Fantasy:
* Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan: Greek mythology meets modern day in this action-packed series about a demigod who discovers his true identity.
* The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan: Sequel to Percy Jackson, this series features a new group of demigods facing even greater threats.
* The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan: Egyptian mythology takes center stage in this exciting adventure series about two siblings who discover their magical lineage.
* The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: A dystopian future where teenagers fight to the death in a televised competition.
* The Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan: A young boy becomes an apprentice to a skilled ranger, learning survival, combat, and the secrets of the forest.
* The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: Classic fantasy series about children who discover a magical world through a wardrobe.
* The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black: Three siblings discover a field guide to fairies, leading them on a fantastical adventure.
* The Fablehaven by Brandon Mull: Two siblings discover a magical sanctuary filled with mythical creatures, but they must protect it from a dangerous threat.
* The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini: A young dragon rider fights against a tyrannical empire in this epic fantasy series.
Sci-Fi:
* The Maze Runner by James Dashner: A group of teenagers wakes up in a mysterious maze with no memory of their past.
* The Divergent by Veronica Roth: In a dystopian future, teenagers are sorted into factions based on their personality traits, but one girl doesn't fit in.
* The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld: In a world where everyone undergoes mandatory cosmetic surgery at sixteen, a group of teens rebels against the system.
* The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer: A reimagined fairy tale series set in a futuristic world with cyborgs, princesses, and a lunar empire.
* The Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card: A gifted child is recruited for a special program to train to fight an alien invasion.
Contemporary:
* The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney: A humorous and relatable series about the ups and downs of middle school.
* The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin: A group of friends start a babysitting service, navigating the joys and challenges of growing up.
* Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli: A quirky and kind-hearted girl arrives at a new school, challenging the status quo and inspiring those around her.
* The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie: A young Native American boy leaves his reservation to attend a white high school, facing racism and finding his own identity.
* The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: Two teenagers with cancer find love and support each other through their struggles.
* Wonder by R.J. Palacio: A boy with facial differences starts attending a mainstream school for the first time, facing challenges and learning about empathy.
Mystery/Thriller:
* The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon: Two teenage brothers solve mysteries in their hometown and beyond.
* Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene: A brave and resourceful young woman solves mysteries with her wit and detective skills.
* The Goosebumps by R.L. Stine: Spooky and suspenseful stories about monsters, ghosts, and other supernatural creatures.
* The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott: A young boy discovers he is the key to saving the world from an ancient evil.
Historical Fiction:
* Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: A young girl helps her best friend escape Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II.
* The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: A young girl living in Nazi Germany finds solace and purpose in books, despite the dangers around her.
* Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor: A family struggles to survive in the South during the Jim Crow era.
This is just a small sampling of the many great young adult series books available for middle schoolers. When choosing books, consider your child's interests and reading level. It's also a great opportunity to discuss themes and characters with them, fostering a love of reading and critical thinking.