The Best Read Aloud Books for the Middle School Classroom

Finding an engaging read aloud for the middle school classroom is like hitting the jackpot. Read alouds are also a perfect way to engage your students at any time of the year.

First, while I wouldn’t change them for anything, middle schoolers are in a league of their own. Secondly, they love coddling like a youngster but like to be treated like young adults. Just like with younger students, read alouds provide middle schoolers with entertainment, fluency, comprehension enhancement, and stress relief. Here are a few great read alouds you and your middle school students will enjoy together.

Suggested Read Aloud Books

This suggested list of read aloud books are an excellent variety for your middle school classroom:

Weasel by Cynthia DeFelice

While this nonviolent story takes place in the 1800s, it is still relevant to the world we live in today. This easy read will captivate your students with its suspense and will give them something to think about. 

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Full of delightful characters, the author writes in a way that will entrance you and your students. Because his father fires a gun at him and his mother, “Ghost” is on the run, and he impresses a coach after crashing a nearby race. Ghost works hard to control his impulsivities and make positive choices as he continues on his running journey.

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

This book will give you all the feels while explaining a relationship between an oversized 8th grade boy with a small brain and a big heart, and a small-statured boy who seems to have endless knowledge, nicknamed “Freak”. The two boys come together to defeat bullies and their pasts that keep coming back.

Crash by Jerry Spinelli

Told from the perspective of the bully, Crash will give you an inside view of a young teenage boy’s mind. The major lesson in the story is popularity is not the most important aspect of life.

The Bully by Paul Langan

Regardless of their reading level or level of toughness, your students will love this book which takes place in an urban setting. Darrell will keep your students’ interest as he goes through the process of moving from Philadelphia to California and everything that comes along with the move. 

Read Aloud Websites & Resources

• 30 of the Best Read Alouds for Middle School

• 13 Read-Alouds to Help You Connect with Your Middle Schooler

• Why Reading Aloud to Middle Schoolers Works

Free Activity for Your Classroom

Are you looking for an activity for your students to complete while you are reading to them?  Here is a free reading log activity for you to use for any novel, chapter, or text!

What are some of your favorite books to read aloud to middle school students? I would love to add to my list! Happy reading!