Children are encouraged to read anything at their reading level. The lists are only suggestions and examples. Many of the books may be out being enjoyed by another reader but don't panic--simply place a hold or choose another book.
Many of the books on these lists can be checked out of the library in Quincy and many of them are also owned by other South Shore libraries in the Old Colony Library Network. If the book you want is checked out, you can place a hold on it either at the library or online. Click on the underlined titles to check availability in the library catalog.
| Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 | Grades 7 & 8 |
| Grade 6 | |
| Harry Potter Series [1] by J.K. Rowling Young Merlin Trilogy [2] by J. Yolen The Lighting Thief Series [3] by R. Riordan Royal Diaries (Series) [4] by various authors Midnight Magic [5] by Avi Hachiko Waits [6] by L. Newman Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul [7] by J. Canfield The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants [8] by A. Brashares Do The Math Series [9] by W. Lichtman Sky Pioneer [10] by C. Szabo Madam President [11] by C. Thimmesh Confucius, The Golden Rule [12] by R. Freedman Jim Thorpe, Original All-American [13] by J. Bruchac Chasing Vermeer [14] by Blue Balliett |
Al Capone Does My Shirts [15] by Gennifer Choldenko Absolutely Normal Chaos [16] by Sharon Creech Bud Not Buddy [17] by Christopher Paul Curtis The Tale of Despereaux [18] by Kate DiCamillio Hoot [19] by Carl Hiaasen Savvy [20] by Ingrid Law A Wrinkle in Time [21] by Madeline L’Engle Ella Enchanted [22] by Gale Carson Levine Chronicles of Narnia [23] by C. S. Lewis Island of the Blue Dolphins [24] by Scott O’Dell Peter and the Starcatchers [25] by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry Stargirl [26] by Jerry Spinelli The Egypt Game [27] by Zilpha Keatley Snyder |
| Grade 7 | Grade 8 |
| Finding Courage by J.M. Bedell (this title is not available in OCLN) The Education of Little Tree [28] by Forrest Carter A Week in the Woods [29] by Andrew Clements Heartbeat [30] by Sharon Creech The Breadwinner [31] by Deborah Ellis The Thief Lord [32] by Cornelia Funke A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry For Children [33] by Caroline Kennedy Travel Team [34] by Mike Lupica Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH [35] by Robert C. O’Brien Esperanza Rising [36] by Pam Munoz Ryan Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen [37] by Dyan Sheldon Space Station Seventh Grade [38] by Jerry Spinelli The Mysterious Benedict Society [39] by Trenton Stewart The Hobbit [40] by J.R.R. Tolkien |
Nothing But the Truth [41] by Avi The Hunger Games Trilogy [42] by Suzanne Collins Witness [43] by Karen Hesse Our Only May Amelia [44] by Jennifer Holm When Zachary Beaver Came to Town [45] by Kimberly Willis Holt New Boy [46] by Julian Houston Touching Spirit Bear [47] by Ben Mikaelsen Fiona McGilray’s Story [48] by Clare Pastore Within Reach: My Everest Story [49] by Mark Pfetzer A Break with Charity: A Story about the Salem Witch Trials [50] by Ann Rinaldi Chasing Lincoln’s Killer [51] by James L. Swanson The Book Thief [52] by Markus Zusak |
Grades 7 & 8
Eragon [53] by C. Paolini
Artemis Fowl (Series) [54] by E. Colfer
Redwall (Series) [55] by B. Jacques
Circle of Magic (Series) [56] by T. Pierce
Inkheart (Series) [57] by C. Funke
Harry Potter Series [1] by J.K. Rowling
Crispin, The Cross of Lead [58] by Avi
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul [59] by D. Canfield
Zoe Rising [60] by P. Conrad
Maximum Ride [61] by J. Patterson
Night Hoops [62] by C. Deuker
Unfrightened Dark [63] by I. Holland
Alex Rider (Series) [64] by A. Horowitz
Tales from the Red Sox Dugout [65] by J. Prime
Rick & Lanie’s Excellent Kitchen Adventures [66] by R. Bayless
Remember: The Journey to School Integration [67] by T. Morrison
Bone Detectives [68] by D. Jackson
Calligraphy for Kids [69] by E. Winters
The Good, The Bad and The Slimy [70] by S. Latta
Cave Paintings to Picasso [71] by H. Sayre
Arctic Thaw [72] by P. Lourie