What Are the Current Middle School Book Trends?
Keeping up with middle school book trends is essential for middle grades teachers, librarians, parents and authors. When it comes to discovering trending books for middle school students, there are several effective strategies:
Online Book Communities: Joining online communities like Goodreads or Bookish can provide insights into popular books. While there, engage with discussions, reviews, and recommendations from fellow readers. We have included some helpful links to online reading resources throughout this post.
Book Review Blogs: Explore blogs dedicated to reviewing middle-grade books. Some popular ones include Book Riot’s Middle-Grade section, Middle Grade Mafia, and Nerdy Book Club.
Social Media Platforms: Utilize platforms like Instagram and Twitter to follow book influencers, authors, and publishers. These platforms often feature trending books and book-related discussions.
Librarian Recommendations: Reach out to local librarians who specialize in middle-grade literature. They are often well-versed in current trends and can recommend books suitable for different interests and reading levels.
Book Awards: Keep an eye on prestigious book awards for middle-grade literature, such as the Newbery Medal and the Middle-Grade Fiction category of the Goodreads Choice Awards. (Goodreads Awards Category Removal Sparks Outcry)
Feel free to explore these resources for the latest reading trends and recommendations for middle school students. You may also want to take a look at our last blog post from December, What Makes a Good Middle Grades Novel?
Trending Book Genres for Tweens and Teens
Sometimes choosing the perfect book for each young reader can be difficult. So, here are some trending genres in middle-grade literature, listed from most popular at the top:
Fantasy Adventures:
- Why it’s popular: Tweens love escaping into magical worlds filled with fantastical creatures and epic quests. These stories allow them to explore their imagination and embark on thrilling adventures.
Mystery and Detective Stories:
- Why it’s popular: Solving mysteries is not only intriguing but empowers tweens as they follow young detectives piecing together clues. It sparks curiosity and critical thinking.
Friendship and Relationship Stories:
- Why it’s popular: Tweens are navigating the complexities of friendships and relationships, so stories that explore these themes resonate. They provide insights and relatable experiences.
Humorous Tales:
- Why it’s popular: Laughter is universal, and humor helps tweens cope with challenges. Funny stories, jokes, and humorous situations provide a light-hearted escape.
Science Fiction:
- Why it’s popular: Futuristic settings and advanced technology captivate tweens’ imaginations. Sci-fi often explores new possibilities and sparks an interest in the unknown.
Historical Adventures:
- Why it’s popular: History comes alive through exciting adventures set in different eras. It educates while entertaining, offering a window into the past.
Realistic Fiction:
- Why it’s popular: Stories mirroring real-life situations and experiences help tweens relate to characters facing similar challenges. It fosters empathy and understanding.
Remember, middle school reading trends might evolve, but the genres above are usually a pretty safe bet when it comes to the most popular genres for middle grade audiences.
The Important Role of Middle School Librarians
Librarians play a pivotal role in guiding middle schoolers toward discovering enriching and enjoyable reading experiences. Beyond merely organizing and managing the library, they act as literary mentors, understanding the diverse tastes and preferences of young readers. Librarians are adept at recommending books that not only align with the academic curriculum but also cater to the individual interests of tweens. Their expertise in children’s literature allows them to curate a collection that spans various genres, fostering a love for reading by offering a wide selection. Librarians often engage with students, sparking conversations about their preferences and helping them navigate the literary landscape. In doing so, they become invaluable allies in promoting literacy, encouraging exploration, and nurturing a lifelong passion for books among middle schoolers. Their commitment to connecting young readers with stories that resonate makes librarians key contributors to the vibrant world of middle-grade literature. Next time you’re at the library, don’t hesitate to tap into this wealth of knowledge for your next exciting read!
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