Summer reading list for middle readers

From the classic tale of an 11-year-old orphan with red pigtails to the story of a young teen lost in the wilderness, here are some excellent choices for middle readers.

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, by L.M. Montgomery (ages 8 and up)

When 11-year-old Anne Shirley arrives at Green Gables with nothing but a carpetbag and an overactive imagination, she knows that she has found her home. But first she must persuade the Cuthberts to let her stay, even though she isn't the boy they'd hoped for.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, by C.S. Lewis (ages 8 and up)

Four children travel to a world in which they are far more than mere children and everything is far more than it seems.

"THE GOOSE GIRL," by Shannon Hale (ages 9-12)

On her way to marry a prince she's never met, Princess Anidori is betrayed by her lady-in-waiting and must become a goose girl to survive until she can reveal her true identity and claim what is rightfully hers.

"THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by Neil Gaiman (ages 9-12)

Nobody Owens is a normal boy; normal except he's been raised by ghosts and other denizens of the graveyard.

"HATCHET," by Gary Paulsen,(ages 9 and up)

After a plane crash, 13-year-old Brian spends 54 days in the wilderness, learning to survive with only the aid of a hatchet given to him by his mother.

"HEAT," by Mike Lupica (ages 9-12)

Pitching prodigy Michael Arroyo is banned from Little League because rival coaches doubt he is only 12 and he has no parents to prove otherwise.

NANCY DREW SERIES, by Carolyn Keene (ages 8 and up)

Eighty years after her debut, super sleuth Nancy Drew remains timeless.

"PRINCESS OF THE MIDNIGHT BALL," by Jessica Day George (ages 9-12)

A retelling of the tale of twelve princesses who wear out their shoes dancing every night, and a former soldier who follows them in hopes of breaking the curse.

RANGER'S APPRENTICE SERIES, by John Flanagan (ages 9-12)

Follow young Will from the time he applies to the time he becomes a full-fledged Ranger with his own fief.

"THE SECRET GARDEN," by Frances Hodgsen Burnett (ages 8-11)