Novel studies are one of the best teaching tools middle school ELA educators can utilize. Comprehensive novel studies engage students in shared reading, build class community, provide unique perspectives, and create opportunities for challenging, rigorous work. The benefits of class novel studies are numerous and often immeasurable. As more and more teachers tap into the magic of classroom novel study instruction, we wanted to share some of our best middle school novel studies. These 10 novel studies are creative, diverse, offer cross-curricular experiences. In no particular order, here are our 10 best middle school novel studies along with comments from teachers that used them in their own classrooms.

1 | Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief Novel Study

The Lightning Thief Novel Study includes countless resources, including nonfiction texts about Ancient Greek mythology, narrative writing, and the cabin competition – a student favorite. They all come together to create an immersive and engaging novel study. Students engage in rigorous literary analysis while also developing background knowledge about the history embedded in the text. In sum, the unit’s materials set educators and students up for success from start to finish.

“WOW!!! I’m not sure where to start – this unit has it all and then some! I’m so impressed, anything that you could want in a novel unit – this resource has it! The students are having a great time with the different reading selections and writing unit. Thank you for the time and energy that you put into this unit!” ~ Stacy R.

2 | Refugee Novel Study

The Refugee Novel Study is a comprehensive study of the refugee experience that challenges students to make connections between the text’s three interwoven stories and this present-day crisis. The materials help situate the history presented in the novel within both a global and time continuum. The novel study also includes challenging literary materials to help guide students’ reading and analysis of this powerful text. From chapter questions to close readings, assessments, and vocabulary, it has a wealth of resources to engage with Refugee.

“What a goldmine of resources! This had EVERYTHING I needed as I taught this novel for the first time and really helped provide such a deep reading experience of this novel for students. It was their favorite of the year and the resources here definitely played a big role in that!” ~ Nancy M.

3 | Willodeen Novel Study

The Willodeen Novel Study connects ELA and Science in a creative, meaningful, and impactful way. With science resources that build background knowledge on ecosystems, keystone species, and unique activities, students will see the very real and very consequential issues at the heart of Willodeen. The cross-curricular experience sparks a love of science while still staying grounded in literature.

“This is literally the greatest resource I have ever used. I love this novel and I wanted a way to honor the book and also include meaningful lessons that went along with the science addressed in this book. This resource covers EVERYTHING! There is vocabulary and questions and differentiated questions and presentations. Everything is amazing and is exactly what I wish I had the ability to create. Thank you so much! My students are loving this and I am loving it too!” ~ Jaime F.

4 | Chains Novel Study

Revolutionary War espionage, a spy game, and a riveting novel? The Chains Novel Study has all the ingredients to inspire students to be curious, to love learning, and to explore a less-known aspect of the Revolutionary War. Once again, the cross-curricular elements of this novel study make it an invaluable addition to the middle grades, whether implementing it in an ELA classroom or History classroom. The Chains Novel Study is an amazing vehicle to explore past.

“This unit is well worth the money! There are seemingly endless activities that go along with the novel. I also am very impressed with how well organized it is, especially for converting to digital learning. I used this unit for my maternity leave, and it was very easy to load the assignments into Canvas. The print materials are great, too, and I look forward to using them in years to come. **** Came back to add: This is my second year using this unit and I am still so impressed with it. It is easily the best thing I have ever bought on TPT. The activities are easy to use and engaging. I love this unit!” ~ Madeleine A.

5 | The Book Thief Novel Study

The Book Thief Novel Study weaves together texts on historical background, literary analysis, and color theory to enrich students’ understanding of this complex story. By building students’ background knowledge about the time period and introducing color theory, students can bring a lens from and synthesize meaning across many different perspectives. The novel demands nothing less.

“This is an *incredibly* well-done unit!!! At first I was concerned about the price, but it was WORTH. EVERY. PENNY!! There is *so much* material available here, and it is ALL very useful stuff – no “fluff”!! Thank you so much! I will be buying from your store again for sure!!” ~ Mrs. O’s Classroom

6 | Black Brother, Black Brother Novel Study

Sports fans rejoice! The Black Brother, Black Brother Novel Study explores the history of fencing and how that history’s influence can be seen in the novel. Through literary work and historical background knowledge, students’ understanding of the societal and historical influences that impact Donte’s life are deep and worth exploring. The discussions and work that result from engaging in the resources will surely help your students experience profoundly thoughtful provoking learning.

“Great resource to use with the novel! Thank you!” ~ Marissa R.

7 | Front Desk Novel Study

The Front Desk Novel Study takes Mia’s lead and incorporates a detailed persuasive writing unit to encourage students to be bold like the book’s protagonist. Students also engage in pre-reading texts and activities to build their background knowledge on the history of Chinese immigration in the U.S. This historical context helps students situate Mia’s life and the challenges she (and others in the novel) face. In this novel study, historical perspective plus persuasive writing plus literary analysis plus meaningful work equates to a comprehensive and consequential unit of study.

8 | Starfish Novel Study

The Starfish Novel Study guides students through an exploration about the history of beauty. The unit engages learners and deepens their understanding of the development of beauty standards over time alongside topics related to self-acceptance. As students learn about Ellie, her conflicts, and her growth in this novel-in-verse, they too will examine and critically think about how these themes have true meaning in their own lives.

Great! Loved using these with my students. Highly recommend! ~ Rebecca L.

9 | The Giver Novel Study

The Giver Novel Study embraces a different way to teach this powerful classic. This unit incorporates the science of memory to deepen students’ understanding about memory’s significance to both individuals and society. The novel study’s thought-provoking work pairs perfectly with the important questions this text raises. So, whether you’ve taught The Giver for years or plan to teach it for the first time, The Giver Novel Study provides a cross-curricular experience that students will surely remember.

Enjoy this item. My students enjoyed it too. Has been very helpful. ~ Gayla L.

10 | The Door of No Return Novel Study

The Door of No Return Novel Study builds students’ background knowledge about the history of West Africa and culture of the Asante Kingdom. Both influence and shape the characters and events in the novel. Students will deepen their understanding of the The Door of No Return as they synthesize informational texts, conduct research, and engage in creative tasks directly connected to these materials. The novel study is an immersive experience that elevates students’ learning, while exploring the history embedded in this novel-in-verse.