Classic literature for 7th graders
For 7th graders, classic literature is a great way to introduce them to the world of reading and literature. Here we have listed some of the most recommended classic literature books for 7th graders that they can read and enjoy.
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank – The Diary of a Young Girl is an autobiographical book written by Anne Frank during her time in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. The book is a powerful and poignant coming-of-age story about a young girl who is forced to confront the horrors of war and the fragility of life. It is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages and is a must-read for any 7th grader.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel set in the 1930s in a small town in the south of the United States. The book tells the story of Scout Finch, a young girl who grows up in a world of racial prejudice and inequality. The novel is a powerful critique of the Jim Crow laws and a moving tale of courage and compassion.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel by Jane Austen that is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of English literature. The novel tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a strong-willed and independent young woman who must navigate the social conventions of early 19th-century England. The book is a compelling romance that is full of wit, humor, and social commentary.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain – The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a classic American novel that follows the adventures of a young boy growing up in a small town on the Mississippi River. The book is full of humor, adventure, and insights into human nature, making it a great choice for any young reader.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London – The Call of the Wild is a classic novel that tells the story of a dog named Buck who is taken from his comfortable life and forced to work as a sled dog in the harsh and unforgiving wilderness of Alaska. The book is a powerful and moving tribute to the resilience of the human (and canine) spirit, and is a must-read for any 7th grader.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – The Lord of the Rings is a classic epic fantasy novel that has captured the hearts and minds of readers for generations. The book tells the story of Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who is tasked with destroying a powerful ring that has the power to enslave the world. It is a tale of heroism, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil, and is sure to captivate any 7th grader.
In conclusion, classic literature is a great way to introduce 7th graders to the world of reading and literature. Each of the books on this list has stood the test of time and is sure to captivate young readers and inspire them to read more.
Contemporary YA Novels for 7th Graders
In this digital age, it’s not easy to find books that will pique the interest of seventh-graders who are used to playing video games and scrolling through their social media accounts for hours. However, Contemporary Young Adult Novels can do the trick. Unlike classic literature, these books offer teenage protagonists, modern situations, and current issues that make sense to today’s young readers. Here are some of the must-read Contemporary YA Novels for 7th Graders:
1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This #1 New York Times best-selling novel follows the life of a sixteen-year-old black girl named Starr who lives in two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she was born and raised and the posh prep school she currently attends. One night, she witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a white police officer. The incident shakes her community, and Starr finds herself at the center of a massive media and social media attention. Perfect for prompting discussions on racism, stereotypes, and police brutality, this book is timely, relevant, and powerful.
2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This heart-rending novel by the beloved Young Adult author John Green tells the story of two teenagers with cancer, Hazel and Augustus, who fall in love despite their illness and all the struggles and questions that come with it. Told with wit and humor, this book is both uplifting and tragic, poignant and honest, and appeals to any reader who has confronted mortality, loss, or love. It’s also a great introduction to literary elements like symbolism, foreshadowing, and allusion.
3. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
This award-winning novel by Jerry Spinelli centers on an eccentric and free-spirited girl named Stargirl who transfers to Mica High School in Arizona and challenges the norms and cliques of her new environment. She plays the ukulele, wears strange clothes, cheers for both teams, and befriends everyone, including Leo, the narrator. However, her non-conformity makes her popular at first, but then rejected and bullied. The novel deals with themes of individuality, conformity, identity, and kindness, and shows the power of one person to make a difference.
4. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
This memoir in verse by National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson tells her story as an African American girl growing up in South Carolina and New York City in the 1960s and 1970s. She shares her memories of family, friends, school, and church, of the Civil Rights Movement, and of discovering her love for writing and poetry. Written with grace, simplicity, and honesty, this book invites readers to explore issues of race, identity, family, and self-expression through a personal and poetic lens.
5. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
This novel in verse by award-winning author Elizabeth Acevedo follows the story of Xiomara Batista, a teenage girl from Harlem who feels unheard and unloved in her conservative Dominican family and her Catholic school. Xiomara, who writes poetry in secret, finds her voice and her power, and decides to enter a slam poetry competition. The book deals with themes of family, religion, empowerment, and coming-of-age, and showcases the beauty and the strength of spoken word poetry.
These five books are just the tip of the iceberg of the Contemporary YA Novels out there that can inspire, entertain, and educate 7th graders. By reading these books, students can develop empathy, critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love for reading and learning.
