Recs if you like Number the Stars...

Ah yes, this ol' issue that has plagued librarians and bookstore clerks for decades.

And sometimes you find the right book, but... can you even call that shade blue?

Bring on those Gen Y memories! A list of books likely to give people born between 1981 and 1996 a lot of feelings.

This list is for those of us who grew up eagerly awaiting the Scholastic Book Fair, watching Reading Rainbow (or Wishbone!), and dreaming of a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut.

Note: these are not books published in 1981-1996, but books that had a hold on the millennial generation.

Also check out the Dear America series, American Girl series & Royal Diaries series.

WWII historical fiction. From everyday bravery to remarkable heroism, these characters and their stories remind us that everyone can be brave.

Credit to @startripper for the title (I don’t listen to the smiths :(

This is a list of books for kids who need something to read! It ranges from 6-12 and included in here are all sorts of genres! Recommendations welcome. 😊( When there are series included on here, only the first book is added, this is the same for all my lists).

The books your teacher made you read between the ages of 11-14. They changed the way you saw the world, they made you realize books were more than just goofy or sentimental stories you gobbled up before bedtime, and they stuck with you, all these years later.

Suggestions welcome, especially from non-American readers!!

Note: this list was made by a Millennial, so I'd love to hear from some different generations! What did your teachers assign you?

According to the ALA, "The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."

best sellers and other peak books from middle school era for those of us that aren't quite millennials but are also definitely not core gen z

books i got lost in during quiet reading time as a kid (and maybe you did too)

Complete as of August 2026.

many of us are privileged enough to read about war without ever having experienced it. these books give a glimpse of what it’s like to be shaped by a society that we only hope to never endure. my goal in reading these? increased sympathy for worlds beyond my own & appreciation for authors who honor the lives that they give voice to. keep tissues nearby & enjoy responsibly :)

the library books you probably read to score that Book-It personal pan pizza

Let’s return to simpler times, where some of the best and most impactful stories can be found.

A list of books that I read as a child, teen and young adult that shaped me as a person and a reader

Pair with "Level 4 – The Modern World" book.

(I was unable to successfully add "Hidden Figures: Young Readers Edition" by Margot Lee Shetterly and "Build This Book: A Book and Maker Space All in One" by David Eckold.)

Most popular or most read books for young adults or middle grade.

Only the first book of a series will be added.

list of commonly assigned reading. Whether its something that you havent been assigned but want to check out, or things you read when you were younger and want to revisit! Id also love suggestions bcs i want to see what others have read in school compared to me <3

Other items used: "Sheet of Book Labels H", "World History II Lap Book", "Electives H" (includes "ARTistic Pursuits: Junior High, Book 1", "Classical Music Start-Up - Volume II: A.D. 1825-1945" and "Children's Book of Art"), "Story of the World, Volume 3 Audiobook", "Story of the World, Volume 4 Audiobook", "Extra Language Arts H Student Activity Sheets", "Timeline Figures H", "Extra Science H Student Activity Sheets: 5-Day", "Discover & Do: Science Supplies Kit H", "Discover & Do: Level H Experiments Paper Packet", "Mass Scale", "World History from Ancient to Modern Times", "History/Bible/Literature H Instructor's Guide", "Science H Instructor's Guide", "Language Arts H", "Markers", "Markable Maps", "3" Binder with Tabs", "The Timeline Book", "Discover & Do: Level H Science Experiments", "Discover & Do: Science Supplies Kit H", "Discover & Do: Level H Experiments Paper Packet", "Discover & Do: Level H Science Experiment Videos", "Math-U-See Integer Block Kit", "Math-U-See Algebra 1 Student Workbook", "Math-U-See Algebra 1 Test Book", "Math-U-See Algebra 1 Instruction Manual" and "MUS100 - Algebra 1 Online Instruction with Video".

You might remember some of these, especially if you’re over 40.