Clean Reads To Give Your Middle School Girls This Summer

A beautifully written YA fantasy that dives into themes of calling, courage, and identity. Clean and deeply engaging, this story invites young readers to think beyond what they see and consider what they’re meant for. Perfect middle school girls who love imagination and meaning woven together. This was an enormous hit with my 8th grader this year.

The five lively Vanderbeeker siblings love their old brownstone in Harlem, but just before Christmas, their grumpy landlord decides not to renew their lease. Determined to save their home, the kids launch a series of heartfelt (and often hilarious) plans to win him over.

In a city built deep underground to preserve humanity after a catastrophe, the lights are beginning to flicker and supplies are running dangerously low. Twelve-year-olds Lina and Doon suspect their home is on the brink of collapse. When they discover a mysterious message, they must work together to decipher it and find a way to save the people of Ember before it’s too late.

The four spirited Penderwick sisters—Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty—spend their summer vacation at a charming cottage on the grounds of a grand estate. There, they meet a lonely boy named Jeffrey and embark on a season full of outdoor adventures, mischief, heartfelt conversations, and lasting friendship.

Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have been inseparable since Peter rescued him as a kit. But when Peter’s father goes off to war, Peter is forced to release Pax into the wild and move in with his grandfather. Haunted by the separation, Peter sets out on a journey to find his fox, while Pax faces challenges of his own in a world he’s never truly known.

After a tragic accident leaves him with unusual vision, high school student Drew Carter begins to see powerful beings invisible to everyone else—warriors of light and shadow locked in battle. As he tries to make sense of what he’s witnessing, Drew is drawn into a supernatural conflict far greater than he imagined.

Jesse Aarons is a quiet, artistic boy who feels out of place—until he meets Leslie Burke, a spirited new girl at school. Together, they create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia in the woods, where they rule as king and queen and escape the pressures of real life. But when tragedy strikes, Jesse must face grief and discover the lasting power of friendship and imagination.

Esperanza Ortega lives a privileged life on her family’s ranch in Mexico, surrounded by love, wealth, and tradition. But when tragedy strikes, she and her mother are forced to flee to California during the Great Depression, becoming farm laborers. As Esperanza struggles with poverty, prejudice, and hard work, she must learn to rise above her circumstances, redefine her identity, and find hope in unexpected places.

This beloved fantasy novel is a fresh and empowering retelling of Cinderella. Ella of Frell is cursed with the “gift” of obedience—she must follow any direct order, no matter how dangerous or unfair. Determined to break the curse, Ella sets out on a brave journey full of ogres, fairies, and unexpected friendships. Along the way, she discovers her own strength and voice, proving that real courage means standing up for what’s right—even when it’s hardest.