Best of 2016: Books for Middle Schoolers

As the year comes to a close, library staff members and volunteers reflect on the best books they've read in 2016. Here are their suggestions for the best books for readers in middle school:

Towers Falling
by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Recommended by Cleo Joyce, Youth Services Supervisor, Sharon Forks Library
Cleo says: "Déja is a homeless 5th grader, living with her mother, her sick father, and two younger siblings in a group home. Angry and scared about starting a new school, and worried about everyone finding out she’s homeless, Déja at first resists the kindness of her classmates. Eventually, as her class studies September 11th, Déja begins to open up to those around her while she discovers the truth about her father’s illness. Towers Falling does a beautiful job of highlighting what we all have in common while exploring our differences. This is a must-read title for upper elementary readers."

The Best Man
by Richard Peck
Recommended by Cleo Joyce, Youth Services Supervisor, Sharon Forks Library
Cleo says: "This funny and heartwarming book follows Archer from 1st through 6th grade as he endures the ups and downs of friendship, bullies, family changes, one differently-abled British exchange student, and two important weddings. Full of great characters, strong adult role models, and Archer’s pitch perfect narration, Best Man is a great choice for upper elementary or middle school readers."

The Graveyard Book
by Neil Gaiman
Recommended by Lola Nichols, Information Specialist, Sharon Forks Library
Lola says: "Loved this book. Wish I'd read it years ago! Don't let the name put you off if you haven't read this one. It's a Newbery winner for a reason!"

When You Reach Me
by Rebecca Stead
Also available as CD Audiobook and eBook,
Recommended by Julie Boyd, Youth Services Supervisor, Cumming Library

The War that Saved My Life
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Also available as eAudiobook, eBook, and CD Audiobook

Recommended by Julie Boyd, Youth Services Supervisor, Cumming Library

Everything You Need to Know To Ace World History in One Big Fat Notebook: A Middle School Study Guide
by Ximena Vengoecheo
Recommended by Holly Raus, Youth Specialist, Cumming Library
Holly says: "A very readable guide that briefly outlines history from the beginning of time to the present with just enough information and the most pertinent facts. I am gifting this book to my history loving teen godson so he will have a handy reference."