Book
• Holiday Princess: A Princess Diaries Book

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

It’s impossible NOT to include The Hunger Games in this list. The Dystopian trilogy has created a massive stir in interest.

The books and the movie (so far) have been big hits and with the release of Catching Fire you can expect more interest and hopefully more readers! Katniss’ love story, her challenges and eventually her responsibility not only to her family but to all 12 districts makes for a great story.

• The Hunger Games
• Catching Fire
• Mockimgjay

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

The meaning of beauty has become so convoluted that this book series, Uglies is a nice break from the meaning of beauty we know today.

It’s an interesting plot revolving around a future of girls fighting to keep their natural beauty rather than undergoing a mandatory operation to become beautiful.

Included in the series are:

• Uglies
• Pretties
• Specials
• Extras

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

The story of a pair of jeans that fit 4 different girls and body types is impossible but the writing makes us see beyond that to appreciate the message of the story.

A summer to remember begins when Carmen, Tibby, Lena and Bridget form a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and share the magic that comes with the thrift shop bought pair of jeans.

• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
• The Second Summer of the Sisterhood
• Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood
• Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Although similar to the Hunter Games, the Divergent series has it’s own take on a dystopic future wherein people are grouped by personalities and traits. It’s an interesting concept and has garnered so much interest that a movie has been made.

The much awaited 3rd book, Allegiant will be out in October and plenty of fans (I’m one of them) can’t wait to read it and see what’s next for Tris.

• Divergent
• Insurgent
• Allegiant

Harry Potter by JK Rowling

One of the best book series out there (I’m a Potterhead!), Harry Potter has all the elements to make it a great series. Though the novels can be lengthy, it’s worth the time to read all 7 books.

The adventures of Harry Potter and friends is one of a kind and it’s no wonder it has been named one of the bestselling books on the planet.

The books have spun off into different directions with movies, theme parks, websites and plenty of merchandise. I myself have read the book series 5 times while my son has read it 3 times. Though it follows the story of it’s main character Harry Potter, girls will easily identify with the story.

1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Little House on the Prairie Laura Ingalls Wilder

I used to read the Little House on the Prairie books and actually still have some in my possession.

The story is of a simpler time and though it may not seem relevant to today’s tweens and teens, it brings back the simplicity of life.

The stories of life then still has an impact and relevance to topics such as school, relationships between siblings, obedience and love of family.

• Little House in the Big Woods
• Farmer Boy
• Little House on the Prairie
• On the Banks of Plum Creek
• By the Shores of Silver Lake
• The Long Winter
• These Happy Golden Years
• Little Town on the Prairie
• The First Four Years

What are your book series suggestions?

Note: There are links in this post that contain my referral link. Please read my disclosure policy.

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