I find 6th grade students are all over the map when it comes to reading. Some never put a book down, but many will only read because they “HAVE to.” After 25+ years teaching ELA, my list of the best books for 6th grade will help sustain the momentum of your power readers and pique the interest of even your most reluctant reader!
Funny enough, my reading transformation began around this age. I was helping my school librarian stamp check-out dates on library day. Another student borrowed a copy of The Babysitter's Club series, and the cover caught my eye. It was that one simple moment that transformed me as a reader! One breakthrough book can build a lifetime love of reading, so every year my goal is to help my students to find their “BEST BOOK EVER!”
So, onto my list…I must admit that I am a realistic and historical fiction nut! I love knowing that stories have actually transpired or can, so my list of the best 6th-grade reading books is full of these genres. I am really honest about books with my students because it helps them understand that even though I am a reading teacher, I can struggle with books, too. I often share that, except for the Hunger Games series and Among the Hidden, science fiction is a challenge for me to stick with. Dare I say I wasn't a big fan of Harry Potter after the first two novels?!
Below is my list of the 15 best books for 6th graders. As an ELA teacher, these are my tried-and-true tools for unlocking the reader buried within all of my students. You'll notice I have created novel study units for each of these texts due to my strong LOVE for these books!
Best Book #1: Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
Freak the Mighty is a great back-to-school novel for instructing both the theme of friendship and fiction reading strategies. Your 6th graders will enjoy reading about Maxwell and Kevin's transformation from social outcasts into the unstoppable Freak the Mighty.
Freak the Mighty Novel Study Unit
Book #2: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Tuck Everlasting is a great on-level fit for 6th grade readers or as a reading intervention for 7th and 8th grade. Your students will be on the edge of their seats as Winnie Foster accidentally learns the Tuck family's secret of immortality!
Tuck Everlasting Novel Study Unit
Best Book #3: Crash by Jerry Spinelli
My go-to novel for young football players is Crash by Jerry Spinelli. It is the ideal novel to share with 6th graders because it features humor, witty characters, a relatable setting and plot, and an unexpected ending.
Best Book #4: Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza goes from being a wealthy Mexican landowner to an impoverished immigrant laborer. This historical fiction novel centers around the theme of perseverance, and your students will be rooting for Esperanza every step of the way!
Esperanza Rising Novel Study Unit
Best Book #5: Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Bud is a foster child who dreams of finding his biological father. After spending four years with the Amos family, Bud finally embarks on his quest. Your class will love reading about Bud Caldwell's adventures and rooting for him to get the happy ending he deserves.
Bud, Not Buddy Novel Study Unit
Best Book #6: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Jerry Spinelli writes an exciting and inspiring narrative about the risks of fame and the power of a first true love. Jerry Spinelli's novels always have strong plot structure and characters that middle school teachers can use in their instruction, and Stargirl is one of my favorites. With strong social themes, this one is best suited to your more advanced 6th-grade readers.
Best Book #7: Among The Hidden
If you are looking for a high-interest science fiction novel, Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix is the perfect pick. Your students will be captivated by Luke Garner's dilemmas and adventures as a third child in a society where each family is forbidden to have more than two.
Among The Hidden Novel Study Unit
Best Book #8: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Hatchet is an amazing adventure book that keeps 6th graders engaged throughout. 13-year-old Brian Robeson becomes stranded in the Canadian wilderness after his small plane crashes and kills the pilot. With only his hatchet—a parting gift from his mother—Brian learns to build shelter, hunt, and start a fire, ultimately surviving 54 days until his rescue.
Best Book #9: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I read The Hunger Games with my students every year. This is one book that always sparks engaging discussions with students. There are endless resources available for teachers, but I have used Tracee Orman's novel unit for several years now.
Best Book #10: Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
I use Love That Dog as a FUN way to teach poetry and engage my student writers. It adds such a creative (and conversational) angle to poetry analysis during National Poetry Month. You can use it alongside my traditional poetry analysis unit to cover all of your bases. Very few 6th graders are fans of poetry, but this book will change their perspective and show them how much fun poetry can be.
Love That Dog Novel Study Unit
Best Book #11: The Lottery Rose by Irene Hunt
The story of Georgie Burgess will touch the hearts of your readers. Georgie isolates himself and assumes a tough persona in order to hide the pain of being abused. Once Georgie is given a new home, food to eat, books in his hands, and the affection he has always wanted, your students will be rooting for him and the progress he makes.
Best Book #12: Rules by Cynthia Lord
This heartwarming story about a sister who puts her brother's needs ahead of her own will encourage your 6th graders to consider others' feelings. This is a great novel for teaching the concept of inference, as Catherine's actions prompt thoughtful reflection and questioning. The book's theme about life's unpredictable turns will lead to some great classroom discussions.
Best Book #13: Wonder
Wonder is quite simply a MUST READ for this age group! This story has certainly grown in popularity since the movie was released, but it's the BOOK that 6th-grade teachers love because it offers a variety of teaching angles.
Best Book #14: Smile
Your 6th graders will absolutely DEVOUR this high-interest graphic novel. Raina, the main character, is struggling to adjust to adolescence and nothing ever seems to go her way. It is a great book for reminding us all that sometimes we have to deal with frustrating things in life, but those challenges will make us stronger and able to determine what is important in life.
Best Book #15: Missing May
This short-chapter novel is an “easy win” to motivate students who get intimidated by longer reads. The story details the challenges a family faces as they cope with the loss of their matriarch. Shared from the perspective of Summer, May's 12-year-old niece, it follows family and friends as they navigate through the grieving process.
More Best Book Lists:
50 Best Books for Middle School Readers
BONUS – Looking for a fun activity to work into your literature studies? Here is a FREEBIE character analysis resource to use with your students…
Are any of these texts on your list of all-time favorite books to share with 6th graders? Hopefully you discovered a few new ideas to explore! Now, race to your library and GRAB these AMAZING works! Your students will thank you!
