Lit Guides 6-8

A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and friend Calvin O’Keefe on a daring journey through space and time to rescue Meg’s father. This imaginative adventure explores courage, love, and the battle between good and evil. Suitable for grades 5–8.

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien follows Bilbo Baggins, a timid hobbit, on an epic adventure with dwarves to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. Filled with magic, danger, and self-discovery, the story inspires courage and imagination. Suitable for grades 6–9, it blends fantasy with valuable life lessons.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

The Call of the Wild by Jack London tells the story of Buck, a domesticated dog forced into the harsh Yukon wilderness. As he struggles to survive, Buck discovers his primal instincts and true strength. This guide is suitable for grades 7–12 and includes activities on themes, character, and creative writing.

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl is the poignant, real-life account of a Jewish teenager hiding during the Holocaust. Through her diary, Anne shares hope, fear, and insight, offering a powerful perspective on history and human resilience. Suitable for grades 8–12, it encourages empathy and reflection.

The Giver, by Lois Lowry

The Giver by Lois Lowry is a thought-provoking dystopian novel that explores a seemingly perfect society devoid of pain, emotion, and choice. When Jonas is chosen to inherit the community’s memories, he uncovers unsettling truths about freedom and individuality. Suitable for grades 7–10, it sparks discussions on ethics, memory, and humanity.

Holes, by Louise Sachar

Louis Sachar’s Holes is a witty, fast-paced novel suitable for grades 5–8. Blending mystery, history, and adventure, it follows Stanley Yelnats at Camp Green Lake, exploring themes of friendship, justice, and destiny in a story perfect for middle school readers.

Wonder, by R. J. Palacio

Wonder by R. J. Palacio is a heartwarming novel about kindness, empathy, and acceptance, following Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences navigating school life. Suitable for grades 4–8 in the U.S., it encourages compassion and meaningful discussions about respect and friendship.