books 6th class

50 Must-Read Books for 6th Graders

Yashvi Peeti

Yashvi Peeti is an aspiring writer and an aspiring penguin. She has worked as an editorial intern with Penguin Random House India and HarperCollins Publishers India. She is always up for fangirling over poetry, taking a walk in a park, and painting tiny canvases. You can find her on Instagram @intangible.perception

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Anyone who remembers the awkward years of middle school—or is currently experiencing them—understands the anxieties and possibilities that come with that tender age. Books can serve as loyal companions for 6th graders to help them get through life with self awareness and the knowledge that they are not alone. It’s also such a wonderful age to be introduced to books with diverse voices and cultures that stir compassion, curiosity and creativity. Here is a list of the best books for 6th graders to soothe their insecurities and broaden their vision.

Graphic Novels for 6th Graders

1. Stargazing by Jen Wang

“When Moon’s family moves in next door to Christine’s, Moon goes from unlikely friend to best friend―maybe even the perfect friend. The girls share their favorite music videos, paint their toenails when Christine’s strict parents aren’t around, and make plans to enter the school talent show together. Moon even tells Christine her deepest secret: that she sometimes has visions of celestial beings who speak to her from the stars. Who reassure her that earth isn’t where she really belongs.

But when they’re least expecting it, catastrophe strikes. After relying on Moon for everything, can Christine find it in herself to be the friend Moon needs?

New York Times –bestselling author-illustrator Jen Wang draws on her childhood to paint a deeply personal yet wholly relatable friendship story that’s at turns joyful, heart-wrenching, and full of hope.”

2. New Kid by Jerry Craft

“Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.

As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?”

3. Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani

“Priyanka Das has so many unanswered questions: Why did her mother abandon her home in India years ago? What was it like there? And most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mom leave him behind? But Pri’s mom avoids these questions–the topic of India is permanently closed.

For Pri, her mother’s homeland can only exist in her imagination. That is, until she find a mysterious pashmina tucked away in a forgotten suitcase. When she wraps herself in it, she is transported to a place more vivid and colorful than any guidebook or Bollywood film. But is this the real India? And what is that shadow lurking in the background? To learn the truth, Pri must travel farther than she’s ever dared and find the family she never knew.”

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4. El Deafo by Cece Bell and David Lasky

“Starting at a new school is scary, even more so with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece’s class was deaf. Here she is different. She is sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.

Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in school — in the hallway… in the teacher’s lounge… in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it’s just another way of feeling different… and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most, a true friend?”

5. Smile (Smile #1) by Raina Telgemeier

“Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there’s still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. This coming-of-age true story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been in middle school, and especially those who have ever had a bit of their own dental drama.”

6. Invisible Emmie (Emmie & Friends) by Terri Libenson

“This is the story of two totally different girls—quiet, shy, artistic Emmie and popular, outgoing, athletic Katie—and how their lives unexpectedly intersect one day when an embarrassing note falls into the wrong hands.”

7. Real Friends (Real Friends #1) by Shannon Hale (Writer) , LeUyen Pham (Illustrator), Jane Poole (Colorist)

“When best friends are not forever . . .

Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends ever since they were little. But one day, Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the most popular girl in class and the leader of a circle of friends called The Group. Everyone in The Group wants to be Jen’s #1, and some girls would do anything to stay on top . . . even if it means bullying others.

Now every day is like a roller coaster for Shannon. Will she and Adrienne stay friends? Can she stand up for herself? And is she in The Group—or out?

Newbery Honor author Shannon Hale and  New York Times bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham join forces in this graphic memoir about how hard it is to find your real friends—and why it’s worth the journey.”

8. Coraline by Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell

“The fourteenth is locked, and on the other side is only a brick wall, until the day Coraline unlocks the door to find a passage to another flat in another house just like her own.

Only it’s different.

At first, things seem marvelous in the other flat. The food is better. The toy box is filled with wind-up angels that flutter around the bedroom, books whose pictures writhe and crawl and shimmer, little dinosaur skulls that chatter their teeth. But there’s another mother, and another father, and they want Coraline to stay with them and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.

Other children are trapped there as well, lost souls behind the mirrors. Coraline is their only hope of rescue. She will have to fight with all her wits and all the tools she can find if she is to save the lost children, her ordinary life, and herself.

Critically acclaimed and award-winning author Neil Gaiman will delight readers with his first novel for all ages.”

9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #1) by Jeff Kinney

“Boys don’t keep diaries—or do they?

The launch of an exciting and innovatively illustrated new series narrated by an unforgettable kid every family can relate to

It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.

In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion.

Author/illustrator Jeff Kinney recalls the growing pains of school life and introduces a new kind of hero who epitomizes the challenges of being a kid. As Greg says in his diary, “Just don’t expect me to be all ‘Dear Diary’ this and ‘Dear Diary’ that.†? Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won’t do and what he actually does are two very different things.”

10. Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School #1) by Svetlana Chmakova

“Cardinal rule #1 for surviving school: Don’t get noticed by the mean kids.

Cardinal rule #2 for surviving school: Seek out groups with similar interests and join them.

On her first day at her new school, Penelope–Peppi–Torres reminds herself of these basics. But when she trips into a quiet boy in the hall, Jaime Thompson, she’s already broken the first rule, and the mean kids start calling her the “nerder girlfriend.” How does she handle this crisis? By shoving poor Jaime and running away!

Falling back on rule two and surrounding herself with new friends in the art club, Peppi still can’t help feeling ashamed about the way she treated Jaime. Things are already awkward enough between the two, but to make matters worse, he’s a member of her own club’s archrivals–the science club! And when the two clubs go to war, Peppi realizes that sometimes you have to break the rules to survive middle school!”

11. The Stonekeeper (Amulet #1) by Kazu Kibuishi

“Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a giant robot—and two ordinary children on a life-or-death mission.

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids’ mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.

Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.”

To find more illustrated books for 6th graders, check out our graphic novels recommendations for middle graders.

Realistic Books for 6th Graders

12. a good kind of trouble by lisa moore ramée.

“Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. All she wants to do is to follow the rules. (Oh, and she’d also like to make it through seventh grade with her best friendships intact, learn to run track, and have a cute boy see past her giant forehead.)

But in junior high, it’s like all the rules have changed. Now she’s suddenly questioning who her best friends are and some people at school are saying she’s not black enough. Wait,  what ?

Shay’s sister, Hana, is involved in Black Lives Matter, but Shay doesn’t think that’s for her. After experiencing a powerful protest, though, Shay decides some rules are worth breaking. She starts wearing an armband to school in support of the Black Lives movement. Soon everyone is taking sides. And she is given an ultimatum.

Shay is scared to do the wrong thing (and even more scared to do the right thing), but if she doesn’t face her fear, she’ll be forever tripping over the next hurdle. Now that’s trouble, for real.”

13. The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

“A warmly humane look at universal questions of belonging, infused with humour, from the bestselling author of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe .

Sal used to know his place with his adoptive gay father, their loving Mexican American family, and his best friend, Samantha. But it’s senior year, and suddenly Sal is throwing punches, questioning everything, and realizing he no longer knows himself. If Sal’s not who he thought he was, who is he?”

14. Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

“My name is Sam. I am eleven years old. I collect stories and fantastic facts. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead.”

Sam loves facts. He wants to know about UFOs and horror movies and airships and ghosts and scientists, and how it feels to kiss a girl. And because he has leukaemia he wants to know the facts about dying. Sam needs answers to the questions nobody will answer. “Ways To Live Forever” is the first novel from an extraordinarily talented young writer. Funny and honest, it is one of the most powerful and uplifting books you will ever read.”

15. Front Desk by Kelly Yang

“Mia Tang has a lot of secrets.

Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.

Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they’ve been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.

Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?

It will take all of Mia’s courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?”

16. Listen, Slowly by Thanhhà Lai

“A California girl born and raised, Mai can’t wait to spend her vacation at the beach. Instead, though, she has to travel to Vietnam with her grandmother, who is going back to find out what really happened to her husband during the Vietnam War. Mai’s parents think this trip will be a great opportunity for their out-of-touch daughter to learn more about her culture. But to Mai, those are their roots, not her own. Vietnam is hot, smelly, and the last place she wants to be. Besides barely speaking the language, she doesn’t know the geography, the local customs, or even her distant relatives. To survive her trip, Mai must find a balance between her two completely different worlds.”

17. Martin McLean, Middle School Queen by Alyssa Zaczek

“Seventh-grader Martin McLean has always been surrounded by people who can express themselves. His mother is an artist, his colorful Tío Billy works in theater, and his best friends Carmen and Pickle are outgoing and don’t care what other people think. But Martin can only find the right words when he’s answering a problem at a Mathletes competition—until his tío introduces him to the world of drag. In a swirl of sequins and stilettos, Martin creates his fabulous drag queen alter ego, Lottie León.

As Lottie, he is braver than he’s ever been; but as Martin, he doesn’t have the guts to tell anyone outside of his family about her. Not Carmen and Pickle, not his Mathletes teammates, and definitely not Chris, an eighth-grader who gives Martin butterflies. When Martin discovers that his first-ever drag show is the same night as the most important Mathletes tournament, he realizes that he can only pull off both appearances by revealing his true self to his friends—and channeling his inner drag superstar.”

18. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

“I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.”

19. See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng

“A space-obsessed boy and his dog, Carl Sagan, take a journey toward family, love, hope, and awe in this funny and moving novel for fans of Counting by 7s, Walk Two Moons, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

11-year-old Alex Petroski loves space and rockets, his mom, his brother, and his dog Carl Sagan—named for his hero, the real-life astronomer. All he wants is to launch his golden iPod into space the way Carl Sagan (the man, not the dog) launched his Golden Record on the Voyager spacecraft in 1977. From Colorado to New Mexico, Las Vegas to L.A., Alex records a journey on his iPod to show other lifeforms what life on earth, his earth, is like. But his destination keeps changing. And the funny, lost, remarkable people he meets along the way can only partially prepare him for the secrets he’ll uncover—from the truth about his long-dead dad to the fact that, for a kid with a troubled mom and a mostly not-around brother, he has way more family than he ever knew.

Jack Cheng’s debut is full of joy, optimism, determination, and unbelievable heart. To read the first page is to fall in love with Alex and his view of our big, beautiful, complicated world. To read the last is to know he and his story will stay with you a long, long time.”

20. Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

“I am learning how to be sad and happy at the same time.

Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives.

At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.”

21. Melissa (Previously Published as George ) by Alex Gino

“BE WHO YOU ARE. When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl.

George thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web . George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can’t even try out for the part… because she’s a boy.

With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte—but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.”

22. Five on a Treasure Island (The Famous Five #1) by Enid Blyton

“The very first Famous Five adventure, featuring Julian, Dick, Anne, not forgetting tomboy George and her beloved dog, Timmy! There’s a shipwreck off Kirrin Island! But where is the treasure? The Famous Five are on the trail – looking for clues – but they’re not alone! Someone else has got the same idea. Time is running out for the Famous Five, who will follow the clues and get to the treasure first?”

Fantasy Books for 6th Graders

23. gregor the overlander by suzanne collins.

“When Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats–but the fragile peace is about to fall apart.

Gregor wants no part in this conflict, but again and again, he and his family are drawn into the Underland. Gregor must find his place in the frightening prophecies he encounters, the strength to protect his family, and the courage to defend against an army of giant rats.

In this action-packed and masterful series, Suzanne Collins unfolds the fate of the Underland and its great warrior, Gregor the Overlander.”

24. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

“Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are jetting off to family vacations in exotic locales, she’ll be spending her autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, waiting for her mom to return from her latest archeological trip. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, traveling to Paris, and having a chauffeur?

One day, three schoolmates show up at Aru’s doorstep to catch her in a lie. They don’t believe her claim that the museum’s Lamp of Bharata is cursed, and they dare Aru to prove it.  Just a quick light,  Aru thinks. Then she can get herself out of this mess and  never ever  fib again.

But lighting the lamp has dire consequences. She unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction. Her classmates and beloved mother are frozen in time, and it’s up to Aru to save them.”

The only way to stop the demon is to find the reincarnations of the five legendary Pandava brothers, protagonists of the Hindu epic poem, the  Mahabharata , and journey through the Kingdom of Death. But how is one girl in Spider-Man pajamas supposed to do all  that ?

25. The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1) by Rick Riordon

“Magnus Chase has seen his share of trouble. Ever since that terrible night two years ago when his mother told him to run, he has lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, staying one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, Magnus learns that someone else is trying to track him down—his uncle Randolph, a man his mother had always warned him about. When Magnus tries to outmaneuver his uncle, he falls right into his clutches. Randolph starts rambling about Norse history and Magnus’s birthright: a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

The more Randolph talks, the more puzzle pieces fall into place. Stories about the gods of Asgard, wolves, and Doomsday bubble up from Magnus’s memory. But he doesn’t have time to consider it all before a fire giant attacks the city, forcing him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents. . . .

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die.”

26. Furthermore (Furthermore #1) by Tahereh Mafi

“Alice Alexis Queensmeadow 12 rates three things most important: Mother, who wouldn’t miss her; magic and color, which seem to elude her; and Father, who always loved her. Father disappeared from Ferenwood with only a ruler, almost three years ago. But she will have to travel through the mythical, dangerous land of Furthermore, where down can be up, paper is alive, and left can be both right and very, very wrong. Her only companion is Oliver whose own magic is based in lies and deceit. Alice must first find herself—and hold fast to the magic of love in the face of loss.”

27. The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #1) by Jessica Townsend

“A cursed girl escapes death and finds herself in a magical world – but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination

Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she’s blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks–and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.

But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.

It’s then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city’s most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart – an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests – or she’ll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.”

28. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe (Sal and Gabi #1) by Carlos Hernandez

“How did a raw chicken get inside Yasmany’s locker?

When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real for the first time, it isn’t under the best of circumstances. Sal is in the principal’s office for the third time in three days, and it’s still the first week of school. Gabi, student council president and editor of the school paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany, who just picked a fight with Sal. She is determined to prove that somehow, Sal planted a raw chicken in Yasmany’s locker, even though nobody saw him do it and the bloody poultry has since mysteriously disappeared.

Sal prides himself on being an excellent magician, but for this sleight of hand, he relied on a talent no one would guess . . . except maybe Gabi, whose sharp eyes never miss a trick. When Gabi learns that he’s capable of conjuring things much bigger than a chicken–including his dead mother–and she takes it all in stride, Sal knows that she is someone he can work with. There’s only one slight problem: their manipulation of time and space could put the entire universe at risk.

A sassy entropy sweeper, a documentary about wedgies, a principal who wears a Venetian bauta mask, and heaping platefuls of Cuban food are just some of the delights that await in this mind-blowing novel gift-wrapped in love and laughter.”

29. Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega

“ Coco meets  Stranger Things  with a hint of  Ghostbusters  in this action-packed supernatural fantasy. For Lucely Luna, ghosts are more than just the family business.

Shortly before Halloween, Lucely and her best friend, Syd, cast a spell that accidentally awakens malicious spirits, wreaking havoc throughout St. Augustine. Together, they must join forces with Syd’s witch grandmother, Babette, and her tubby tabby, Chunk, to fight the haunting head-on and reverse the curse to save the town and Lucely’s firefly spirits before it’s too late.”

30. The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding (Prosper Redding #1) by Alexandra Bracken

“I would say it’s a pleasure to meet thee, Prosperity Oceanus Redding, but truly, I only anticipate the delights of destroying thy happiness.

Prosper is the only unexceptional Redding in his old and storied family history — that is, until he discovers the demon living inside him. Turns out Prosper’s great-great-great-great-great-something grandfather made — and then broke — a contract with a malefactor, a demon who exchanges fortune for eternal servitude. And, weirdly enough, four-thousand-year-old Alastor isn’t exactly the forgiving type.

The fiend has reawakened with one purpose — to destroy the family whose success he ensured and who then betrayed him. With only days to break the curse and banish Alastor back to the demon realm, Prosper is playing unwilling host to the fiend, who delights in tormenting him with nasty insults and constant attempts trick him into a contract. Yeah, Prosper will take his future without a side of eternal servitude, thanks.

Little does Prosper know, the malefactor’s control over his body grows stronger with each passing night, and there’s a lot Alastor isn’t telling his dim-witted (but admittedly strong-willed) human host.”

31. City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1) by Victoria Schwab

“Cassidy Blake’s parents are The Inspecters, a (somewhat inept) ghost-hunting team. But Cass herself can REALLY see ghosts. In fact, her best friend, Jacob, just happens to be one.

When The Inspecters head to ultra-haunted Edinburgh, Scotland, for their new TV show, Cass—and Jacob—come along. In Scotland, Cass is surrounded by ghosts, not all of them friendly. Then she meets Lara, a girl who can also see the dead. But Lara tells Cassidy that as an In-betweener, their job is to send ghosts permanently beyond the Veil. Cass isn’t sure about her new mission, but she does know the sinister Red Raven haunting the city doesn’t belong in her world. Cassidy’s powers will draw her into an epic fight that stretches through the worlds of the living and the dead, in order to save herself.”

32. Fablehaven (Fablehaven #1) by Brandon Mull

“For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.”

33. Akata Witch (Akata Witch #1) by Nnedi Okorafor

“Akata Witch transports the reader to a magical place where nothing is quite as it seems. Born in New York, but living in Aba, Nigeria, twelve-year old Sunny is understandably a little lost. She is albino and thus, incredibly sensitive to the sun. All Sunny wants to do is be able to play football and get through another day of school without being bullied. But once she befriends Orlu and Chichi, Sunny is plunged in to the world of the Leopard People, where your worst defect becomes your greatest asset. Together, Sunny, Orlu, Chichi and Sasha form the youngest ever Oha Coven. Their mission is to track down Black Hat Otokoto, the man responsible for kidnapping and maiming children. Will Sunny be able to overcome the killer with powers stronger than her own, or will the future she saw in the flames become reality?”

Find more fantasy books for 6th graders.

Classic Books for 6th Graders

34. a wrinkle in time by madeleine l’engle.

“Out of this wild night, a strange visitor comes to the Murry house and beckons Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe on a most dangerous and extraordinary adventure—one that will threaten their lives and our universe.

Winner of the 1963 Newbery Medal,  A Wrinkle in Time is the first book in Madeleine L’Engle’s classic Time Quintet.”

35. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, W.W. Denslow (Illustrator)

“When Dorothy and her little dog Toto are caught in a tornado, they and their Kansas farmhouse are suddenly transported to Oz, where Munchkins live, monkeys fly and Wicked Witches rule. Desperate to return home, and with the Wicked Witch of the West on their trail, Dorothy and Toto – together with new friends the Tin Woodsman, Scarecrow and cowardly Lion – embark on a fantastic quest along the Yellow Brick Road in search of the Emerald City. There they hope to meet the legendary, all-powerful Wizard of Oz, who alone may hold the power to grant their every wish.

Just as captivating as it was a hundred years ago, this is a story that all ages will love.”

36. Matilda by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

“Matilda is a little girl who is far too good to be true. At age five-and-a-half she’s knocking off double-digit multiplication problems and blitz-reading Dickens. Even more remarkably, her classmates love her even though she’s a super-nerd and the teacher’s pet. But everything is not perfect in Matilda’s world. For starters she has two of the most idiotic, self-centered parents who ever lived. Then there’s the large, busty nightmare of a school principal, Miss (“The”) Trunchbull, a former hammer-throwing champion who flings children at will and is approximately as sympathetic as a bulldozer. Fortunately for Matilda, she has the inner resources to deal with such annoyances: astonishing intelligence, saintly patience, and an innate predilection for revenge.

She warms up with some practical jokes aimed at her hapless parents, but the true test comes when she rallies in defense of her teacher, the sweet Miss Honey, against the diabolical Trunchbull. There is never any doubt that Matilda will carry the day. Even so, this wonderful story is far from predictable. Roald Dahl, while keeping the plot moving imaginatively, also has an unerring ear for emotional truth. The reader cares about Matilda because in addition to all her other gifts, she has real feelings.”

37. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

“The Outsiders is about two weeks in the life of a 14-year-old boy. The novel tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his struggles with right and wrong in a society in which he believes that he is an outsider. According to Ponyboy, there are two kinds of people in the world: greasers and socs.

A soc (short for “social”) has money, can get away with just about anything, and has an attitude longer than a limousine. A greaser, on the other hand, always lives on the outside and needs to watch his back. Ponyboy is a greaser, and he’s always been proud of it, even willing to rumble against a gang of socs for the sake of his fellow greasers–until one terrible night when his friend Johnny kills a soc. The murder gets under Ponyboy’s skin, causing his bifurcated world to crumble and teaching him that pain feels the same whether a soc or a greaser.”

38. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

“As soon as Anne Shirley arrives at the snug white farmhouse called Green Gables, she is sure she wants to stay forever . . . but will the Cuthberts send her back to to the orphanage? Anne knows she’s not what they expected—a skinny girl with fiery red hair and a temper to match. If only she can convince them to let her stay, she’ll try very hard not to keep rushing headlong into scrapes and blurting out the first thing that comes to her mind. Anne is not like anyone else, the Cuthberts agree; she is special—a girl with an enormous imagination. This orphan girl dreams of the day when she can call herself Anne of Green Gables.”

39. The Chronicles of Narnia (The Chronicles of Narnia #1–7) by C.S. Lewis, Pauline Baynes (Illustrator)

“Journeys to the end of the world, fantastic creatures, and epic battles between good and evil—what more could any reader ask for in one book? The book that has it all is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , written in 1949 by Clive Staples Lewis. But Lewis did not stop there. Six more books followed, and together they became known as  The Chronicles of Narnia.

For the past fifty years,  The Chronicles of Narnia  have transcended the fantasy genre to become part of the canon of classic literature. Each of the seven books is a masterpiece, drawing the reader into a land where magic meets reality, and the result is a fictional world whose scope has fascinated generations.

This edition presents all seven books—unabridged—in one impressive volume. The books are presented here in chronological order, each chapter graced with an illustration by the original artist, Pauline Baynes. Deceptively simple and direct, The Chronicles of Narnia continue to captivate fans with adventures, characters, and truths that speak to readers of all ages, even fifty years after they were first published.”

40. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, Michael Hague (Illustrator)

“Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie Peter Pan, the mischievous boy who refuses to grow up, lands in the Darling’s proper middle-class home to look for his shadow. He befriends Wendy, John and Michael and teaches them to fly (with a little help from fairy dust). He and Tinker Bell whisk them off to Never-land where they encounter the Red Indians, the Little Lost Boys, pirates and the dastardly Captain Hook.”

41. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, Garth Williams (Illustrator), Rosemary Wells (Illustrator)

“This beloved book by E. B. White, author of Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan, is a classic of children’s literature that is “just about perfect.” This high-quality paperback features vibrant illustrations colorized by Rosemary Wells!

Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte’s Web, high up in Zuckerman’s barn. Charlotte’s spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur’s life when he was born the runt of his litter.

E. B. White’s Newbery Honor Book is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. This edition contains newly color illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White’s Stuart Little and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series, among many other books.”

42. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

“After a tumble down the rabbit hole, Alice finds herself far away from home in the absurd world of Wonderland. As mind-bending as it is delightful, Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel is pure magic for young and old alike.”

43. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Richard Howard (Translator), Ivan Minatti (Translator), Nguyễn Thành Vũ (Illustrator)

“Moral allegory and spiritual autobiography, The Little Prince is the most translated book in the French language. With a timeless charm it tells the story of a little boy who leaves the safety of his own tiny planet to travel the universe, learning the vagaries of adult behaviour through a series of extraordinary encounters. His personal odyssey culminates in a voyage to Earth and further adventures.”

44. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

“Generations of readers young and old, male and female, have fallen in love with the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s most popular and enduring novel, Little Women . Here are talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.

It is no secret that Alcott based  Little Women  on her own early life. While her father, the freethinking reformer and abolitionist Bronson Alcott, hobnobbed with such eminent male authors as Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne, Louisa supported herself and her sisters with “woman’s work,” including sewing, doing laundry, and acting as a domestic servant. But she soon discovered she could make more money writing.  Little Women brought her lasting fame and fortune, and far from being the “girl’s book” her publisher requested, it explores such timeless themes as love and death, war and peace, the conflict between personal ambition and family responsibilities, and the clash of cultures between Europe and America.”

Find free books online and check out Project Gutenberg   and Read Print for classics.

 Poetry And Short Stories For 6th Graders

45. out of wonder  by kwame alexander.

“Out of gratitude for the poet’s art form, Newbery Award–winning author and poet Kwame Alexander, along with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth, present original poems that pay homage to twenty famed poets who have made the authors’ hearts sing and their minds wonder. Stunning mixed-media images by Ekua Holmes, winner of a Caldecott Honor and a John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, complete the celebration and invite the reader to listen, wonder, and perhaps even pick up a pen.”

46.  One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance  by Nikki Grimes

“In this collection of poetry, Nikki Grimes looks afresh at the poets of the Harlem Renaissance — including voices like Langston Hughes, Georgia Douglas Johnson, and many more writers of importance and resonance from this era — by combining their work with her own original poetry. Using “The Golden Shovel” poetic method, Grimes has written a collection of poetry that is as gorgeous as it is thought-provoking. This special book also includes original artwork in full-color from some of today’s most exciting African American illustrators, who have created pieces of art based on Nikki’s original poems. Featuring art by: Cozbi Cabrera, R. Gregory Christie, Pat Cummings, Jan Spivey Gilchrist, Ebony Glenn, Nikki Grimes, E. B. Lewis, Frank Morrison, Christopher Myers, Brian Pinkney, Sean Qualls, James Ransome, Javaka Steptoe, Shadra Strickland, and Elizabeth Zunon.”

47. Voices in the Air: Poems for Listeners by Naomi Shihab Nye

“Acclaimed and award-winning poet, teacher, and National Book Award finalist Naomi Shihab Nye’s uncommon and unforgettable voice offers readers peace, humor, inspiration, and solace. This volume of almost one hundred original poems is a stunning and engaging tribute to the diverse voices past and present that comfort us, compel us, lead us, and give us hope.

Voices in the Air  is a collection of almost one hundred original poems written by the award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye in honor of the artists, writers, poets, historical figures, ordinary people, and diverse luminaries from past and present who have inspired her. Full of words of encouragement, solace, and hope, this collection offers a message of peace and empathy.

Voices in the Air  celebrates the inspirational people who strengthen and motivate us to create, to open our hearts, and to live rewarding and graceful lives. With short informational bios about the influential figures behind each poem, and a transcendent introduction by the poet, this is a collection to cherish, read again and again, and share with others.  Includes an index.”

48. Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds

“This story was going to begin like all the best stories. With a school bus falling from the sky. But no one saw it happen. They were all too busy—

Talking about boogers. Stealing pocket change. Skateboarding. Wiping out. Braving up. Executing complicated handshakes. Planning an escape. Making jokes. Lotioning up. Finding comfort. But mostly, too busy walking home.

Jason Reynolds conjures ten tales (one per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings, and brilliantly weaves them into one wickedly funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life.”

49. Flying Lessons & Other Stories by Ellen Oh (Editor)

“Whether it is basketball dreams, family fiascos, first crushes, or new neighborhoods, this bold anthology—written by the best children’s authors—celebrates the uniqueness and universality in all of us.

In a partnership with We Need Diverse Books, industry giants Kwame Alexander, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle, and Jacqueline Woodson join newcomer Kelly J. Baptist in a story collection that is as humorous as it is heartfelt. This impressive group of authors has earned among them every major award in children’s publishing and popularity as New York Times bestsellers.

From these distinguished authors come ten distinct and vibrant stories.”

50. Us, in Progress: Short Stories About Young Latinos by Lulu Delacre

“Acclaimed author and Pura Belpré Award honoree Lulu Delacre’s beautifully illustrated collection of twelve short stories is a groundbreaking look at the diverse Latinos who live in the United States.

In this book, you will meet many young Latinos living in the United States, from a young girl whose day at her father’s burrito truck surprises her to two sisters working together to change the older sister’s immigration status, and more.

Turn the pages to experience life through the eyes of these boys and girls whose families originally hail from many different countries; see their hardships, celebrate their victories, and come away with a better understanding of what it means to be Latino in the U.S. today.”

To find more great, diverse books for 6th graders, check out our middle grade books collection.

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40 Books for 6th Graders You’ll Want To Share Immediately

I want to read most of these myself, but I guess I’ll share with my students too!

While there are always classic tried-and-true books for 6th graders we share with students, I’m always on the lookout for books that could become new classics. It’s not easy to find the time to go through everything that’s been published in the last few years, however, so we’ve saved you some time with this list. Below you’ll find historical fiction, memoir, nonfiction, and fiction books for 6th graders guaranteed to awaken your students’ imagination and love of reading.

1. Lies I Tell Myself by Beth Vrabel

When Raymond is sent across the country to spend the summer with his grandparents, it throws his entire world out of order. While he normally likes letting other people do the adventuring, he finds himself needing to break out of his shell and show everyone how brave and untroubled he can be.

Buy it: Lies I Tell Myself

2. The 6th Grade Nickname Game by Gordon Korman

Gordon Korman is such a gift for tween readers everywhere. I’ve turned so many reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones by putting one of Korman’s novels into their hands. This one is no exception! Jeff and Wiley, 6th graders famous for their ability to come up with perfect nicknames for everyone at their school, run into trouble when some of their nicknames start backfiring. What happens next may put their friendship to the test.

Buy it: The 6th Grade Nickname Game

3. Wayward Creatures by Dayna Lorentz

Gabe wasn’t trying to start a small forest fire when he set off fireworks in the woods. He just wanted his friends and family to stop spending so much time in their own busy lives and pay attention to him. But now, he finds himself in a restorative justice program that is making him go back to the forest to repair some of the damage his prank caused. When he meets a coyote named Rill who was hurt by the forest fire, Gabe learns the importance of caring for those around us.

Buy it: Wayward Creatures

4. Lunch Money by Andrew Clements

Greg loves making money with his comic book business, and he isn’t pleased to learn that fellow student Maura is cutting into his profits with her own graphic mini-books. Greg hates to admit it, but her books are good— really good. So he decides to ask her to become business partners. And their business is booming until the school principal bans comic book sales. How will their new business, and their new friendship, survive?

Buy it: Lunch Money

5. The Ultimate Riddle Game for Kids: A Mind-Bending Book To Test Your Logic by Zeitgeist

For our kiddos who love puzzles, logic problems, and mind-bending riddles, this is one of the books for 6th graders that has everything. The brainteasers will ignite their curiosity and build their problem-solving skills. Perfect for kids who need a bit of an additional challenge, early finishers, or anyone who loves testing their brain with fun, engaging puzzles.

Buy it: The Ultimate Riddle Game for Kids

6. Smile by Raina Telgemeier

This award-winning graphic novel is a memoir, which may explain why it feels so heart-felt and real. When Raina falls while on a Girls Scouts outing, she severely injures her two front teeth. The odyssey of braces, retainers, head gear, and even surgery will have every 6th grader who’s been to the orthodontist wincing with sympathy and laughing at how delightfully engaging Telgemeier manages to make this painful part of her childhood.

Buy it: Smile

7. Thirst by Varsha Bajaj

This is one of the books for 6th graders that might be eye-opening for many students. In Mumbai, Minni’s family (along with thousands of other families) only has access to water for a few hours a day. When she discovers the powerful people who have access to water all the time and are keeping it from everyone else for money, she has to decide what to do. Should she come forward and expose this crime even if it puts her and her family at risk, or should she stay quiet?

Buy it: Thirst

8. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

You’re going to want to put this Newbery Award winner into the hands of your mystery-loving students ASAP! When Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes telling her she must write a letter, a true story, and tell no one, she doesn’t know what to do. But when the mysterious notes start accurately predicting the future, she knows that she must act before it’s too late.

Buy it: When You Reach Me

9. Holler of the Fireflies by David Barclay Moore

Javari knows that life is going to be different when he leaves his home in Brooklyn to go to a STEM camp in West Virginia, but his first few days in the small Appalachian town are still a shock. Throughout the summer, he will learn a lot about science, technology, engineering, and math, but that’s not all. When he befriends Cricket, a local boy who is an occasional thief and activist, he realizes he’s in for a summer he’ll never forget.

Buy it: Holler of the Fireflies

10. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

You need this book in your classroom library for your Star Wars and science fiction fans. Sixth grader Dwight stands out for his quirky behavior. He wears the same T-shirt for weeks on end and sometimes insists on being addressed as “Captain Dwight.” Despite his oddities, Dwight possesses a unique talent for making origami. When he creates an origami Yoda finger puppet, a mystery unfolds (pun intended). This miniature Yoda seems to be able to predict the future and give students amazing advice for some of their most serious problems. Soon, students flock to seek guidance from Origami Yoda.

Buy it: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

11. The Fort by Gordon Korman

When five middle schoolers discover an abandoned bomb shelter, they know they’ve found the best hideout ever. As they fix it up and make it their own, they discover the true meaning of friendship, secrets, and trusting each other.

Buy it: The Fort

12. Blood Diaries: Tales of a 6th-Grade Vampire by Marissa Moss

As if middle school weren’t hard enough, Edgar has to deal with all of it while also handling the challenges of being a young vampire. His only weapons? His wit, his sense of humor, and his friends. This is a perfect choice for your fantasy and humor-loving students.

Buy it: Blood Diaries: Tales of a 6th-Grade Vampire

13. 96 Miles by J.L. Esplin

Their dad trained them to survive anything, but brothers John and Stew Lockwood are unprepared when a massive blackout strikes while their father is out of town. After being robbed of their supplies, the brothers must walk 96 miles through the desert for help. As they do, they’ll question their father’s obsession with self-reliance and what it means to be there to help out others.

Buy it: 96 Miles

14. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Delphine, an 11-year-old taking on a motherly role for her younger sisters Vonetta and Fern since their mother Cecile left them for a new life in California, experiences a surprising turn of events when they visit Cecile for the summer. Instead of the Disneyland trip they hoped for, Cecile sends them to a Black Panthers day camp. Despite their initial disappointment, the sisters discover unexpected lessons about their family, their nation, and themselves during this eventful summer.

Buy it: One Crazy Summer

15. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Perfect for your nonfiction lovers or for your reluctant readers who love their sneakers, this young readers edition of Nike founder Phil Knight’s memoir is engaging and real. Beginning with how he refused to give up hope after he was cut from his high school baseball team to how he started Nike with just $50, this is one of the books for 6th graders that will have your students hooked.

Buy it: Shoe Dog

16. Hundred Percent by Karen Romano Young

Christine, dubbed “Tink,” finds herself grappling with a nickname that no longer fits as she confronts uncomfortable situations like awkward Halloween costumes, premature sleepovers, unrequited crushes, and shifting friendships. Through these trials, Christine discovers the significance of self-identity and the power of self-expression.

Buy it: Hundred Percent

17. Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King

When Mac realizes that all the copies of a book he’s supposed to read for class have been censored by the school, he is outraged. When he complains to the principal, he’s told to not make such a big deal out of it. But Mac knows that censorship is wrong, and he’s not going to sit around and do nothing. This is one of the great books for 6th graders for jump-starting important discussions about censorship.

Buy it: Attack of the Black Rectangles

18. Tales of a Sixth-Grade Muppet by Kirk Scroggs

Danvers Blickensderfer, a 6th grader, finds his life plummeting to new lows, particularly when his daring talent show act honoring Gonzo the Great loses to a middle school boy band named, Emo Shun . He goes to bed that night utterly defeated, but when he wakes up he discovers he’s been transformed into a Muppet. Luckily, he lands an internship at the Muppet Theater, where he gets to meet his stunt-loving hero. From here Danvers embarks on a wild adventure as he becomes part of the eccentric Muppet crew aboard The Electric Mayhem bus. This quirky fun tale is sure to delight your 6th graders.

Buy it: Tales of a Sixth-Grade Muppet

19. Two Degrees by Alan Gratz

A searing look at the climate crisis told through the perspectives of three young people. Akira is coping with raging wildfires in California. Owen is faced with a polar bear hunting far too close to residential areas in rural Canada. And Natalie hunkers down with her family as a massive hurricane barrels toward her Miami home. These three young people share more in common than climate disasters. Will they survive long enough to discover what that connection is and what it means for them and the world?

Buy it: Two Degrees

20. The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade by Jordan Sonnenblick

Sixth grade can be a tough place. A place where bullies prey on weaknesses and louder voices overshadow the quieter ones. Maverick, carrying his late father’s toy sheriff’s badge as a reminder, aims to change this dynamic. Despite his own struggles at home, Maverick sets out to make his school a better place for everyone. This heartwarming tale explores the journey of standing up for oneself and becoming a hero both at home and in the school corridors.

Buy it: The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade

21. Tumble by Celia C. Pérez

Twelve-year-old Addie knows she should be thrilled when her stepfather asks to adopt her. She really wants to say yes, but she has so many questions about her biological father. After discovering he and even more members of her family are famous  luchadores  (lucha libre wrestlers), she sets off to get to know them. As she does, she learns a lot about what being part of a family truly means.

Buy it: Tumble

22. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts

Rafe Khatchadorian faces a heap of troubles at home, and now he’s tackling his first year of middle school. Armed with a daring scheme for the ultimate year, he aims to break every rule in the school’s strict Code of Conduct. From chewing gum in class to running in the hallway, each infraction earns him points. Yet, as Rafe’s rebellious antics begin to backfire, he must confront whether winning at any cost is worth it, or if it’s time to confront the rules, bullies, and realities he’s been evading.

Buy it: Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

23. Sweet Valley Twins adapted by Nicole Andelfinger

Graphic novels are the perfect way to introduce the Sweet Valley Twins to a new generation. Elizabeth and Jessica are just about to start middle school, and they’re sure they’ll be as inseparable as ever. But while Elizabeth is ready to organize a school newspaper, Jessica wants to start an exclusive Unicorn Club. What will happen when they realize they might not have as much in common as they thought?

Buy it: Sweet Valley Twins

24. The Night Before Middle School by Sean Kolczynski

Perfect for the first days of the new school year! Written by a fifth grader as an amusing takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem, the story is a walk through what the fifth grader imagines his first day of school might be like. It includes all the scary, new experiences your students are likely worried about themselves it’s a perfect way to affirm your students’ feelings while making them feel more calm and comfortable about starting middle school.

Buy it: The Night Before Middle School

25. Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

Twelve-year-old witchling Seven dreams of being part of one of the most powerful covens with her best friend. But when it comes time to be assigned her coven, the worst thing imaginable happens: She’s not given a coven and is instead is deemed a Spare! How will she and the other Spares save their reputations and earn their rightful place as full-fledged witches?

Buy it: Witchlings

26. 6th Grade Supernatural: Abigail’s Curse by J.B. Cantwell

Zander Casey is unafraid of ghosts, living in a world where the undead are commonplace. However, when Abigail Stone arrives at Plainsbury Middle School, she brings with her a horde of malevolent spirits that even the most seasoned parallel would fear. Now, Zander must persuade Abigail to join forces with him and his eccentric scientist father to seal the gateway to the underworld she inadvertently opened. Failure to protect Plainsbury from the impending invasion could expose their secret and endanger their community. But gaining Abigail’s trust is no easy task, especially as time ticks away and the greatest threat of all threatens to break through, permanently unlocking the gateway.

Buy it: 6th Grade Supernatural: Abigail’s Curse

27. Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson

Ravenfall Inn is a sprawling, magical B&B at the crossroads of the human world and the Otherworld. Thirteen-year-old Annabella Ballinkay and her family have run the B&B for generations, using their psychic powers to help and protect their guests. Annabella’s powers have always been a bit different from the rest of her family. But when Colin, a 14-year-old searching for his missing older brother, shows up at Ravenfall, her powers might be just what is needed.

Buy it: Ravenfall

28. President of the Whole Sixth Grade by Sherri Winston

Brianna Justice has her sights set on raising funds for the much-anticipated class trip to Washington, D.C. However, her path is fraught with challenges: classmates putting on facades, a formidable new adversary aiming to usurp her position, and the looming fear of losing her closest friendships. Despite moments of doubt, Brianna discovers that unexpected twists can lead to outcomes even more fulfilling than her carefully crafted strategies.

Buy it: President of the Whole Sixth Grade

29. The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander

This powerful story follows Kofi, a boy in Ghana in 1860. Kofi loves his life and his family, but one day everything is turned upside down. This is one of the perfect books for 6th graders to pair with discussions about the lives and experiences of Africans prior to them becoming enslaved and shipped to the Americas.

Buy it: The Door of No Return

30. Wildoak by C.C. Harrington

Maggie will do almost anything to avoid speaking. Her stutter makes talking to others embarrassing and exhausting. Her father wants to send her away to a special hospital for “treatment,” but her mother suggests a few weeks with her grandfather in Wildoak Forest. Even though Maggie barely knows her grandfather, she accepts this offer as the better of two rotten choices. When she meets an abandoned snow leopard cub in the forest, she is caught up in an adventure she could never have imagined.

Buy it: Wildoak

31. Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Hazel is traveling all alone on the famous ship  Titanic . Her mother is sending her to the United States to work in a factory so that she might send money back home to help her family make ends meet. But Hazel hasn’t told anyone that she secretly wants to be a journalist, and she’s planning on writing a story about the  Titanic ‘s maiden voyage that will land her a job with a newspaper. Then she could earn enough money to send home without having to work in some smelly factory. With the help of some new friends aboard the ship, Hazel explores the  Titanic , but when disaster strikes, she has to worry more about surviving than about the story she wanted to tell.

Buy it: Iceberg

32. The Swifts by Beth Lincoln

Shenanigan Swift understands that her family gave her an unusual first name for a reason.  Shenanigan Swift: Little sister. Risk-taker. Mischief-maker.  But when the annual family reunion is shook by a horrible accident (or mysterious crime?), Shenanigan decides she is going to be more than what her family expects of her—she’s going to be a detective.

Buy it: The Swifts

33. The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

We love historical fiction stories about events our students probably don’t know much about, and this one is a perfect choice. Set in 1947 India, 12-year-old Nisha is struggling to come to grips with what’s happening in her homeland. Newly independent of British rule, her country has been separated into two countries: Pakistan and India. This is causing tension between Hindus and Muslims, and hundreds of thousands are killed crossing borders. Nisha’s family decides it’s too dangerous to remain in what is now Pakistan, and so they become refugees, heading toward India. As she travels, Nisha writes letters to her deceased mother that tell the story of their journey and her hopes to find a home.

Buy it: The Night Diary

34. The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton

Eleven-year-old Ella is a new student at the Arcanum Training Institute, a school for children who can perform magic. She can’t wait to learn everything that she can, but some at the school think that the type of magic Ella can do—conjuring—is dangerous and wrong. When a violent criminal escapes a nearby prison with the help of a conjurer, some at the school think Ella might be to blame. With the help of her new friends and her growing powers, Ella has to set things right and clear her name.

Buy it: The Marvellers

35. The Elephant Girl by James Patterson and Ellen Banda-Aaku

Perfect for students who loved  The One and Only Ivan  and  Because of Winn-Dixie , this novel tells the story of Jama and the baby elephant named Mbegu she befriended. When the baby elephant’s mother kills someone after being frightened by poachers, Jama and the baby elephant are blamed. Jama will have to find a way to save Mbegu’s life, even if it means reaching out to a boy at her school that no one else will talk to.

Buy it: The Elephant Girl

36. Rise of the School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

This fantasy fairy tale is a perfect book for 6th graders who love anime or fantasy, or are just looking for something different. Deep in the endless woods, two brothers, one good and one evil, started a school. They choose students to attend either the School for Good or the School for Evil. Best friends Sophie and Agatha are excited to attend the schools. Sophie has dreamed of attending the School for Good and Agatha the School for Evil. But when they arrive, they’re placed in the wrong schools … and that changes everything.

Buy it: Rise of the School for Good and Evil

37. Wild Bird by Diane Zahler

In 14th-century Norway, the plague has destroyed the entire village of Skeviga. To stay alive, Rype, the only one left, must embark on a sweeping adventure across Europe. He joins an English ship captain’s son and a band of musicians in search of a brighter future and a new home.

Buy it: Wild Bird

38. Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

Simon wants to be a normal kid, but he’s famous for being the only student to have survived a school shooting. In an attempt to escape this horrible reality, Simon’s parents move their family to the National Quiet Zone, the only place in America where the Internet is banned. Here, Simon expects his life to be quiet and a little boring, but when he meets scientists searching for extraterrestrials, things start to get interesting.

