As your child progresses through the middle grades, reading is going to play an ever-more significant role in their development, not only academically but also personally. Seventh graders are at that juncture in their development where by they should be able to comprehend more complicated narration and tackle more complex themes. This guide is specially prepared to help parents choose books for their 7th grader that will help entertain and enrich. It also provides advisory tips on how to maximize the benefits of reading. We shall mention reasons why MoBoo's curated collection is ideal for 7th graders.
Reading for 7th graders offers several important benefits.
Enriches Vocabulary and Critical Thinking: Frances Hardinge's "The Lie Tree" is one of those rich-in-words books with a carefully developed plot-a good book for busy students developing their vocabulary and, at the same time, their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Encourages Empathy and Social Awareness: Stories like "Refugee" by Alan Gratz expose readers to what life is like for children whose lives are under duress. Delving into these stories equips a young reader with valuable information about global issues and sensitizes them with more empathy toward people from diverse backgrounds.
Introduces Complex Themes: At this age, 7th graders are ready for exposure to deeper, more complex themes. The novel "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman is an ideal choice for this age because it explores the consequences of technological development through questions about morality.
Encourages Emotional Exploration and Self-awareness: Books like "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi can help children explore their identity, belongingness, and courage.
Choosing the right books for your 7th grader will ensure that they remain engaged, which is vital for growth.
Books that Balance Challenge and Enjoyment:Books at this age must be challenging yet entertaining. One example is "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera, a science fiction novel. Writing is somewhat complex so reading needs to be slower, but it pays off in an engaging, rich story.
Relevant Themes and Issues: Choose books that deal with themes relevant to your child's experiences and challenges. For example, "Rebound" by Kwame Alexander touches on aspects like loss, resilience, and finding oneself-easily relatable to many students of this grade.
Diversity in Characters and Perspectives:Consider stories that hold a different perspective. "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse tells a historical story through the eyes of a girl who lived amidst Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. It sheds light on not only how frightening that particular period was but also how important it is to be courageous and moral.
Books That Spark Curiosity and Imagination:Tales such as "Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna" by Alda P. Dobbs-a flight into the Mexican Revolution-fuel curiosity about history, culture, and survival. They are fundamentally inspirational, generating more interest in the world.
Here are some outstanding book recommendations for 7th graders, with each providing something different yet instructive.
"The Lie Tree" by Frances Hardinge: A historical fantasy novel about Faith, a girl whose father mysteriously dies, and her struggle with social roles assigned to her. Perfect for enhancing critical thinking and persistence.
"Refugee" by Alan Gratz: This is a story of three different children, Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, who are all in flight from their homes in search of safety. It is a powerful story about survival, empathy, and experiences shared by refugees throughout history.
"Scythe: by Neal Shusterman: In some future where something called death doesn't exist, two teens are selected to attend training to become "scythes" and, therefore, decide who should die to maintain the world's population. It's one of those thought-provoking books that certainly raises questions about ethics and mortality.
"Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse: This is a mystery set during World War II in Amsterdam. The main character, Hanneke, is involved with the resistance when she tries to find a lost Jewish girl. She learns all about courage and the right moral decisions in difficult times.
Lindsay Eagar, "Hour of the Bees" - A story about Carol, who spends one summer on her grandfather's ranch in New Mexico and learns her family's history through the device of magical realism. A great heritage story about resilience, and bonds between generations.
"Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi: A different and thought-provoking story set within a utopian city where monsters no longer exist-or at least that is what the people believe. It was an important story which tackles such tough themes as justice versus fighting against hidden evils.
Donna Barba Higuera, "The Last Cuentista:" When Earth gets destroyed, Petra, a storyteller, will use her skills to protect her cultural heritage. This is such an amazing science fiction novel that will interest readers who generally like speculative fiction and want to see resilience in action.
"Louisiana's Way Home" by Kate DiCamillo: This novel follows Louisiana, who gets uprooted from her home and throws herself into a new place. It is a touching story about being resilient and finding one's place in the world.
"Rebound" by Kwame Alexander: This prequel to "The Crossover" tells of Chuck Bell and how basketball got him past some tough times in his life. It is truly an inspiring story about sport, friendship, and growth.
