This post was originally published on Audible.com.
There’s nothing quite like middle school. It’s a time of major change, anxiety, and lots of awkwardness—and no one knows that better than middle grade writers! Luckily for the middle schooler in your life, there are some great stories about navigating the ups and downs of friendships, family, first crushes, big changes, and so much more. We’ve collected 15 of the best audiobooks that focus on the unique experience of being a kid in middle school to help young listeners feel less alone during this exciting and confusing time.
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Troublemaker follows the events of the LA Riots through the eyes of 12-year-old Jordan as he navigates school and family. This book will highlight the unique Korean American perspective.
Twelve-year-old Jordan feels like he can't live up to the example his older sister set or his parent's expectations. When he returns home from school one day hoping to hide his suspension, Los Angeles has reached a turning point. In the wake of the acquittal of the police officers filmed beating Rodney King, as well as the shooting of a young Black teen, Latasha Harlins, by a Korean store owner, the country is at the precipice of confronting its racist past and present.
As tensions escalate, Jordan's father leaves to check on the family store, spurring Jordan and his friends to embark on a dangerous journey to come to his aide and come to terms with the racism within and affecting their community.
Narrated by Guy Lockard, Ghost is the first book in the Track series. It follows a middle school track team as its members confront challenges, both on and off the track. Ghost is a fast sprinter—he's been running ever since the day something terrible happened at home. But if he wants to win the race, he’ll have to learn how to follow the rules and be a team player.
Acclaimed trans actress Jamie Clayton narrates Alex Gino’s wonderful novel about George, who knows that she identifies as a girl but hasn't worked up the courage to tell anyone else. When she finally confides in her best friend Kelly, they come up with a plan to win George the role of Charlotte in the school's production of Charlotte's Web. Surely, when everyone sees how amazingly George plays Charlotte, they'll understand she's really a girl. But things don't go exactly as planned...
Ally is a very, very smart kid—but all anyone sees is a disruptive class clown. The truth is, reading never clicked with her, and she doesn't know how. But when she moves to a new school and starts a new grade, it becomes even more difficult for her to hide this—until her teacher figures out her secret. As Ally learns from Mr. Daniels, dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. With a little extra help and new ways of thinking, he shows her that she can do anything she puts her mind to. Kathleen McInerney narrates this listen about the life-changing impact teachers can have.
Tabitha, Bridge, and Emily are three best friends trying to navigate the unexpected changes that seventh grade brings, and they have a strict no-fighting rule to help them get through it. But that rule is challenged as Valentine's Day approaches and conflicts, secrets, and new relationships all come to a head. Newbery Medal winner Rebecca Stead has written an incredible novel about dealing with change and the meaning of friendship, narrated by Kimberly Farr, Meera Simhan, and Kirby Heyborne.
Amal wants nothing more than to continue her studies so she can one day achieve her dream of becoming a teacher. There's nothing she loves more than learning and tutoring the other kids in her small Pakistani village. That dream suddenly seems impossible when she accidentally offends the richest man in the village and is forced to work as his indentured servant. But with some bravery and help from some new friends, Amal learns how to stand up to the people who imprison her, never giving up hope that she can one day achieve her dreams. Priya Ayyar narrates this powerful and moving middle grade novel.
Candace Thaxton narrates this humorous story about Ellie, who uses a wheelchair and is very outspoken. She loves to cook and is always trying out new recipes, but she finds her life thrown for a loop when she and her mom have to move to take care of her grandparents, who live in a trailer park in a small town. Even though the change is tough, Ellie begins to make her first friends—and she has to convince her mom to make this move permanent!
Malu loves music, creating zines, and the punk scene, but when she has to move for her mom's job, she sticks out like a sore thumb in her new school—not to mention, she gets in trouble for silly dress code violations. To fight back, Malu forms a band with some other misfits. They come up with a plan to play at a school event, even though the school unfairly bans them...with some unexpected results! Trini Alvarro narrates this delightful and funny listen about punk and standing up for yourself.
Tirzah Price is a librarian, writer, and contributing editor at Book Riot. If she's not reading, she’s usually knitting and listening to an audiobook.
