Booklists for middle graders with reading difficulties

If you are looking for some books that would appeal to older readers of grades 4 through 8 that have difficulty with reading, then check out Multnomah County Library’s list of Shorter Books for Taller Readers 4th-5th Grade and Shorter Books for Taller Readers 5th-8th Grade. Many of the books included in the list are also good for that not-so-interested-in-reading of the same age group, but would like a quick read which is geared toward their social or interest level.

The lists include a wide variety of selections such as:
Salt In His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Jordan
How to Eat Fried Worms by Rockwell
The Rope Trick by Alexander
There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom by Sachar
The Paper Doorway: Funny Verse And Nothing Worse by Koontz
Define "Normal": A Novel by Peters

Give the lists a “look see” to help you find something for those struggling or who lack interest. I’m sure there is something on the lists that would be appealing and maybe spark an interest. One author I didn’t see on either list was that of Jerry Spinelli. Any of his books would be great for this group, but I especially like his “The Library Card” book. It is a very unique book and it can be read like four short stories.