+ Graphic Novels:
El Deafo by Cece Bell
The author recounts her experiences with hearing loss at a young age, including using a bulky hearing aid, learning how to lip read, and determining her "superpower."
Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol
A misfit girl and her brother attend summer camp, where they struggle with primitive plumbing, snobby tentmates, and boys-versus-girls competitions.
Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani
Indian-American teen, Priyanka "Pri" Das, attempts to reconnect with her mother's homeland through a magical pashmina shawl.
Awkward by Svetlana Chmokova
After shunning Jaime, the school nerd, on her first day at a new middle school, Penelope Torres tries to blend in with her new friends in the art club, until the art club goes to war with the science club, of which Jaime is a member.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
After his parents send him to a prestigious private school known for its academics, Jordan Banks finds himself torn between two worlds.
Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch
Longing to fight dragons over taking the advice of various family members, spunky ten-year-old Mirka Herschberg hones her skills in her Orthodox Jewish community before accepting a challenge from a witch to defeat a giant troll.
Amelia Rules! The Whole World's Crazy by Jimmy Gownley
After moving in with her Aunt Tanner after her parents' divorce, Amelia tries to fit in at a new school.
The Dumbest Idea Ever by Jimmy Gownley
At thirteen, Jimmy was popular, at the top of his class, and the leading scorer on his basketball team. But all that changed when chicken pox forced him to miss the championship game.
Making Friends by Kristen Gudsnuk
Danny is in a new middle school, her friends are in different classes, and she is completely lost. When she inherits a magic sketchbook that brings sketches to life, she draws Madison, the most amazing best friend ever.
Mighty Jack by Ben Hadtke
Prompted by his sister, Jack trades his mom's car for a box of mysterious seeds, but soon their normal garden turns into a wild jungle filled with magical creatures.
Real Friends by Shannon Hale
Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends forever, but one day, Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the leader of a circle of friends called The Group. Some girls would do anything to stay on top, even if it means bullying others.
Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm
Sunny Lewin has been packed off to Florida to live with her grandfather for the summer. At first she thought Florida might be fun, it is the home of Disney World, after all. But the place where Gramps lives is no amusement park. It's full of old people. Really old people.
All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
Homeschooled by Renaissance Fair enthusiasts, eleven-year-old Imogene has a hard time fitting in when her wish to enroll in public school is granted.
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
For most of her twelve years, Astrid has done everything with her best friend Nicole. But after Astrid falls in love with roller derby and signs up for derby camp, Nicole decides to go to dance camp instead.
The Breakaways by Cathy Johnson
When a popular student encourages her to join the soccer team, Faith signs up, even though she has never played the game, learning about loyalty and friendship along the way.
All Summer Long by Hope Larson
Thirteen-year-old Bina has a long summer ahead of her. She and her best friend, Austin, usually do everything together, but he's off to soccer camp, and he's been acting weird lately anyway. Now it's up to Bina to make her own summer fun.
Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson
The lives of quiet, shy, artistic Emmie and popular, outgoing, athletic Katie unexpectedly intersect one day, when an embarrassing note falls into the wrong hands.
Click by Kayla Miller
When a school variety show leaves Olive stranded without an act to join, she wonders why all of her friends have already formed their own groups without her.
The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell
A group of neighborhood children create costumes from cardboard. They use their imagination in adventures with knights, robots, and monsters.
The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy's Great Idea by Raina Telegemeir
A graphic novel based on the 1988 book by the same name. Kristy and the other members of the Baby-sitters Club deal with crank calls, uncontrollable two-year-olds, wild pets, and parents who do not always tell the truth.
HiLo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick
When a mysterious boy falls from the sky, friends D.J. and Gina must discover the secrets of his identity and help him save the world.
+ Fiction:
Pickle by Kimberly Baker
Using a bogus name, the League of Picklemakers, sixth-grader Ben and three recruits start a prank-pulling club.
Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai
When Jingwen moves to a new country, he feels like he's landed on Mars. Making friends is impossible since he doesn't speak English, and he's often stuck looking after his (extremely irritating) little brother, Yanghao.
Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord
Emma rescues a small rabbit. The next day, she is paired with misfit Jack, and together they share a love of animals.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
A lightning strike made Lucy a math genius, but when she begins middle school she learns that life is more than numbers.
Ten by Lauren Myracle
Winnie's celebrates her unique style through her first year with a double-digit age as she has many new experiences, from the high of spending time in New York City with her aunt and big sister, to the low of her two best friends suddenly becoming interested in boys.
Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renée Russell
Fourteen-year-old Nikki Maxwell writes in her diary of her struggle to be popular at her exclusive new private school, then of finding her place after she gives up on being part of the elite group.