Unlock the Power of Reading: Top 50 Books for 6th Graders
50 Recommended Books for 6th Graders
Nonfiction
1. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Author’s Message: Your voice matters—tell your story.
Summary: In verse, Woodson tells her story of growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s–70s. She navigates family, identity, and dreams of writing. Her words reflect struggle, hope, and strength. Through poetry, she finds her power. A touching, lyrical memoir for young readers.
AR Level: 5.3
Publication Year: 2014
2. Who Was Anne Frank? by Ann Abramson
Author’s Message: Even in hiding, a young girl’s voice can change the world.
Summary: This biography tells Anne Frank’s story during the Holocaust. Her diary shares her thoughts, fears, and hopes. The book explores her life and the history around her. It honors her spirit and bravery. A touching introduction to a powerful legacy.
AR Level: 4.6
Publication Year: 2007
3. I Am Malala (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai
Author’s Message: One voice can change the world.
Summary: Malala stood up for girls’ education in Pakistan. She survived an attack by the Taliban. Her courage inspired millions. She continues to fight for education and peace. A powerful real-life story of activism and resilience.
AR Level: 5.9
Publication Year: 2014
4, Hidden Figures (Young Readers Edition) by Margot Lee Shetterly
Author’s Message: Intelligence knows no color or gender.
Summary: This book tells the story of Black female mathematicians at NASA. Their work helped send astronauts into space. They overcame racism and sexism. Their legacy is inspiring. A fascinating STEM story of perseverance and brilliance.
AR Level: 8.4
Publication Year: 2016
5.The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba
Author’s Message: Hope and creativity can light up the world.
Summary: In Malawi, William builds a windmill from junk to save his village. Through curiosity and determination, he teaches himself science. His invention brings electricity to his family. A true story of innovation and resilience. Inspiring for all young inventors.
AR Level: 5.6
Publication Year: 2015
6.Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal
Author’s Message: Innovation begins with bold ideas and believing in yourself.
Summary: This biography explores Steve Jobs’ journey from dropout to tech visionary. It covers his challenges, mistakes, and genius. His story shows how failure can lead to success. Jobs changed how we live and think. A compelling read on creativity and perseverance.
AR Level: 7.5
Publication Year: 2012
7.Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery
Author’s Message: Differences can be powerful strengths.
Summary: Temple Grandin turned her autism into an asset in animal science. She revolutionized humane livestock handling. Her unique perspective opened new possibilities. The book celebrates her courage and brilliance. An inspiring role model for all kinds of thinkers.
AR Level: 6.6
Publication Year: 2012
8.They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
Author’s Message: Remember history so it’s never repeated.
Summary: George Takei recounts his childhood in a Japanese American internment camp. His graphic memoir shows injustice and hope. He shares how it shaped his identity and activism. The story is told with honesty and emotion. A powerful lesson from the past.
AR Level: 4.6
Publication Year: 2019
9.It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime (Young Readers Edition)
Author’s Message: Humor and grit can survive injustice.
Summary: Trevor Noah grew up in apartheid South Africa as a mixed-race child. His mother taught him to be bold and curious. He shares stories of danger, laughter, and lessons. Despite challenges, he finds joy and resilience. A powerful memoir with humor and heart.
AR Level: 6.3
Publication Year: 2020
10.The Great Fire by Jim Murphy
Author’s Message: Disaster reveals the strength of a community.
Summary: This nonfiction account tells of the 1871 Chicago fire. It explains how the city burned and how people responded. Maps and first-person stories add vivid detail. The book shows courage and rebuilding. A gripping narrative of historical disaster.
AR Level: 7.6
Publication Year: 1995
Historical Fiction
11.Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Author’s Message: Even in war, friendship and courage shine through.
Summary: Annemarie helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape Nazi-occupied Denmark. She learns to be brave under pressure. Her family risks their lives to help others. Through small acts, they fight injustice. A powerful story of resistance and friendship.
AR Level: 4.5
Publication Year: 1989
12.Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Author’s Message: Stand up for dignity and justice.
Summary: Cassie Logan faces racism in 1930s Mississippi. Her family owns land and fights to keep it. Cassie learns hard truths about society. Through love and strength, they resist injustice. A powerful story about pride and perseverance.
AR Level: 5.7
Publication Year: 1976
13.Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Author’s Message: Hope keeps you going through hard times.