Buy it: Simon Sort of Says

39. The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh

Thirteen-year-old Matthew is miserable. The pandemic has everyone trapped at home. His dad is stuck overseas, and his mom has moved his 100-year-old great-grandmother into their house. Then he finds an old photo in his great-grandmother’s belongings. It gives him a clue to her hidden past. This leads to a family secret that shatters his life. The novel is historical fiction that flashes back to the 1930s. It sheds light on the Holodomor, a famine that killed millions of Ukrainians, which the USSR covered up for decades.

Buy it: The Lost Year

40. Project (Un)Popular Book #1 by Kristen Tracy

In the realm of middle school, it’s not a popularity contest—it’s a battlefield. Perry and her closest companion, Venice, are thrilled to document their school’s story as yearbook photographers, only to uncover a troubling reality: The candid moments they’re meant to capture are staged.

Yearbooks are meant to reflect everyone, even the less popular. Perry feels trapped until she realizes that only by photographing the popular kids will her work be chosen. Pushing back could isolate her further, even cost her friendships. Now, she must choose: Blend in or stand out.

Buy it: Project (Un)Popular Book #1

Looking for even more fantastic books for 6th graders? Check out our big list of Refreshing and Relatable Books To Teach in Middle School for even more books for 6th graders to add to your classroom library.

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60 Refreshing and Relatable Books To Teach in Middle School

An updated list of the best books for middle school. Continue Reading

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50 Must-Read Books For Sixth Graders

by AuthorAmy

Welcome to Amy’s Bookshelf! Here, teachers will find carefully curated book lists for each grade level from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Moving forward, new lists filled with book recommendations will be published weekly. Sometimes, these lists will be organized around a specific theme, like a holiday or seasonal event. Other times, they will feature rockstar books – books practically guaranteed to get your students reading. 

Before jumping into reading recommendations, a few words about how books are selected.

First, it is so important that teachers prioritize reading interest over reading level. Students will often choose to read well above or below their reading level if they are particularly interested in a book or topic. Teachers only hurt students by limiting them to a specific selection of titles grouped according to an arbitrary number or level. Think of the books on these lists as starting places for you and your students, but if a student wants to read up (or down), that is a-ok.

Also, please note that these lists lean heavily toward modern selections as opposed to the classics many teachers are familiar with. A true renaissance is happening in children’s literature today, and the books coming out are truly exciting. One of the factors that makes this such an exciting time for kid lit is how diverse the selections are in terms of genre, characters and subject matter. These lists will feature fiction and nonfiction selection as well as graphic novels, novels written in verse, and more.

Any book list or classroom library worth its salt includes books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters, racially diverse characters, characters with disabilities, characters in the foster care system, characters from a wide variety of socioeconomic and religious backgrounds, and so on. Importantly, the diversity of the characters doesn’t always need to be the focus of the literature – in other words, a book featuring a black character or gay character doesn’t need to be about those individuals exploring their blackness or their gayness; those characters can have kid problems that apply to all children regardless of their race or sexual orientation. Similarly, students should be encouraged to read stories featuring people of diversity all year long – not just during a month set aside to celebrate a specific heritage.

One final note: today’s children’s literature does not shy away from frank discussions of gender, race, sex, sexuality, abuse, mental illness, and more – nor should it. I will not censor books from these lists based on these controversial areas. What books you recommend will depend on the specific district you work in and your clientele. I encourage you and your students to read widely without fear.

Just so you know, Bored Teachers may get a small share of the sales made through the Amazon affiliate links on this page.

Sixth grade

For many students, sixth grade means leaving elementary school behind and bravely walking into the world of class periods and lockers and social cliques. There is a lot of growing up that happens during the tween and pre-teen years, and these stellar books are perfect for budding adolescents. 

by Jerry Spinelli

Get it  HERE .

In Paul’s town, when boys turn 10, they become “wringers” – their job is to wring the neck of birds shot down by hunters. Being a wringer is an honor, but Paul despises the thought of hurting a living creature, especially after he winds up with a pet pigeon. This remarkable book is about standing up for your beliefs, and it’s a wonderful rite of passage book for students on the cusp of adolescence. 

2. The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles

by Michelle Cuevas and illustrated by Erin E. Stead

This is a lovely, soft picture book about a man whose job it is to retrieve messages in bottles washed ashore by the sea and make sure they are delivered. The only problem is, the Uncorker longs for a letter to be addressed to him. One day, sure enough, a party invitation is tossed in by the waves. 

3. Roller Girl

by Victoria Jamieson

Astrid signs up for roller derby camp, while her best friend Nicole signs up for dance camp. Previously, the two of them have done everything together. As the summer rolls on, the girls drift apart and Astrid finds herself physically and mentally challenged by the demanding sport she has chosen. 

by R.J. Palacio

August (Auggie) Pulman has been homeschooled his entire life because he has a severe facial deformity and his parents want to protect him from the stares of other children. But when fifth grade rolls around, Auggie is determined to give school a shot. The stares and mean kids, teasing and bullying are inevitable, but Auggie is such a force of nature that it all turns out right in the end. 

5. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

by Tom Angleberger

Dwight is the weird kid in class. Dwight folds an Origami Yoda and, with Dwight as its mouthpiece, Yoda gives all sorts of good advice to the kids in his class. This is the first in a four-book series, and the short chapter books are very reader-friendly and are designed to read like a school notebook, complete with doodles and margin notes. 

6. The Green Glass Sea

by Ellen Klages

Dewey will be spending the summer with her mathematician father, who is working on a “gadget” alongside J. Robert Oppenheimer and a team of other scientists. The gadget is, of course, the first nuclear bomb. The novel culminates with a test bomb detonation in White Sands, where the gravity of this new weapon sinks in. 

7. Doll Bones

by Holly Black

Doll Bones is about three young friends who must give a porcelain doll a proper burial as the doll is rumored to contain the ashes of a dead girl. It’s a mix of slightly creepy ghost story and coming of age story. 

8. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl arrives on the scene of Mica High School and the school is immediately enchanted by the young girl who does not conform. Soon, though, Stargirl’s differences become a problem and she is faced with tremendous pressure to become just like everyone else. 

9. The Watsons Go to Birmingham

by Christopher Paul Curtis

The Watson family travels to Birmingham in the summer of 1963, hoping that Grandma can straighten out 13-year-old Byron, who is something of a delinquent. Their visit coincides with the Birmingham church bombing, so this is historical fiction set against the backdrop of an engaging family with carefully rendered characters. 

10. Dave the Potter

by Laban Carrick Hill and illustrated by Bryan Collier

This is a gorgeous picture book biography about a man named Dave, a slave who made pottery and etched his poetry into his creations. Extensive notes at the end of the book go over what little history remembers about Dave and includes photos of some of his pottery. 

11. One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance

by Nikki Grimes

Author Nikki Grimes pairs her original poetry with poems from the Harlem Renaissance. Each poem is accompanied by art from today’s most influential black illustrators. 

12. The Someday Birds by Sally J. Pla

Charlie’s father returns home injured from the war in Afghanistan, where he was working as a journalist. Charlie’s family embarks on a road trip from the west coast to the east, seeking a specialist for Charlie’s father. 

13. The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora

by Pablo Cartaya

13-year-old Arturo is a Cuban-American living in Miami. His summers follow a predictable pattern until a land developer moves to town, threatening to shut down his grandma’s restaurant. With the help of the girl next door, Arturo discovers – and uses – his voice through community activism. 

14. The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade

by Jordan Sonnenblick

Maverick’s dad left him a toy sheriff’s badge, which Maverick keeps with him to remind him of his father. The badge also inspires Maverick to right the small injustices he sees in his sixth – grade life. 

15. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Red is the neighborhood wish tree. For years, people have written their wishes on cloth scraps and tied them to Red’s branches. Red has many stories he can tell. This particular story of Red’s is about a new family that moves to town, a family that isn’t immediately accepted by the rest of the community. 

16. A Wrinkle in Time

by Madeleine L’Engle

Get it  HE R E .

A Wrinkle in Time won the 1963 Newbery Medal. It begins with the words “It was a dark and stormy night…” when Meg Murray heads to the kitchen for a midnight snack. Strange visitors arrive with the storm, claiming to know the whereabouts of Meg’s disappeared scientist father. Meg and some family and friends set off on a rescue mission which involves space and time travel. This is the first in five books known as the Time Quintet. 

17. Maniac McGee

by Jerry Spinelli 

Jeffrey, whose parents were killed when he was three, has had enough. One day, he runs away from his cruel aunt and uncle, looking for a new place to call home. Along the way, Jeffrey encounters a series of trials and somehow manages to come out on top in each one, earning him the nickname Maniac. 

16. Tuck Everlasting

by Natalie Babbitt

Winnie Foster discovers a spring on her family’s property that grants immortality, and she meets members of the Tuck family who have drunk from the stream. Winnie must decide whether she, herself, wants immortality. 

17. The Bridge to Terebitha

by Katherine Paterson 

Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke are the fastest kids in fifth grade, and they bond over their love of running. They spend their time imaging a magical land called Terabith i a. Tragedy strikes, and while readers adore this book, it also lives on as monumentally sad. 

18. The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins written

by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Brian Selznick

Victorian-era artist Waterhouse Hawkins built the first life-sized models of dinosaurs the world had ever seen after years of extensive fossil study. He is known for larger-than-life ideas, including the New Year’s Eve party that he hosted inside the life-sized model of an iguanadon . Dinosaur lovers everywhere will love this quirky true story. 

19. Gracefully Grayson

by Ami Polonsky

Grayson may look like a boy on the outside, but inside, she is sure she is a girl. This is an important book about a transgender girl deciding to share a secret with the world in the hopes of finding her true self. 

20. Ashes to Asheville

by Sarah Dooley

Fella’s mother dies an untimely death, but because the marriage act is a few years away, she is not permitted to stay with her sister Zany or her mother’s partner, the family she has been raised with. Instead, she is sent to live with her blood relatives. One day, Zany shows up on Fella’s new doorstep and the girls embark on a journey to scatter Fella’s mothers ashes as she wished them to be. 

21. As the Crow Flies

by Melanie Gillman

Charlie is 13, gay, and black. She finds herself spending her summer at a Christian camp, and it is here where she starts to question what was once a bedrock faith. She finds the church doesn’t have much r oom for someone in her diverse shoes and isn’t sure how to handle it. 

22. House Arrest

by K.A. Holt

Timothy makes a bad decision to steal a credit card in order to buy infant formula for his baby brother. He is placed on house arrest and ordered to keep a journal. House Arrest is Timothy’s journal, which is written in verse. 

23. Rhyme Schemer by K.A. Holt

Another novel by the author of House Arrest, this one is also in verse and also worth a read. This is a story about bullying, which the main character, Kevin, does pretty well. But someone decides to turn the tables on Kevin, who learns a thing or two about how to treat people. 

24. The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan

Percy is sent to Camp Half Blood, where he learns that the father he never knew is none other than Poseidon, God of the Sea. This makes Percy a demigod. Soon, Percy finds himself on a quest along with demigod Annabeth to stop a war between the gods from breaking out. Author Rick Riordan continues the Percy Jackson storyline in subsequent books and then delves into Norse, Roman, and Egyptian mythology in other related book series. 

25. Revolution is Not a Dinner Party

by Ying Chang Compestine

Ling lives in China in 1972, at the end of Chairman Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution. Her father teaches her English in secret, and she dreams of visiting America. One of Mao’s officers moves into the same apartment complex as Ling’s family, and slowly neighbors start disappearing or turning on each other.

26. Absolutely Normal Chaos

by Sharon Creech

This is a prequel to Walk Two Moons, which appears on the fifth – grade list. In this story, Mary Lou is assigned to keep a journal over the summer, but her summer turns out to be an exciting one, as readers can appreciate as they follow along with Mary Lou. 

27. Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

In The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank records two years of her life in Nazi Germany. Anne is a young Jew growing up during Hitler’s regime.  Anne and her family live in secret in an annex, and her diary chronicles the entire event from an adolescent’s perspective. It’s become a classic on middle school reading lists. 

28. The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett and illustrated by Tasha Tudor

Mary Lennox is an orphan and is sent to live at her uncle’s mansion. The mansion and her uncle contain many secrets. Mary finds a garden hidden away on the surrounding property and breaks in, determined to bring the garden back to its former splendor. 

29. Mama Africa! How Miriam Makeba Spread Hope with Her Song

by Kathryn Erskine and illustrated by Charly Palmer

Miriam Makeba was a singer during the pinnacle of South African apartheid. She was nicknamed Mama Africa and used her voice to speak out against the unjust, segregated system. 

30. Bronze and Sunflower

by Cao Wenxuan

When Sunflower’s father dies, she is taken in by a family with another only child named Bronze. Bronze and Sunflower become best friends, and this is the story of their two families weaving into one. This story is translated from Mandarin. 

 31. The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Book 1)

by Rick Riordan

From the author of the bestselling Percy Jackson books comes a new trilogy about Norse mythology. Magnus finds out he is the son of a Norse god, and he is summoned to Asgard as the gods are preparing for war. 

32. Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

This story of an unlikely friendship has much to say about bullying. Maxwell, a giant boy who is bullied for being stupid, and Freak, a tiny boy with a genius brain, become friends. The two opposites teach kids at their school – not to mention readers at home – that what really matters is the size of your heart. 

33. Nothing But the Truth by Avi

This book was published in 1992 but i increasingly relevant in today’s era of “fake news.” This book is a compilation of letters, dialogues, and other multi-genre documents surrounding one student’s choice to hum during the national anthem at his school. The reader’s job is to figure out what really happened by combing through the various biases in each account. 

34. Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas

by Jim Ottaviani and illustrated by Maris Wicks

This graphic novel is a look inside the careers of three of the world’s most famous primatologists. 

35. Older Than Dirt: A Wild but True History of Earth

by Don Brown and illustrated by Dr. Mike Perfit

This book tackles geology – from the Big Bang to the formation of the planet to the various geologic activities going on today – with humor and fun illustrations. 

36. Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

Living with a bipolar mother makes life difficult for Addie, who lives a life without moderation. Her mother takes an all or nothing approach to most everything, and Addie is just waiting for her turn at a normal life. 

37. The Glass Sentence (The Mapmaker’s Trilogy, Book 1) by S.E. Grove

Sonia comes from a line of explorers who have been mapping the world ever since what is known as the Great Disruption occured. This was the moment in time when each of the continents were sent to different time periods. Sonia’s parents disappear and she sets out to find them. 

38. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

In Fablehaven, mythical creatures live out their days to prevent the extinction of their species. When siblings Kendra and Seth find out that their grandfather is the caretaker of the animals, they are in for an adventure!

39. Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages

Katy Gordon isn’t allowed to play Little League – even though she is undeniably the best pitcher – because she is a girl. So Katy sets out to prove that girls can – and have! – played baseball throughout history. This book is both Katy’s story and an interesting history of women in baseball. 

40. The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon

Brothers Caleb and Bobby meet their new neighbor, Styx Malone, who convinces them to start the Great Escalator Trade; that is, trading one little thing for something a bit better and a bit better until you hold more treasure than you dreamed possible. Soon, though, the boys are in over their heads. 

41. Anne of Green Gables

by L.M. Mongomery

Anne of Green Gables was written at the turn of the twentieth century and has been loved ever since. Anne is a spunky redheaded orphan who turns the lives of siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert upside down. The Cuthbert’s were hoping for a boy to help tend their farm until Anne comes along and wins their hearts. 

42. Dogsong

by Gary Paulsen

Bothered by modern machines that replace the old ways, Russell takes a shaman’s sled dogs on a powerful journey of self-discovery. 

43. You Go First

by Erin Entrada Kelly

Charlotte, who lives in Pennslyvania, and Ben, who lives in Louisana, meet online while playing Scrabble. Though hundreds of miles apart, they find their middle school lives intersect in many different ways. 

44. Loving vs. Virginia

by Patricia Hruby Powell and illustrated by Shadra Strickland

In 1967, Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter brought their case in front of the Supreme Court – they wished for their interracial marriage to be recognized by their home state of Virginia. This book is in verse, with photographs of historical documents illustrating the pages. 

45. A Possibility of Whales

by Karen Rivers

Natalia Rose Baleine Gallagher lives her life dreaming about things that might be possible. For instance, she might see whales off the coast today, or she might one day get to meet her mother who left when she was just a baby.

46. Every Shiny Thing

by Cordelia Jensen and Laurie Morrison

Lauren and Sierra are best friends separated by circumstance. Sierra is sent to a foster care facility and Lauren to a boarding school for teens on the austism spectrum. Together, the two try to find a way to battle injustice. Half of this novel is written in prose, the other half in verse. 

47. Life As We Knew It (Book 1) by Susan Beth Pfeffer

In this four-book series, the world is rocked after an asteroid smacks into the moon and knocks it closer to earth. The resulting natural disasters are catastrophic – tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions. This story is told through teen Miranca’s journal entries over the course of a year. 

48. The Greenglass House by Kate Milford

Milo is the adopted son of the innkeepers of the Greenglass House. One wintery evening, the doorbell rings and rings, and soon the inn is overflowing with secretive strangers with stories about the house. 

49. Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

At the start of seventh grade, Bridge, Emily, and Tab are struggling to avoid breaking their long-ago pact to never fight and be friends forever. Can they survive the growing pains of middle school and remain friends?

by Jason Reynolds

Four kids are chosen for an elite middle school track team. They are each from vastly different backgrounds but come together to attempt to qualify for the Junior Olympics. Author Jason Reynolds has written a book for each kid in the track series: Ghost, Lu, Patina, and Sunny. 

Other book lists from Amy’s bookshelf you’ll love: 

• 50 Must-Read Books for Kindergarteners
• 50 Must-Read Books For First Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books for Second Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books For Third Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books for Fourth Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books For Fifth Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books For Sixth Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books for Seventh Graders
• 50 Must-Read​ Books for Eighth Graders
• 50 Must-Read​ Books for Ninth Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books for Tenth Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books for Eleventh Graders
• 50 Must-Read Books for Twelfth Graders

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The Best 6th Grade Books: A Booklist for Teachers & Homeschoolers

When it comes to picking the best books for your 6th graders, you might feel overwhelmed. It can be challenging to figure out where to start finding books that sixth-grade students will find engaging and meaningful while still covering all the standards you want to teach. That’s where this list of 6th grade books will come in handy!

These books for 6th graders are perfect for any teacher (or even parents) looking to make sure their students are reading engaging and meaningful texts. These books cover various genres, themes, and topics to appeal to every reader.

Here is my Ultimate List of Books for 6th Graders.

The 30 Books Every 6th Grader Should Read

Like the reading lists I’ve created for 5th graders , this list is shared in no particular order. For each book, I’ve tried to share a brief overview of these 6th grade books and some resources you can use to teach the text as a novel study or in book clubs.

1) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe  by C. S. Lewis

If you’re looking for classic 6th grade books, this is one of my favorites. Published in 1950, this children’s fantasy novel has become a classic and is now an equally famous film. It tells the story of four English children during World War II who move to the country and discover a wardrobe that leads them to another world — Narnia — ruled by a cruel White Witch!

Like a fairy tale for middle schoolers, this book has many engaging characters and fantastic themes sure to spark conversations in your classroom.

Get the Novel Unit: The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe Novel Unit

2) A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

In this book, Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe are introduced to strange happenings by the reclusive Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which. The trio joins them on an unexpected journey through time and space where they must tangle with IT — the brain of a dark force!

Your sixth graders will love the fun dynamics of the characters and the suspense as they travel through galaxies to save Charles Wallace. A Wrinkle in Time also features great themes such as friendship, courage, and individuality.

Get the Novel Unit: A Wrinkle in Time Novel Unit

3) When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

This book tells the story of a sixth-grade girl named Miranda who receives messages from an unknown source. The book leads the reader through some unexpected twists and turns as Miranda navigates her way through middle school and life while uncovering more about the mysterious messages she is getting.

I purposefully put this book after A Wrinkle in Time , as the story makes many connections to the classic text. However, there are so many reasons this book is perfect for your classroom and offers a number of opportunities to discuss aspects of the author’s craft, including foreshadowing and suspense.

If you’re looking for 6th grade books that will keep your readers on their toes, this is a great choice. After students finish reading, they’ll likely want to go back and connect all the dots. I’ve even had a few students re-read the entire book after they finished!

Get the Novel Unit: When You Reach Me Novel Study

4) The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief tells the story of twelve-year-old Percy Jackson, who discovers he is a demi-god after his mother realizes she cannot control him. Soon, he is whisked away to Camp Half-Blood, where he learns about his divine father and his many trials while also taking on the dangerous quest of retrieving Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt.

With great characters and action scenes, this book is sure to be loved by your 6th graders and is an excellent connection to Greek Mythology.

Get the Novel Unit: The Lightning Thief Novel Study

5) The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

This is one of the greatest books for 6th graders, in my opinion. It’s set during WWII when Ada, a young girl born with a club foot, is sent away from London to escape Hitler’s bombs.

Alone but determined, she makes her way to the country where she meets Susan Smith — someone who teaches her that nothing is impossible for those willing to work hard enough to achieve their goals!

Get the Novel Unit: The War that Saved My Life Literature Unit

6) A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

One of several books written by this author,  A Little Princess  tells the story of a young girl whose father went off to fight in India years earlier, leaving her with nothing but a hope that he would return one day. 

However, when he finally does arrive, the girl is forced to work as a maid and endure horrible conditions. Her life takes another turn when she discovers a secret about her father’s fortune — yet she remains kind and generous! 

In my opinion, this book is the best place to begin as it is full of compelling characters and themes, including kindness, hope, endurance, and determination.

Get the Novel Unit: A Little Princess Novel Study

7) Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Published in 2000, this book tells the story of Leo Borlock, who is about to attend middle school for the first time. One day he sees a new student with blue hair and strange clothes — Stargirl. He’s fascinated by her lack of conformity, and soon, they become friends.

However, when their classmates ostracize her because of her differences in behavior, Leo becomes her champion.

This book is so beautifully written and tells an important story about kindness, uniqueness, and friendship in the face of bullying. It would be a great addition to any classroom library!

Get the Novel Unit: Stargirl Novel Study Unit

8) The 6th Grade Nickname Game by Gordon Korman

This book tells the story of middle-schooler Matthew Hollis as he navigates his life as a sixth-grader.

During this time, he plans to create nicknames for everyone in his class — including himself. However, things quickly go downhill when he realizes that the name will not help him or his classmates get along!

Perfect for 6th graders, this book will teach them the importance of self-reflection and empathy. It also helps students to see how stereotypes can affect relationships with others.

