Tween
The 50 Best Books for
11- and 12-Year-Olds
by Melissa Taylor
Eleven and twelve is a time of big change for kids, both emotionally and physically. Which is why reading coming-of-age books becomes very relevant at this age. Just like the characters in the books they’re reading, 11- and 12-year-olds are experiencing emotional mood swings and physical changes from puberty that can lead to increased feelings of self-consciousness. Kids this age are also highly influenced by friends, wanting more independence from parents, and making improvements in their abstract thinking abilities. Preteens need good books that both resonate with their complex lives as well as educate and entertain them.
Which brings us to this book list — our 50 best books for 11- and 12- year-olds, curated by a panel of children’s literature experts. You’ll find a wide variety here, excellent books that appeal to a range of preteen interests, backgrounds, and even moods.
You can download the entire printable list here.
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Fantasy, Magic, and Horror
Fantasy, magic, and horror provide tech-free escapism for kids. Readers can travel to other worlds to experience illusions, ghosts, dragons, and more.
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Circus Mirandus
Also available from: Dealing with Dragons
Also available from: Doll Bones
Also available from: -
Furthermore
Also available from: The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Also available from: His Dark Materials Trilogy
Also available from: -
The Hobbit
Also available from: Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase
Also available from: The Phantom Tollbooth
Also available from:
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Mystery and Adventure
Kids love to imagine themselves as the main characters, especially in kids-can-do-anything adventure and mystery stories like these selections. These books are great confidence boosters and great fun.
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Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
Also available from: The Nameless City
Also available from: Princess Academy
Also available from: -
Spaced Out
Also available from: The Westing Game
Also available from: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Also available from:
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Coming-of-Age
These characters grow and change by facing life’s challenges. Readers will connect with the struggles of daily life and growing up. What’s more, you’re more likely to develop empathy and understanding after walking a mile in someone else’s story.
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Al Capone Does My Shirts
Also available from: American Born Chinese
Also available from: Because of Mr. Terupt
Also available from: The Best Man
Also available from: -
As Brave As You
Also available from: Counting by 7s
Also available from: The Crossover
Also available from: Flying Lessons & Other Stories
Also available from: -
Goodbye Stranger
Also available from: The House on Mango Street
Also available from: Mockingbird
Also available from: Okay for Now
Also available from: -
Return to Sender
Also available from: The Seventh Most Important Thing
Also available from: -
Touching Spirit Bear
Also available from: When You Reach Me
Also available from: Wolf Hollow
Also available from:
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Inspired by History
Few things stick with you as much as a deeply memorable story. These historical fiction books bring history to life through their dynamic characters and plots, and will stay with readers long after the last page.
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Before We Were Free
Also available from: Boxers & Saints Series
Also available from: The Inquisitor’s Tale
Also available from: -
Little Women
Also available from: The Mighty Miss Malone
Also available from:
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Page-Turning Nonfiction
Unforgettable and often unbelievable, these well-written nonfiction books inspire and educate readers. Learn more about significant people and specific periods of history in one of these compelling book choices.
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Hidden Figures (Young Readers' Edition)
Also available from: I Am Malala (Young Readers' Edition)
Also available from: -
Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White
Also available from:
Learn more about the experts behind this reading list.
Get the printable version of the list.
Explore our 50 Best series to get great recommendations for other ages.