Summary: Bud Caldwell runs away from foster care during the Great Depression. He searches for his father, using clues left by his mother. Bud’s journey is filled with challenges and kindness. His optimism guides him. A heartfelt tale of identity and family.
AR Level: 5.0
Publication Year: 1999
14.Lily’s Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff
Author’s Message: War changes people, but kindness remains strong.
Summary: Lily meets Albert, a refugee, during WWII summer. They form a friendship shaped by lies and truths. Lily struggles with guilt and loss. Together they learn about courage and loyalty. A quiet, emotional story of change and connection.
AR Level: 4.6
Publication Year: 1997
15.My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
Author’s Message: War is never simple, especially for families.
Summary: Tim’s brother joins the Revolutionary War, splitting the family. Tim faces choices between loyalty and truth. War’s reality is brutal and confusing. He matures as he watches events unfold. A thought-provoking view of America’s early conflict.
AR Level: 4.9
Publication Year: 1974
16.Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Author’s Message: Fight for your voice—even when silenced.
Summary: Isabel is a slave in Revolutionary New York. She yearns for freedom and tries to escape. She spies for the rebels while facing cruelty. Her courage burns through injustice. A gripping story of resistance and resilience.
AR Level: 5.2
Publication Year: 2008
17,Refugee by Alan Gratz
Author’s Message: All humans deserve safety and dignity.
Summary: Three kids—Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud—flee their homelands at different times. Their stories span WWII, 1990s Cuba, and modern-day Syria. They endure danger, loss, and hope. Their journeys echo one another across time. A powerful, interconnected story of survival.
AR Level: 5.3
Publication Year: 2017
18,One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
Author’s Message: History lives in the lives of children, too.
Summary: Three sisters visit their estranged mother in 1968 Oakland. They encounter the Black Panthers and political awakening. Their mother is distant, but they learn her story. The summer changes how they see the world. A blend of humor, growth, and activism.
AR Level: 4.6
Publication Year: 2010
19,When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park
Author’s Message: Culture and identity are worth protecting.
Summary: During Japanese occupation of Korea, a brother and sister are forced to change. Their names, language, and pride are tested. They secretly resist and support each other. Their courage keeps hope alive. A lesser-known but powerful historical tale.
AR Level: 4.6
Publication Year: 2002
20,I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 by Lauren Tarshis
Author’s Message: Ordinary kids can witness extraordinary events.
Summary: Thomas, a runaway slave, joins Union soldiers. He ends up in the middle of a historic battle. Fear and bravery shape his view of freedom. He finds family in unexpected places. A fast-paced glimpse into the Civil War.
AR Level: 5.1
Publication Year: 2013
Fiction
21.Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Author’s Message: Choose kindness and see the beauty in differences.
Summary: Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference, starts middle school. He faces bullying but also discovers real friendship. His story inspires his classmates to grow. Kindness becomes a ripple that changes everyone. Auggie proves that being different is something to celebrate.
AR Level: 4.8
Publication Year: 2012
22.Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Author’s Message: Sometimes, a furry friend can help heal the heart.
Summary: India Opal finds a stray dog at a supermarket and names him Winn-Dixie. Through this dog, she makes new friends in her small town. She also learns more about her mother who left. The summer becomes one of growth and understanding. Friendship and love help mend broken hearts.
AR Level: 3.9
Publication Year: 2000
23.Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Author’s Message: Imagination and friendship can change lives.
Summary: Jess and Leslie create a magical world in the woods. Their friendship grows as they escape reality in Terabithia. A tragic accident changes Jess’s life forever. He learns to cope with grief and carry on Leslie’s spirit. The story blends fantasy with emotional depth and growth.
AR Level: 4.6
Publication Year: 1977
24.Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Author’s Message: Hardship builds strength and compassion.
Summary: Esperanza, once a wealthy girl in Mexico, loses everything and moves to the U.S. During the Great Depression, she works as a farm laborer. She faces poverty, racism, and loss. Through perseverance and hope, she grows stronger. Esperanza finds dignity in work and love in community.
AR Level: 5.3
Publication Year: 2000
25.Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
Author’s Message: Everyone has a voice, even if they can’t speak.
Summary: Melody has cerebral palsy and can't talk or walk. But she has a brilliant mind and longs to express herself. When she gets a communication device, her life changes. She finally shares her thoughts and feelings. A powerful story of resilience and identity.