Get the Novel Unit: The Sixth Grade Nickname Game Novel Study

9) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum

Another classic on this list of 6th grade books, by this point in their education most students are familiar with The Wizard of Oz. However, most haven’t read the actual book!

One of the oldest books on this list is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written in 1900. It has since been turned into a popular film, and television series as Dorothy and her dog Toto make their way to visit mysterious and powerful people — including the Wicked Witch, Glinda the Good Witch, and the Cowardly Lion!

They meet many interesting characters who help or hinder them along their way on their journey.

As old as it is, this book is a must-read not only because it’s exciting; I find it particularly helpful in comprehension and discussion. With the wide availability of the movie, you can also use this title to compare across different media. The book is much different than the movie!

Get the Novel Unit: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Novel Unit

10) The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

Avi’s tale about a young girl who has been raised only to know a lady’s life begins with her finding herself aboard a ship that is headed towards America.

Naturally, she’s nervous — especially when we realize how easily some people on board take advantage of her! Isolated and afraid, Charlotte is unsure who she can trust. As a result, she must learn to depend on herself and trust her instincts to save an innocent man and safely finish the voyage.

Get the Novel Unit: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle Novel Study

11) Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone

Set in the colonial era, this book is based on the true story of the Jamestown colony. Centered around the story of an orphaned young man named Samuel, the reader is exposed to the harsh realities of transatlantic travel during the period. When he is taken on as an apprentice for John Smith, his luck changes and he begins to learn what it takes to survive, and thrive, in the New World.

This book has great historical content and would be perfect for any 6th grader interested in books set during this time period.

Get the Novel Unit: Blood on the River Novel Unit

12) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Now a popular movie, The Hunger Games takes place in a future society that has risen out of the destruction.

Told through the perspective of Katniss Everdeen, it centers around an annual televised event in which two “tributes” are chosen from each district to fight in a battle that only one person can survive.

Great for 6th graders, this book offers the perfect opportunity to discuss themes including injustice, freedom, sacrifice, and survival.

Get the Novel Unit: The Hunger Games Novel Study

13) Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Another example of historical fiction is engaging and relevant to current events, Fever 1793 tells the story of a teenage girl, Mattie Cook, as she works to help her family’s coffeehouse grow and thrive.

In the midst of this, however, Philadelphia is struck with a terrible fever that is destroying thousands of lives and spreading rapidly, including Mattie’s childhood friend.

Although it’s a work of fiction, Fever 1793 has been hailed as a realistic depiction of life in America during this time. Therefore, it is an excellent book for 6th grade students to read and compare the impacts of Covid to that of yellow fever.

Get the Novel Unit: Fever 1793 Novel Study

14) War Horse by Micheal Morpurgo

Historical fiction is a great genre of books for 6th graders to read because many are studying world or US History at this point. This is a World War I novel told from the perspective of Joey, a horse.

After being sold to the British cavalry by his previous owner, Joey spends time in different homes until he ends up serving in various battles with the men he has come to know as a friend.

The unique point of view is a great chance to explore how narration impacts the reader’s understanding.

Get the Novel Unit : War Horse Novel Guide

15) The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Another science fiction book, this dystopian novel for 6th graders is the first book in the Book of Ember series,  The City of Ember  is the story of a young girl named Lina who happens upon the secret of an underground city that is in danger of being destroyed.

Although it has been around since 2003, this book has become quite popular with educators as an engaging dystopia title. I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking to use authentic literature with 6th graders.

Get the Novel Unit: The City of Ember Literature Unit

16) Refugee by Alan Gratz

Refugee  is a newer novel, but it is a powerful story that lends itself to many excellent conversations in the classroom. Written by Alan Gratz, the story is unique in that it weaves together three different periods and three stories – all with a shared theme.

While fictional, the harrowing tales of Mahmoud, Isabel, and Josef explore the trials and tribulations many refugees face. Although this book is difficult to read in many ways, it offers unique opportunities to make connections to the lived experiences of refugees today.

Get the Novel Unit: Refugee Book Study

17) Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

In  Al Capone Does My Shirts , Moose Flanagan is an average sixth grader living in Alcatraz.

However, as his parents increasingly become involved in the national debate over prison reform, he finds himself moving from home and attending school there – on the island!

As a result of this sudden change in his lifestyle, Moose must learn how to get by while also trying to make friends and fit in.

Get the Novel Unit: Al Capone Does My Shirts Novel Study

18) The Bicycle Spy by Yona Zeldis McDonough

Another excellent historical fiction text set during World War II, The Bicycle Spy is the story of a young man with dreams of competing in the Tour de France.

Throughout the story, he becomes more aware of the impacts of the Nazi invasion and realizes he can no longer sit on the sidelines. After learning his family is in danger, he must take on a mission to use his cycling skills to save a friend.

Get the Novel Unit: The Bicycle Spy Novel Study

19) One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

One of several amazing books by Rita Williams-Garcia,  One Crazy Summer  is the story of a young girl in the late 1960s who is sent to spend the summer with her mother.

However, when they embark on the trip by themselves, they end up at a training session for black revolutionaries that will change their lives forever.

Get the Novel Unit: One Crazy Summer Novel Study

20) The Giver by Lois Lowry

While this is not the first time I’ve recommended  The Giver , this book has a lot to offer sixth graders that will likely go over the heads of younger readers. In this story, a young boy discovers that his seemingly perfect society hides some dark secrets.

In this gripping tale, the main character must decide whether he is willing to fight for change or accept what has been taught to him throughout his life.

Get the Novel Unit: The Giver Novel Unit 21) Rules by Cynthia Lord

Cynthia Lord’s book  Rules  is another excellent option for sixth-grade book clubs or novel units. The story centers on twelve-year-old Catherine and the difficulties she faces trying to navigate her relationship with her brother diagnosed with autism.

Because of the nature of his condition, he struggles with social cues and boundaries – often in unexpected ways that can be humorous or frustrating for those around him. To help him, Catherine creates a book of rules for interacting. 

However, as the story goes on, Catherine realizes that she can’t just rely on a set of books rules to keep her brother safe.

Get the Novel Unit: Rules Novel Unit

22) Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

For some reason, graphic novels and comics are still relatively unpopular reading materials for school groups – something which I hope will change soon!

In this story, the main character, Astrid, struggles with whether she wants to embrace her newfound love of Roller Derby or if she should continue focusing on her traditional, age-old artistic passion.

Buy the Book: Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

23) My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

My Side of the Mountain  is a great novel choice for students interested in nature, but it is also great for conversations about the struggle for independence that many middle school students feel.

In this story, young Sam Gribley leaves his home and family after being forced to take on more responsibilities than he feels ready for. As a result, he embarks on a journey to build a new life for himself deep in the forest.

Over time, he learns how to make shelter, hunt for food, and create a sustainable lifestyle that allows him to retain his independence without feeling completely alone.

Get the Novel Unit: My Side of the Mountain Novel Unit

24) The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

While a relatively new release, this book has already won a handful of awards..and rightfully so. Coyote has been through some pretty tough situations that no kid should have to deal with. Still, when she learns that a beloved park in her neighborhood is set to be demolished, she devises a plan to get back home and retrieve the memory box her mom and sisters buried there years ago.

With a cast of unique characters and an engaging plot, your students will love this story.

Get the Novel Unit: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise Book Unit

25) Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia

Another book by Rita Williams-Garcia,  Clayton Byrd Goes Underground  is the tale of how a young boy learns to come to terms with his grandfather’s death. After running away, Clayton faces a number of challenges when he loses his most prized possession – a harmonica given to him by his grandfather.

As he works to come to grips with his losses, he realizes that running away won’t solve his problems.

Get the Novel Unit: Clayton Byrd Goes Underground Novel Study

26) Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Pam Munoz Ryan’s books are classics for a good reason. In this book, Esperanza moves to America after her father is killed. She tries her best to adjust to the new lifestyle that she has been thrust into – but the added pressures of oppressive laws and poverty make it harder than she might have imagined.

Esperanza jumps at the opportunity to earn money by working on a ranch but soon discovers that it is no easy job.

Get the Print or Digital Novel Unit: Esperanza Rising Novel Study

27) Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

The story of The Holocaust is a difficult one to teach students about at any age. Still, books that feature young characters can be especially effective because they allow for a more personal connection to these books.

In this book, ten-year-old Annemarie learns about the Nazi occupation from her friend Ellen – who has Jewish roots.

The pair embarks on a dangerous journey that allows them the opportunity to save Ellen’s family.

Get the Novel Unit: Number the Stars Novel Study

28) Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

This book, the story of a young offender in juvenile detention who is sentenced to isolation on an island off Alaska as part of a new system to address behavior, is another excellent choice for conversations about independence.

Although he initially hates the idea of being so far away from home, through his trials and tribulations he begins to find that being alone is a good thing – and he also learns the importance of connection.

Buy the Book: Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

29) Stella by Starlight by Sharon Draper

Set in the segregated South, Stella by Starlight is the story of a young girl dealing with racial tensions and the impending violence surrounding the civil rights movement.

Stella is harassed at school, and she is unsure of how to speak up or defend herself – but soon learns that she has to stand up for what she believes in if she ever wants to feel safe again.

Buy the Book: Stella by Starlight by Sharon Draper

30) So B. It by Sarah Weeks

This coming-of-age story features Heidi, a 12-year-old girl, as she grapples with the challenges of understanding who she is. Her mother’s cognitive disability prevents her from saying much, which means Heidi only has a few things to go on. One of them is the meaning of the made-up word her mother keeps saying, “soof.”

Working to understand who she is and where she comes from, Heidi begins piecing together the story of her upbringing.

Get the Novel Unit: So B. It Novel Study

You’ve seen the 6th grade books- Are you ready to plan your novel unit?

I hope this list has sparked ideas for the best books for 6th grade to add to your classroom library and your next novel unit.

While you’re here, grab my free novel study planning roadmap to get step-by-step support to plan a high-quality literature unit for your sixth-grade students whether you’re in the classroom or homeschooling. Whether planning your first novel study or looking for new ideas, you’ll love this great tool.

Check out my Reading Lists for Other Grades Below

Best Books for 6th Graders

Dive into the most recommended books for 6th graders, as curated from top educational and children's literature blogs. these titles have made multiple appearances on lists for their engaging content suitable for young readers..

27+ Must Read Books for 6th Graders

Reading plays a crucial role in the development of 6th graders. It enhances their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, preparing them for the challenges ahead. By exposing children to new ideas and perspectives, reading broadens their horizons and encourages empathy and understanding of different cultures and experiences.

Moreover, it fosters a lifelong love of learning and discovery, setting the foundation for future academic success. Providing access to diverse books ensures that children can see themselves and their experiences represented in literature, promoting inclusivity and a sense of belonging.

Best books for 6th graders

So what are some must read books for 6th graders? This age is an inflection point where students are coming to an end being a “young learner” and now moving towards being an independent thinking young adult. Here are some books to help your students develop their vocabulary and spark discussion on important issues.

“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis

“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis is a timeless classic that introduces young readers to the magical world of Narnia. This book uniquely blends adventure, fantasy, and Christian allegory. It follows the story of four siblings who discover a magical wardrobe that leads them on a journey to save Narnia from eternal winter.

Their adventures teach Readers valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and sacrifice. “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” has inspired numerous adaptations, including movies, T.V. shows, and stage productions. It is a must-read for sixth graders looking for an enchanting and thought-provoking story.

“A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle

“A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle is a classic fantasy novel that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through space and time. The story revolves around Meg, a young girl who embarks on a mission to rescue her long-lost father.

L’Engle explores themes of love, family, and self-acceptance throughout the book, making it relatable and captivating for 6th graders. With its unique blend of science fiction elements and heartfelt storytelling, “A Wrinkle in Time” is engaging and thought-provoking.

It is part of a more extensive series, offering young readers more reading options. This beloved tale has received praise for its positive messages about individuality and the power of love.

“The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan

“The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan is a popular fantasy book that seamlessly combines Greek mythology with modern-day settings. It follows the exciting journey of Percy Jackson, a demigod, as he embarks on a quest to recover Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt.

This book offers 6th graders an engaging adventure filled with relatable characters. Alongside the action-packed plot, it also imparts important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery. “The Lightning Thief” is a fantastic introduction to a captivating book series, making it an excellent choice for middle school students.

With its blend of mythology and contemporary themes, this novel will captivate young readers and leave them eagerly reaching for the next installment.

“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by Frank L. Baum

“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by Frank L. Baum is a beloved classic fantasy book that has enchanted readers of all ages for generations. This timeless tale follows the magical journey of Dorothy through the captivating Land of Oz. Filled with adventure, colorful characters, and valuable life lessons, this book teaches 6th graders the importance of bravery, resourcefulness, and kindness in adversity.

With its beautiful illustrations and captivating narrative, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is a must-read for all 6th graders, transporting them to a world of wonder and imagination. It is truly a gem among the best books for 6th graders.

“Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry

“Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry is a powerful story set in Denmark during WWII. It follows a young girl’s journey and explores themes of courage, friendship, and the impact of war on children. The book is written in an accessible style for 6th graders, making it an excellent choice for middle school readers.

It has received multiple awards, including the prestigious Newbery Medal, and is considered a classic in children’s literature. Teachers can use “Number the Stars” to teach historical context, empathy, and critical thinking skills. With its compelling narrative and relatable characters, this book is a must-read for 6th graders.

“The War That Saved My Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

“The War That Saved My Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a historical fiction novel set during World War II. It tells the story of Ada, a young girl who escapes from her abusive home and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. This powerful coming-of-age story explores themes of family, courage, and the transformative power of kindness.

“The War That Saved My Life” has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Newbery Honor 2016. It is recommended for middle school students and resonates with adult readers. With its engaging narrative and compelling characters, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an inspiring and thought-provoking read.

“Blood on the River” by Elisa Carbone

“Blood on the River” by Elisa Carbone takes readers back to the early 1600s in Virginia. The novel follows Samuel Collier, a page to Captain John Smith, as he navigates life and interacts with Native Americans during the colonization of America.

This historical fiction book offers a unique perspective on the struggles faced by both sides. Combining history and adventure, it is a must-read for any 6th grader. “Blood on the River” has received multiple awards, including the Jefferson Cup Honor for Historical Fiction, making it a valuable addition to any middle school reading list.

“Fever 1793” by Laurie Halse Anderson

“Fever 1793” by Laurie Halse Anderson is a captivating historical fiction novel during the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia. The story revolves around the experiences of a 14-year-old girl named Mattie Cook as she faces the challenges brought about by the outbreak and its aftermath.

This book provides a unique window into that period’s societal and political issues. It also explores themes such as resilience, survival, and community, making it an excellent resource for young readers to understand historical events engagingly.

Teachers highly recommend “Fever 1793” as a must-read for 6th graders.

“The Bicycle Spy” by Yona Zeldis McDonough

“The Bicycle Spy” is a captivating historical fiction book during World War II. The story revolves around Marcel, a young boy who becomes a spy for the French Resistance. Marcel uses his trusty bicycle to transport crucial messages and supplies while facing dangerous situations.

What makes this book unique is its perspective, as it offers a glimpse into the war through the eyes of a child. With its engaging storyline and educational value, “The Bicycle Spy” is an excellent choice for 6th graders interested in history and adventure. It is a must-read for middle schoolers looking for a powerful and immersive story.

“Esperanza Rising” by Pam Munoz Ryan

“Esperanza Rising” by Pam Munoz Ryan tells the story of a young girl’s journey from a life of privilege to working in a migrant farm camp. This captivating novel not only teaches 6th graders about empathy, perseverance, and the importance of family but also delves into Mexican culture and the hardships faced by migrant workers during the Great Depression.

Through its powerful narrative, “Esperanza Rising” sparks discussions about social justice and immigrant rights. The relatable characters in the book allow 6th graders to connect with and learn from their experiences. It is a must-read for middle schoolers seeking a meaningful coming-of-age story.

“When You Reach Me” by Rebecca Stead

“When You Reach Me” by Rebecca Stead is a captivating Newbery Medal-winning novel that seamlessly combines time travel and mystery elements. Set in 1970s New York City, the story follows the journey of Miranda, a young girl who receives enigmatic notes predicting the future. Intrigued, she begins to unravel the mystery behind these messages.

Through her adventure, Miranda learns the importance of friendship, family, and sacrifice. This thought-provoking book is an excellent introduction to fantasy, making it an ideal choice for 6th graders who enjoy puzzles and suspense. With its engaging plot and relatable characters, “When You Reach Me” is a must-read for middle schoolers seeking an immersive reading experience.

“The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau

“The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau is a thrilling post-apocalyptic adventure perfect for young readers. In this captivating book, two friends embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of their underground city. The unique setting and plot twists throughout the story will keep readers engaged and eager to uncover what lies beyond the darkness of Ember.

With strong themes of friendship, perseverance, and discovery, this book offers valuable lessons for 6th graders. Moreover, “The City of Ember” is just the beginning of an exciting series allowing young readers to continue exploring this fascinating world.

“Refugee” by Alan Gratz

“Refugee” by Alan Gratz is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that tells the stories of three refugee children from different backgrounds and periods. This book explores empathy, resilience, and survival themes, making it an excellent choice for young readers.

Teachers highly recommend “Refugee” for its historical accuracy and engaging storytelling. The book captivates readers and sparks conversations about current events and global issues. With its relatable characters and fast-paced plot, “Refugee” will surely be a page-turner for 6th graders. It’s a must-read for a compelling and impactful read for middle schoolers.

In the dystopian novel Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, set in a future society, plastic surgery is mandatory at age 16 to become “pretty.” The main character, Tally Youngblood, decides between conforming to societal norms or embracing her individuality.

This thought-provoking story delves into themes of beauty standards, self-acceptance, and rebellion against authority. Uglies is captivating for young readers who enjoy adventure and science fiction. It has garnered critical acclaim and won the Aurealis Award for Best Young Adult Novel.

With its compelling narrative and exploration of relevant themes, Uglies is a must-read for sixth graders seeking an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko is a captivating and humorous read for 6th graders. Set on Alcatraz Island, the story revolves around a boy whose family lives there. As the narrative unfolds, it explores friendship, acceptance, and coming-of-age themes.

This Newbery Honor Book has garnered praise for its engaging writing style, relatable characters, and historical accuracy. With its unique setting and compelling storyline, Al Capone Does My Shirts offers an immersive reading experience for young readers. It’s a must-read for 6th graders looking for an entertaining and enlightening book.

Mayday by Karen Harrington takes readers on a thrilling adventure through time travel and parallel universes. With its strong characters and well-developed plot, this book will keep 6th graders engaged from start to finish. Exploring themes of friendship, family, and tough decision-making, Mayday offers a captivating reading experience. Perfect for advanced readers, the book’s complex storyline and vivid descriptions create an immersive world.

Mayday is a must-read for middle schoolers who enjoy science fiction and want to dive into a powerful story that sparks the imagination. It’s a book that will leave a lasting impression on young readers, making it an excellent addition to any 6th-grade book list.

I Have Lived A Thousand Years

“I Have Lived A Thousand Years” is a powerful historical fiction novel by Livia Bitton-Jackson that delves into the harrowing experiences of a young girl during the Holocaust. This gripping book offers a unique historical perspective and critical lessons about empathy and resilience.

The protagonist’s journey through loss, fear, and survival resonates deeply with young readers, immersing them in a world fraught with unimaginable challenges. Accurately portraying life in concentration camps, this well-researched story paints a vivid and haunting picture of the Holocaust.

Through its inspiring message of hope, “I Have Lived A Thousand Years” stands as a must-read for sixth graders and a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

Red Scarf Girl

Red Scarf Girl, a memoir by Ji-li Jiang, takes readers through the Cultural Revolution in China. This powerful and thought-provoking book explores themes of identity, family, and political turmoil through the eyes of a young girl. Red Scarf Girl offers a unique perspective on Chinese history and culture not often found in Western literature.

It has been praised for its accessibility to young readers while providing a captivating story. Parents and educators looking to introduce their children to significant historical events and diverse perspectives will find Red Scarf Girl a must-read.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice

“Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice” is a captivating historical fiction book that chronicles the inspiring journey of a brave young girl who played a pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. This book is an excellent introduction to the real-life heroes of the civil rights movement, fostering empathy and compassion in young readers.

Through Colvin’s story, students will understand the significance of standing up for what is right, even in adversity. Whether it’s their first time exploring history or engaging with social justice issues, this thought-provoking and powerful narrative is a must-read for 6th graders interested in making a positive difference.

Fantasy books have the power to ignite a child’s creativity and imagination, making them an excellent choice for 6th graders. One classic favorite among students of this age group is “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling.

This adventure-packed novel takes young readers on a journey to the magical world of Hogwarts. Another popular fantasy book for 6th graders is “Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan, which combines Greek mythology with a modern-day setting. “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis is a timeless fantasy novel that transports readers to a magical land through a mysterious wardrobe. Lastly, “The Hobbit” by J.R.R.

Tolkien is a beloved classic that introduces children to the enchanting world of Middle Earth. These books are sure to captivate the imaginations of 6th graders and leave them eagerly turning the pages.

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“Free Lunch” by Rex Ogle is an emotionally charged and powerful story that delves into the struggles of a young boy dealing with poverty and bullying. This book explores important themes such as social inequality and middle school students’ challenges. With its authentic portrayal of complex issues, “Free Lunch” has garnered critical acclaim.

It catalyzes thought-provoking discussions on empathy, compassion, and resilience. Teachers and parents can utilize this book as a valuable tool to promote social awareness and emotional intelligence among young readers. By tackling complex topics head-on, “Free Lunch” provides a captivating and relatable narrative for sixth graders.

“The Island” by Gary Paulsen is an exhilarating tale of survival blended with fantasy elements. Wil Neuton, the protagonist, finds himself stranded on an enigmatic island and must rely on his ingenuity to stay alive. This gripping novel delves into themes of resilience, bravery, and the boundless power of imagination.

With its thrilling adventure and suspense, “The Island” is a top choice for readers who love a good adrenaline rush. Teachers highly recommend this thought-provoking read as it encourages students to think critically about their lives. Embark on this captivating journey and discover the transformative power of determination on “The Island.”

“The River” by Gary Paulsen is a riveting survival adventure story that combines fantasy elements. The protagonist, Brian, finds himself in a challenging situation when he becomes stranded in the Canadian wilderness.

