The Best Middle School Struggles Books for Kids

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2015

Fish in a Tree

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt · Fish in a Tree series

A girl hides her reading struggles until a teacher helps her embrace her unique mind.

Schneider Family Book Award (2016)

288 pages· 48,663 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 87,690 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ally, a clever girl who hides her reading struggles with distractions, fears being labeled 'dumb.' Her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, sees her potential and helps her embrace her dyslexia. As Ally's confidence grows, she learns that labels don't define her and discovers the power of her unique mind. Will she find the courage to be herself and unlock new possibilities?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Hello, Universe

By Erin Entrada Kelly, Isabel Roxas (Illustrator)

A prank traps a boy in a well, sparking an unexpected rescue and new friendships.

Newbery Medal (2018)

320 pages· 42,553 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 26,136 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Virgil, a shy boy, finds himself trapped in a well after a bully's prank. Valencia, Kaori, and Gen embark on a daring rescue mission. As they navigate challenges, unexpected friendships form, and bravery is tested. Will they succeed in saving Virgil and discovering their inner heroes?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Jawbreaker

By Christina Wyman

Max faces bullies, family strife, and a daunting video contest—all while wearing embarrassing headgear.

320 pages· 67,107 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,264 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Max Plink's life is a whirlwind of challenges: her parents' constant arguments, relentless school bullies, and her sister's harshness. But the real kicker? Her severe overbite requires awkward headgear, earning her the nickname 'jawbreaker.' As if that weren't enough, Max dreams of winning a journalism competition with a video component, forcing her to face her fears of going viral. Can Max overcome her insecurities and follow her dreams, or will her dental drama hold her back? Dive into this humorous and heartfelt tale of resilience and self-discovery.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Taking Up Space

By Alyson Gerber

A young athlete battles self-doubt and family struggles while discovering true self-worth.

272 pages· 53,343 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 915 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Sarah's world revolves around basketball, but when her game falters, so does her confidence. As her body feels foreign and her home life unravels, a cooking competition with her crush offers unexpected challenges. Can Sarah find her true self without changing who she is? Dive into a journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Just My Rotten Luck

By James Patterson, Chris Tebbetts, Laura Park (Illustrator) · Middle School series

A mischievous student tackles football and secret art to outwit his bully and find unexpected popularity.

320 pages· 34,454 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,596 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Rafe returns to Hills Village Middle School, facing special classes and his bully, Miller, on the football team. With a secret art project in mind, Rafe aims to transform his school year. Can he save the team and handle newfound popularity? Laughter and chaos ensue as Rafe navigates the challenges of middle school life, blending sports, creativity, and social dynamics. Will his grand plans lead to triumph or more trouble? Discover the unpredictable journey of a lovable troublemaker in this hilarious adventure.

Sale price

$3134

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2012

Get Me Out of Here!

By James Patterson, Chris Tebbetts, Laura Park (Illustrator) · Middle School series

Rafe's art school dreams clash with reality, uncovering family secrets.

288 pages· 26,839 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 12,264 ratings

$32.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Rafe Khatchadorian thought art school would be a breeze, but the competitive environment pushes him to seek inspiration beyond the classroom. Embarking on 'Operation: Get a Life,' he dives into new experiences, from poker games to art museums. However, his adventures reveal hidden family secrets, forcing Rafe to confront a life-altering decision. Can he handle the truth and still find his artistic voice?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Emmy in the Key of Code

By Aimee Lucido

New girl Emmy finds harmony in coding and music, but secrets threaten her newfound rhythm.

432 pages· 25,823 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,276 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Emmy feels out of place in a new school until she discovers a passion for coding and music. Her bond with Abigail, a fellow music lover, offers hope, but secrets and a teacher's bad news threaten her harmony. Can Emmy find her true note in this symphony of challenges?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2015

Paper Things

By Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Ari navigates school and friendships while secretly homeless with her brother.

384 pages· 65,175 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,610 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Ari faces a tough choice: stay with her guardian or join her brother, Gage, who lacks a stable home. As she juggles school, friendships, and middle-school applications, Ari's life becomes a series of temporary stays—couch surfing with Gage's friends and sneaking into shelters. This heartfelt journey challenges her resilience and forces her to confront the harsh realities of homelessness. Can Ari find stability amidst chaos, or will her secret life unravel everything she holds dear? Discover a story that sheds light on the hidden struggles of those without a place to call home.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

After Zero

By Christina Collins

A silent girl discovers a family secret that could change everything.

256 pages· 47,341 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,506 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Elise, a girl who finds comfort in silence, tallies her spoken words each day at school. Her perfect score is zero, avoiding mistakes and secrets. But as her friend Mel drifts away and a stuffed raven seems to come alive, Elise faces a dilemma. A shocking family secret emerges, challenging her to break her silence. Can Elise find her voice and unlock the life she dreams of, or will her silence keep her trapped? Discover the power of words and the mysteries they conceal in this poignant tale of friendship and self-discovery.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1996

Say Cheese and Die—Again!

By R.L. Stine · Book #44 in the Goosebumps series

A cursed camera returns, causing chaos and danger for Greg once more.

144 pages· 19,671 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

3.6/5 Goodreads · 7,043 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Mass Market Paperback

Summary: Greg's summer tale of a cursed camera earns him an 'F' from his skeptical teacher. Determined to prove his story, Greg unearths the camera, unleashing a series of terrifying events. Can he stop the chaos before it's too late? Discover the chilling truth behind the lens as Greg faces a nightmare that refuses to stay buried.

The Best Middle School Struggles Books for Kids

Our 10 Favorite Books About Middle School Struggles

Fish in a Tree

Hello, Universe

Jawbreaker

Taking Up Space

Just My Rotten Luck

Get Me Out of Here!

Emmy in the Key of Code

Paper Things

After Zero

Say Cheese and Die—Again!

Great books, picked for their age.

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