Improve your child's grades and confidence.
Better Curriculum. Better Results.
Grade 6 Core Literature List
Welcome to the Grade 6 Reading List! This year’s selection offers an engaging mix of classic and contemporary stories, historical adventures, fantasy realms, and character-driven narratives. Each book brings to life diverse settings, memorable characters, and timeless themes, encouraging Grade 6 readers to connect with and learn from perspectives across different times and places. Let the adventure begin!
Encourage your child to read for 20-30 minutes each day and fill in their weekly reading logs, which can be redeemed for exciting rewards at the Motivation Station!
Our Curated Book List:
The Boy of the Painted Cave
By Justin Denzel
In prehistoric times, Tao, a young boy, dreams of becoming a cave painter despite societal rules forbidding it. Follow his journey of courage and creativity as he challenges tradition to follow his passion.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Adventure
The Book of Greek Myths
By Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire
Dive into the world of Greek mythology with beautifully illustrated retellings of ancient tales. From Zeus to Pandora, each myth comes to life, offering a fascinating look at the gods, heroes, and creatures of ancient Greece.
Theme: Mythology, Classics
The Bronze Bow
By Elizabeth George Speare
Set in first-century Galilee, this award-winning story follows Daniel, a young Jewish boy caught up in the struggle against Roman rule. As he grapples with themes of forgiveness and hatred, he learns powerful lessons about the strength of love.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Faith
The Cay
By Theodore Taylor
In this tale of survival and friendship, a young boy named Phillip and an older man named Timothy are stranded on a deserted island. Together, they face challenges that teach them about strength, resilience, and the value of friendship.
Theme: Adventure, Survival
Hatchet
By Gary Paulsen
Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson must survive alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Armed only with a hatchet, Brian learns to fend for himself in this gripping story of perseverance and courage.
Theme: Adventure, Survival
The Egypt Game
By Zilpha Keatley Snyder
When a group of friends discovers a deserted backyard, they invent an elaborate game set in ancient Egypt. This imaginative story explores friendship, creativity, and the power of pretend play.
Theme: Mystery, Friendship
The Chronicles of Narnia
By C.S. Lewis
Journey to the magical world of Narnia, where children like Lucy, Edmund, and their siblings find adventure, magic, and talking animals. This classic series explores themes of courage, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil.
Theme: Fantasy, Adventure
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
By E.L. Konigsburg
Two siblings run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where they discover a mystery surrounding a statue. This humorous and heartfelt tale highlights independence, curiosity, and the love of learning.
Theme: Mystery, Adventure
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
By Robert C. O'Brien
In this tale of courage and ingenuity, Mrs. Frisby, a field mouse, must find a way to move her family before their home is destroyed. She encounters a society of highly intelligent rats with secrets of their own.
Theme: Fantasy, Adventure
Summer of the Swans
By Betsy Byars
Sara faces an emotional summer filled with self-doubt and family challenges. This coming-of-age story captures the complexity of sibling relationships and the importance of self-acceptance.
Theme: Realistic Fiction, Family
Tales of Ancient Egypt
By Roger Lancelyn Green
Explore the fascinating myths and legends of ancient Egypt, featuring gods like Ra, Osiris, and Isis. These tales reveal the culture and beliefs of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Theme: Mythology, History
Aesop’s Fables
By Aesop
This timeless collection of short tales offers moral lessons through talking animals and simple yet profound stories. Each fable teaches valuable life lessons, like the importance of kindness, honesty, and perseverance.
Theme: Classics, Morality
A Wrinkle in Time
By Madeleine L’Engle
Join Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they journey through space and time to rescue Meg’s father. This beloved sci-fi fantasy blends adventure, science, and a quest to fight evil.
Theme: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Bridge to Terabithia
By Katherine Paterson
Jess and Leslie create their own imaginary kingdom, Terabithia, in the woods. This heartfelt story of friendship, imagination, and coping with loss resonates with readers on a deep level.
Theme: Friendship, Loss
The Rainbow People
By Laurence Yep
This unique collection of Chinese folktales introduces readers to a world of ancient customs, values, and mythical creatures, celebrating cultural heritage through vivid storytelling.
Theme: Folktales, Cultural
The Cricket in Times Square
By George Selden
A cricket from Connecticut finds himself in New York City, where he befriends a mouse, a cat, and a young boy. This charming tale of friendship and adventure captures the magic of the city and the warmth of unlikely friendships.
Theme: Fantasy, Friendship
The Phantom Tollbooth
By Norton Juster
Bored Milo drives through a mysterious tollbooth and embarks on a journey through the Lands Beyond. This witty, whimsical tale celebrates curiosity, learning, and the joy of discovery.
Theme: Fantasy, Adventure
The House of Sixty Fathers
By Meindert DeJong
During World War II, Tien Pao, a young Chinese boy, becomes separated from his family. As he journeys to find them, he learns about kindness, bravery, and resilience in this powerful story of survival.
Theme: Historical Fiction, War
Mara, Daughter of the Nile
By Eloise Jarvis McGraw
Set in ancient Egypt, this suspenseful tale follows Mara, a young slave girl who becomes entangled in espionage and palace intrigue. Her story of courage and loyalty offers a glimpse into a fascinating historical era.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Adventure
Holes
By Louis Sachar
Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center, where he and the other boys must dig holes every day. This intriguing story weaves together themes of family, friendship, and fate in unexpected ways.
Theme: Mystery, Adventure
Bud, Not Buddy
By Christopher Paul Curtis
This touching memoir follows a young boy and his raccoon companion, Rascal. It’s a heartfelt story of friendship, curiosity, and the bond between a boy and his pet.
Theme: Memoir, Animals
Maniac Magee
By Jerry Spinelli
Jeffrey Lionel Magee, known as Maniac, becomes a legend in his town as he tackles issues of race, family, and belonging. This thought-provoking story explores themes of courage, acceptance, and social justice.
Theme: Realistic Fiction, Social Issues
The Westing Game
By Ellen Raskin
Sixteen people are invited to solve the mystery of eccentric millionaire Samuel Westing’s will. This clever, twist-filled mystery keeps readers guessing as they unravel clues and secrets.
Theme: Mystery, Puzzle
Julie of the Wolves
By Jean Craighead George
Julie, an Eskimo girl, survives alone in the Alaskan wilderness by communicating with a wolf pack. This story of survival and self-discovery highlights the beauty of nature and the bond between humans and animals.
Theme: Adventure, Survival
Homesick: My Own Story
By Jean Fritz
Based on the author’s own experiences, this semi-autobiographical story takes readers to 1920s China, where young Jean navigates friendship, cultural differences, and homesickness.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Memoir
Absolutely Normal Chaos
By Sharon Creech
Mary Lou Finney keeps a summer journal, recording the ups and downs of family life, friendships, and her first crush. This humorous, heartwarming story captures the everyday chaos of growing up.
Theme: Realistic Fiction, Family
Sounder
By William H. Armstrong
In the Deep South, a young boy and his loyal dog, Sounder, face challenges together. This poignant story explores themes of love, hardship, and hope during difficult times.
Theme: Historical Fiction, Family
Hey Reading Rangers,
Remember to log your reading every day in your Weekly Reading Log. Once completed, get it signed by a parent and redeem your points at our Motivation Station for fun rewards! Happy reading!
Book a complimentary assessment for your child today! Help them thrive academically with personalized support tailored to their needs. Schedule your session and join us in fostering a community where learning and local businesses grow together. We look forward to achieving great things together!