Throughout the book, readers are introduced to themes of resilience, problem-solving, and the awe-inspiring power of nature. This action-packed tale is perfect for young readers who enjoy stories with relatable characters and non-stop excitement. Teachers can use “The River” to foster critical thinking skills and inspire students to develop a deep appreciation for the great outdoors.

The Summer of My German Soldier

“The Summer of My German Soldier” is a captivating historical fiction novel by Bette Greene. During World War II’s turbulent times, this thought-provoking book delves into family, identity, and prejudice themes. The story revolves around the protagonist, a young Jewish girl, who forms an unlikely friendship with a German prisoner of war.

As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist faces complex moral dilemmas that test her beliefs and values. Renowned for its engaging plot, complex characters, and powerful messages, this book is highly recommended for 6th graders who enjoy historical fiction and want to explore deeper themes within a captivating story.

A View from Saturday

A View from Saturday, written by E.L. Konigsburg, is an enchanting Newbery Medal-winning book that takes readers on a captivating journey of self-discovery alongside four students and their teacher. This remarkable story successfully merges elements of magic and adventure with real-life issues like bullying and social isolation.

The diverse and relatable characters make it an engaging read for students in the sixth grade. A View from Saturday encourages critical thinking and prompts readers to reflect on their lives and relationships. With its themes of empathy and friendship, this book holds immense value as an addition to any middle school classroom library.

“Wringer” by Jerry Spinelli is a captivating book that delves into the themes of peer pressure and bullying uniquely and unbelievably. This thought-provoking story follows the journey of Palmer, a young boy who faces a difficult decision. As an award-winning children’s author, Spinelli has crafted a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. “Wringer” has received accolades such as the Newbery Honor award and is highly recommended for 6th graders seeking emotionally impactful stories.

With its exploration of important themes and engaging storytelling, “Wringer” will captivate young readers and spark meaningful discussions.

Harry Potter Series

The Harry Potter Series has captured the imagination of millions of readers around the world. Its well-developed characters, intricate plotlines, and magical setting make it a must-read for 6th graders. Through Harry Potter and his friends’ adventures, the series teaches valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and standing up for what’s right. It encourages young readers to think critically, solve problems, and unleash creativity.

With its captivating storytelling, the Harry Potter Series has the power to ignite a lifelong passion for reading in 6th graders. It’s a journey into a world of magic and wonder that will leave a lasting impression on young minds.

The Hunger Games

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins is a thrilling and thought-provoking dystopian novel that follows the journey of 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen as she fights for survival in the Hunger Games. This book explores themes of rebellion, sacrifice, and the consequences of power, making it an excellent choice for young readers.

It is often used in classrooms to teach critical thinking and analysis skills. Additionally, “The Hunger Games” has been adapted into a successful movie franchise, further popularizing the book among young readers. With its gripping storyline and powerful themes, “The Hunger Games” is a must-read for sixth graders.

“Echo” is a captivating historical fiction/fantasy novel that delves into music, identity, and family. Penned by Pam Muñoz Ryan, this book masterfully intertwines three stories across different periods and locations. With its diverse cast of characters and a central focus on music, “Echo” offers a unique reading experience for 6th graders.

Garnering critical acclaim, this New York Times bestseller has received numerous prestigious awards. It is highly recommended for readers who seek a harmonious blend of history, enchantment, and heartwarming narratives. “Echo” is a must-read for sixth graders looking to embark on a captivating literary journey.

“Crenshaw” by Katherine Applegate is a heartwarming story that follows a young boy and his imaginary friend, a giant cat. This book tackles tough topics such as homelessness and poverty with compassion and accessibility. It promotes empathy and kindness towards others, making it a valuable read for readers of all ages. The themes of friendship and family in “Crenshaw” are relatable and well-developed, creating a memorable reading experience.

The book has received several accolades, including the Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children and the Josette Frank Award. With its powerful storytelling and important messages, “Crenshaw” is a must-read for middle schoolers and anyone looking for a compelling and thought-provoking book.

Book Scavenger

Book Scavenger, written by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, is an exciting mystery adventure that captivates young readers. The story revolves around 12-year-old Emily, who embarks on a thrilling journey of solving clues and puzzles to uncover hidden books. In addition to its gripping plot, the book delves into essential themes such as friendship, family, and the love of books.

Book Scavenger has garnered multiple awards and is highly recommended by educators and librarians. This fantasy novel entertains and cultivates problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in young readers. With its engaging storyline and thought-provoking content, Book Scavenger is a must-read for sixth graders seeking an immersive reading experience.

Which book should you start with?

If you’re wondering where to begin, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” is an excellent choice for 6th graders. Other popular options include “Wonder,” “The Giver,” and “Holes.” Consider your child’s interests and reading level when selecting a starting book. Please encourage them to explore different genres for a well-rounded reading experience.

So where should you start with these books? It ultimately depends on your child’s preferences and reading ability. Consider their interests and let them choose a book that captivates their imagination. Remember, the joy of reading lies in discovering new stories and characters, so encourage them to explore beyond the recommended list.

Editorial Staff

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Home / 6-12 Years Old / 120 6th Grade Reading Books For Children Aged 11-12 Who Love Reading

120 6th Grade Reading Books For Children Aged 11-12 Who Love Reading

We’ll dive into a curated selection of engaging 6th-grade reading books carefully chosen to ignite young imaginations and foster a love for reading. Discover thrilling adventures, relatable characters, and valuable life lessons within these books, making them a must-read resource for parents, teachers, and young readers alike. 

Introducing a variety of reading genres to 6th graders is crucial for their academic and personal growth. Children aged 11-12 develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world.

Reading across diverse genres exposes them to various ideas, cultures, and perspectives. It broadens their knowledge base, which is essential in a globalized world.

Fiction genres like fantasy and science fiction spark imagination and creativity. They encourage problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. Historical fiction and biographies provide a window into the past, fostering an appreciation for history and empathy for different life experiences.

Mystery and adventure books enhance analytical skills and maintain engagement with their suspenseful plots.

Academically, this diversity in reading improves vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills. It prepares students for the varied texts they will encounter in higher education.

Personally, reading different genres develops empathy and emotional intelligence . It helps children understand and relate to people from different backgrounds and cultures. This well-rounded reading experience forms a foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability.

Did You Know Did you know reading diverse genres enhances brain connectivity and cognitive flexibility? It’s like a workout for the brain, building stronger neural pathways. This means improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills for young readers, essential for academic and personal growth.

What Reading Topics Typically Captivate 6th Graders?

Sixth graders are typically captivated by reading topics that blend adventure , mystery, and fantasy. Stories with elements of magic, mythological creatures, and distant worlds are popular.

They also enjoy realistic fiction that reflects their experiences, like school life, friendships, and family dynamics. Books about overcoming challenges, discovering personal identity, and first encounters with more complex social issues resonate with them.

Additionally, non-fiction topics like science, technology, history, and nature spark their curiosity and desire to learn about the world around them.

How Do Reading Abilities And Comprehension Levels Vary Among Children Aged 11-12?

At ages 11-12, children’s reading abilities and comprehension levels can vary significantly. Some children read advanced texts fluently and understand complex themes, while others may struggle with basic reading and comprehension.

Factors influencing these variations include

• Prior Reading Exposure: Children exposed to reading from an early age often develop stronger reading skills.
• Learning Differences: Dyslexia or other learning differences can affect reading ability.
• Interest in Reading: Interest and motivation can impact how well and how much a child reads.
• Educational Opportunities: Quality of education and access to resources play a role.
• Cognitive Development: Children develop at different rates cognitively, affecting reading comprehension.
• Language Skills: English language learners may face additional challenges.
• Socioeconomic Factors: These can influence access to books and reading support at home.
• Parental Involvement: Active involvement in a child’s reading development can enhance their abilities.

Best Reading Books For 6th Grade Children

Dive into the world of literature with our carefully curated list of best reading books for 6th-grade children! These books, spanning various genres from fantasy and science fiction to mystery and historical fiction, are perfectly tailored for 11-12-year-olds.

They promise to engage, educate, and inspire young minds, opening doors to diverse worlds and experiences.

Whether embarking on magical adventures, solving intriguing mysteries, or exploring historical epochs, these books will surely captivate and enrich the curious minds of sixth graders.

15 Fantasy Reading Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

1. “The Lost Hero” by Rick Riordan: First in the ‘Heroes of Olympus’ series, this book brings Greek and Roman mythology to life, following demigod heroes on epic quests.

2. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling: Introduces Harry’s journey in the wizarding world, filled with magic, friendship, and adventure.

3. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan: Percy discovers he’s a demigod and embarks on a thrilling adventure to prevent a war among gods.

4. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien: A timeless tale of adventure and bravery, following Bilbo Baggins in a fantastical world.

5. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle: A mix of science fiction and fantasy, it tells the story of children traveling through time and space to save their father.

6. “Artemis Fowl” by Eoin Colfer: A young genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis, captures a fairy to restore his family’s fortune, blending fantasy with high-tech espionage.

7. “The School for Good and Evil” by Soman Chainani: Two friends are taken to an enchanted school where heroes and villains are trained, challenging stereotypes.

8. “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini: Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a dragon egg and starts a journey filled with magic and power struggles.

9. “The Spiderwick Chronicles” by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi: Siblings discover a secret world of faeries and magical creatures in their new home.

10. “The Unwanteds” by Lisa McMann: In a society where creativity is a crime, ‘unwanted’ children are sent to a magical world.

11. “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill: A story of a young girl raised by a witch, filled with magic, witchcraft, and an ancient prophecy.

12. “The Neverending Story” by Michael Ende: A boy reads a magical book that narrates a story unfolding in a fantasy world, which he realizes he’s a part of.

13. “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke: Characters from a book come to life in the real world, leading to an adventurous journey between fiction and reality.

14. “The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell” by Chris Colfer: Twins enter a magical book where fairy tales are real and embark on a quest to return home.

15. “Redwall” by Brian Jacques: Set in an abbey, this story of anthropomorphic animals features epic battles, quests, and a richly imagined world.

Fun Fact Did you know that reading can increase empathy? When we read about different characters and cultures, our brains simulate the experiences as if they were our own. This helps us understand and connect with others more deeply.

15 Science Fiction Reading Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

16. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry: In a seemingly perfect community without pain, a boy learns the dark secrets behind his society’s harmony.

17. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle: Children journey through space and time to save their father, encountering strange beings and planets.

18. “City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau: Two children searching for clues to save their decaying world in an underground city.

19. “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen: A survival story of a boy alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash, showcasing human resilience and ingenuity.

20. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins: In a dystopian future, children are chosen to compete in a televised fight to the death.

21. “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card: A young genius is trained through war games to prepare for an alien invasion.

22. “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner: Teens with no memory are trapped in a maze, searching for a way to escape and understand their mysterious surroundings.

23. “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown: A robot finds itself stranded on a remote, wild island, where it experiences nature and friendship.

24. “Among the Hidden” by Margaret Peterson Haddix: In a society where third children are forbidden, a hidden boy discovers he’s not alone.

25. “Space Case” by Stuart Gibbs: A murder mystery set on a moon base, combining space exploration with a thrilling whodunit.

26. “The True Meaning of Smekday” by Adam Rex: A girl and an alien go on a road trip to save the world after an alien invasion.

27. “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer: A futuristic retelling of Cinderella, where the heroine is a cyborg mechanic.

28. “The Search for WondLa” by Tony DiTerlizzi: A girl from an underground sanctuary embarks on a quest in an alien world.

29. “The 5th Wave” by Rick Yancey: Following an alien invasion, a girl searches for her brother while surviving in a dangerous world.

30. “The City of Gold and Lead” by John Christopher: In a world dominated by alien overlords, boys enter a competition that leads to discovering the invaders’ secrets.

Fun Fact Honey never spoils. Archaeologists have found honey pots in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. Honey’s natural composition and low moisture content prevent bacteria and microorganisms from growing in it.

15 Mystery Reading Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

31. “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin: Heirs to a fortune must solve the mystery of a millionaire’s death in a challenging game.

32. “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” by E.L. Konigsburg: Two siblings run away to a museum, uncovering an art mystery.

33. “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart: Gifted kids are recruited to infiltrate a mysterious institute in this brain-teasing adventure.

34. “Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock” by Carolyn Keene: Nancy Drew starts her detective adventures solving the mystery of a missing will.

35. “The Hardy Boys: The Tower Treasure” by Franklin W. Dixon: The Hardy brothers investigate a robbery and find themselves in a web of suspense.

36. “Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett: Two kids become involved in an art heist, deciphering clues that involve famous paintings.

37. “The Name of this Book Is Secret” by Pseudonymous Bosch: A magical adventure where two children uncover a secret society.

38. “The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones” by Rick Riordan: Siblings follow a trail of clues worldwide to solve their family’s mystery.

39. “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Chris Grabenstein: Kids must solve riddles and puzzles to escape from an eccentric librarian’s modern library.

40. “The London Eye Mystery” by Siobhan Dowd: When a boy disappears from the London Eye, his cousins embark on a thrilling investigation.

41. “Spy School” by Stuart Gibbs: A boy is unexpectedly recruited to a junior CIA academy and gets involved in a spy mystery.

42. “Three Times Lucky” by Sheila Turnage: A small-town girl with a talent for solving mysteries gets tangled in a murder investigation.

43. “The Egypt Game” by Zilpha Keatley Snyder: Children fascinated with ancient Egypt play a game leading to a real-life mystery.

44. “Holes” by Louis Sachar: A boy sent to a juvenile detention center unravels the mystery behind his wrongful conviction and a family curse.

45. “The Wolves of Willoughby Chase” by Joan Aiken: Cousins face off against a scheming governess and a pack of wolves in this thrilling adventure.

Fun Fact The shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. It lasted only 38 minutes. The conflict ended when Zanzibar surrendered after a brief naval bombardment by the British. This war holds the record for its brevity.

15 Historical Fiction Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

46. “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry: Set in WWII Denmark, it’s the story of a young girl helping her Jewish friend escape the Nazis.

47. “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis: A humorous yet poignant family tale set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement.

48. “Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell: Based on a true story, it narrates the survival of a young girl stranded on an island for years.

49. “Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder: Chronicles the life of a pioneer family living in the American Midwest in the late 19th century.

50. “The Witch of Blackbird Pond” by Elizabeth George Speare: A story of a girl in colonial America accused of witchcraft, exploring themes of acceptance and friendship.

51. “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis: During the Great Depression, a boy searches for his father, uncovering his family’s past.

52. “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor: Focuses on a black family’s struggle against racism and injustice in the American South during the 1930s.

53. “Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan: A rich girl from Mexico adjusts to a challenging new life in California’s labor camps during the Great Depression.

54. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak: In Nazi Germany, a young girl finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others.

55. “Johnny Tremain” by Esther Forbes: A young apprentice in Revolutionary War-era Boston becomes a patriot and observes historical events.

56. “Catherine, Called Birdy” by Karen Cushman: A diary of a young girl in medieval England, offering insights into the period’s daily life and customs.

57. “The Midwife’s Apprentice” by Karen Cushman: Chronicles the experiences of a homeless girl in medieval England who becomes a midwife’s apprentice.

58. “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park: Based on a true story, it alternates between the stories of two children in Sudan, one in 1985 and the other in 2008.

59. “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” by Jacqueline Kelly: In 1899 Texas, a young girl explores the natural world and questions her society’s expectations for women.

60. “Chains” by Laurie Halse Anderson: The story of a young enslaved girl fighting for her and her sister’s freedom during the American Revolution.

Fun Fact Octopuses have three hearts and blue blood. Two hearts pump blood to the gills, while the third pumps it to the rest of the body. Their blood is blue because it’s copper-based, which is efficient in cold, low-oxygen environments.

15 Adventure Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

61. “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen: After a plane crash, a boy must survive in the Canadian wilderness with only a hatchet.

62. “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London: A domesticated dog is thrust into the harsh Alaskan wilderness, facing the struggle for survival.

63. “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson: A classic tale of pirates and treasure hunting, filled with danger and excitement.

64. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis: Four siblings discover a magical world inside a wardrobe, leading to epic adventures.

65. “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George: A young boy runs away to live in the wilderness, learning to survive with nature’s help.

66. “Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell: A young girl’s tale of survival and courage on an island for many years.

67. “The Swiss Family Robinson” by Johann David Wyss: A family shipwrecked on a deserted island creates a new life amidst exotic flora and fauna.

68. “Journey to the Center of the Earth” by Jules Verne: An epic adventure through volcanic tubes to the earth’s core, filled with scientific discovery and danger.

69. “The Lost Hero” by Rick Riordan: Demigods embark on a quest to save the world from ancient threats, encountering Greek and Roman myths.

70. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl: Charlie wins a tour through the world’s most magical and mysterious chocolate factory.

71. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien: Bilbo Baggins’ adventure with dwarves and a dragon, a prelude to the ‘Lord of the Rings.’

72. “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster: A boy journeys through a magical tollbooth to a land of adventure and whimsy.

73. “The Red Pyramid” by Rick Riordan: Siblings discover they are descendants of pharaohs and must save the world from Egyptian gods.

74. “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart: Gifted children on a secret mission to save the world from a dangerous plot.

75. “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown: A robot’s adventure and survival in the wild, exploring nature and friendship.

Fun Fact A group of flamingos is called a “flamboyance.” These vibrant birds are known for their bright pink feathers, which come from their diet of algae and shrimp rich in carotenoids. The more they eat, the pinker they become.

15 Realistic Fiction Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

76. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio: Auggie, born with facial differences, attends school for the first time, facing challenges and teaching kindness .

77. “Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper: A brilliant girl with cerebral palsy longs to speak and show her intelligence.

78. “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate: Based on a true story, a captive gorilla finds a new perspective on life through friendship.

79. “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo: A lonely girl finds solace and adventure in a small town with her dog Winn-Dixie.

80. “Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson: Two friends create an imaginary kingdom, learning about friendship, creativity, and loss.

81. “Holes” by Louis Sachar: A wrongly convicted boy finds adventure and uncovers family secrets at a detention camp.

82. “Rules” by Cynthia Lord: A girl with an autistic brother learns about the importance of understanding and acceptance.

83. “Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan: A Mexican girl moves to a labor camp in California during the Great Depression, facing new challenges.

84. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie: A Native American boy transfers to an all-white school, exploring themes of identity and belonging.

85. “A Crooked Kind of Perfect” by Linda Urban: A young girl’s journey in pursuing her musical dreams and dealing with her quirky family.

86. “Frindle” by Andrew Clements: A boy invents a new word, leading to unexpected consequences and lessons in creativity.

87. “The Thing About Jellyfish” by Ali Benjamin: A girl copes with her best friend’s death by immersing herself in the world of jellyfish.

88. “Walk Two Moons” by Sharon Creech: A girl tells stories during a road trip, uncovering her emotional journey and family history.

89. “Liar & Spy” by Rebecca Stead: A boy in a new apartment complex gets involved in a spy game, learning about friendship and self-acceptance.

90. “Counting by 7s” by Holly Goldberg Sloan: A gifted girl must navigate life after the sudden loss of her adoptive parents, finding a new family in unexpected places.

Fun Fact The Eiffel Tower can be 15 cm taller during the summer. When a substance is heated up, its particles move more, and it takes up a larger volume – this is known as thermal expansion. Steel is no exception to this rule.

15 Biography Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

91. “Who Was Anne Frank?” by Ann Abramson: Chronicles the life of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who kept a diary during World War II.

92. “I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World” by Malala Yousafzai: The inspiring story of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who fought for her right to education.

93. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer: The true story of a Malawian teenager who built a windmill to save his village from famine.

94. “Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?” by Roberta Edwards: Explores the life of Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci, known for his art, inventions, and discoveries.

95. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson: A memoir in verse about growing up African American in the 1960s and 1970s.

96. “Who Was Albert Einstein?” by Jess Brallier: Details the life of Albert Einstein, his scientific discoveries, and his impact on our understanding of the universe.

97. “Soul Surfer” by Bethany Hamilton: The story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, who returned to the sport after losing her arm in a shark attack.

98. “Boy: Tales of Childhood” by Roald Dahl: Dahl’s own stories about his childhood filled with humor and adventure.

99. “Who Was Thomas Alva Edison?” by Margaret Frith: Describes the life of Thomas Edison, his inventions, and how he changed the world.

100. “Who Was Frida Kahlo?” by Sarah Fabiny: The life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, known for her unique art and inspiring strength.

101. “Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different” by Karen Blumenthal: A biography of Steve Jobs, focusing on how he revolutionized technology.

102. “Who Was Rosa Parks?” by Yona Zeldis McDonough: Tells the story of Rosa Parks and her role in the American civil rights movement.

103. “Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition” by Margot Lee Shetterly: The untold story of the African American women mathematicians who helped win the space race.

104. “Who Was Harry Houdini?” by Tui T. Sutherland: The life of the famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini.

105. “Who Was Marie Curie?” by Megan Stine: Explores the life of Marie Curie, her scientific achievements, and her groundbreaking work in physics and chemistry.

Fun Fact The world’s largest snowflake on record was 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick. This giant snowflake fell in Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, in 1887. Snowflakes of this size form under unique conditions, usually in calm, moist air.

15 Poetry And Verse Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

106. “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein: A classic collection of humorous and imaginative poems that captivate children and adults alike.

107. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson: A memoir in verse about the author’s childhood as an African American growing up in the 1960s and 1970s.

108. “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse: Written in free verse, this novel tells the story of a young girl’s struggle during the Dust Bowl years of the Great Depression.

109. “Love That Dog” by Sharon Creech: A story told through a boy’s class assignments in poetry, revealing his growth and healing.

110. “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander: A novel in verse blending basketball, family, and coming-of-age themes, vibrant with rhythm and heart.

111. “Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai: A moving tale of a girl’s immigration from Vietnam to America, told in a series of vivid poems.

112. “A Light in the Attic” by Shel Silverstein: Another delightful collection of quirky, funny, and poignant poems by Silverstein.

113. “The Dream Keeper and Other Poems” by Langston Hughes: A collection of poems by the celebrated Harlem Renaissance poet dealing with dreams, laughter, and wisdom.

114. “Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices” by Paul Fleischman: A unique book of poetry designed to be read aloud by two people, celebrating the natural world.

115. “Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou” by Dr. Maya Angelou, Edited by Edwin Graves Wilson: A collection of Angelou’s poems, chosen for young readers and beautifully illustrated.

116. “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot: A whimsical set of poems about various cats inspired the musical “Cats.”

