The Best Book Series for Middle School Girls, Recommended by My 13-Year-Old

My daughter read over 200 books this past year. Yes, two hundred. 😂

I'm not exaggerating. She kept a handwritten reading journal, and when we counted it up at the end of the school year, we both just stared at each other. She's 13, she just started 8th grade, and apparently she spends every free moment with her nose in a book.

So when I decided to put together a list of the best book series for middle school girls, I didn't have to look very far. I went straight to my resident expert.

This post is a collaboration. Her picks, her words, and her honest opinions on every book series featured here. I'm just the mom adding context, affiliate links, and the occasional "heads up, this one gets a little spicy by book three" warning. 💗

Whether your daughter is a reluctant reader who needs a series she can get completely lost in, or a voracious reader who burns through books faster than you can buy them (hi, that's us), there's something on this list for her.

How to Choose the Right Book Series for Your Middle Schooler

You know your kid better than any book list does.

Every family has different comfort levels, and every girl has different preferences, and both of those things matter equally. Before you hand over a book, here are the three questions I ask myself:

What does she actually enjoy reading?

My girls have zero interest in suspense or anything too frightening. Your daughter might be the opposite and find The Hunger Games tame compared to what she gravitates toward. Start with what she already loves and branch out from there. Genre preferences at this age are real and valid.

What content are you as the parent comfortable with?

This is completely personal and there is no wrong answer. For our family:

• Violence in a meaningful story context (think Hunger Games, Winner's trilogy) ✅

• Romance, kissing, and even implied off-page intimacy ✅

• Explicit intimacy scenes ❌

• Anything genuinely frightening or graphic horror ❌ (for my girls specifically)

Your list will look completely different from mine and that's ok. Use the parent notes throughout this post as a starting point, not a verdict.

Is she a series kid or a standalone kid?

Some girls love the commitment of a nine-book series (my daughter finished all of Keeper of the Lost Cities in one month 😂). Others prefer to finish something and move on. If your daughter hasn't figured out which she is yet, start with a trilogy — three books is the perfect test run.

Reading Level Key

🟢 Reads younger: 5th & 6th graders can handle this one

🟡 Right in the 7th grade sweet spot: 12–13 year olds

🔴 Mature: Know what's coming before you hand it over

The Best Book Series for Middle School Girls

This book list includes a mix of genres, a personal note from my daughter on why she liked the series, and some notes for parents to keep in mind. Many of these recommendations contain at least five books, so look for the ones marked as a trilogy if your kid wants to ease into a series.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me continue sharing helpful parenting tips with you!

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger 🟢

Sophie Foster, a telepathic human prodigy, lives a semi-normal life until one day she finds out she is actually an elf. Swept away into the glittering world that is now her home, she must navigate the perils of prestigious academies, secrets, and rebellions.

Why my middle schooler liked it: I absolutely love books about magic, and this one really makes you feel like you're in it with the characters.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 🟡

A high-stakes series about a girl swept up into a family with more secrets and money than they know. Forced into a game where backstabbing is encouraged, Avery and the hostile Hawthorne brothers work together to figure out why she was chosen. As they start solving riddles, the group uncovers a tragic family story, and Avery has to figure out if she can survive the crazy Hawthorne life.

Why my middle schooler liked it: This book was really intense, and it kept me on my toes the whole time.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 🟡

Every year, 24 tributes are chosen, and only one survives. A choice is made by Katniss in a moment, and now she is being sent into the arena with Peeta, the other tribute from her district. She and Peeta must survive, but only one person gets out alive. Who has what it takes?

Why my middle schooler liked it: I love this book because I can then watch the movies and compare them.

Divergent by Veronica Roth 🟡

In a post-apocalyptic world, fitting in is the key to survival, and Beatrice has a big decision coming soon. She must choose a faction, but when she takes the test to determine her faction, the results are inconclusive. Hiding that she is a divergent, she joins the Dauntless faction, where she uncovers a corrupt political plot and must save other divergents.

Why my middle schooler liked it: I love dystopian novels, and this book really hooked me because the characters were amazing, and I was constantly thrown off my feet with plot twists.

Ruby Red trilogy by Kerstin Gier 🟢

In a secret time-traveling family, Gwenyth Shepherd has been told she does not have the gene, but one day she travels back in time. As the final time traveler in a secret society, she must become the perfect time traveler, but her new partner Gideon makes a simple partnership impossible. Can Gwenyth manage to not fall for her enemy, become a proper lady, and save herself from the man determined to kill her?

Why my middle schooler liked it: I loved the time travel in this book, and the romance that kept sweeping me off my feet.

