10 Books to Read Before High School: A Reading List from Read with Val
Read With Val is a YouTube channel that shares powerful and diverse books written by underrepresented authors. Over the past five years, the channel has featured more than 400 books! Val believes that literature opens doors — it helps kids see the world through different perspectives, build empathy, and recognize themselves in the stories they read. In recognition of National Book Month, she has curated a book list for Planet Word featuring ten books that all kids should read before they start high school.
As I begin my second year of high school, I’m more passionate than ever about encouraging younger readers to explore meaningful books. That’s why I’ve put together this list: to help kids entering high school find stories that inspire, challenge, and stay with them long after the last page. Happy reading!
Click Series, Kayla Miller
With engaging illustrations and a remarkable story, Click is a must-read graphic novel series. At the heart of it is Olive, a girl navigating the complexities of life, from school to family to friendships. Each book in the series takes readers on a journey through Olive’s relatable challenges — whether it’s grappling with her sense of identity, navigating shifting social dynamics, or dealing with the impact of her parents’ divorce. Blending humor with depth, this series offers an honest and heartfelt exploration of the highs and lows of growing up, with self-growth at its very core.
Coyote Sunrise Series, Dan Gemeinhart
Many books settle into a single setting, but the Coyote Sunrise series takes you on an unforgettable road trip across America, with far more locations than you can count. Why? Because Coyote and her dad are always on the move, chasing memories and honoring the lives of Coyote’s mom and sisters, who passed away a few years ago. Along the way, they pick up a quirky cast of characters, each with their own story to tell. As you travel alongside Coyote, expect to laugh, cry, and fall head over heels for every person (and place) they encounter. This isn’t just a journey through the country — it’s a journey of healing, love, and finding home in the most unexpected of places.
Finally Heard, Kelly Yang
Social media is infamously double-edged. After 10-year-old Lina discovers social media and its powers to make her mom’s bath bomb business expand, she becomes addicted. Social media gives her a voice. And, best of all, she can seem perfect because in real life, she is changing more than ever before. This timely yet fun book urges readers to examine the impacts of social media — and the consequences we might be overlooking as we scroll…
I Am Malala, Malala Yousafzai
Millions, if not billions, around the world know Malala — youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, fierce advocate for girls’ education, and survivor of a Taliban shooting. Yet many are unaware of the full depth of her story. In this deeply emotional and inspiring memoir, Malala sheds light on the inequalities she faced growing up, offering a powerful narrative that mirrors the struggles of countless other girls. Malala’s words will leave you with a newfound appreciation of her achievements and activism and a new perspective on the experiences and struggles of girls and women around the world.
School Trip, Jerry Craft
Field trips are a hallmark of middle school life — whether it’s exploring museums, historical landmarks, or even amusement parks. But for Jordan, Drew, Liam, and Maury from Riverdale Academy Day School, their trip is anything but ordinary. They’re heading to Paris, the City of Lights! However, what starts as an exciting adventure quickly spirals out of control. Things take a wild turn when the usual faculty guides are replaced by, well… you’ll have to read to find out! Can these friends navigate the chaos of a foreign city? Craft delivers a hilarious and heartwarming graphic novel that will keep you turning pages.
The Crossover, Kwame Alexander
Josh and Jordan are twins who like to win. On and off the basketball court, they are a dynamic duo. Together they rise and together they grow. However, one is more committed to improving his skills while one is more inclined to hangout with his new girlfriend. Rising tensions between the twins come at a high cost. They learn through experience that some things can be lost. With poetic rhythm, Alexander crafts stories full of heart and love. You might come to this book for basketball, but you’ll stay for the insightful life lessons Josh and Jordan learn along the way.
The Partition Project, Saadia Faruqi
When Mahnoor’s grandmother, Dadi, arrives from Pakistan, Mahnoor expects her life in Houston to be turned upside down. She’ll have to spend every moment caring for a stranger! Instead, Dadi surprises her with a treasure trove of stories from her childhood experiencing the 1947 Partition of India first hand. These stories deepen their bond and offer Mahnoor the perfect subject for her journalism class documentary — one that blends personal connection with a powerful historical narrative. Readers will love watching Mahnoor and Dadi’s relationship evolve while discovering an important, often-overlooked moment in history.
The Prettiest, Brigit Young
Empowering. Authentic. Heartfelt. Three words to describe the book The Prettiest. When a list of the top 50 girls in Ford Middle School is released to the eighth grade, chaos ensues. Three girls — Eve, Sophie, and Nessa — are affected differently. One is ranked number one, one is ranked number two, and one is left off the list altogether. While coping with personal emotional challenges, the three girls team up to seek revenge on the boys responsible. Together, they challenge the toxic pressures of beauty standards, take a stand against harassment, and redefine what it means to be truly seen. Be prepared to fight alongside these girls!
The Things We Cannot Say, Kelly Rimmer
If you’re interested in learning more about World War II, books like The Things We Cannot Say are a great place to start! In it, Rimmer perfectly combines historical stories with a gripping and page-turning plot. Alina is a 15-year-old girl living in rural Poland who is madly in love with her childhood best friend Tomasz. But her life is about to change. As the Nazis take control of her village, everything she knows is torn apart. Loved ones are taken, and fear replaces normalcy. On top of that, Tomasz, thought to be safe at college, seemingly disappears. Follow Alina’s heart wrenching journey, a story that reflects the experiences of millions during WWII.
Vanderbeeker Series, Karina Yan Glaser
This series is like a comforting hug, the perfect go-to when you need a little glimmer of warmth. The Vanderbeekers are a lively family of four girls, one boy, a dog, a cat, and a rabbit, all living together in the heart of Harlem. With so many personalities under one roof, it’s no surprise there’s always something brewing — whether it’s conflicts, challenges, or delightful chaos. Join the kids on a whirlwind of heartwarming adventures filled with family, friendship, and love at every turn.
Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that supports local, independent bookstores and publishers. Planet Word is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.