117. “Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse” by Marilyn Singer: A collection of fairy tale-based poems that can be read both forwards and backwards.

118. “Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems” by John Grandits: A visually engaging collection of concrete poems that take the shape of the topic they are describing.

119. “Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems” by Joyce Sidman: Poems about pond life that combine science, art, and nature in lyrical verse.

120. “One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance” by Nikki Grimes: Uses the “Golden Shovel” method to pay tribute to the Harlem Renaissance poets with original poems and artwork.

Fun Fact A day on Venus is longer than a year on Venus. Venus takes about 243 Earth days to complete one rotation on its axis, making its day. However, Venus only takes about 225 Earth days to orbit the Sun, constituting a year.

What Are The Long-Term Educational And Personal Benefits?

The long-term educational and personal benefits of engaging in varied reading and learning activities are substantial

• Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Regular reading and learning improve memory, focus, and analytical thinking skills.
• Better Academic Performance: Exposure to diverse subjects and materials can lead to a deeper understanding and better performance in various academic areas.
• Improved Language and Communication Skills: Engaging with various texts enhances vocabulary, language proficiency, and overall communication skills .
• Increased Empathy and Cultural Awareness: Reading about different cultures and perspectives fosters empathy and a better understanding of the world.
• Lifelong Learning Habits: Early engagement in diverse learning instills a love for continuous education, crucial for personal and professional development.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving Abilities: Exposure to diverse scenarios and problems in reading materials can enhance one’s ability to adapt and solve real-world problems.
• Enhanced Creativity and Imagination: Diverse reading and learning materials stimulate the imagination, encouraging creative thinking and innovation.
• Stress Reduction and Mental Health Benefits: Regular reading and engaging in intellectual hobbies can reduce stress and contribute to better mental health.
• Career Advantages: A broad knowledge base and skill set are advantageous in the increasingly interdisciplinary and dynamic job market.
• Social Skills Development: Group learning and discussion improve social skills and teamwork abilities.

Key Takeaway

• Diverse reading enhances cognitive skills, improving memory and analytical thinking.
• Exposure to various subjects boosts academic performance and understanding.
• Regular reading expands vocabulary and communication skills.
• Reading about different cultures increases empathy and global awareness.
• Early diverse learning experiences foster lifelong educational habits.
• Engagement with a range of materials develops adaptability and problem-solving skills.
• Diverse reading materials stimulate creativity and imagination.
• Intellectual activities offer stress reduction and mental health benefits.
• A broad knowledge base provides career advantages in a dynamic job market.
• Group learning and discussions enhance social skills and teamwork capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is it important for children to read books from various genres.

Reading different genres exposes children to various ideas, cultures, and experiences. It enhances their cognitive abilities, improves their language and comprehension skills, and fosters empathy and global awareness.

How Does Reading Benefit A Child’s Academic Performance?

Reading regularly improves memory, concentration, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic success. It also broadens their vocabulary and enhances their ability to understand complex concepts and ideas.

Can Reading Influence A Child’s Creativity And Imagination?

Yes, reading, especially fiction and fantasy, stimulates the imagination, encouraging creative thinking. It opens up new worlds and possibilities, inspiring children to think innovatively and explore their creative ideas.

Are There Social Benefits To Reading For Children?

Reading can improve social skills by helping children understand different perspectives and cultures, fostering empathy. Group reading activities and book discussions also promote social interaction and teamwork abilities.

How Can Parents Encourage Their Children To Read More?

Parents can encourage reading by providing a variety of books, setting aside regular reading times, and creating a comfortable reading environment. Involvement in their reading process, like discussing books and sharing reading experiences, also motivates children to read more.

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Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

Fantastic Book Series for 6th Graders

Sixth grade is one of my favorite classes for reading because most of the middle grade books currently published seem geared to this age group. For this list of book series for 6th graders, I’ve curated some of my favorite books in a series for this age group. Many of these are new and have one or two books out right now, but they’re all very promising and will hook 6th-grade readers of varying reading interests, whether it’s mysteries, sports, graphic novels, or fantasy.

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19 Engaging Book Series for 6th Graders

Here are 19 amazing book series for 6th graders:

Gigi Shin Is Not a Nerd

Published: March 5, 2024

1 book in the series so far

This fun, SHORT series opener is immediately reminiscent of friendship group books like The Babysitters Club . Gigi and her two friends, Zeina and Caroline, decide to start a tutoring club in the library to help them save up some cash for an art summer camp. Gigi’s parents think being an artist is not a promising career option and would rather she focus on math and the sciences, so she neglects to tell them about the club and her plan. The girls add wannabe goth Emma to their team, and business begins. They must navigate business planning, crushes, tricky clients, and worried parents to keep their business (and their friendship) afloat. The vibes were so sweet in this one, and kids who love entrepreneurial stories, books by Debbi Michiko Florence, and friendship-based realistic fiction will love it.

Finally Seen

Published: February 28, 2023

2 books in the series

Lina is finally moving to the US to reunite with her parents after five years apart. She’d been living with her grandmother in China, but now her grandmother is ill, and her parents want her to come to North Carolina with them and her little sister Millie. But when she arrives, nothing about their life is as her parents have told her. They live in an apartment, not a house like her mom said and her parents owe a ton of back rent after the pandemic. Her dad is an organic farmer, and her mom is trying hard to launch a bath bomb business with little capital. Things aren’t any easier at school with Lina’s poor English. When she finally finds a graphic novel she loves and her teacher wants the class to read it, influential parents at her school are determined to stop it from being read. Will Lina use her voice? Finally Seen  is a moving, inspiring, and insightful middle grade book about immigration, family, and  sisterhood .

Published:  February 5, 2019

3 books in the series

Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself? This middle grade graphic novel is an excellent choice for tween readers who love graphic novels, the arts, and books about male friendship.

Real Friends

Published: May 2, 2017

Real Friends  is Shannon Hale’s graphic memoir of her middle school experience with real friends — and girls who weren’t quite friends. Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends since Shannon came out of her shell in early elementary school. She had earlier been the shy middle child who never felt like she quite fit in anywhere. But with Adrienne, it was like she could finally exhale. But when Adrienne starts hanging out with the popular girl, Jen, Shannon suddenly doesn’t know where she fits in anymore. As we go through the stressful roller coaster years with Shannon, each chapter highlights her relationship with one of the girls in the new friend group. Each of the girls basically lives to impress Jen, the ultimate cool girl, and the group operates by making other girls feel left out. Thankfully, Shannon eventually finds friends who like her but she also has to learn whom to let in and whom to. Shannon Hale’s Real Friends is a realistic, moving depiction of the roller coaster that middle school friendships can be and how affirming it can be to find true friends.

The Cool Code

Published: November 8, 2022

When Zoey’s parents decide she’ll go from homeschooling to in-person middle school, she’s nervous about fitting in. Fortunately, she has one major skill: coding. Having been exposed to computers and coding earlier, Zoey builds a mobile app called The Cool Code, which uses artificial intelligence and data to predict which outfits she should wear, what to say in conversations, and even which kids to befriend if she wants to be popular. When two not-so-popular kids befriend Zoey, they’re eager to experiment with the app as their STEM project to see if following its tips really makes Zoey popular. But letting an app decide your social interactions gets complicated pretty quickly. The Cool Code  is a fun,  STEM-centered  graphic novel about fitting in, being yourself, and finding your tribe.

The New Girl

Published: June 4, 2024

This is a semi-autobiographical story of Lia, who moves from Romania to Canada just as she’s getting her first (very painful) period. It seems to be the first in a series about Lia. In Montreal, she struggles at first in her French immersion school. I love the progression as she begins to understand more and more French. This is a great one if you’re looking for a slice-of-life graphic novel tackling periods and puberty, featuring crushes, and exploring the struggles and wins of immigrating. Readers should know that a girl crushes on another girl in this story, but doesn’t reveal it.

Picture Day

Published: June 27, 2023

Middle schooler Viv is tired of being boring and ordinary. She wants to amass social media followers and be a trendsetter like some of her classmates. She also watches a YouTuber who encourages her inclinations. So, on Picture Day, she gets the grand idea to chop off her pigtail, creating a strange hairstyle, which a hairstylist eventually refines into something more attention-grabbing. Suddenly, everyone wants Viv’s advice, and she becomes more pushy too, especially towards her friends. It’s not long before everything comes crashing down. Picture Day  by Sarah Sax is a funny but thoughtful start to a new graphic novel series for fans of the  Click  Series.

Squad Goals (Hearts and Crafts)

Published: March 1, 2022

Squad Goals (Hearts & Crafts #1)  is the first in a new middle grade series about Mackenzie Miller, a new seventh-grader who calls herself a “maker.” Mackenzie loves projects especially when they involve crafting artsy things or planning things. After her parents’ divorce and her father’s remarriage, it’s just Kenzie and her mom and Kenzie wants her mom to find a boyfriend. Last year, her BFFs also dumped her and Kenzie is convinced she can try to win them back this year while working hard to make new friends. In the spirit of making, she quickly finds herself embroiled in a fundraiser to help get some of the Band kids in her school (she’s also in Band) new instruments. But can Mackenzie balance it all? Squad Goals (Hearts & Crafts #1)  is a relatable, enjoyable middle grade book about crafting, friendships, and letting others help you. 

11 Before 12

Published: August 1, 2017

4 books in the series

As they start sixth grade, Kayla and her BFF, Ari brainstorm a list of 11 things they need to do before they turn 12. But between making guy friends, getting detention (and makeovers!), helping humanity, and having super-candid conversations with their moms about their flaws, the first 100 days of school turn out worse than Kaylan ever imagined. Kaylan and Ari forget to focus on their friendship, and soon, their loyalty to the list—what was meant to help them keep it together—becomes the very thing tearing their lives apart. This is another cute friendship series that is absolutely relatable for tween girls on the cusp of growing up.

Published: March 10, 2020

5 books in the series

Twelve-year old Sara Martinez is a hacker bouncing from foster home to foster home in Brooklyn, New York. After getting arrested for hacking into the NYC foster care system to expose her foster parents as criminals, she meets a man named Mother who is not a lawyer but convinces her to take on her case. Mother somehow wins and Sara gets released only to join a team of kid spies operating out of a base in Scotland. As Sara adjusts, the team prepares for their first mission in Paris, France, even as Mother is working hard to find his two kids lost as a consequence of a previous mission. James Ponti’s  City Spies #1  is an excellent start to an exciting mystery series that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Published:  May 2, 2023

Sixth grade is off to a rocky start for Rex. His district moved most of his elementary school to another middle school, his best friend ditches him for the popular crew, and his blurry vision means he has to get clunky new glasses–the only kind his family can afford. This sweet graphic novel  for fans of Telgemeier  is an ode to middle school, family, and finding your people.

Blue Stars: Mission 1 (The Vice Principal Problem)

This is an entertaining graphic novel about cousins Maya and Riley (Black and Muscogee) who end up living with their grandmother when Maya’s parents are deployed and Riley’s parents move back in with her grandmother. The two girls get off to a rough start exarcebated by their personality differences. Maya is reserved, studious, and science-focused while Riley is outgoing, friendly, and artsy. At school, the girls quickly realize that their vice principal is suspicious, slashing arts, robotics and any budgets possible in favor of increasing the number of detention classrooms. With their grandmother’s advice about using their voices firm in their mind, the girls hatch a plan to expose vp balderdash’s schemes. I loved many things about this series starter, including the natural, subtle way both girls share about their heritage and the way they find home and community with their grandmother. This is also super short (under 200 pages) and the superhero and planning scenes feel like something out of a Spy Kids movie.

Hide and Geek

Published: January 4, 2022

Four friends Gina, Elena, Edgar, and Kevin (or the GEEKs as they come to be known) and a dog named Sauce must work together to find a treasure that will keep their small town from a major economic collapse. I loved the kids in this story (I recommend the audiobook!), their diverse interests, true platonic friendship, and their love for their community. I found this book to be truly funny, the mystery engaging (full of riddles), and the plot majorly believable. It’s a fun read for young mystery fans.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

Published: January 14, 2020

Twelve-year-old Zoe Washington’s summer is off to a rough start. She’s not speaking to one of her best friends, for one. Her other best friend is away at summer camp, and the third one has moved away. But things get more complicated when she finds a letter in the mail from her incarcerated birth father. The only problem is that he’s in jail for something “very bad,” and Zoe has never met or spoken to him before. As she starts to write to Marcus, Zoe realizes that things might not be so black and white — not with her friend Trevor, and certainly not with Marcus. While she learns more about Marcus, she also spends part of her summer interning at a pastry shop. From the Desk of Zoe Washington  is a moving, true-to-life middle-grade novel that highlights just how potent perseverance can be — even when you’re just twelve. 

The Last Gate of the Emperor

Published: May 4, 2021

Yared Heywat lives in Addis Prime, a rundown reimagined Ethiopian city. Although Addis Prime is light years ahead of our current tech scene, it still has remarkable technology, from holovids (which allow holograms of kids to attend classes instead of the actual kids) to sky sailing transportation. However, several unreasonable rules seem to stifle more than they protect the people. Plus, no one ever believes the stories Yared tells about a long-lost city in the sky named Axum — stories his uncle Moti shared with him. Yared is a frequent competitor in an augmented reality game set in the city, sometimes ditching school — much to Uncle Moti’s chagrin. But just when he seems to be getting the upper hand, the game rules change, and Yared has to sign in using his real name. Halfway through the game, Yared is suddenly being pursued by real-life law enforcement simply for being Yared. Forced to join forces with his rival, a girl called the Ibis, Yared, and his pet bionic lioness have to get to the bottom of the attack and, in the process, learn some shocking information about Yared’s identity. This a propulsive sci-fi adventure set in an Afrofuturistic city, perfect for fans of  The Black Panther ‘s Wakanda.

The Liars Society #1

Published: February 6, 2024

1 book in series so far

Weatherby is a new kid at a Boston private school. She’s at the school on a sailing scholarship and immediately is thrust into a world she knows nothing about. Old school phone booths, scrambled phone service at school, friends with kids who go to the country club, and a boy who seems to hate her guts. Jack is a rich kid at the school who is also on the sailing team and is constantly pressured by his father to be the best. When the money for a famed school trip is stolen, Jack, Weatherby, and some of their friends are invited to play a high-stakes secret game that leads to the revelation of shocking family secrets. This suspenseful mystery, told from Jack’s and Weatherby’s perspectives, is fast-paced and high-stakes, perfect for 6th and 7th graders.

Final Word (The Winterton Deception #1)

Published: October 31, 2023

Meet 13-year-old twins Hope and Gordon. They’ve just discovered that their dad was Brandon Winterton (of the wealthy dictionary magnate family). Unfortunately, Hope can’t stand rich people, especially since the twins and their mom barely make ends meet and live in a motel. But their fortune is about to change. When Gordon enters the family into the Winterton Bee, they’re thrust into the midst of the family’s secrets, with a deadly enemy and a scavenger hunt set up by the family’s dead matriarch. This is a fast-paced mystery with plenty to gnaw on between the twin relationship, family drama, character development, and flashbacks that help readers learn more about the Winterton family. This one does touch a bit on addiction, and there’s a scene where the kids’ lives are in danger, but all ends well!

Play the Game (The Hoop Con #1)

1 book in the series

When Raam Patel is schooled by another kid in front of his NBA idol and the video goes viral, he escapes to LA to take a break from basketball, the sport he loves. But there, he soon realizes he can’t escape the sport. With his cousin and some new friends, he learns to get better at basketball not just by physical improvement but also by becoming more mentally and emotionally resilient. I’m in the middle of this debut right now and I think sports fans and male readers will enjoy it.

The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane

2 books in series

After she receives a mysterious message about her estranged father, Emmy discovers a box of her father’s possessions, especially a set of intricately designed medallions. Soon after, Emmy’s life is turned upside down as her mom sends her to a British boarding school. There, she begins to connect the school’s medallion’s symbols with her father’s medallions. This book is fantastic on audio and hooked me from page one!

There they are: 19 of the best book series for 6th graders! Which of these have you read and loved? What did I miss?

More Book Series

• Book series for 5th graders
• Book series for 3rd graders
• Graphic novel series for middle school

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• About Afoma Umesi

Afoma Umesi is the founder and editor of Reading Middle Grade where she curates book lists and writes book reviews for kids of all ages. Her favorite genre to read is contemporary realistic fiction and she'll never say no to a graphic novel.

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The 57 Best Chapter Books For 6th Graders To Read (In %%currentyear%%)

One of the best things you can do for your 6th graders is to improve their brain diet. So, we’ve curated a list of books for 6th graders. They’re fun, diverse, age-appropriate, and thought-provoking. In short, they’re exactly what your students need in their transition from elementary to middle school, a period of growth and a dynamic school year.

1. Brown Girl Dreaming

It recounts the author’s experience growing up as an African American child in Columbus, Ohio, during the Civil Rights era.

Also, she sheds light on her struggle with reading and her desire to write, which makes this book arguably perfect for young and aspiring writers.

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2. Bad Best Friend

About to start eighth grade, Niki and her best friend Ava have numerous plans for the new academic year. But they’re all thrown off when Ava starts seeking popularity. Now, Niki has to reconsider her friendships and interests.

3. The Someday Birds

Invite your kids to follow Charlie on his road trip as he searches for birds with his father, a reminder (or hope) that everything will be fine.

4. A Wrinkle In Time

Your middle school kid can join Meg, Charles, and Calvin in their extraordinary adventure to save Murry’s father.

5. Anne Of Green Gables

We couldn’t possibly list the best middle-grade books without including L. M. Montgomery’s masterpiece.

Of course, your kids might already know and love her from the hit CBC-Netflix adaptation!

6. Greenglass House

He plans to have a relaxing winter holiday. But, to his surprise, strange guests arrive at the inn with even stranger stories! Your sixth grade kid will love to go on this holiday adventure with Milo and Meggy, the cook’s daughter.

7. El Deafo

In Cece Bell’s “El Deafo,” your students discover if this superpower will help her find a true friend or further alienate her from everyone.

8. Diary Of A Wimpy Kid #1

In book 1, young Greg Heffley maneuvers middle school and records it all in his diary (to your kids’ amusement).

9. Goodbye, Stranger

Your young readers can enter seventh grade with our three main characters and grow up with them. Of course, their friendship gets strained, but do they remain best friends?

They’ll witness an unlikely bond between two totally different girls, Jeanne Ann and Cal. One lives in a van, and the another lives in a huge house. We love how the novel blends hope, humor, and honesty.

11. Counting By 7s

Her connection with her adoptive parents is all she has and needs. So, when they die in a car accident, she’s completely lonely. Your young reader will want to witness how Willow copes with her grief and finds a new family.

12. Loving Vs. Virginia

Teach your sixth graders how interracial marriages were legalized through Patricia Hruby Powell’s gorgeous writing and educate them about Richard and Mildred’s role in that.

13. The Outsiders

It focuses on Ponyboy Curtis, a greaser who feels like an outsider. When his friend kills a soc, everything falls out of place. If you aren’t one to shy away from heavy topics like violence, this is an insightful read for tweens.

14. Little Women

“Little Women” is a classic coming-of-age story where we follow the four sisters as they grow up in New England during the civil war.

15. The Watsons Go To Birmingham

Their normal life is never quite the same after they witness a church bombing. So, how do they cope with the trauma?

16. Wringer

When he turns ten, traditions dictate that Paul should become a “wringer.” But he hates the idea of wringing a bird’s neck, especially since he’s hiding one in his room. This is one of the chapter books that teach middle schoolers valuable lessons.

17. The Green Glass Sea

We love how Ellen Klages approaches the Manhattan Project from the perspective of a young girl.

But what happens when the truth is revealed?

18. A Night Divided

In East Berlin, Gerta gathers that her father on the West side wants her and Fritz, her brother, to tunnel under the wall, but the mission is too risky. Jennifer Nielsen’s story will have its hold on the entire grade, even reluctant readers!

19. Tuck Everlasting

“Tuck Everlasting” by Natalie Babbit is one of the most classic sixth grade books.

Common themes in this book are immortality, greed, and the power of choice.

20. Absolutely Normal Chaos

If you’re reviewing a book list for 6th grade, you may come across “Absolutely Normal Chaos” by Sharon Creech. Its sequel, “Walk Two Moons,” gets listed for younger readers.

Little does she know, summer is full of surprises.

20. The Strange Case Of Origami Yoda

In it, Dwight, the weird kid, makes origami, the only thing about him that other children think is cool. When he makes a Yoda finger puppet, he realizes that it can predict the future, and that changes everything.

21. Life As We Knew It

Science Fiction lovers will enjoy “Life As We Knew It” by Susan Beth Pfeffer.

Older kids can read her journal entries to see how these extreme circumstances unfold!

One of the best 6th grade books is “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds.

Does he stand a chance at qualifying for the Junior Olympics?

23. Out Of Left Field

Katy Gordon, our main character, is the neighborhood’s best pitcher. But she can’t play in the Little League because she’s a girl, or can she? Her fight for equality is one impressionable minds can learn a lot from.

24. When You Reach Me

Why not add a mystery thriller to your 6th grade reading list?

Strange occurrences take place, and she receives anonymous messages. Who is writing them, and how can they predict the future? Your kids will fly through this book to know!

25. Out Of My Mind

Our main character, Melody, is wheelchair-bound and nonspeaking due to cerebral palsy. The world doesn’t know that she’s the smartest kid at her school and has a photographic memory. So, how does she show the world that she isn’t mentally challenged?

26. Tiger Eyes

In “Tiger Eyes,” Judy Blume depicts grief and loss as experienced by Davey. When tragedy strikes, and she loses her father, Davey moves to live with family in Los Alamos, New Mexico. And it’s there that she meets a mysterious cute boy. This is a powerful story that’ll move your students.

27. The Secret Garden

“The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a popular classic you might find on a book list for 6th grade. Mary moves to her uncle’s estate in Yorkshire, England. But she quickly realizes that it’s a strange house with endless secrets and an abandoned garden.

28. Princess Academy

Miri and the girls head to this school, where they learn how to be princesses. And the winner will become the king’s bride! Imagine how much your girls will enjoy experiencing this world and inserting themselves into it.

29. Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

In “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library,” a famous game designer creates the coolest library. A young boy, Kyle, is determined to be at the opening. Along with other kids, he realizes that getting out of the library is one big adventure!

30. Awkward

In the graphic novel “Awkward,” Svetlana Chmakova tells the story of Peppi. She believes that she has to follow the unwritten middle school rules but breaks them right away.

