8 Must-Read Books for Tweens

8 Books Ever Tween Should Read

The following books are all linked to Amazon, from which I would get a small commission if you were to buy.

Tuck Everlasting is a somewhat short book with well-developed characters tweens can identify with easily. BabyGirl has read this book so many times. She actually keeps it in the car because she loves it so much.

Harry Potter is a series we put off because we knew once BabyGirl started them she wouldn’t be able to stop. The later books are a bit darker and more complex. JK Rowling’s characters are multi-dimensional, the story line is easy to follow, and the reader is quick to identify with many of the characters.

James and the Giant Peach is a Roald Dahl classic. The first part of the story is a bit sad, but it quickly turns in to the well-written fantasy classics true to Roald Dahl. Honestly, any Roald Dahl book would be a great addition to a summer reading list.

The Invisible Fran (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist) skews toward the younger side of tween, but who doesn’t love a book about a mad scientist. It’s an easy and fun read. As part of a series, if your kids like this one there are others to keep reluctant readers going or advanced readers wanting more.

Number the Stars may not be on most lists because of its subject matter. Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark, the story is a compelling historical fiction. The author handles the very delicate topic of World War II and the Holocaust in a way that is appropriate for juvenile readers.

The Hobbit is a somewhat lengthy classic that many young people love. The pre-story to the ever-popular Lord of the Rings series, The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins as he is swept up on an adventure with a wizard and a group of dwarves. Most of us know the story, but the book goes into much more depth and describes the people, places, and history in exacting detail.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle another classic that’s perfect for both hesitant and voracious readers, the story about the friendship between a young boy and a mouse is well-written, captivating, and fun. Beverly Cleary tells a tale every child loves, and wants to read.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a coming of age story set at the turn of the 20th century. A lengthy novel written over 60 years ago tells the story of an 11-year old girl growing up through difficult times. There is a great history lesson woven into the story, as well as important life lessons learned through the eyes of the young Francie.