Books that tackle social issues for 7th graders
Books that are centered on social issues can inspire and motivate young minds to think critically, and develop empathy for the world around them. Here are three book recommendations that address important social issues for 7th graders:
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry
In “The Giver”, Lowry portrays a highly structured, monotonous, and seemingly perfect society, in which the freedom of choice and individuality are absent. The story mainly revolves around Jonas, the protagonist, who has been assigned the role of The Receiver, responsible for storing memories of the past. While carrying out his duty, he discovers the harsh realities of the society he lives in, and becomes determined to bring about change. This book explores themes of conformity, isolation, and the dangers of a society where individuality is suppressed.
“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor
Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” follows the story of Cassie Logan, a young African-American girl. The story is centered on themes of racism, inequality, and resistance to oppression. As Cassie navigates through a world dominated by white supremacy, she slowly grasps the severity of the situation around her. With the help of her family, she learns about the importance of activism and standing up for herself in a hostile environment.
“Wonder” by R. J. Palacio
“Wonder” tells the story of August, a 10-year-old boy born with a facial deformity, who tries to find his place in the world. The book deals with themes of acceptance, diversity, and bullying. August and his family face countless challenges as they move through the world, but their strength and resilience prevail. As the story progresses, readers learn about the value of kindness, compassion, and empathy for others regardless of differences.
Reading books that tackle social issues can help 7th graders develop a deeper understanding of society, its challenges, and ways in which we can address them. These books offer new perspectives and a chance to explore current societal problems, encouraging young minds to think critically and empathize with others. Ultimately they inspire young readers to become agents of change in their communities and the world around them.
Adventure and Mystery Books for 7th Graders
Looking for a thrill? Imagine going on an adventure and solving a mystery. The following books are recommended for 7th graders who love adventure and mystery:
1. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl who lives in a society where young people are chosen to fight to the death in a televised event. The series includes The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. This thrilling adventure series is enjoyed by people of all ages.
2. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
The Westing Game is a mystery novel that follows a group of sixteen people who are all named as potential heirs to a wealthy man named Sam Westing’s fortune. The sixteen are given a series of clues and puzzles to solve as they try to discover who killed Sam Westing and claim their inheritance. This book is perfect for 7th graders who love a good mystery that will keep them guessing until the end.
3. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The Maze Runner is a science fiction novel that follows a teenage boy named Thomas who wakes up with no memory of who he is or how he got there. He finds himself trapped in a maze with other teenage boys, and together they try to find a way out while facing challenges and dangers at every turn. This book is perfect for 7th graders who love science fiction and adventure.
4. Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene
The Nancy Drew series is a classic mystery series that follows a teenage sleuth named Nancy Drew. Nancy is a smart and resourceful girl who solves all kinds of mysteries with her friends. From haunted houses to stolen jewels, there is no mystery too big for Nancy to solve. This book series is perfect for 7th graders who love classic mysteries and strong female characters.
In conclusion, adventure and mystery books bring excitement to young readers, and these recommendations offer a great start for 7th graders. Each book will leave the reader on the edge of their seat, begging for more. From science fiction to classic mysteries, these books offer a wide range of thrills that 7th graders will enjoy.
Non-fiction books for 7th graders to learn from
If you’re a 7th grader who loves learning about real people, places, and things, then non-fiction books are for you. Here are five non-fiction books that are perfect for 7th graders to learn from:
1. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank
“The Diary of a Young Girl” is an autobiographical account of a Jewish girl named Anne Frank, who went into hiding with her family during World War II to avoid Nazi persecution. Anne kept a diary during her two years in hiding, and her account provides a glimpse into the life of a young girl during a time of great hardship. This book can help 7th graders understand the importance of tolerance and the consequences of intolerance.
2. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is a fascinating true story about a woman whose cancer cells were used without her knowledge or consent for medical research. Henrietta’s cells were the first human cells to be successfully cultured in a lab, and they have contributed to countless medical advances. This book can help 7th graders understand the importance of medical ethics and informed consent.
3. “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly
“Hidden Figures” tells the story of three African American women who worked as mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race. These women overcame many obstacles, including racism and sexism, to help put American astronauts into space. This book can help 7th graders understand the importance of diversity and the impact that individuals can have on history.
4. “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai
“I Am Malala” is the autobiography of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for women’s education who survived a Taliban assassination attempt. Malala’s story is one of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. This book can help 7th graders understand the importance of education and the power of advocacy.
5. “Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different” by Karen Blumenthal
“Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different” is a biography of the co-founder of Apple Inc. Steve Jobs was known for his innovative ideas and his ability to think outside the box. This book can help 7th graders understand the importance of creativity and perseverance in pursuing their goals.