31. To Catch A Cheat

In “To Catch a Cheat,” we follow Jackson Green, who’s being blackmailed into stealing a copy of an exam. Will he give in to peer pressure or find a way out?

32. The Graveyard Book

It tells the story of a boy who was raised by ghosts and lives in a graveyard. What happens when he visits the real world? Your young reader will want to know!

33. Stargazing

We follow two unlikely friends, Moon and Christine, who become best friends. Moon relies on Christine for everything until she gets sick. Your sixth grader can follow Moon’s attempts at being the friend Christine needs.

34. New Kid

He desperately wants to go to art school. However, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school.

As one of the few kids of color at school, Jordan feels like he doesn’t belong there. But he feels the same way in his neighborhood as well. Your tween will learn a lot by understanding how he’ll find himself and handle the new school culture.

An injury causes Raina her two front teeth and leaves her with fake teeth, headgear, braces, and surgery. Undoubtedly, this accident throws off her plan to blend in at school.

36. Invisible Emmie

Terri Libenson introduces us to the shy, artistic Emmie and famous, athletic Katie.

Your tween will find the chaos and drama riveting!

37. The Stonekeeper

Emily and Navin have lost their father. And, now, they’re about to lose their mother to strange creatures and an underground world. How far would they go to save her?

38. Ways To Live Forever

She introduces us to eleven-year-old Sam, who has Leukemia and so does research about death. Will he find the answers he’s looking for?

39. Listen, Slowly

Mai, a California girl at heart, reluctantly travels to Vietnam with her grandmother. The goal is to find out what happened to the grandmother’s husband during the war. This novel will help your students recognize the importance of knowing their roots.

You’ve probably heard of the #1 New York Times Bestseller “Wonder” by R. J. Palacio. Due to his facial disfigurement, August Pullman’s parents have homeschooled him his entire life. But he’s a fifth-grader now and wants nothing more than to be normal and go to public school.

41. See You In The Cosmos

This boy is so space-obsessed that he named his dog after the real-life astronomer, Carl Sagan.

Like how Sagan launched his Golden Record, Alex’s dream is to launch his golden iPod into space. So, he records his complicated world on the iPod for other lifeforms to see. Little does he know, Alex still has a lot to learn about the world, his long-dead dad, troubled mom, and mostly not around brother.

42. Other Words For Home

In Jasmine Warga’s novel in verse, Jude has to flee Syria without her beloved older brother and father. She and her mother move to Cincinnati, and it’s nothing like she’d expected. The pace of life is too fast, and she’s only seen as “middle eastern.”

43. Fablehaven

Brandon Mull’s “Fablehaven” is about this sanctuary for all mythical creatures.

44. Matilda

The famous Roald Dahl gave us the classic “Matilda,” a story that your kids might already know and love.

45. The Little Prince

For ages, kids and adults have loved “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This translated fiction starts with a pilot crashing in the Sahara Desert. He meets a strange boy, the Little Prince, who has fascinating tales from his travels.

46. The Girl Who Drank The Moon

Every year, townspeople offer the forest’s witch a baby to appease her.

However, the witch is kind and finds homes for these abandoned babies. What happens when she accidentally feeds a baby moonlight on the journey to find it a new home?

47. Heart Of A Samurai

A Japanese fishing boat leaves him stranded on a small island with four others. Then, an American ship saves them, and they have to learn new customs and laws. Does this turn bring Manjiro closer or farther from his dream? There’s only one way to find out!

When he’s wrongly convicted of a crime, Stanley Yelnets goes to Camp Green Lake, a terrible correctional camp. Also, the way Louis Sachar weaves generations of Stanley’s family history into the story is simply stunning.

49. Wolf Hollow

When Betty enters Annabelle’s middle grade class, all hell breaks loose. She bullies and manipulates the people that Annabelle cares about. So, will Annabelle be able to face Betty? Are kindness and courage enough? “Wolf Hollow” by Lauren Wolk is one of the best books for sixth grade book clubs.

50. Anne Frank: The Diary Of A Young Girl

The wartime journal is a classic pick for a 6th grade reading list. Anne Frank, a 13-year-old Jew, is forced to hide with her family from the Nazis. They live in a secret annex of a warehouse.

Your tween can learn how these two years unfolded in her journal.

51. Bridge To Terabithia

Another beloved classic is “Bridge to Terabithia.”

The two fastest kids in fifth grade run into the woods, where they create a world of their imagination. Katherine Paterson’s realm is one of fantasy, excitement, tragedy, and grief.

52. Roller Girl

Twelve-year-old Astrid has always done everything with her best friend, Nicole. She decides to go to derby camp because she loves roller derby, but Nicole decides dance camp is a better fit for her.

Your students will relate to Astrid’s struggles as she tries to keep up with other campers, make new friends, and avoid drifting apart from her best friend.

53. Doll Bones

This is the story of three friends, called Zach, Alicia, and Poppy, who love acting out fantastical adventures with dolls. Now, they have to bury a porcelain doll because of the rumor that it’s made of the ashes of a dead girl.

54. One Last Word: Wisdom From The Harlem Renaissance

So, your kids can learn about Georgia Douglas Johnson, Langston Hughes, and Jean Toomer. Not to mention, they can get inspired by the art of today’s biggest black illustrators. This thought-provoking book will spark interesting debates in class.

55. Real Friends

We have Shannon who feels that she might lose her best friend Adrienne to “the Group.” This is the friend group with the most popular girl in class, Jen. Will Shannon and Adrienne stay friends, or will Adrienne completely lose herself to the allure of popularity?

Writer Shannon Hale, illustrator Leuyen Pham, and colorist Jane Poole join forces to give you this fresh and funny story.

56. Peter Pan

Peter Pan is a mischievous boy who never grows old. He befriends Wendy, John, and Michael, the children of a proper middle class family. Peter Pan teaches them to fly, takes them to Neverland, introduces them to the Lost Boys, and introduces them to a world of adventure.

57. Hello, Universe

The book depicts how four very different misfits come together in a time of crisis. When a bully’s prank sends poor Virgil to the bottom of a well, Valencia, Kaori, and Gen, Kaori’s little sister, unite to find and save him.

Jump In : Reading prose is probably the most enjoyable material to practice your 6th graders’ fluency in English. However, they will also improve their vocabulary and creativity by appreciating poetry! View my post on the list of 6th-grade poetry here — 37 Great 6th Grade Poems To Share With Your Students .

Overall, we hope that our list of books for 6th graders has given you precisely what you need. We’ve rounded up fantasy, horror, mystery, historical fiction, and more. This way, you can find books that’ll grip your little readers’ attention and teach them a valuable lesson along the way.

Last Updated on July 24, 2022 by Emily

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Emily is an active mother of two and a dedicated elementary school teacher. She believes the latest technology has made a huge impact on the quality of early learning and has worked hard to upgrade her classroom and her own children’s learning experience through technology.

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Classic childhood favorites for 6th graders

by: Hank Pellissier

Print book list

The Chronicles of Narnia

by: C.S. Lewis - (HarperCollins, 1950)

The hook : Sure, they may have seen the movie already, but even so, this seven-book series — which deftly combines the supernatural and reality — is a classic that has influenced children’s literature for a half century. The protagonists, children from the real world, are magically transported to Narnia, where under the wise guidance of the lion Aslan, they play essential roles in shaping events in this alternate world’s fate (a powerful fantasy for any child). In each of Lewis’s page-turning books, all crafted in masterful prose, Narnia’s very fate hangs in the balance: Will good win out over evil?

Perfect for : Readers, 8 and up, drawn to illusive symbols and magic.

Find our favorites at your local library: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe , The Magician’s Nephew , Prince Caspian .

by: J.R.R. Tolkien - (Houghton Mifflin, 1966) 300 pages.

Bilbo Baggins wasn’t looking for adventure — it arrived on his doorstep in the form of 13 dwarves and the wizard Gandalf, who ask him to join their quest to reclaim a stolen treasure. The reluctant hobbit goes on a thrilling journey to confront the dragon Smaug, and in the process encounters hungry trolls, killer spiders, and an ancient magical ring. Readers may recognize some of the characters from The Lord of the Rings trilogy in this prequel, which is a more approachable read for tweens.

Want to see the movie? Try the live-action trilogy inspired by the book, beginning with The Hobbit: The Unexpected Journey from 2012.

Perfect for : Kids who like epic adventure stories.

Find The Hobbit at your local library.

by: Jack London - (Macmillan Publishers, 1906) 128 pages.

White Fang, half wolf and half dog, is mistreated by a string of cruel owners. Aggressive and angry, the wolf-dog learns to hate humans and animals alike, until he’s rescued by mining expert Weedon Scott. Through gentle treatment and patience, Scott eventually tames the wild wolf-dog, and the two form an unbreakable bond. Written partially from White Fang’s point of view, this story examines how environment shapes the behavior of men and other animals and offers objective observations about the harsh beauty of the natural world.

Want to see the movie? Check out the 1991 adaptation starring Ethan Hawke, which loosely follows the plot of the book.

Perfect for: Nature lovers.

Find White Fang at your local library.

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

by: Anne Frank - (Bantam, 1993) 304 pages.

The Nazis occupied Amsterdam in 1942, forcing 13-year-old Anne Frank and her family to hide in the secret annex of a warehouse. Anne memorializes her two years of claustrophobic confinement in this witty, fearful, intimate diary, that concludes when the Gestapo discover the hideout. (Anne died in March 1945, in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.) This is a remarkable coming-of-age classic, set in tragic circumstances. Anne wrote, “I want to go on living even after my death!… Will I ever be able to write anything great?” Her wish has been realized.

Perfect for: Teenagers, wanna-be writers, or children interested in Nazi Germany.

Find Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl at your local library.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

by: L. Frank Baum , illustrated by: W.W. Denslow - (George M. Hill Company, 1900) 76 pages.

A cyclone sweeps Dorothy away from her ordinary life in Kansas, along with her house and her dog Toto. When she crash-lands in Oz, Dorothy discovers that her house has unintentionally taken out the Wicked Witch of the East, freeing the Munchkins from her reign. With a magical pair of silver shoes given to her by the Good Witch of the North, and her new friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy seeks the Wizard of Oz to help her return home to her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. Kids who know the story from watching the film version may be surprised at how the original book’s plot differs from that of the movie.

Want to see the movie? Check out the 1939 classic starring Judy Garland.

Perfect for: Kids who appreciate the fantastic.

Find The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at your local library.

The Outsiders

by: S.E. Hinton - (Viking Press, 1967) 224 pages.

Ponyboy, a proud Greaser from the wrong side of the tracks, is always up for a rumble against the rich Socs (short for “Socials”). But when his best friend, Johnny, accidentally kills one of the Socs gang, 14-year old Ponyboy must confront the violent reality of his life and make choices that will determine his future. The Outsiders was written by a high school student in 1967, and the story’s themes about class, violence, and teen coming-of-age still resonate with tweens and teens today.

Want to see the movie? Check out the 1983 adaptation directed by Francis Ford Coppola, though parents should note that the movie features violence and underage drinking.

Perfect for : Kids who like gritty realistic fiction.

Find The Outsiders at your local library.

Watership Down

by: Richard Adams - (Macmillan, 1972) 476 pages.

When the rabbit Fiver has a terrible premonition about his warren, he and his brother Hazel gather a group of young rabbits to seek a new home in the English countryside. They evade predators and farmers’ snares and eventually make it to the safety of Watership Down. But before they can settle in, they discover that their search is not over. Well-developed characters and engaging details make this a great introduction to allegory for young readers. And a helpful glossary will help readers who struggle with the “rabbitese.”

Want to see the movie? Check out the 1978 animated adaptation, which will appeal to older kids and adults alike.

Perfect for : Kids who love animal tales.

Find Watership Down at your local library.

Treasure Island

by: Robert Louis Stevenson - (Cassell and Company, 1883) 160 pages.

After a pirate dies at his family’s inn, young Jim Hawkins finds a map to a secret buried treasure. Jim shows the map to the local squire, and the two, along with the town doctor, decide to outfit a ship and go in search of the treasure. But when the trio hire on the scheming pirate Long John Silver to be the ship’s cook, their treasure hunt takes a murderous turn. Compelling characters and lots of suspense help kids tackle this classic book, which is a great vocabulary builder.

Want to see the movie? There are lots of adaptations. Readers looking for a classic take might enjoy the 1950 Disney version, but those looking for something silly might like Muppet Treasure Island (1995) or the animated Treasure Planet (2002), which sets the story in space.

Perfect for: Kids who like seafaring adventure.

Find Treasure Island at your local library.

Mary Poppins

by: Dr. P. L. Travers , illustrated by: Mary Shephard - (Harpercollins Childs, 2010) 768 pages.

The nanny at the Banks house in London has magical skills. Her name is Marry Poppins, and she can fly through the air with her umbrella, serve tea on the ceiling, and whisk the children away on a Christmas shopping trip on a distant star. She also has eccentric friends, like Bert the match man, the Bird Woman, her laughing uncle Mr. Wigg, and multiple creatures she chats with. A word to the wise, though: the title character has a no-nonsense personality, full of vanity, bossiness, and sarcasm. So, while she doesn’t resemble the film’s portrayal by a lovable Julie Andrews, it’s a great book to read and discuss together how it compares to the movie.

Perfect for: Anyone who loves magical adventures.

Find Mary Poppins at your local library.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

by: Avi - (Scholastic Paperbacks, 2012) 240 pages.

Upper-class 13-year-old Charlotte Doyle is the only female aboard the Seahawk, a schooner voyaging from England to Providence, Rhode Island in 1832. Tossed immediately into violent conflict between the cruel Captain Jaggery and the mutinous crew, she discards her refined dresses and ladylike behavior, dresses as a cabin boy, climbs the tallest mast, and leads her shipmates in successful rebellion. The plot includes a hurricane, a stowaway, a flogging, a knife fight, an odorous brig, loathsome food, and walking the plank. It’s a riveting tale of suspense on the perilous seas with an inspiring girl-power protagonist.

Perfect for: Young sailors and born leaders.

Find The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle at your local library.

Of Mice and Men

by: John Steinbeck - (Penguin Books, 1993) 112 pages.

Best friends George and Lennie are migrant workers seeking employment on California ranches during the 1930s. Lennie is large and powerful in size, yet he is mentally disabled and has a tender side. Lennie longs to stroke soft textures, like rabbit fur and girls’ hair, which can land him in trouble. George does his best to keep Lennie from getting into serious trouble. Their dream is to buy their own one-acre farm and “live offa the ffat the lan’” — but this plan collapses when the new boss’s son’s wife flirts with Lennie. The book’s primary themes are economic powerlessness, friendship, and loneliness.

Perfect for: Children who appreciate hard-knock stories of friendship.

Find Of Mice and Men at your local library.

The Red Pony

by: John Steinbeck - (Penguin Classics, 1994) 128 pages.

This novella contains four distinct tales about Jody Tiflin, a 10-year-old boy on a California ranch. The title refers to a red colt that Jody receives from his father. Although Jody carefully trains Gabilan and anticipates the joyful day he will ride him, the colt gets sick and dies. It’s a heart wrenching story of an adolescent dealing with loss.

Perfect for: Children who can appreciate stories of love and loss.

Find The Red Pony at your local library.

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Recommended Nonfiction Books for 6th Graders, 11 Year Olds

This post may contain affiliate links.

In school, 11-year-old readers (in 6th grade) are reading more nonfiction books than ever. Which means they need practice in excellent books. Books like these nonfiction books for 6th graders that I’ve read and highly recommend.

Here’s a list of nonfiction books for your readers that are so good that your 6th grade kids will learn a lot AND still enjoy the reading experience.

BOOK LISTS BY AGES   NONFICTION BOOK LISTS BY AGE   Fiction Books for 6th Graders, 11 Year Olds   Picture Book Biographies   Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Strategies

Nonfiction Books for 6th Graders, 11 Year Olds

The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity   written by Nicholas Day, illustrated by Brett Helquist Incredible writing, fun illustrations, and excellent biographical information about the curious, brilliant, and distractable Leonardo Da Vinci make this a favorite nonfiction middle-grade choice. Interestingly, the Mona Lisa wasn’t a well-known painting until this art heist in 1911. And the Louvre wasn’t well-attended until after this dramatic theft. The theft was dramatic because the thief simply walked out with the stolen painting tucked under his shirt. Highly recommended!

Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller  by Joseph Lambert Excellent!  The book shows both Annie and Helen’s strengths and weaknesses as well as really significant character arcs.  If you don’t know the story, or even if you do, read this book. You’ll be entranced with how laborious it was to teach Helen and how Annie’s persistence paid off in the end.

The Deep! Wild Life at the Ocean’s Darkest Depths  by Lindsey Leigh What an engaging dive into the ocean!  Read about the ocean layers and the cool creatures who live in each ocean zone.  The unique handwritten font instead of a traditional font gives the feeling of waves and playfulness. Cartoon illustrations show interesting creatures like the barreleye fish, the prambug, the hagfish, and the tripod fish. And the dialogue bubbles of conversational creatures only add to the genius of this eye-catching book. I predict this will be very popular with middle grade readers!

Wild Outside Around the World with Survivorman  written by Les Stroud and illustrations by Andres P. Barr Les Stroud recounts exciting personal adventure stories of exploration and survival in all sorts of places around the world.  Fascinating stories are accompanied by photos, illustrations, maps, and informational insets.  I couldn’t put this book down and HIGHLY recommend it.

Race Against Death  by Deborah Hopkinson Zippy pacing with dialogue from first-person accounts,  character arcs , and a true story arc makes this nonfiction book read like a narrative story. It’s well-organized and meticulously researched about what happened in the Philippines during World War II  when the Phillippines fell to the Japanese, the US and Philippine soldiers and citizens were taken into horrific Prisoner of War camps. Notably, this book shares the contributions of women, including their underground resistance, which many books ignore. Note: This is about the violence of war and includes soldier language (damn, bastards), but it’s not detailed or salacious and is appropriate for middle-grade readers who aren’t bothered by either.

Two Truths and a Lie  written by Ammi-Joan Paquette and Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Lisa K. Weber This book is GENIUS!  Kids to read and figure out what is true and what is a lie.  Know that readers will not just be reading and thinking deeply, but they’ll also doing research while they’re immersed in the book… (Because 11-year-old readers  must  know if a prehistoric dinosaur named “Bambi” exists, if the slyrking will take over your picnic, or if doctors really can implant a stimoceiver in the brain to control your behavior.)

Accidental Archeologists: True Stories of Unexpected DIscoveries  written by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Nathan Hackett Albee consistently writes exceptional, appealing nonfiction books and this latest one is no exception.  The writing hooks you from the first page and the stories of accidental archeological discoveries are compelling.  She includes black and white photographs, informational insets, and present-day updates. I thoroughly loved learning about the discovery of The Rosetta Stone, a fought-over golden Buddha statue, a 5300-year-old mummy, and the other discoveries; you will, too.

It’s Up to You, Abe Lincoln: How I Made the Biggest Decisions of My Life   by Tom & Leila Hirschfeld Written in the  second person point of view , this book puts you squarely in the driver’s seat as Abe Lincoln. It describes your life s tarting from childhood with photos, fun facts, and quizzes of “What Would You Do?” The writing flows smoothly, the layout is eye-catching, and the information is interesting and historically important.

Human Body Learning Lab: Take an Inside Tour of How Your Anatomy Works  by Betty Choi, M.D. Colorful pages with kid-friendly writing, illustrations, diagrams, labels, photos, and more add up to my new favorite book on the  human body !  Start reading about the body’s cellular building blocks and continue reading about subjects like the circulatory system, respiratory system, nervous system, the five senses, the reproductive system, and more. Written by pediatrician Dr. Betty Choi. I absolutely love this book!

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies How Maria Marian’s Art Changed Science  by Joyce Sidman The book includes detailed illustrations and photographs of Maria’s actual drawings and the insect and plant specimens she observed plus occasional informational insets describing the world around her at the time— the first museums, the role of women, and science before photography, just to name a few.  Maria’s dogged passion for the natural world, insects, in particular, led to being one of the first naturalists to document a butterfly’s metamorphosis.  Her story is fascinating and inspirational. I love this book! Added to:  Best Biographies for Women’s History Month

The How and Wow of the Human Body: From Your Tongue to Your Toes and all the Guts in Between  written by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, illustrated by Jack Teagle  From the hosts of the Wow in the World podcast comes a beautifully designed, fact-filled, engaging book all about the body.  Starting at the top of your body (the head) then moving on to the outside parts like the skin and nails to the insides like the immune and digestive system, you can’t help but learn a ton of information as you read the diagrams, facts, jokes, texts, quizzes, cartoons, and activities. Take your time because there’s a lot to learn and love on each page.

How to Go Anywhere (And Not Get Lost): A Guide to Navigation for Young Adventurers  written by Hans Aschim, illustrated by Andres Lozano FANTASTIC!  Engaging informational writing guides readers through the history of navigation to the development of more precision, new technology, and better maps . Illustrated activities throughout the book will help readers apply their new knowledge. for example, “Make Your Own Stick Chart” helps you make an ancient system of mapping the ocean and “Visualizing Declination” shows you the difference magnetic declination can make. Use this all year long in your homeschool or science classroom or throughout the summer as you spend time in nature.

Survivors of the Holocaust: True Stories of Six Extraordinary Children  by Kath Shackleton, illustrated by Zane Whittingham Holocaust survivor stories like these MUST be told. Because these six children started just like any of the kids reading their stories, they were ordinary kids who experienced the hardest things a child could face…being torn from their homes, separated from family, captured as a prisoner, and/or forced to hide. Graphic storytelling with unique artwork supports the clear, compelling narratives that will stay with you. It’s pretty sad to witness the tragedies in these children’s lives.  Powerful, emotional, deeply disturbing that leaves us with a sense of loss, even with these children’s survival.  We need more books like this. We must never forget. Buy this book for your classrooms and libraries!

Beavers: The Superpower Field Guides  written by Rachel Poliquin, illustrated by Nicholas John Frith Meet Elmer who, like other beavers, has superpowers.  Each of the 10 superpower sections is fact-filled, funny, and illustrated.  After you zip through this engaging nonfiction book, Elmer will be your new favorite kind of animal — and you’ll be a beaver expert, too.

