What’s a “classic” piece of literature? Mark Twain defined it as “something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read.”
Those words might ring true when you sit down to read War and Peace or Moby Dick, but what about middle school classics?
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Modern Classic Novels in Middle School
A classic includes enduring themes, relatable characters, and a compelling plot.
It’s a book that feels fresh when we read it multiple times (don’t make me confess how many times I’ve read Pride and Prejudice!).
Fortunately, there are many, many excellent books that can be classified as classics for intermediate and middle school students.
Unfortunately, writing styles have changed throughout the years…you’ve noticed that, right?
Readers expect to be grabbed by the lapels right at the start of the book. Students will often abandon “classic” literature because it may have a long exposition or complex explanations and back stories that can challenge all but the strongest readers.
Getting students hooked on reading
Here’s where a read aloud will help. Read the first few paragraphs or even chapters out loud to your students.
Often that is enough to get them familiar enough with a text to decide they are going to pick it up and read it on their own. You may even want to read the entire book to them.
Here are five classics that your middle school students might enjoy…and if you haven’t read them, you should. They are classics that you want to read and do read!
Oh how I love this book! I’m including it as a classic, even though it was written in 1994 (a mere baby in terms of classic novels) this Newbery Winner is a wonderful read!
Thirteen-year-old Sal is on a cross-country trip with her grandparents to see her mother. This book has an amazing voice, interesting characters, and a an intense theme that makes it a novel that can be read over and over again. It’s a great way to introduce students to symbolism and discussions on theme.
I love all of Sharon Creech’s novels. I think I’d even enjoy reading her grocery list! She is an amazing writer — and this book is a jem!
This classic novel was published in 1967 while the author was still a teen herself. A powerful book about social groups in high school — and what it’s like to “walk a mile” in another’s’ shoes.
Ponyboy Curtis tells the story of the conflict between the Greasers and the Socs. A conflict that causes Ponyboy to question social roles and stereotypes.
While the book includes underage drinking, smoking, and gang violence, the voice and actions of the characters are real. My students love this book — it is full of symbolism, real dialogue, and themes that we go back to throughout the year.
One of my favorite activities with this is to dig into the Robert Frost poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” which Ponyboy recites.
What does it mean to “stay gold”?
Teaching this poem as an extension of the novel study strengthens the themes. Students also write their own “stay gold” poem following Robert Frost’s beautiful example. (See how I teach it on my Teachers Pay Teachers store“Nothing Gold Can Stay.”)
Should you watch the movie? Well, the star-studded cast of the 1983 film might be enough to entice you! Emilio Estevez, Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, C. Thomas Howell, Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, and Ralph Macchio all in one movie?? Yup!
This fantasy was published in 1937, and the story still captivates readers. Wizard, dwarves, a magic ring, a dragon, and a quest. All the elements of a terrific story and classic novel!
Even though this very popular book is a movie that many students may have seen, the book is still worth the read. Struggling readers who have seen the movie can use their knowledge about it to help them with the text.
Another great read aloud — and who cannot resist hearing about the wonderful life of hobbits?!
This science fiction novel was originally a short story, written in 1959. The novel based on the story was published seven years later.
Whether your students read the short story or novel, they will be touched by the story of Charlie Gordon. His story unfolds through a series of reports that he writes during his treatment, which changes him from a man with very limited mental abilities to a genius. The reader can see those changes not only in the content of the reports, but also by how they are written — right down to the spelling and syntax.
This is also a great novel to use to discuss the power of the narrator. Charlie’s own writing style influences how much the reader understands and believes the narrator. Students enjoy discussing the question of the “reliable narrator” with this text.
This read offers an emotional and moral rollercoaster. The reader is happy to see Charlie’s life change, until Charlie’s future becomes clear — a horrifying future.
If you are looking for great topics to use to discuss moral and ethical topics with your students, this story or novel will fit the bill! Discussions can lead to a class debate, argument or persuasive writing essays.
Like other classics on this list, Flowers for Algernon has also made it to banned and challenged books.
Is that is?
There are so many wonderful classics that your students will love! Even though the cover art might not be as flashy and exciting as more contemporary titles, encourage your students to give them a try.
Thank you for participating! Great choices!