AR Level: 4.3
Publication Year: 2010
26.Loser by Jerry Spinelli
Author’s Message: Being different isn’t a flaw—it’s a strength.
Summary: Donald Zinkoff is clumsy and awkward, often teased. But he is also joyful and persistent. The story follows him from first grade through middle school. His kindness shines even when others don’t understand him. A gentle, funny tale about embracing uniqueness.
AR Level: 4.3
Publication Year: 2002
27.Frindle by Andrew Clements
Author’s Message: Words have power—and so do kids.
Summary: Nick invents a new word: “frindle” for “pen.” What starts as a joke becomes a national movement. He challenges authority and explores language. The story shows how ideas can grow. A fun and clever school story.
AR Level: 5.4
Publication Year: 1996
28.Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Author’s Message: Great minds don’t all think alike.
Summary: Ally struggles with dyslexia but hides it through troublemaking. A new teacher sees her potential. She learns to believe in herself and embrace her learning differences. Friendships and support change her world. A hopeful and heartfelt school story.
AR Level: 3.7
Publication Year: 2015
29.Holes by Louis Sachar
Author’s Message: Destiny has a way of circling back around.
Summary: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a detention camp where boys dig holes daily. He discovers the digging is tied to a treasure and family curse. The story weaves past and present through clever storytelling. Stanley’s courage and friendships lead to justice. A quirky and layered tale with humor and heart.
AR Level: 4.6
Publication Year: 1998
30.The Giver by Lois Lowry
Author’s Message: Without memory, freedom and humanity are lost.
Summary: Jonas lives in a seemingly perfect society without pain or choice. When he becomes the Receiver of Memory, he learns the truth behind his world. He discovers love, color, and suffering. Jonas must decide whether to escape and restore memory to others. A deep, thought-provoking dystopian novel.
AR Level: 5.7
Publication Year: 1993
Mystery
31.Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
Author’s Message: Look closely—art and puzzles are more connected than you think.
Summary: Two sixth graders, Calder and Petra, get caught in an art mystery. A stolen Vermeer painting leads them on a quest. They notice coincidences and use pentominoes to solve clues. Art, logic, and friendship help them crack the case. It’s a smart, twisty journey for curious minds.
AR Level: 5.4
Publication Year: 2004
32.The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Author’s Message: People are more than they appear to be.
Summary: Sixteen heirs gather to solve the mystery of Sam Westing’s death. They’re divided into pairs to find the truth. Everyone has secrets, and motives emerge. The clues lead to twists, partnerships, and unexpected identities. It’s a clever and quirky whodunit with heart.
AR Level: 6.0
Publication Year: 1978
33.From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Author’s Message: Adventure and discovery can be found in unexpected places.
Summary: Claudia and her brother run away to live in a museum. They stumble upon a mysterious statue and seek answers. Their investigation brings them to the statue’s secret. Along the way, they grow closer. A charming and clever tale of independence.
AR Level: 4.7
Publication Year: 1967
34.The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Author’s Message: Intelligence, teamwork, and heart win the day.
Summary: Four gifted kids are recruited for a secret mission. They must infiltrate a school run by a villain. Each child brings unique skills. Together, they face puzzles and tests. A brainy and exciting mystery adventure.
AR Level: 5.6
Publication Year: 2007
35.Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen
Author’s Message: Brave girls can solve real mysteries too.
Summary: Sammy Keyes secretly lives with her grandmother in a seniors-only apartment. One day, she sees a thief through binoculars. She gets involved in the case and takes risks. Her courage and cleverness lead her to the truth. A fast-paced mystery with humor and grit.
AR Level: 4.6
Publication Year: 1998
36.Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator by Jennifer Allison
Author’s Message: Curiosity and confidence are powerful tools.
Summary: Gilda is a quirky teen with a knack for mysteries and a “psychic” notebook. She visits a cousin’s haunted mansion. Strange events unfold as she digs into family secrets. Her boldness uncovers truths and builds bonds. A fun and spooky mystery series starter.
AR Level: 5.9
Publication Year: 2005
37.Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Author’s Message: Even the smallest detectives can solve big mysteries.
Summary: Nate solves the mystery of a missing picture. He interviews suspects and follows clues. With logic and simplicity, he finds the answer. Kids follow along and learn detective thinking. A classic beginner mystery book.
AR Level: 2.0
Publication Year: 1972
38.Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol
Author’s Message: Deduction and attention to detail solve all kinds of puzzles.
