Good Books for Seventh Graders

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  The Invention of Hugo Cabret

  by Brian Selznick

  A silent Paris station, an automaton, and a boy's secret life intertwine. Cinematic and enchanting—a wordless symphony in ink and whimsy.

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  Holes

  by Louis Sachar

  A defiant boy sent to Camp Green Lake unearths a generations-old mystery. This layered, humorous thriller won acclaim as a Newbery Medal novel.

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  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

  by J.K. Rowling

  Harry returns to Hogwarts and uncovers a dark secret. Richer, darker, and brimming with magical mischief.

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  The Lightning Thief

  by Rick Riordan

  Percy Jackson learns he's half-god in this thrilling debut of the Percy Jackson series. It's a clever mix of Greek myth and modern adventure that grips readers with humor and heart.

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  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

  by J.K. Rowling

  A magical beginning to an unforgettable series—young Harry discovers Hogwarts and the power of friendship. Brims with whimsy, courage, and a touch of mystery that enchants tweens.

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  Beetle Boy

  by M. G. Leonard

  Darkus Cuttle teams up with extraordinary beetles to find his missing father—and outwit a wicked bug dealer. Quirky, science-driven, and utterly page-turning.

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  The War That Saved My Life

  by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

  A young girl with a clubfoot escapes London's Blitz and finds freedom in the countryside. Poignant, uplifting, and beautifully written about trauma and healing.

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  The Outsiders

  by S.E. Hinton

  Ponyboy 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.

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  The False Prince

  by Jennifer A. Nielsen

  A con artist trains four orphans to impersonate a missing prince in a kingdom on the brink. A clever, action-packed political thriller that will keep tweens guessing at every turn.

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  Artemis Fowl

  by Eoin Colfer

  Brilliant young criminal genius Artemis kidnaps a fairy to restore his family's fortune. Combines wit, tech, and myth with just the right amount of mischief and heart for curious tweens.