What Are the Best Animal Books for Middle Schoolers?
Looking for the perfect book about animals for a middle schooler? We’ve got you covered! We asked six experts from various fields to share their top recommendations for engaging and informative animal books that will captivate young readers. From captivating animal photos to heartwarming stories of friendship and animal care, discover the six must-read books for middle schoolers in this article.
- Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
- Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Animals: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK
- An Inconvenient Elephant by Judy Reene Singer
- The National Geographic Field Guide by Jon L. Dunn
- The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
If you’re looking for a good book about animals for your middle schooler, there are plenty of options! For example, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv is an enlightening read that explores why it’s so important for kids to spend time outdoors and connect with nature.
Aviad Faruz
CEO, FARUZO
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Farmer Boy is an excellent option for middle schoolers to introduce them to different farm animals and how to care for them. The book is set on a farm and teaches kids how treating animals with kindness is an excellent virtue to aim for. The book also teaches kids the value of hard work and helping at home during the holidays.
Liam Liu
Co-founder and CMO, ParcelPanel
Animals: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK
This book is packed with stunning photographs and detailed descriptions of nearly every animal on Earth. It takes the reader through different habitats and ecosystems, exploring the unique characteristics of each species.
The in-depth explanations are written in an easy-to-understand language that won’t overwhelm your middle schooler. Plus, it includes tons of fun facts about many animal behavior and adaptations.
Roksana Bielecka
Community Manager, ResumeHelp
An Inconvenient Elephant by Judy Reene Singer
This heartwarming yet thought-provoking novel tells the story of Neelie Sterling, a woman who inherits an elephant and takes care of him. Through Neelie’s journey, readers are exposed to the complex issues surrounding animal captivity and conservation efforts.
Singer’s beautiful writing also brings the elephant, named Dan, to life in a way that readers will remember long after finishing the book. An Inconvenient Elephant is a powerful and timely read for any middle schooler interested in animal welfare and conservation.
Basana Saha
Founder, KidsCareIdeas
The National Geographic Field Guide by Jon L. Dunn
Sometimes the most amazing experiences come from the unexpected. While fiction sends you to another world and enables you to step inside the shoes of the characters, non-fiction can do the same unexpectedly.
A good book about animals is The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America. It’s an unexpected yet essential book for all future adults. It brings awareness to the wild birds that exist around us and provides insight into how and where they live and brings their young into the world.
Opening the pages of this book introduces young adults to a world they’ve otherwise ignored and opens their eyes to the wildlife that surrounds us every day.
Initially, they’re able to identify and learn about the birds that come to their yard. Eventually, they can’t help but seek the birds. Finally, they become future guardians of the earth we all share.
Tammy Poppie
Founder, On The Feeder
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is a great animal novel for middle schoolers.
The book relates the tale of Ivan, a gorilla kept in captivity in a mall along with other animals, including Stella the elephant, and Bob the dog. Ivan’s point of view is used to tell the tale, which addresses themes of friendship, independence, and animal care.
This book is excellent for middle students because it is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The story highlights significant issues regarding the moral treatment of animals in captivity and is both heartwarming and moving. The One and Only Ivan is based on a true story that may give it greater significance and impact for young readers. This book has won many awards, including the Newbery Medal, which is a prestigious award for children’s literature.
David Reid
Sales Director, VEM-Tooling
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