10 Literature Classics to Read in Middle School!

10 Literature Classics to Read in Middle School

Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor and Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
This classic tale follows Christian as he faces trials and hardships on his way to the Celestial City, in this allegory of the Christian life. Little Pilgrim’s Progress is an adapted version of the original, suitable for slightly younger readers. In this version, Christian is a boy. Both versions of this thought-provoking story make for great discussion.

The Chronicles on Narnia by C.S.Lewis
This is one of my all-time favorite series as a child, and I still love it as an adult. C.S. Lewis creates a fantastical world with compelling characters and adventures in the Narnia book. There is also lots of great spiritual allegory that make for fun discussion if you read the book aloud. The books in this series get deeper as they go along. Younger kids will probably enjoy all of them, but it may take multiple readings before they really “get” the later books.

The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
Set in ancient Egypt, this is the story of Ranofer, a brave boy who is standing up to his cruel and evil brother when he suspects him of theft. Besides being an interesting story, this book has a good portrayal of life in ancient Egypt, so it’s a good one to add to your study of the ancients.

Kingdom Tales by David and Jaren Mains
This is a trilogy of books that are allegorical. They are full of exciting stories, and they are a picture of the world before Christ, during the life of Christ, and after Christ’s return to Heaven.

The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I can remember reading the Little House books aloud with my mom when I was young. The books, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, are a fictional account of her real life as a pioneer in the days of Western expansion. These books, like The Chronicles of Narnia, get deeper as they go on. Laura gets older and the situations in her life are sometimes more complex.

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
Set in Israel during the time of Christ. Daniel is a boy who is bitter about the Romans killing his father, and he’s determined to fight and drive them from the land. Daniel’s heart changes, however, when he meets Jesus of Nazareth. We especially liked this one because there aren’t many kids’ books set in this time period, and it was interesting to get a view of what the people in Israel were living like at the time of Christ.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
This is a timeless tale about how a sullen 10-year-old girl, sent to live with her uncle in Yorkshire, discovers a walled garden that changes her life and those around her. Your child will love this story of loss, love, and what makes a family.

Animal Farm by George Orwell
This story is something everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. Justice, equality, and political freedoms are all tackled in this legendary novel— something especially important in today’s world.

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkein
The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings series are awesome classics you don’t want to miss. The Hobbit which describes the journey of Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, and his discovery of the fateful ring, is a little bit easier read than the Lord of the Rings series- which are actually three volumes in one. But your older or more avid reader will love the immersive world Tolkein masterfully creates in the heavier series.

Looking for options, or do you have older or younger kids than this age group? Check out this reading list for teens, and this one for elementary ages!