"Dragonfly Song" by Wendy Orr: A historical fantasy novel of one young girl's journey through trials and challenges within an ancient culture. Ideal for those readers who love mythology and adventure.
"Tru & Nelle" by Greg Neri: Such a captivating story based on the real-life friendship of Truman Capote and Harper Lee. It is a great book, introducing young readers to the power of storytelling and imagination.
"Beverly, Right Here" by Kate DiCamillo: A story about Beverly Tapinski, a girl who runs away from home and tries to build a life of her own. It is a story of independence, toughness, and finding one's home.
"Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna" by Alda P. Dobbs: A historical novel about a young girl fleeing the Mexican Revolution; an inspiring story of resilience and hope, filled with cultural richness and historical context.
These books will help young readers grow, understand themselves and others, and stay connected through the diverse stories that sharpen their views and imaginations.
Here are some suggestions that will help your 7th grader get more out of what they read.
Discussion Opportunities:Discuss the themes of the books they read with your child. In the case of "Scythe," for example, it would be interesting to debate what ethical dilemmas these characters face and what alternatives had. Such discussions develop not only critical thinking but also a deeper involvement with the material.
Encouraging Independent Reading: Give your child some free choice over the books they want to read, but also make suggestions for genres or topics they may be new to them. If your child enjoyed "Refugee," they might enjoy other books dealing with historical events or personal journeys.
Set Reading Goals and Celebrate Successes.With your child, set a goal to read a specified number of books per month. Celebrate the success with small rewards or a special outing, which will make reading a fun challenge.
Audiobooks to Enhance the Experience: Especially helpful for reluctant readers or to be used while traveling, audiobooks are a great resource. An audiobook of "The Last Cuentista" allows students to experience a shared reading that keeps the story alive in a new way.
MoBoo carefully selects books, considering the developing needs of young readers. Here's why MoBoo is the best guide in choosing books for your 7th grader.
Carefully Chosen Titles: Every book in the file-including "The Lie Tree" and "Pet"-has been carefully selected, considering age suitability, ease of reading, and learning values.
Diverse Representation Emphasized: MoBoo celebrates diversity in book choices so children will see both themselves and others within the stories. Books like "Pet" and "The Last Cuentista" are excellent examples of stories that build empathy and understanding.
Entertaining yet Informative: MoBoo's books are entertaining; at the same time, they help build important skills and knowledge. Whether learning about certain historical events in "Refugee" or delving into moral issues in "Scythe," MoBoo's collection truly makes reading entertaining and educational for students.
Q: What kinds of books are suitable for the 7th graders?
A: Better served are books that challenge the readers, offer some variety of characters, and have themes applicable to middle school students. Books with the complexity and theme of "The Lie Tree" and "Pet" will engage imaginations and encourage 7th-grade students to think more critically.
Q: How can I get my 7th grader to read?
A: Encourage your child to choose books that genuinely interest them and make a comfortable reading environment available for them. Also, reading the same book and discussing it, like "Hour of the Bees," will make reading so more fun and discussions more meaningful. Audiobooks or graphic novels are other available formats.
Q: Special book series that would be recommended for 7th graders?
A: Great series for 7th graders interested in dystopian fiction is Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games;" and for those who love mythology combined with adventure there is Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson & The Olympians" titles.
Q:What Do I Do if My 7th Grader Isn't into Reading?
A: Try offering books that align with their current interests or hobbies and make reading a bit more interactive. Graphic novels or illustrated versions of stories can also help; for example, "The Last Cuentista: by Donna Barba Higuera. Start a small book club with friends or family in which everyone reads the same book, making reading social.
Q: Can Reading Help Prepare My 7th Grader for School?
A: Absolutely, reading improves vocabulary, critical thinking, comprehension, and analytical skills-all of which are vital for school. Books like "Refugee" give historical context and awareness of world issues, while "Scythe" encourages thought about ethical dilemmas. Reading strengthens children's language skills to help them excel in language arts and beyond.
By following these recommendations and tips, parents make it possible for 7th graders to grow academically and personally in their love of reading. MoBoo provides book selections that are enriching, entertaining, and developmentally relevant.