I love giving a good book recommendation. My dream job would be an elementary school librarian where I can spend my days suggesting good books to early readers.
Here are a few chapter books for grades 7-9. These are good for reading aloud in the classroom (yes, you can still do read-aloud at this age!) or for them to read personally.
Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien