Below are the books for grades 7–8 that are part of our English Summer Reading Program in 2022. Pick up a bookmark at Bookshop Santa Cruz, add one to your cart (below), or download one to print (here) to keep track of the books as you read.
Empowering middle grade memoir from debut author Waka T. Brown, who takes readers on a journey to 1980s Japan, where she was sent as a child to reconnect to her family’s roots.
"Complex and raw, this book challenged me in the best way and showed me a new perspective on racial injustice. Perfect for kids not quite ready for The Hate U Give." —Ivy
Prepare to be swept up by this exquisite novel that reminds us that grief and love can open the world in mystical ways.
"This novel is laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely sweet. Though the premise of scarfing down pizzas seems silly, this is ultimately a meaningful book with insight into having a sibling with special needs and the general ups and downs that come with being a teenager..." —School Library Journal (starred review)
Matt Alacrán wasn’t born. He was harvested. His DNA came from El Patrón, the drug-lord ruler of the country of Opium. Most people hate and fear clones like Matt—except for El Patrón. El Patrón loves Matt as he loves himself, because Matt is himself.
This spellbinding fantasy about a girl from the shadows and a boy from the sea is perfect for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon and The Book of Boy.
"David A. Robertson has written such a fine, beautiful novel. He manages to combine hard truths about our history with a Narnia-like fantasy, sweeping us into the world of the story while opening our hearts as well." —Susin Nielsen, author of We Are All Made of Molecules and No Fixed Address
Funny, fantastic, spooky, and suspenseful—Seven clever stories answer one simple question: what’s in the box?
Loup Garrou, trickster rabbits, and spirits with names that can't be spoken -- the plains and forests of North America are alive with characters like these, all waiting to meet you in this collection of folklore retold in comics.
"The relatable story line has an uplifting message and a Raina Telgemeier–esque vibe, which will appeal even to readers who aren’t very sporty." —School Library Journal