Dinosaur Books for Middle School: Resource for Teachers

Children love to learn about dinosaurs, and providing them with books suited for their age can enhance this education by engaging them in a fun and exciting way. However, while many books are suitable for younger or older children, finding appropriate reading materials can be challenging for teachers working with middle school students. The books are often too juvenile or too advanced and don’t hold the interest of middle school-aged students. But while finding good dinosaur books for middle school-aged children can be difficult, there are some options available to you, which we will explore in this post.

The Best Dinosaur Books for Middle School

Thankfully, some books fit the narrow band of middle school age-appropriate reading while also holding the student's attention. Here are five excellent choices that middle school teachers can consider when planning reading materials for their classes:

1. Dinotopia, A Land Apart From Time by James Gurney

“Dinatopia, A Land Apart from Time” was first published in 1992. This dinosaur book for middle school-aged students, written by James Gurney, describes an undiscovered island where intelligent dinosaurs co-exist with mystical humans. It is an exciting story and part of an ongoing series of books suitable for middle school readers or reading aloud to younger children.

2. Dinosaur Empire! Journey Through The Mesozoic Era by Abby Howard

Teachers looking for dinosaur books for middle school readers will appreciate this fun story traveling through time to prehistoric ages. “Dinosaur Empire! Journey Through the Mesozoic Era,” by Abby Howard, centers on Ronnie, a middle schooler, as she travels back to the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. The graphic novel format will appeal to slower readers, while its fun and fact-filled content will keep students engaged.

3. The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle

From the hand of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle comes the classic tale of a South American expedition to a land where prehistoric life still thrives. “The Lost World” has thrilled readers of all ages since it was originally published in 1912 and is an excellent addition to dinosaur books for middle school students. As an added bonus, The Lost World also paves the way for younger readers to Arthur Conan Doyle’s other works, including the detective stories of Sherlock Holmes.

4. Edge of Extinction: The Ark Plan by Laura Martin

Written specifically for “Tween” readers, “Edge of Extinction: The Ark Plan” by Laura Martin is another great choice for dinosaur books for middle school readers. Filled with action, the book follows Sky and her friend as they search for her father in a land ruled by dinosaurs. Using themes adapted from Jurassic Park, Edge of Extinction, The Ark Plan, and its sequel, “Code Name Flood,” will keep their readers on the edge of their seats.

5. Dinosaurs: The Myth-Busting Guide to Prehistoric Beasts by BBC Focus

Moving away from fiction, “Dinosaurs: The Myth-Busting Guide to Prehistoric Beasts” is a fact-based look at how dinosaurs looked, what they sounded like, and how they actually lived. This collection of articles from BBC Focus uses stunning illustrations and commentary from experts in paleontology to provide a scientific and fun dinosaur book for middle school readers.

Find the Best Dinosaur Books for Middle School

Finding dinosaur books for middle school students can be a challenge for teachers. Not only can it be difficult to find books at an appropriate reading level for middle schoolers, but many of the books currently in use have lost their freshness and no longer appeal to their targeted age group. However, the books listed above range from works of fiction to fact-based reading, and although most are relatively new and up-to-date, we’ve even included one classic piece of literature.

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Prehistoric Pals bring the world of dinosaurs and construction toys to life! By pairing the Prehistoric Pals toys with the fascinating story books for children, you will transport your child to a world in which the value of teamwork, friendship, and bravery can be experienced in a whole new way.  Whether your child is a dinosaur fanatic or just loves imaginative play, Prehistoric Pals has something for everyone.