The Ultimate Art Museum  by Ferren Gipson WOW — this is the  MOST impressive, well-organized, and beautifully designed art history book  for children that I’ve EVER read. It’s a curated book that takes children chronologically through 18 galleries from geographical regions and cultures such as the Far East, Ancient Egypt, Medieval Europe, and Byzantine period. Colorful borders and design, photographs and paintings with descriptions. Gorgeous — I highly recommend this incredible book!

The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome   by Jonathan W. Stokes  The Thrifty Guides Handbooks for Time Travelers are irresistible, wildly imaginative romps through history.  These books are filled with tongue and cheek hilarity while also being boldly informative about their historical topics. If Ancient Rome is your preferred destination, you’ll need your handy handbook close by to make sure you survive — which seems to be unlikely since, since as the book says, “ Rome is an absolute deathtrap .” Throughout these thrifty travel guides, you’ll read letters from your “ Corporate Overlord at Time Corp “. These, as you may expect, are hilarious! The guides are published by Time Corp in the year 2164 to help vacationing tourists with the most practical information for their time travel trips. 

The Girl Who Fought Back  by Joshua M. Greene This an excellent biograpical story of a Jewish girl who helped the Jewish resistance in Poland.  Vladka (her code name) leaves the ghetto to pass for a Christian outside the ghetto walls and work for the Jewish resistance. I learned so much about the divided Jewish factions in the ghetto and the Polish resistance not helping the Jews with weapons. Amazingly, Vladka survived the war and much of what we know about her life, Joshua attributes to her autobiography and many speaking engagements. This is a well-researched, must-read historical biography.

Girls Solve Everything: Stories of Women Entrepreneurs Building a Better World  written by Catherine Thimmesh, illustrated by Melissa Sweet Mesmerizing writing about problem-solving businesswomen!   Plus, Melissa Sweet’s cool illustrations elevate these women’s stories and add visual appeal.  If readers aren’t budding  entrepreneurs  before reading this, they might be after. Read how Jeroo Billimoria founded an emergency phone line for street kids in India, or how Jane Chen developed a low-cost incubator for premature babies in developing countries, and how Nadia Hamilton created an app with step-by-step instructions for daily tasks for autistic folks. Highly recommended.

Can You Crack the Code? A Fascinating History of Ciphers and Cryptography  written by Ella Schwartz, illustrated by Lily Williams  This book is perfect for children who love to solve puzzles and think deeply.  Even better, it’s very well written, flowing with information that makes sense so you’ll want to keep reading. This book intersperses activities, puzzles, insets of information, bolded words, biographies and more throughout the text — I’m very impressed! I can see homeschoolers using this book as a teaching tool or families reading it together just for fun.

Never Caught, The Story of Ona Judge: Young Readers Edition  written by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve This is a VERY well-written narrative nonfiction book but to be honest, I felt sick reading about the world into which Ona was born and raised…and that George Washington owned human beings.  At age 10, Ona becomes Martha Washington’s personal slave.  After 13 years of this thankless work with no pay, no days off, no freedom to have a feeling,…many of those years in Philadelphia, Ona learns that Martha plans to send Ona as a “gift” to Martha’s unkind granddaughter. Ona escapes north with the help of other freed slaves living in the city. 

The Screaming Hairy Armadillo and 76 Other Animals with Weird, Wild Names  written by Matthew Murie and Steve Murrie, illustrated by Julie Benbassat Get ready for funny names, magical names, fierce names, delicious names, and weird names. But even better is the ANIMALS with these unusual names. Like the striped pyjama squid which is a cool-looking stripped squid. Or the yeti crab which is a crustacean with hairy arms. Facts (species, habitat, and interesting details) are written in a text box with a well-written elaboration of about a page describing the animal’s looks, behavior, habitat, abilities, and more. Each animal has at least one illustration, sometimes more than one, and sometimes a photograph. Fantastic!

Why Is Art Full of Naked People?  by Susie Hodge My 11-year-old artistic daughter thinks this is the  BEST  book! In fact, she says it’s been much better than this year’s not-so-great art teacher at her school. You’ll f ind out so many useful facts to questions you probably didn’t even know you had  such as:  Why is everything blurry? Do artists copy each other? Why is art so expensive?  This book takes common kid questions and helps children understand and appreciate art in a deeper way. Very interesting!! I’m glad we own it.

Black Heroes of the Wild West  by James Otis Smith  This exceptional graphic novel contains three compelling biographies of little-known historical black individuals who lived during the Old West . Smith is an exceptional storyteller and you’ll be pulled into the stories immediately. Read about Stagecoach Mary, a former slave who had the most interesting life that included many jobs, and Bob Lemmons whose horse training skills helped him capture a wild mustang stallion.

Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier  by Jim Ottaviani and Maris Wicks What a fascinating, informative look at the difficult road  women faced in their journey to become astronauts! Despite facing misogynistic attitudes, American women persisted in their quest to become astronauts. Meanwhile, the Russians started a female space program and launched a woman astronaut long before the U.S. did. Eventually the U.S. caught up and you’ll be inspired by read the stories of these fascinating trail blazers, American and Russian.

Human Body Theater: A Nonfiction Revue  by Maris Wicks This nonfiction graphic novel ROCKS! It should be required reading for students studying the human body because the  information presented this way is so memorable and understandable . I love Skeleton’s narration and the awesomely cute illustrations of every body system from the smallest cell parts to the biggest organs.

How Old is a Whale? Animal Life Spans from the Mayfly to the Immortal Jellyfish  written by Lily Murray, illustrated by Jesse Hodgson Beginning with the mayfly, whose life spans 3 minutes to 24 hours, and ending with the immortal jellyfish whose life span is forever unless it’s eaten, you’re going to be fascinated with the facts in this life span book. Each animal gets its own two-page spread with information about their life and a muted illustration in earth tones. Love it! (The text is fairly difficult, so I’d recommend this for strong middle-grade readers.)

The Dictionary of Difficult Words  by Jane Solomon, illustrated by Louise Lockhart Want a mesmerizing book that is even better than a word-a-day calendar? This oversized dictionary contains the coolest selection of 400 words that kids will love to learn beginning with  abecedarian  (someone who is learning the alphabet) continuing to  Zeppelin . Each letter gives readers about 15 new words to learn. This includes the word, pronunciation, part of speech, and definition.

A Black Woman Did That: 42 Boundary-Breaking, Bar-Raising, World-Changing Women  written by Malaika Adero, illustrated by Chante Timothy In this book, you’ll meet women and girls who will inspire you.  Read about fascinating and admirable women who are scientists, models, athletes, politicians, dancers, and more.  Fascinating writing and fascinating people with impactful, vivid illustrations.

Rise Up: Ordinary Kids With Extraordinary Stories   written by Amanda Li, illustrated by Amy Blackwell Kids will love the colorful layouts, exceptional writing, and wealth of information about SO many amazing role model kids.  Learn about Poorna Malavath from India who climbed Mt. Everest, Desmond Doss, a WWII hero from the U.S., and Molly Kelly from Australia who escaped from forced resettlement for Aboriginal children. The writing grabs you from the first sentence — and makes these children’s true stories exciting and dramatic as if you were reading an adventure story.

So You Want to Be a Roman Soldier?  written by Philip Matyszak, illustrated by Takayo Akiyama This is a  kid-friendly somewhat irreverent guide  to being a Roman, starting with an example entrance exam and application form. Learn how to train, collect weapons, prepare for war, and even storm a city.

What Color is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors written by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld, illustrated by Ben Boos & A.G. Ford Twins, Herbie and Ella, move into a new house where they meet Mr. Mital, a handyman who surprises the kids with fascinating information about African-American scientists. Throughout the narrative are non-fiction lift-the-flap sidebars and two-page spread biographies.

Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Journey to Justice  written by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Whitney Gardner  Introduce young readers to the fascinating life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with this clearly-written graphic novel that shows about her life from childhood to adulthood including her family life. You’ll see how women were treated differently than men and the challenges that a trailblazer like Ginsburg faced. She experienced discrimination firsthand. Based on her experiences and quest for fairness, Ginsburg became passionate about civil liberties, specifically gender discrimination. Not only was she a lawyer and judge but she also became a Supreme Court Justice.

The Book of Ingeniously Daring Chemistry 24 Experiments for Young Scientists  by Sean Connolly FASCINATING!  I love the writing in this book because it makes chemistry really understandable and interesting.  You’ll read about an element on the periodic table then do a related experiment. For example, you might learn how iron oxidizes by submerging steel wool in vinegar. Or learn about magnesium with an Epsom salts crystalizing experiment.

Insect Superpowers 18 Real Bugs that Smash, Zap, Hypnotize, Sting, and Devour!  written by Kate Messner, illustrated by Jillian Nickell Stylized to look like a comic book of superhero action with oversized pictures and the occasional large comic-style typeface of  smack! pow!  and  chomp!  impress upon the reader just how super these superbugs are.  Messner shares the must-know basics (name, size, hideout, superpower) then launches into fascinating details about each, including what they eat (favorite foods) and who eats them (archenemies). Action-filled cartoon panels show a bug stalking and then devouring its food. Interesting insets of information narrate more facts about each insect.

Totally Amazing Facts About Military Vehicles   by Cari Meister I’m not interested in this topic at all, but I know kids who are. For them, this book will be a gold mine of cool facts and information. And my kids and I LOVED this series’ other book,  Wacky Facts About History .

Rad Women Worldwide  written by Kate Schatz, illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl Once I started reading these biographies (which I flipped and read in random order), I got very hooked. Hopefully, this book will inspire kids as much as it did me. Plus, it’s really interesting to read about other people, ordinary people who did amazing things.

Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science  by Jeannine Atkins Three girls lives, Maria Merian, Mary Anning, and Maria Mitchell, are showcased in this beautiful verse. Each girl’s interest is explained and elaborated. We see how these interests grew into something more, into the passions and discoveries that become their life’s work. I love the flow of the poems and the celebration of these ground-breaking women.

She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World  written by Kathy MacMillan and Manuela Bernardi, illustrated by Kathrin Honesta  The best part of this picture book is that you can hear the actual voices of these 14 women . Press the button on the side and listen. I particularly love Maya Angelou’s deep, rich voice. Each two-page spread features a short biographical paragraph as well as a quote from that person, whether Dolores Huerta or Dr. Temple Grandin or Hillary Rodham Clinton. The pages also include an illustration, quick facts, and a call to action.

Issac The Alchemist Secrets of Issac Newton, Reveal’d  by Mary Losure This well-written biographical book grabs your attention and holds it. I’m impressed! Newton had a difficult childhood, but his curiosity and genius were always present throughout his life. After living at an apothecary for several years, he had a chance to go to the university, and eventually, Newton became one of the world’s most well-known scientists, the father of physics. I highly recommend this for a narrative nonfiction reading choice for 6th graders.

Wild Boy: The Real Life of the Savage of Aveyron  by Mary Losure Based on a true story, this is a historical recounting of a wild boy the early 1800s found in France. I found the life fascinating as the author takes us on the journey of his life. He’s studied as a beast, less than a person. In fact, scientists of the time believed he was not a human but something other. This book will make you think.

United States Atlas National Geographic Kids (2020)   Here’s an atlas that will be your go-to resource for many years with dense information packed inlike information on each state in addition to the maps — flags, stats, facts, photos, land and water, nature, population, economy, and much more. I really like that the atlas shows the entire United States map with different focuses such as climate, natural hazards, population, and more.  You will not need any other atlas but this one — it’s perfect for school and home.

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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18 Excellent Nonfiction Books For 6th Graders That They Will Love

Most kids prefer fiction to nonfiction. After all, fictional books allow their young minds to run wild. They can dream of dragons, magic, and thrilling adventures.

But once your kid reaches the 6th grade (11/12 years of age), this is a great time to get them reading nonfiction books.

These books are filled with facts that are going to make your kids more intellectual (Also check out the Best Books For Your 8-Year-Old To Read ).

So if you know a 6th grader (Also check out these Amazing Non-Fiction Books For 5th Graders ) with a thirst for knowledge, here are the best nonfiction books for them to read!

1. Horrible Histories: The Horrible History Of The Word

History is a fascinating subject, but sometimes it can seem boring to kids. Luckily, the Horrible Histories series by Terry Deary is a great way of getting kids stuck into history.

Illustrated by Martin Brown, The Horrible History of the World is a useful handbook that will help 6th graders to learn all about the history of humanity.

Detailed and full of information, this book is also incredibly entertaining.

It covers fascinating events such as the history of samurai warriors and the life of Alexander the Great. 

2. Yummy: A History Of Desserts

Who doesn’t love a delicious dessert? Well, with this book, you can find out all about the history of different desserts, from cakes to ice creams.

Just bear in mind that after reading this book, you’re bound to be hungry!

Written by Victoria Grace Elliot, Yummy: A History of Desserts is a fun yet informative deep dive into dessert history. This book is ideal for 6th graders who love sweet treats.

Filled with fun illustrations, this book is sure to keep children engaged.

3. A History Of Music For Children

From the magnificent minds of Mary Richards and David Schweitzer, A History of Music for Children is an illustrated guide that music lovers will adore.

Complete with gorgeous illustrations by Rose Blake, this educational book is a treat for the eyes.

The book explores some of the biggest names in the world of music, such as David Bowie, Wolfgang Mozart, and Billie Eilish.

We particularly recommend A History of Music for Children for kids with a passion for music!

4. How They Croaked: The Awful Ends Of The Awfully Famous

How They Croaked covers a rather morbid topic, namely how certain celebrities and famous people diet.

If they’ve got a strong gut, 6th-grade kids can learn all about some of the most remarkable deaths in history.

This includes Albert Einstein and Tutankhamun. So if your 6th grader doesn’t mind the macabre, why not give How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg a shot?

5. Awesome Achievers In Technology

Do you know a 6th grader with a passion for technology? If so, we’ve found the perfect book! 

Awesome Achievers in Technology by Alan Katz is focused on giving attention to lesser-known heroes within the world of technology.

Not only this, but the book tells younger readers about how these terrific technology inventors impact their modern lives.

6. The Ultimate Art Museum

The Ultimate Art Museum will make you feel as though you’ve visited every art museum in the world without ever leaving your house!

Designed for readers within the middle grade, this book teaches kids about art in a simple yet effective manner.

The book covers an impressive range of different artists and cultures from across the globe. 

As a book all about art, The Ultimate Art Museum is also accompanied by compelling art. Penned by Ferren Gipson, The Ultimate Art Museum is essential reading for kids with an interest in art.

7. We Should Hang Out Sometime: Embarrassingly, A True Story

Josh Sundquist’s We Should Hang Out Sometime is a magnificent memoir that is popular among teenagers. This Paralympic ski racer documents his early life in a relatable manner.

This rib-tickling book is all about Sundquist’s misadventures. Specifically, it’s all about his ventures into the complex world of dating. 

Just bear in mind that this hilarious book covers some more mature topics, such as dating. Therefore, it’s best suited to more mature 6th graders. 

8. Kid Athletes: True Tales Of Childhood From Sports Legends

Sports isn’t just about victory! Kid Athletes: True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends is a collection of biographies from David Stabler.

It highlights the highs and lows of numerous sporting greats who also went through kid-related problems.

These sporting legends include Lionel Messi, Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, and Tiger Woods.

Therefore, if you know a 6th grader who idolizes one of these sporting heroes, this engrossing collection is a perfect match.

9. The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story Of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery

Benedict Arnold is an important figure in American history. With the aid of this compelling nonfiction book, 6th graders can find out all about this controversial figure. 

The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin is a bestseller for kids with an interest in history.

This riveting read covers the heroics and treachery that plagued the life of this player from the Revolutionary War.

10. Black Heroes Of The Wild West

Up next, Black Heroes of the Wild West is an illustrated exploration of the wild west.

Written by James Otis Smith, the book tells the riveting real-life narratives of overlooked black heroes in the Wild West period. 

Smith is a wonderful writer whose stories are sure to grab the attention of 6th graders.

Perhaps the most interesting person who is explored in this graphic novel is Stagecoach Mary, an ex-slave who become a prominent coach driver.

11. People You Gotta Meet Before You Grow Up: Get To Know The Movers And Shakers, Heroes And Hotshots In Your Hometown

This fascinating children’s book highlights that you don’t have to be a celebrity to do something important.

Instead, this book shows that there are heroes in your local area. It underlines the important role that lesser-known heroes have in the community.

Joe Rhatigan’s nonfiction book will likely inspire 6th graders with these sensational stories. 

12. Can You Crack The Code? A Fascinating History Of Ciphers And Cryptography

Codes aren’t just for spies. In this text, author Ella Schwartz will guide younger readers through the bewitching history of codes and ciphers.

This includes engrossing tales of hidden treasure that kids will adore. 

Not only is this book tons of fun, but it also provides education in the form of STEM topics.

13. Spectacular Stories For Curious Kids: A Fascinating Collection Of True Tales To Inspire & Amaze Young Readers

Spectacular Stories for Curious Kids by Jesse Sullivan is a mind-blowing account of real-world stories. These vivid stories are guaranteed to grab the attention of the reader.

Sullivan crafts 100 stories centered around interesting nonfiction events. Perfect for curious minds, this nonfiction text may become the favorite book of your 6th graders.

14. Amelia Lost: The Life And Disappearance Of Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earheart is a fascinating historical figure. This female aviator is known for her infamous disappearance.

But this should not be overshadowed by the fact that she was the first woman to fly over the Atlantic Ocean alone.

Candace Fleming’s book is an exceptional examination of Amelia Earhart that’s designed for younger readers. They can find out about the triumphs and tragedies of Amelia Earhart’s life.

15. The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History Of Four Meals

The Omnivore’s Dilemma is a thought-provoking book that encourages kids to think about the food that they eat. Michael Pollan’s nonfiction book is a fascinating dive into the global impact of food choices.

So if you want to open a child’s mind, The Omnivore’s Dilemma is a phenomenal present. 

16. It’s Up To You, Abe Lincoln

You may think that a biography about the life of Abraham Lincoln may be a little too boring for 6th graders.

But Leila Hirschfeld’s It’s Up to You, Abe Lincoln is a funny yet educational read that will teach kids all about the 16th president of the United States.

This is the perfect nonfiction book to read with your kids.

17. Whoppers: History’s Most Outrageous Lies And Liars

As this book demonstrates, history is packed with liars. It’s an entrancing dive into the biggest liars in human history.

As a result, this book will help 6th graders to learn more about history, as well as keep them entertained!

Despite how crazy these stories are, they are entirely true. With the help of this nonfiction book written by Christine Seifert, kids can read about fascinating figures like P. T. Barnum. 

18. Astronauts: Women On The Final Frontier

Last but not least, Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier is an extraordinary real-life story of the very first women in space.

Jim Ottaviani’s writing is exceptional, as it captures the extraordinary grandeur of this space voyage. 

This book is sure to be an inspiring read, particularly for female 6th graders. Kids who have a passion for science will adore these motivating stories that highlight that science isn’t just for men. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are loads of fantastic nonfiction books for 6th graders to try.

There’s something here for everyone. So if you think that your 6th grader is ready for nonfiction, why not try one of these brilliant books?!

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• NCERT Books
• Class 6 TextBooks

NCERT Books for Class 6

Ncert books for class 6 pdf for all subjects.

NCERT Class 6 Books will have a major impact on the future prospects of students. In this stage, students develop an interest in learning all the concepts and topics thoroughly and pay specific attention to developments in the academic fields. To score well in Class 6 final exams, students should know the right material to choose for study. Among them, NCERT Books for Class 6 is the most valuable study resource, which is designed by a panel of subject-matter experts. We at BYJU’S, provide NCERT Books for Class 6 for subjects Maths, Science, Social Studies, English and Hindi.

Class 6 NCERT Books provide a detailed explanation of every concept of all the units under the NCERT Class 6 Syllabus. NCERT books use simple language to describe all concepts and topics so that students can easily grasp even the difficult ones. Students can access the NCERT Class 6 textbooks by clicking on the links in the table below. These textbooks are provided in PDF format so that students can download them for future reference. It will help to clear their doubts and score high marks in the final exam.

NCERT Book for Class 6 Maths

NCERT Book for Class 6 Maths is available in two languages – English and Hindi on BYJU’S website to help students score well in Maths. These books are easy-to-understand and are helpful in simplifying even the most complicated topics. The Maths book of NCERT Class 6 helps in building a solid foundation for higher classes as well. Click the below links to download the PDFs of the NCERT Book for Class 6 Maths in English and Hindi. These textbooks are prepared by referring to NCERT Class 6 Maths Syllabus .

Download NCERT Class 6 Maths Book Chapter-wise:

Ncert book for class 6 science.

NCERT Textbook of Class 6 Science consists of all three sections: Physics, Chemistry and Biology. These textbooks are designed by subject-matter experts in accordance with the NCERT Class 6 Science Syllabus . Students should refer to the Science textbook while preparing for the final exam because the question paper will be prepared by referring to it. The NCERT Science textbook for Class 6 is highly recommendable as it helps enhance the knowledge of students as well as their exam preparations.

Download NCERT Class 6 Science Book Chapter-wise:

Ncert book for class 6 social science.

In the table below, we have given the PDF links to NCERT Book for Class 6 Social Science for History, Geography and Civics. Students can score the desired marks if they refer to these books for their exam preparations. NCERT has published these books in English as well as in Hindi. The Social Science textbook for Class 6 is prepared by a panel of subject-matter experts according to the syllabus prescribed by the CBSE Board.

Download NCERT Class 6 Social Studies Book Chapter-wise:

Download ncert class 6 hindi book chapter-wise:, ncert book for class 6 english.

NCERT English Textbook of Class 6 covers all topics as prescribed in the syllabus of Class 6 English. The textbook of English helps in improving skills in the English language. These books are designed by subject-matter experts by referring to the prescribed English syllabus. Moreover, the textbook of English is very interactive and fun-filled.

Download NCERT Class 6 English Books Chapter-wise:

Importance of ncert class 6 textbook.

NCERT Class 6 Textbooks help in building a strong foundation for the higher classes. These textbooks are followed by all the affiliated schools of CBSE . The concepts covered in the NCERT Class 6 textbooks play a very important role in developing young minds by guiding them in the right direction of knowledge. Thus, NCERT textbooks are the best option for students studying in Class 6.

Frequently Asked Questions on NCERT Books for Class 6

Where can i get the best ncert books for class 6, how are ncert books for class 6 helpful for the cbse students in final exams, are the ncert books for class 6 sufficient for the cbse students, leave a comment cancel reply.

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