Holiday Book Gifts for Tweens
Ages 9 – 12
by Rosemary D'Urso
Once my kids grew out of the toy phase, finding the perfect gift for tweens felt nearly impossible until I discovered the magic of middle-grade books. From buzzworthy new releases and the latest installments in bestselling series to engaging activity books and gorgeous special editions, there’s truly something here for every kind of reader. After all, a fantasy-loving 9-year-old has very different interests from an 11-year-old who devours graphic novels or a 12-year-old who prefers fascinating nonfiction. My own kids will be finding several of these books under the tree this year, and I can’t wait for them to dive in!
Our Top 5 Book Gifts for Tweens (2026)
If you’re short on time, start with these can’t-miss favorites:
- The Moon Without Stars: A beautifully written coming-of-age story about friendship, fitting in, and staying true to yourself.
- Forbidden Mountain: An epic new fantasy adventure from the author of Fablehaven, complete with gorgeous sprayed edges.
- Mexikid Dreams: A hilarious and heartfelt graphic memoir exploring family, culture, and growing up.
- Kiki’s Delivery Service: Deluxe Edition: A gorgeous deluxe edition of the beloved story, perfect for readers who love cozy, magical adventures.
- Minecraft Bite Size Builds Collection: A four-book boxed set packed with creative building projects that will keep Minecraft fans entertained for hours.
Scroll down for more fantastic books to gift to tweens!
Jump To: New & Noteworthy | Must-Read Sequels | Activity Books | Nonfiction | Gift-Worthy Special Editions | Must-Read Graphic Novels
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New & Noteworthy:
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Forbidden Mountain
Buy from:Fablehaven fans will be thrilled by this epic new fantasy series from bestselling author Brandon Mull. In a world where teens must bond with a spirit guide that can bring greatness or destruction, Mako and Arden must join forces to battle a growing darkness. With high-stakes magic, intriguing characters, and gorgeous sprayed edges, this impressive series starter is sure to thrill young fantasy readers.
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When Tomorrow Burns
Buy from:Seventh grade is complicated enough without a mysterious book predicting disaster. As wildfires threaten Seattle, three friends must navigate changing friendships, crushes, secrets, and a prophecy that may be coming true. Thoughtful, layered, and expertly crafted, this National Book Award–longlisted novel is a strong choice for older tweens who enjoy realistic stories with a touch of magic.
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Beast Ballerz
Buy from:Eleven-year-old Baxter Brooks doesn’t expect puberty to be easy, but he also doesn’t expect to turn into a werewolf! After his transformation lands him at Prodigium Academy, Baxter joins a basketball team of misfit monsters determined to win the championship. Heavily illustrated, hilarious, and wildly entertaining, this monstrously fun coming-of-age story has tons of kid appeal, especially for sports fans and reluctant readers.
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Aku: Journey to Ibra
Buy from:This fast-paced sci-fi story is so captivating, it’s hard to believe it’s Micah Johnson’s debut! Space-loving Aku dreams of escaping the bullies at school, but he never expects a mysterious helmet to whisk him away to the distant planet of Ibra. With plenty of suspense, friendship, and an inspiring exploration of what it truly means to be brave, this imaginative debut will keep young sci-fi readers turning the pages.
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The Moon Without Stars
Buy from:One of my favorite books of 2026, this beautifully written coming-of-age story captures the complicated social pressures of middle school with incredible authenticity. When quiet, book-loving Luna is unexpectedly welcomed into the popular crowd, she begins making choices that don’t feel like herself. Exploring friendship, popularity, peer pressure, identity, and the struggle to stay true to who you are, this book is a powerful and relatable read for tweens. It’s also a meaningful book for parents and kids to read and discuss together.
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Roar
Buy from:While visiting his grandparents in India, fifth grader Rohan has a life-changing encounter with a tiger that inspires him and his animal-loving cousin, Mira, to take action. Together, they stand up to poachers and a powerful mining company threatening the local tiger sanctuary. Blending suspense, courage, and a passion for protecting wildlife, this compelling story is a wonderful choice for animal lovers and budding environmentalists.
