Resources

Lit C.R.E.W. Summer Reading List (Middle School Focus)

Core Texts (Project/Discussion-Ready)

"Front Desk" by Kelly Yang

“Front Desk” by Kelly Yang

A powerful novel about immigration, poverty, and resilience through the eyes of a young hotel manager. Ideal for memoir writing, debate, and empathy projects.

"Ghost" by Jason Reynolds (Track Series)

“Ghost” by Jason Reynolds (Track Series)

Fast-paced and emotionally gripping story about a boy trying to outrun his past. Use for sports journalism, podcasting, or poetry performance.

"Harbor Me" by Jacqueline Woodson

“Harbor Me” by Jacqueline Woodson

Six kids find connection through open dialogue in a weekly circle. Perfect for group discussions, audio storytelling, or collaborative art.

"New Kid" by Jerry Craft

“New Kid” by Jerry Craft

Graphic novel that explores identity, code-switching, and being the new kid. Great for comic projects, visual storytelling, and character diaries.

"The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez

“The First Rule of Punk” by Celia C. Pérez

A zine-making, music-loving girl navigates fitting in without losing herself. Great for zine workshops, music-based projects, and culture exploration.

Supplemental/Choice Reads

"A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée

“A Good Kind of Trouble” by Lisa Moore Ramée

Navigating activism and middle school.

"Blended" by Sharon M. Draper

“Blended” by Sharon M. Draper

Race, family, and identity from a biracial perspective.

"Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds

“Look Both Ways” by Jason Reynolds

Interconnected short stories perfect for skits or multiple POV writing.

"Piecing Me Together" by Renée Watson

“Piecing Me Together” by Renée Watson

Good for exploring social justice and identity.

"When Stars Are Scattered" by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

“When Stars Are Scattered” by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Refugee experience through a graphic novel format.