The Moon without Stars by Chanel Miller

 

Luna begins this book as a solidly bookish seventh grader who spends most of her time with her best friend Scott. When circumstances lead Luna to recommending books and making personalized zines for her classmates, she becomes swept in to a popular group of kids. She stops spending time with Scott and participates in some "mean girl" activities until her new friends inevitably turn out not to be her friends. The strength of this book is in the details. The author perfectly captures the observations of middle schoolers and the way very small things can seem so big. Readers will appreciate the straightforward talk about periods and the lengths they go to to hide their menstrual supplies, but that's not the focus of the story. It's really about how even the best kids can grow and change and do things they wish they had never done. Because it is set in 7th grade and it contains a few edgy references, this might seem like a middle school book, but I think it will have the most appeal for 5th-6th graders (or even younger kids).    

Confessions from the Group Chat by Jodi Meadows

 

Virginia is a popular girl with an enviable friend group, but she hides her love of the library and her crush on social-outcast Greyson from her influential clique. When an argument threatens her friendships, the Queen Bee gets revenge on Virginia by posting their group chats for the whole school to see. Nothing that is posted is untrue, but  Virginia never wanted other people to see her mean comments. Virginia is now a total outcast, with one anonymous texting buddy. How will she manage her crush on Greyson, her unknown online friend, and the hatred of the entire eighth grade? This relatable story, full of text messages, will be an easy sell to middle school readers.