What should your middle schooler read next? Ask a middle school student! These middle school students explain their reasons for choosing these 11 transformative books.

1. Masterpiece by Elise Broach

via pinterest.com

“Masterpiece changed my life. It was an incredible story about the power of friendship.”—Jeanjuella

2. The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman

“This is like trying to pick a favorite child. One book that changed my life was The Ballad of Lucy Whipple. It really made me want to read historical fiction.”—Sofia

3. Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson

via pinterest.com

“After reading the Maximum Ride series, I was considerably happier.”—Josh

4. Falling into Place by Amy Zhang

via pinterest.com

“The book Falling into Place by Amy Zhang opened my ideas about life.”—Ana

5. Tangerine by Edward Bloor

via pinterest.com

“Tangerine showed me that some people are always underestimated based on their looks. I’ve learned not to judge people.”—Ethan

6. Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper

via pinterest.com

“Out of my Mind really helped me understand other people and people with disabilities.”—Aby

7. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

via pinterest.com

“Number the Stars showed me how much people go through and how much some people have to suffer to get through their lives.”—Jada

8. Small Steps by Louis Sachar

via pinterest.com

“Small Steps showed me how fortunate I am.”—Valentina

9. 39 Clues by Rick Riordan

via amazon.com

“39 Clues showed me to watch small actions and get ready because anything can happen.”—Maggie

10. Smile by Reina Telgemeier

via pinterest.com

“Smile by Reina Telgemeier made me think that as you grow up you get more insecurities, but you can also find people who accept them.”—Kyle

11. Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

“Harry Potter; he was an outcast that was able to make friends and I can relate to that.”—Andem

Receive top book recommendations directly in your inbox.