This book contains booktalks for 170 titles that appeal to middle school readers and relate to middle school curriculum. Approximately 90% of the books are fiction. Each entry includes author, title, publisher, date of publication, suggested interest level, suggested reading level, the booktalk, and learning extension ideas. The selections are organized into 11 chapters by subject as follows: (1) history and social studies--introduction; (2) United States history, including first peoples, Colonial times, the American Revolution, the Civil War, westward expansion, early 20th century, and later 20th century; (3) world history, including prehistory, ancient civilizations, Middle Ages, World War I, and World War II; (4) social studies, including politics and government, personal issues, children with disabilities, and multicultural novels; (5) language arts and literature, including the classics, popular contemporary literature, adventure and suspense, mystery and detective stories, and fantasy; (6) mathematics; (7) science, including earth and space sciences, life science, physical science, and nature of science inquiry; (8) the arts, including music, visual arts, and performing arts; (9) physical education and sports, including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, tennis, triathlon, wrestling, and girls' sports; (10) critical thinking; and (11) "just for fun," including humor and holidays around the world. Each chapter also includes a list of additional books that can be used in conjunction with its theme. Contains author/title and subject indexes. (MES)