I think 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins can be considered a great high school fiction book. It has a strong female lead and explores themes of survival, power, and sacrifice, which are relevant to high school students in terms of facing challenges. 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling also fits well. It's about friendship, growing up, and fighting against evil, which are all things that high school students can identify with. 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green is another good one that deals with love, loss, and self - discovery in a high school setting.
Another good one is 'The Maze Runner' series. In this science fiction world, the characters are in a sort of enclosed 'school' - like area called the Glade, surrounded by a maze. They have to figure out how to survive, cooperate, and find a way out, much like students learning to adapt to new rules and situations in school.
Some of the best historical fiction books for middle school are 'Island of the Blue Dolphins' by Scott O'Dell. It's based on the true story of a girl left alone on an island for years. 'A Single Shard' by Linda Sue Park is set in 12th - century Korea and tells about an orphan boy's journey to become a potter. 'Esperanza Rising' by Pam Muñoz Ryan is about a wealthy Mexican girl who has to flee to California during the Great Depression and face the hardships of migrant work.
'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a classic. It's set in England and features the transformation of a young girl as she discovers a hidden garden. It gives a sense of the time period and the social attitudes.
The 'Malory Towers' series by Enid Blyton is also a classic in boarding school fiction. It depicts the life of girls at a boarding school, with their friendships, rivalries, and various escapades. There are lessons learned, fun times, and the growth of the characters throughout the series. 'The Catcher in the Rye' can also be considered as it has elements related to the main character's experiences at a boarding school, and it delves deep into the alienation and confusion of a young person.
'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' is also likely on the list. It follows Charlie, a high - school freshman, as he navigates friendship, love, and his own mental health issues.
The 'Harry Potter' series is extremely well - known. It has made boarding school life seem magical and exciting. 'The Catcher in the Rye' is also famous, with its unique view of a young person's experience related to boarding school in a way. 'A Separate Peace' is another well - known one that really delves into the complex relationships at a boarding school.
One of the best middle school fictions is 'The Lightning Thief' by Rick Riordan. It's an exciting adventure story full of Greek mythology. The main character Percy Jackson discovers he's a demigod and goes on a quest. Another great one is 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio. It tells the story of a boy with a facial difference, teaching important lessons about kindness and acceptance. Also, 'Holes' by Louis Sachar is really good. It has a unique plot that combines mystery and a bit of history at a boys' detention camp.
Well, 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry is definitely among the best. It takes you to a dystopian world where a boy named Jonas starts to question the way his society functions. Then there's 'Bridge to Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson. It beautifully portrays the friendship between two kids. And don't forget 'Charlotte's Web' by E.B. White, a timeless story of friendship between a pig and a spider that is also suitable for middle schoolers.
Another excellent choice is 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. It explores the angst and confusion of adolescence, which is very relatable for high school students. The main character Holden Caulfield's journey of self - discovery makes it a must - read for this age group.