Summary: Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown runs a detective agency from his garage. He uses logic to crack cases others can’t. Each chapter presents a new mystery. Readers can try to solve it before the answer is revealed. A fun, interactive classic for sharp minds.
AR Level: 4.1
Publication Year: 1963
39.Trouble at Treasure Island by Penny Warner
Author’s Message: Puzzles are more fun with friends.
Summary: Four friends go on a treasure hunt filled with puzzles. They work as a team to solve riddles and clues. Their adventure is both exciting and challenging. Along the way, they learn about trust and teamwork. A great read for puzzle-loving kids.
AR Level: 4.3
Publication Year: 2013
40.The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
Author’s Message: Courage and cleverness help solve even the most mysterious problems.
Summary: Nancy Drew investigates the mystery of a missing will. Her journey takes her through secrets and danger. She solves clues and helps a family in need. Her bravery and independence shine. A timeless teen detective story.
AR Level: 5.4
Publication Year: 1930
Fantasy
41.Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Author’s Message: Bravery, loyalty, and love are magical powers.
Summary: Harry discovers he’s a wizard and enters Hogwarts School. He learns about his past and his parents. With friends Ron and Hermione, he uncovers a secret hidden in the school. Together, they face challenges and grow stronger. The start of a legendary magical series.
AR Level: 5.5
Publication Year: 1997
42.The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Author’s Message: Embrace your identity and your destiny.
Summary: Percy Jackson learns he’s a demigod and is accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt. He embarks on a quest to prove his innocence. Along the way, he fights monsters and discovers his strengths. With friends, he unravels a dangerous plot. A fast-paced mythological fantasy.
AR Level: 4.7
Publication Year: 2005
43.Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Author’s Message: Respect the rules of magic—or face the consequences.
Summary: Siblings Kendra and Seth visit their grandparents’ mysterious estate. They learn it’s a sanctuary for magical creatures. When rules are broken, chaos erupts. They must protect the sanctuary from dark forces. A rich and imaginative fantasy series opener.
AR Level: 4.8
Publication Year: 2006
44.The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Author’s Message: Truth and love are stronger than fear.
Summary: A baby is abandoned in the woods and raised by a kind witch. The girl, Luna, unknowingly receives magical powers. As she grows, magic threatens to overflow. She must discover the truth about herself. A lyrical and magical tale of identity and hope.
AR Level: 4.8
Publication Year: 2016
45.The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
Author’s Message: Even in darkness, there is hope.
Summary: Ember is a city with failing power and no sunlight. Two kids, Lina and Doon, search for answers. They uncover clues to escape and save their people. Danger and secrets unfold in their race against time. A gripping dystopian fantasy.
AR Level: 5.0
Publication Year: 2003
46.Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
Author’s Message: Courage is doing the right thing, even when afraid.
Summary: Gregor falls into a hidden world beneath New York City. He joins a prophecy to save his missing father. With giant bats and strange creatures, danger surrounds him. Gregor must rise as a reluctant hero. A thrilling start to an underground fantasy epic.
AR Level: 4.8
Publication Year: 2003
47.Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Author’s Message: Self-belief and bravery can break any curse.
Summary: Sophie is cursed by a witch and turned into an old woman. She finds refuge in the magical moving castle of Wizard Howl. As she navigates enchantments and danger, she discovers her own strength. The spell unravels in surprising ways. A whimsical fantasy full of charm and heart.
AR Level: 5.2
Publication Year: 1986
48.Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
Author’s Message: Words have real power—handle them wisely.
Summary: Meggie learns her father can bring book characters to life by reading aloud. But villains escape too. They must navigate danger from fiction made real. It’s a book about books, magic, and family. A fantasy that celebrates storytelling.
AR Level: 5.4
Publication Year: 2003
49.The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Author’s Message: Small things—like hope and love—can be powerful.
Summary: Despereaux is a tiny mouse with big dreams. He falls in love with a human princess and sets out on a brave quest. Despite his size, he faces enormous danger. His journey teaches forgiveness, bravery, and light. A poetic fairy tale with heart.
AR Level: 4.7
Publication Year: 2003
50.The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis
Author’s Message: Every beginning holds deep magic.
Summary: This prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe tells how Narnia began. Digory and Polly explore new worlds with magic rings. They awaken evil and witness the creation of Narnia. The story reveals the roots of good and evil. A grand fantasy with moral depth.
AR Level: 5.4
Publication Year: 1955