Reading Genres
7th Graders tend to like to read one type of book or one author, and only want to read that author or genre. However, when they try other types of literature, they often find out that they like other books and authors just as much.
There are many types of literature. They are called genres. There are many genres and subcategories in each one, but here are the descriptions of the most common ones.
1. Classics- A classic is a type of literature that has been read and enjoyed by many generations. Some examples are Treasure Island, Where the Red Fern Grows, Moby Dick, Little Women, A Little Princess, and Frankenstein.
2. Non-Fiction books are books that are true. You can read a book about a person, a place, an event, a “how to” book, a sport book, a book about animals, etc. The main thing is that it is true.
3. Multi-Cultural books are books that teach us about another culture in a fiction book. They can be about any culture that is different from your own. Some examples are Night John, Sing Down the Moon, Sweetgrass, and Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry.
4. Historical Fiction is based on a true time in history, but it involves imaginary characters or events. Some examples are Johnny Tremain, Indian Captive, and The Sign of the Beaver.
5. Science Fiction books are books that are not possible now, but if science keeps progressing, it may be true in the future. This is also true of books that are about scientific things that are true now, but weren't when the author wrote it. Some examples are Jurassic Park, A Wrinkle in Time, and Star Trek Series.
6. Fantasy books are books that are not true and will never be true. They involve fantastic places, events, or things that are not going to come true. Some examples are Harry Potter, The Hobbit, and The Secret of Nymh.
7. Action or Adventure books are just like what they sound like. They involve action or adventure. They usually involve survival. These are books like The Call of the Wild, Hatchet, and Old Yeller.
8. For and About Young Adult books are books that are about teenagers doing things that teenagers do, dealing with teenage issues, or events. Some examples are The Cat ate my Gymsuit, Freak the Mighty, and Blubber.
9. Mystery books are books that involve a mystery to solve or a crime to solve. Some common choices are The Hardy Boys, Agatha Christie books, or Sherlock Holmes books.
10. Horror or Suspense books are books that most 7th graders like. Some favorite authors are R.L. Stine, Stephen King, and Caroline Cooney.
Popular 7th Grade Books
Harry Potter - any of the series is a great choice for a reluctant reader. I haven't had one student read the series and not love it. Most of the students who have read them and told other students about them, have watched their friends get hooked, too. Most of them come to the end of the third book and say, "Now I have to wait until summer for the next one. Now what will I do?" It's also great fun for adults.
The Cat Ate My Gymsuit is another great choice. Marcy is thirteen and is going through many of the same things 7th graders go through. She worries about her weight, having friends, her grades, hating school, and fighting with her parents. Through the novel, Marcy learns to have more confidence in herself, and not to give in to peer pressure. A great book for 7th graders.