Good Books for 6th Graders
Last updated July 2, 2025
The Giver
by Lois LowryA thought-provoking coming-of-age story about a controlled society and a boy chosen to inherit its memories. It's quietly profound, ideal for sparking big questions in young minds.
Matilda
by Roald DahlA brilliant little girl with telekinetic powers triumphs over injustice with charm and smarts. Delightful, mischievous, and heartening for anyone who's ever felt underestimated.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
by AviThirteen-year-old Charlotte becomes entangled in mutiny and murder aboard a ship bound for America. This thrilling historical adventure showcases a strong female protagonist facing extraordinary circumstances.
The Westing Game
by Ellen RaskinSixteen heirs must solve the mystery of Samuel Westing's death to claim his fortune. This Newbery Medal winner is a cleverly crafted puzzle that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Tuck Everlasting
by Natalie BabbittWinnie Foster discovers a family who has drunk from a spring that grants eternal life. This thought-provoking fantasy explores profound questions about life, death, and what it means to truly live.
The Sign of the Beaver
by Elizabeth George SpeareTwelve-year-old Matt learns to survive in the Maine wilderness with help from a Native American boy. This Newbery Honor book beautifully depicts friendship across cultures and the challenges of frontier life.
The Outsiders
by S.E. HintonPonyboy Curtis navigates the divide between rival gangs in this groundbreaking novel. A powerful story about family, loyalty, and finding your place in a world that often feels divided.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
by Anne FrankAnne's diary entries illuminate hope, fear, and adolescence during hiding in WWII. Poignant and timeless, it reveals a young heart's resilience.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff KinneyGreg Heffley's cartoon-journal chronicles middle-school trials in laugh-out-loud fashion. Relatable and charmingly awkward, it's a tween comedy staple.
Wonder
by R.J. PalacioA boy with facial differences navigates school and kindness. Uplifting and tender, it shows the power of empathy through multiple perspectives.