Books about difficult periods of history and complex characters are an excellent entry point to a productive class discussion. This list of best-selling books will encourage your students to think more deeply about important topics like friendship, courage, and acceptance. These stories are a fantastic addition to the classroom library and will help your students build important reading skills like reading comprehension. 

For instance, Show Me a Sign: Sail Me Away Home is a gripping story inspired by the history of a deaf community in the early 19th century. Readers will follow the journey of deaf heroine, Mary Lambert, while learning about the history and culture of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, disabled, and marginalized youth. Spark further conversation in your classroom with this Ann Clare LeZotte discussion guide, which includes discussion questions and extension activities for each of the three books in the Show Me a Sign trilogy.

Meanwhile, Front Desk features a Chinese-American protagonist, Mia, and her experiences growing up with immigrant parents who work at a motel that treats them unfairly. Mia secretly helps her parents with work while attending school — while dealing with bullies and racist remarks. This story has many lessons about resiliency and responsibility. 

Shop best-selling books for grades 6-8 below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store.