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 🟡

Seventeen-year-old Cassie Hobbes can read people instantly, picking up on micro-expressions, body language, and behavioral patterns. After she's recruited into the FBI program for teens with innate psychological "gifts," an active serial killer appears who targets red-haired psychic women — resembling Cassie's presumed-dead mother. The killer zeroes in on Cassie, staging crime scenes and mailing her grim mementos. Can Cassie and her friends stop the killer before it is too late?

Why my middle schooler liked it: This book was not a rom-com like other books I've read, but I really liked it because of how fast-paced it was and how intricate the plot was.

Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan 🟢

The Heroes of Olympus series follows seven Greek and Roman demigods who must unite to fulfill the ancient Prophecy of Seven and stop Gaea, the vengeful Earth Mother, from destroying the world. To do this, they sail to the ancient lands of Greece and Rome on a flying warship to defeat Gaea's giant children, close the Doors of Death, and heal a centuries-old rivalry between Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter. Along the way, they must survive dangerous mythical monsters, navigate internal group dynamics, and save their friends and themselves before Gaea completely awakens on the Feast of Spes.

Why my middle schooler liked it: This book is my favorite of Rick Riordan's books. I love the characters and it's just a really fun read.

Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan 🟢

Set in the same universe as Percy Jackson & the Olympians, this five-book series serves as a direct sequel to The Heroes of Olympus. Apollo was cast down from Mount Olympus into New York as Lester Papadopoulos, a flabby, acne-prone, 16-year-old human. To be welcomed back into Mount Olympus, he must take responsibility for his past failures and restore five ancient Oracles that have gone dark.

Why my middle schooler liked it: This book is my least favorite of his books, but I have friends who loved it. I liked how characters reappeared, and we met new characters that I really liked.

Liars Society by Alyson Gerber 🟡

Weatherby's knack for sailing earns her a sailing scholarship to the most prestigious school in Boston. But there's a catch — she has a secret that will ruin her life. As she finally starts becoming accustomed to the school, she gets invited to a secret society. Together they must solve the riddles and shed some light on a very dark and dangerous past of the Heirs Society.

Why my middle schooler liked it: This book has lots of twists and turns, and I thought it was really fun to discuss the book with my friends.

The Selection by Kiera Cass 🟡

Illéa, made from the remains of the United States, is a society bound by a strict caste system, numbered from One (royalty) to Eight (the destitute). The Selection functions like a royal version of The Bachelor, offering participants a chance to escape their predetermined social standing. America Singer, a 17-year-old artist from the Five caste, reluctantly enters the contest to support her family financially and appease her mother, leaving behind her secret lower-caste boyfriend, Aspen. Inside the palace, America crosses paths with Prince Maxon, sparking an unexpected connection that complicates her feelings and loyalties. As more girls leave, will America become the next queen of Illéa, or will the constant violent rebel attacks threaten the monarchy?

Why my middle schooler liked it: I liked how sweet this book was, and how cute the love story was.

Note to parents: Book one is sweet and relatively clean. Think Bachelor-style romance with mild rebel threats in the background. The series escalates by books two and three, with graphic palace attacks, executions, and a make-out scene that stops just short of more in The One.

Caraval trilogy by Stephanie Garber 🔴

Scarlett and Tella want to escape their cruel, abusive father. The only problem is he is the governor of their island. Finally, they get a chance to escape and play in a high-stakes game of magic on a secret time-twisting island. The winner gets a wish granted, but the only problem is that to win this year's Caraval, someone must find Tella before it is too late. Can Scarlett save her sister, not fall for the unbelievably handsome Julien, and make it back to her home in time for her wedding?

Why my middle schooler liked it: I absolutely loved this book because of the magic island, the gorgeous outfits, and an out-of-this-world love story.

Note to parents: While there are no sex scenes or explicit acts, there is prolonged kissing with the possibility of things going further (but they don't). Dark themes include an abusive father, manipulation, and moral ambiguity. I recommend previewing the book before handing it to a younger or more sensitive 7th grader, but my daughter LOVED this book.

The Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski 🔴

The Empire of Valoria is a dominant, militaristic society that values conquest and enslaves the people it defeats. At a local auction, Kestrel makes an impulsive, extraordinarily high bid for Arin, a defiant nineteen-year-old Herrani slave. As time goes on, their mutual friendship becomes more of a forbidden romance. Kestrel discovers Arin's ties to the uprising, forcing them both into high-stakes games of loyalty, deception, and survival, where winning exacts a devastating personal cost.

Why my middle schooler liked it: I liked how this book had a deceptive love story and how the story got more suspenseful as it went on.

Note to parents: There is some kissing, and there is a sex scene that is implied (the characters go into the tent and the text fades to black). The series escalates significantly in violence and dark themes across three books, including graphic battle scenes, torture, and drug withdrawal. There was nothing in these books that my 7th grader had not been exposed to in movies, so she was not bothered by the violence.

