I think we can all agree that R. J. Palacio’s heartwarming debut novel, Wonder, is a pre-teen favorite! Upper Elementary and Middle School students can identify with characters like Auggie Pullman who fight personal battles – from physical deformities to social, mental, or emotional issues. Here is a list of inspiring novels that Wonder fans should consider reading next. (Teacher Tip: Bookmark this page! This list keeps growing and growing!)
Maxi’s Secrets by Lynn Plourde
Timminy, a young boy in middle school, refers to himself as “bully bait.” So, moving to a new school is the last thing he’s interested in doing. Timminy learns to overcome adversity after adopting Maxi (a deaf dog) and befriending his new neighbor (who is blind).
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
This Newbery Medal winner is told from four intertwining points of view. Four misfits – Virgil, Valencia, Kaori, and Chet – each deal with unique challenges that make him or her feel different from the rest of society. Can a simple prank bring these four together?
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
After being struck by lightning, Lucy Callahan is changed forever. She now has genius-level math skills and is ready for college-level classes. Being the smartest kid in middle school is not easy. Lucy deals with mean girls, rude teachers, and friends who are all dealing with their own issues. Lucy hardly has time to worry about her own obsessive compulsive disorder, but she sees this as more of a quirk than a disability, anyway.
The Running Dream by Wendeline Van Draneen
Jessica Carlisle is on her way home from a track meet when her team’s bus is in a terrible accident. One of Jessica’s good friends dies in the crash, but Jessica is lucky – she survives. Unfortunately, she is injured so badly that her leg must be amputated. Now that Jessica’s life has changed drastically, she starts to wonder how “lucky” she really is. Jessica struggles to complete daily tasks with limited mobility and battles addiction to painkillers. Running was Jessica’s identity, and now she feels lost. How can she have a life worth living if she can’t even participate in her one true passion?
Firegirl by Tony Abbott
Jessica was badly burned in a fire. While getting her special medical treatments in town, she must attend St. Catherine’s school. Mrs. Tracy tries to prepare her class for Jessica; however, they are still shocked at her appearance, avoiding her whenever possible. Rumors surrounding her accident start flying around the school. Jessica eventually builds a friendship with Tom, a fellow seventh-grader who struggles to accept her and her disfigurement.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells a story about what it’s like to be different. Growing up with an autistic brother, Catherine has never felt “normal.” She yearns for acceptance, then finds it after meeting Jason, a paraplegic boy, and Kristi, a new next-door neighbor. Side note: This book has won many awards and honors!
A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass
Mia Winchell suffers from a rare condition called synesthesia. A person with this condition can perceive things in two ways. In other words, Mia can see sounds, smell colors, and taste shapes. When Mia reveals her secret at school, she feels like she no longer fits in. Will Mia learn to appreciate her special gift?
Forget Me Not by Ellie Terry
Calliope June lives with Tourette Syndrome, so she sometimes makes noises or faces she doesn’t mean to make. She and her mother move yet again, and Calliope tries desperately to hide her Tourette Syndrome from her fellow classmates. Unfortunately, she cannot hide it for long. Eventually, Calliope makes a friend; however, he may not feel comfortable showing their friendship in public. This story is written in prose & free verse poetry. Ellie Terry’s debut novel is a must-read!
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
Melody is the smartest kid in school. She has a photographic memory and a true love of learning. However, she also has cerebral palsy. This condition keeps Melody from being able to walk, talk, or write. Most people in Melody’s life assume she is incapable of learning. Her inability to communicate is making her go out of her mind! Will Melody ever find her voice?
Check out my Out of My Mind projects on Teachers Pay Teachers!
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
Caitlin has Asperger’s syndrome and struggles to cope with the loss of her older brother, Devon, who was killed in a school shooting. Throughout the story, Caitlin searches for closure. This book won the 2010 US National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, and in 2012, it was awarded the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Sixth grader, Ally, is dyslexic. She cleverly hides her inability to read every time she starts a new school by creating distractions. However, Ally’s new teacher, Mr. Daniels, discovers that she is acting out because she cannot read well. He offers to help her and focuses on Ally’s positive traits, including her creativity and artistic ability. With his help, can Ally learn to accept her learning disability?
El Deafo by Cece Bell
This semi-autobiographical graphic novel was a 2015 Newbery Honor book. In this story, young Cece tries to fit in despite her noticeable hearing aid that makes her look very different from everyone else.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
Thirteen-year-old Aven Green was born without arms. She finds it “stinking hilarious” to make up exciting stories about what happened to her arms – in fact, entertaining peers with her stories has become a new hobby for her. Aven feels comfortable being herself until her family moves, forcing her to attend a new school. Aven feels out of place eating with her feet at the lunch tables. A group of girls even ask if they can “catch her disease.” Will Aven ever be comfortable in her own skin again?
Ugly by Robert Hoge
This is a true story about Robert Hoge, a boy who suffers from physical deformities, including short, twisted legs and a tumor the size of a tennis ball in the middle of his face. The tumor is removed; however, there are still cosmetic side effects. Robert is left to deal with bullies and judgements based on his appearance. Can Robert thrive despite his physical disabilities?
The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi Durrow
After a family tragedy, Rachel is forced to move in with her African American grandmother. Rachel is biracial, so her physical appearance brings her constant unwanted attention from this primarily black community. Rachel searches for belonging and prays for relief from her mourning. This novel won the Bellwether Prize for best fiction manuscript addressing issues of social justice.
Restart by Gordon Korman
Chase falls off a roof and can’t remember anything about his life before the fall. In fact, when he wakes up in the hospital bed, he can’t even remember his own name. Eventually, Chase has to return to middle school. He is surprised to learn that some classmates view him as a hero, while others fear him. What will Chase do with his clean start?
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Leo’s life change dramatically when a new student arrives at Mica High. Stargirl is anything but “normal,” and Leo is enthralled with her uniqueness. Unfortunately, Stargirl’s new classmates turn on her for being different, and Leo urges her to be “normal.” Will Stargirl conform to fit in? (Don’t miss the sequel, Love, Stargirl!)
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Willow Chance, a true genius and extraordinary girl, loves nature and medicine. However, her world turns upside down when her adoptive parents die in a car accident. Can Willow come back from such a devastating loss?
The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller
Natalie’s mother suffers from depression, and Natalie has made it her mission to “save” her. When Natalie’s science teacher offers her an opportunity to enter an egg drop competition with a cash prize, Natalie is convinced this is the miracle she has been waiting for. Natalie plans to use the prize money to fly her mother to see flowers that can survive against impossible odds, the Cobalt Blue Orchids. Is Natalie really capable of ending her mother’s suffering?
Blended by Sharon Draper
Isabella’s parents are divorced, so she feels like she is being pulled back and forth between two separate worlds. To make matters worse, Isabella comes from a blended family, so she is constantly fielding questions about her skin color, background, and race. It seems like Isabella’s life is only going to get worse when she and her step-brother, Darren, get stopped by the police. A cell phone is mistaken for a gun, and shots are fired. Will this rip her family apart even more or will it somehow bring them closer together?