Middle school is rarely easy. From romance to struggling to fit in to puberty, life for preteens is full of challenges and upheavals. That’s why for this week’s Butler Bookshelf, we’re looking a fiction about middle school and the many dilemmas that come with it. These books tackle issues that readers will likely recognize from their own lives and the lives of their peers, and gives them a chance to see another young person persevering through them. Our feature pick is Listen to the Girls by Chrystal D. Giles. When it comes out that her favorite teacher has been accused of misconduct with students, Calla doesn’t know what to think. But she knows it’s important to do what’s right, and that’s to listen to and amplify the voices of the girls who have spoken out. As details come to light and the news gains attention, she learns what it truly means to stand up, speak out, and share your story.

Check out more books about middle school below!

Listen to the Girls
Chrystal D. Giles
Random House Children’s Books/Random House Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Casting April
Wendy Lu
Random House Children’s Books/Alfred A. Knopf
Available now!

My Name is Harriet Mansoor (NOT Hairy Man Suit!)
Dr. Haleh Massey
Lee & Low Books/Tu Books
Available now!

Olivia Gray Will Not Fade Away
Ciera Burch
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Margaret K. McElderberry Books
Available now!

Roxie in Color
Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka
Candlewick Press
Available now!