Why Book Series Are Good for 6th–8th Graders

Reading for fun drops significantly by age 13, so middle school is a great time to encourage kids to find books they like and want to read.

While a book series may seem like more of a time commitment, they're actually much easier for middle schoolers to get into. Here are a few reasons why:

A series can feel more exciting than a single book. Kids this age are interested in more complex characters and mature storylines. A book series has time to dive into backstories, show character growth, and build an entire world. There is typically a lot of intrigue with each book, too, which keeps kids curious and wanting to learn more.

They're familiar and easy to keep reading. At this age, starting something brand-new can feel challenging. Once your kid is hooked in book one, they'll want to read the rest of the series to see what happens. And it will feel easier because they're already connected to the characters, the world they're in, and the way it's all written. Before you know it, they've read anywhere from three to nine books without you needing to prompt them.

Book series are often adapted into movies. Many popular book series for kids, such as Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Divergent, have been turned into movies. Having a movie they can connect the book to can help kids read more. It can be exciting to see your favorite characters on screen and be visually immersed in their world. On the flip side, middle schoolers may find that seeing the movie first makes the book less daunting to read. Books also go into more detail than movies and there are often some creative differences between the two that make them interesting to compare.

FAQ: Book Series for Middle School Girls

What genres do these middle school book series fall into?

This list of books for 6th–8th graders includes a mix of dystopian fiction, mystery/thriller, science fiction, romance, and fantasy/adventure.

What are the best fantasy book series for middle school girls?

Fantasy is the gateway genre for so many middle school readers. My kids' top picks are Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger (perfect for 5th grade and up), the Ruby Red trilogy by Kerstin Gier, and the Caraval trilogy by Stephanie Garber for more mature readers. The Heroes of Olympus and Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan are also fantastic if your daughter loves mythology mixed with humor and adventure.

Are there good chapter book series for middle school girls?

Yes! Middle school is actually the sweet spot for series with longer, meatier chapters that feel like a real commitment. The Inheritance Games series and The Naturals series are both page-turners that feel grown-up without being overwhelming. If your daughter is transitioning from shorter chapter books, the Keeper of the Lost Cities series is a great bridge — book one eases you in, and by book three you're completely hooked.

Is Percy Jackson too young for middle schoolers?

The original Percy Jackson series is technically written for the 9–12 age group. My kids loved it (and have re-read it in middle school), but if your daughter is already in 7th or 8th grade, she may want to jump straight to the spin-off series. Heroes of Olympus and Trials of Apollo are longer, more complex, and feel much more mature. Think of the original Percy Jackson as the perfect series for your younger kids, and the spin-offs as the upgrade for your middle schooler.

What's the difference between middle grade and YA book series?

Great question, and worth knowing before you hand a book to your daughter. Middle grade books are typically written for readers ages 8–12, with younger protagonists, cleaner content, and lighter romance (think Percy Jackson). YA (Young Adult) skews older — think 13 and up — with more complex themes, romance, and sometimes mature content. Most of the series on this list are YA, which is exactly right for most middle school girls. I've noted reading levels throughout so you always know what you're handing over. 🟢🟡🔴

Should I read the same books my daughter is reading?

YES. One thousand percent yes. I started reading some of these series alongside my daughters, and it completely changed our relationship. Suddenly we had something we all were excited to talk about on car rides, at dinner, and before bed that had nothing to do with school stress or friend drama. We could just geek out together about whether we are team Peeta or Gale. (No spoilers. 😂) Some of my favorite mom-daughter conversations this year started with "okay but did you SEE that plot twist coming?" Pick one series from this list, start it this week, and thank me later.

Is it okay for my daughter to read books that are "below" her grade level?

YES!! And I will die on this hill. There is no such thing as a book that is too easy if your daughter is reading it and loving it. My older daughter is four years older than my youngest, and she happily read Diary of a Wimpy Kid this year in between 400-page fantasy novels. The goal is for your kid to fall in love with books, not a kid who is performing at the "right" level. I say this as a dyslexic reader who HATED reading as a kid. Reluctant readers need to find books that feel fun and accessible, not like homework. If your 7th grader wants to reread a favorite from 4th grade, let her. Reading for joy is always the right answer. And sometimes they may just need a break from reading the more complex novels!

More for Middle Schoolers

Is there a book series your middle schooler loves that's not on this list? Comment below and let us all know about it!

If you're looking for more books and movies for this age group, check out my post on Halloween books for tweens and the best movies for tween girls. And if gift season is coming up, my picks for the best gifts for tweens and gift ideas for 13-year-old girls are full of picks she'll actually love. Don't forget, a great book always makes the list.