Best Books for 7th Graders

In a world where the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to a witch, one year a baby is filled with extraordinary magic. The witch, Xan, decides to raise the girl as her own, but as her thirteenth birthday approaches, Luna's magic begins to emerge with dangerous consequences. With deadly birds and a young man determined to kill the witch, tensions rise in a captivating novel that won the 2017 Newbery Medal.

In this New York Times bestseller, A Long Walk to Water, readers are taken on a journey through two interwoven stories of two Sudanese children- a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. Nya ventures on a two-hour walk twice a day to fetch water while Salva, a lost boy, treks the African continent searching for family and safety. From loneliness to encounters with deadly lions and crocodiles, Salva's journey is one of survival as it eventually intersects with Nya's in a touching and astonishing way.

A young boy is put on house arrest for stealing his sick brother's expensive medicine. Now he must prove he's not a delinquent by following a court-ordered journal for a year. If he messes up, he's headed back to juvie. Can he make it through 365 days without slipping up? It's only one year, right?

Undefeated is an astonishing underdog sports story that goes beyond the football field. It follows the remarkable journey of Jim Thorpe and Pop Warner, who met in 1907 at the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. Together, they formed one of the most successful teams in football history, challenging the elite and vowing to become a powerhouse in American football. But this book is more than just a sports tale. It sheds light on the violent persecution of Native Americans by the U.S. government and the school's mission to erase their cultures. Undefeated is a story of resilience, determination, and the refusal to accept defeat.

A young girl named Ellie is tired of being shamed about her weight and tries to cope with the "Fat Girl Rules." Her safe space is in the water where she feels weightless and can take up as much space as she wants. Ellie finds allies in her dad, therapist, and new neighbor who support her as she learns to embrace herself and let go of the rules.

Exploring a seemingly perfect society, this novel follows twelve-year-old Jonas as he uncovers the disturbing truths that lie beneath the surface. Only with his new position as the Receiver is he able to grasp the complex and dark realities of his utopian world.

Experience the captivating and moving coming-of-age story that takes you on a journey through the wilderness and the world of books. Follow a young boy as he navigates the challenges of wartime and the absence of a loving home. From the farm to the city streets, join him as he learns how to survive, find solace in nature, and discover his true talents. This tale of resilience and the power of literature will leave you inspired and reflecting on the joys and hardships of childhood.

A burst in the sky granted ordinary people extraordinary powers, turning them into Epics with a desire to rule over mankind. Enter the Reckoners, a group of ordinary humans dedicated to assassinating the power-hungry Epics by discovering their weaknesses. David wants to join their ranks and take down Steelheart, the invincible Epic who killed his father. With years of planning and a crucial experience under his belt, David is ready for revenge.

Join a loyal trio as they explore the wilds of Cherokee country. With undying determination, they form an unbeatable hunting team, but tragedy is always lurking. Journey through a story full of love, adventure, and heartache that is sure to stay with you forever.

A suspenseful tale for young readers follows a sixth-grader named Miranda who begins receiving messages from an unknown sender. As the messages become more personal and prove their accuracy by predicting future events, Miranda starts to believe that she holds the key to preventing a tragedy from occurring. But time is running out, and the final note she receives may suggest that it's already too late.