The Unteachables by Gordon Korman

 

The Unteachables in room 117 are (supposedly) the worst kids  in their middle school. And this year Mr. Kermit, the worst teacher in the school, is assigned to room 117. The students are separated out for not being smart, for bad behavior, and also for a scheduling error. Mr. Kermit used to care about teaching, but his career was shattered by a cheating scandal and he stopped trying years ago. In his last year before early retirement he plans to do nothing and just make it through, but the superintendent is hoping to fire him before the year is up. The Unteachables can't believe they have a teacher who cares less than they do, but as you might expect, it's a year of redemption for everyone. It sounds trite, but as usual, in Gordon Korman's hands it is funny, a little unexpected, and heartwarming in the end. Gordon Korman is the best, and this book did not disappoint. Recommended for 4th-8th graders who want a fun reading experience. 

Just Jaime by Terri Libenson

 

This is part of a series of novels called Emma & Friends. The books are somewhere between a novel and a graphic novel. I shelve them in graphic novels in my library, but they have more text than most graphic novels. Jaime is the main character in this story and it is the last day of seventh grade. She has sensed something "off" about her best friend Maya and their other two friends, but she just can't believe that her long-time BFF would really be ending their friendship. In fact, Jaime comes to school ready to confront Maya and find out why she has been excluding her. And Maya comes to school ready to break off the friendship. The story takes place all in one day--when Jaime finds out that she's not invited to the end-of-year party and she realizes that as a newly friendless person, she's not entirely blameless in treating others poorly. It's cute and sweet and realistic...definitely a series that is enjoyed by elementary students up through sixth or seventh grade. 

Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee

 

In this story, Mila is a seventh grader who is receiving unwanted attention from a group of boys. The boys' behavior confuses her, because it feels wrong to her but never crosses into something that rises to the level of something she would define as harassment. She experiences rubbing against her, unwanted hugs, knowing that she is the target of a "game" in which her reactions score points for the boys. Teachers and a school counselor don't understand the severity, and to be fair, neither does Mila. The author keeps the harassment at a low enough level to cause confusion and disagreement among Mila's friends about what is going on. Mila is a relatable character and all of the secondary characters are handled with nuance. While the book is somewhat predictable and comes to a neatly-wrapped up conclusion, I know that many middle schoolers will want to read this and talk about the issues. It will very likely open up conversations and help students speak up and advocate for themselves. Recommended for 5th-7th graders. I predict that girls will want to read this book, but it's boys who might benefit most from walking in Mila's shoes. 

New Kid by Jerry Craft

I loved this semi-autobiographical graphic novel about a boy's first year attending an elite New York City private school. Kids will relate to the day-to-day insults and injuries that Jordan suffers, and adults will wince and recognize the ways that teachers and other adults slight students of color in ways big and small. The art is intriguing and fun and kids can't resist this book. Recommended for all middle schoolers.

All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson

This fantastic graphic novel combines the fantasy world of a Renaissance Faire with the sometimes harsh reality of middle school. Imogene has grown up among the actors at the Renaissance Faire, and she is now old enough to take on a real role for herself as a squire. At the same time, she is bravely choosing to go to school for the first time in her life (she's been home schooled by her mom). Chapters alternate between her life as a squire and her life in middle school, where she is befriended by some popular girls. She's constantly insecure, though, never sure if she's saying the right thing or wearing the right thing. She's also not doing her science homework and lying to her parents about it. This book is heartfelt and charming, and ultimately has a lot to say about how to recover from the mistakes that you make along the way. Highly recommended for middle schoolers (and younger kids as well).