8 Overlooked Books I Think Everyone Should Read

Hello, everyone! I hope you’re all doing well. Today I have a list of books I think everyone should read. Some of these books are aimed at younger kids, around middle grade (or even younger), but they have strong and powerful meanings behind them. They’re good lessons for anyone, regardless of age.

Now, these books aren’t necessarily underrated or not popular (though some of them are) but I think they’re not as appreciated for the lessons they can teach people. They’re overlooked in that aspect. So without further ado, let’s get started!

The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly ~ Rebecca K.S. Ansari

For a book published nearly two years ago, this only has about 550 ratings on Goodreads. I’m kind of surprised by that. The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly is a story that centers on forgiveness; and more specifically, forgiving yourself. It’s about a boy named Charlie who is searching for his younger brother, Liam, who disappeared a year ago. No one remembers him, except Charlie, and every trace of his existence is gone.

This story shows how the power of forgiveness can change someone, it can take this huge weight of their shoulders, make them happier. This book is fantasy, but that forgiveness can still be applied to the real world. It can be extremely hard to forgive yourself for something you’ve done, especially if you don’t think it’s forgiveness-worthy. But even if you’re not able to forgive yourself, at least you can accept what happened and learn from it.

I loved reading this book as well. There are a lot of plot twists, as well as a story of an Irish immigrant family slipped in to increase the mystery.

The Night Diary ~ Veera Hiranandani

I listened to this book on audio a while ago and it was so good! This story follows a young girl named Nisha on her journey to leave Pakistan. After being freed from British rule, India and Pakistan are now two separate countries. Nisha’s family, being Hindu, must leave Pakistan and travel to India. The story is told through letters to her mother, who passed away giving birth to Nisha and her twin brother.

The Night Diary has large themes about survival, family, and finding one’s identity. It was beautifully written and narrated and it even won a Newbery Honor Medal. I learned about the history of India and Pakistan and the journeys that people had to take in order to survive.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon ~ Grace Lin

One of my all-time favorites books. Isn’t the art work on the cover absolutely beautiful? Anyways. . . to the point. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a story about a young girl named Minli who lives in the valley of Fruitless Mountain. After hearing all of her father’s stories and believing them, Minli sets off to find the Old Man of the Moon to ask him how she can change her family’s fortune.

This book is filled with bravery and resilience. Minli is only about ten or eleven when this takes place and along the way, but she has so much perseverance and curiosity. She wants to help her family come out of poverty and is willing to travel so far to do so. This story weaves together original Chinese folktales and also ones Grace Lin heard over the years.

Island of the Blue Dolphins ~ Scott O’Dell

I read this book when I was in fourth grade and I remember really enjoying it. Island of the Blue Dolphins teaches you a lot about survival and resourcefulness. It follows Karana, a girl who has been stranded on an island, alone, for about 18 years (if I remember correctly). She has had to fend for herself–finding food, building shelter, making weapons, and fighting enemies. It’s a coming-of-age novel, filled with self discovery.

Karana shows bravery, skillfulness, and throughout the novel, you learn about how to be resourceful and be independent in the wilderness.

Wonder ~ R.J. Palacio

I know this book is actually really popular and that a lot of people know about, but I still think that it should be added to this list. Wonder‘s main message to readers is to be kind. And by that, be kind to everyone. People around you may look different from what you expect, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat them the way you’d treat anyone else.

In addition, Wonder is a just a good story overall; it’s heartwarming. I will admit, I know not everyone who can relate to Auggie will have the same happy ending that he did, but I think it’s still important for people to know what can happen if you just treat them with respect.

When You Reach Me ~ Rebecca Stead

This book is deep. There’s a lot on friendship, and also a very complicated plot line, that now, after having read it a long time ago, I am quite confused about. Miranda is a normal sixth grader, until she starts mysterious letters from someone, telling her things that haven’t even happened yet. The letters contains clues that conclude her to think that only she can prevent a tragic death.

When You Reach Me shows what friendship can do. There’s also a lot on redemption, which is basically what the whole book’s about. This story backs a lot in in such a short amount of time.

Front Desk ~ Kelly Yang

I loved this book! I only just found out that it’s a series and now I want to read the rest of them. This story is about a girl named Mia whose family has immigrated from China. They live in a motel, working for Mr. Yao who is not the nicest guy. They also hide immigrants, letting them stay for free and if Mr. Yao finds out, their family is doomed.

Front Desk shows courage, kindness, perseverance, hard work, and a story of Chinese immigrants. It’s based off of the author’s own childhood, with a few fictionalized parts along the way. This story also shows how Mia used her strength as a writer to find her voice and make a difference for her and her family.

The Way to Bea ~ Kat Yeh

This book is all about friendship and self-discovery. After a huge event over the summer, Beatrix Lee is about to start seventh grade, friendless. Feeling alone, she turns to writing haikus and leaving them in a secret spot. But then someone starts to write back. And Bea starts making new friends. As the story progresses, Bea thinks that maybe she’s found a place to belong.

The Way to Bea is a fun and enjoyable read, filled with themes of friendship, self-discovery, and loyalty. It’s a pretty easy read as well, and especially for the age level, I think a lot of people will skip over it, but it has important messages.

Have you read any of the books I mentioned? What are some books you think everyone should read?
Chat with me in the comments below!