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Dasia Forever
Buy from:Fans of tender, character-driven stories will want to meet Dasia, a thirteen-year-old girl navigating cancer, complicated family relationships, and an unexpected new friendship. Told through a series of lyrical letters, this moving story explores resilience, connection, and finding hope during life’s most difficult moments.
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Gift Guides, Holiday Stories, & More!
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Must-Read Sequels:
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The Neverfear
Buy from:The breathtaking conclusion to the Impossible Creatures series, one of my all-time favorite fantasy series, sends Christopher and Anya back across the magical Archipelago to battle a terrifying evil and save their friends. Spectacular world-building, masterful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and incredibly high stakes make this a thrilling finale for tweens and adults alike.
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The Swifts: A Garden of Vipers
Buy from:My kids and I cannot get enough of this quirky, madcap mystery series! In this final installment, Shenanigan Swift and her delightfully eccentric family head to New York City to help her cousin Atrocious solve a murder. Packed with clever clues, witty wordplay, and hilarious hijinks, this comical caper is a fantastic finale to a series that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading.
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Dragonborn: The Twilight Child
Buy from:The exciting sequel to the New York Times bestselling fantasy Dragonborn brings Alex Evans back for another high-stakes adventure. Now that Alex has discovered her true identity as a dragon, she must face a dangerous new villain threatening humanity. With fierce battles, meaningful character development, and plenty of twists, this gripping sequel is a natural next read for kids who enjoy Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Skandar.
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Camp Half-Blood: From the World of Percy Jackson: The Wild Zone
Buy from:If you have a Percy Jackson fan at home, this brand-new series starter will get them excited! Readers return to Camp Half-Blood, where a whole new group of campers must face dangerous monsters, mysterious curses, and plenty of unexpected challenges. Brimming with the mythological mayhem that made the original series so irresistible, this is an exciting way for longtime fans to dive back into a world they love.
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Ms. Pennypickle’s Remarkable Road Race
Buy from:Puzzle lovers will have a blast with this clever, fast-moving mystery! Ms. Pennypickle challenges a new group of contestants to an epic reality-show race packed with riddles, anagrams, word scrambles, and more. As Jackson and Hope race against some not-so-honest competitors, they’ll also learn a few things about themselves and each other. It’s a fun pick for fans of mysteries, puzzles, and interactive reads.
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Fern’s School for Wayward Fae: The Hollow Child
Buy from:Dark magic is brewing in the thrilling finale of this bestselling fantasy series! Rosemary Thorpe, a demifae who can foresee people’s deaths, joins forces with her friends to rescue a kidnapped classmate from the sinister Seelie Keeper. Filled with creepy twists, this supernatural series is a great match for kids who love spooky stories and shows like Wednesday.
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The Dragon’s Apprentice: Destroyer of Magic
Buy from:When 12-year-old Ciara accidentally summons an ancient dragon named Scorch from a book of spells, she has no idea how much trouble will follow! In the third installment of this funny fantasy series, Ciara teams up with a prince on a daring mission to save Scorch and her village. Hilarious banter, magical mishaps, and an endearing cast make this another spellbinding installment.
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Activity Books:
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Would You Rather? Ultimate Box Set
Buy from:This is a gift that keeps on giving all year long. I don’t know who loves these books more — me or my kids! And this boxed set, complete wit five bestselling “Would You Rather?” books — Made You Think! Edition, Family Challenge! Edition, Sports Edition, Animals Edition, and and Outer Space Edition — will lead to hours of family fun, creativity, and thoughtfulness as participants answer thought-provoking questions. They are perfect for pulling out when waiting at the doctor’s office, at a restaurant, at a sleepover, or while travelling.
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The Mad Libs Silly, Hilariously Funny, Belly-Busting Joke Book
Buy from:This classic game is a perfect holiday gift, as it will provide hours of entertainment and laughter for everyone in your home. If you’re traveling for the holidays, consider making it an early gift so you can enjoy it on the plane, in the car, while waiting at stores, etc. And don’t tell your kids, but they practice English Language Arts skills when playing Mad Libs.
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Escape Rooms
Buy from:I’m a huge fan of Highlights, and this clever new activity book provides irresistible entertainment to puzzle-loving tweens! Kids solve mazes, logic puzzles, and brainteasers to escape from imaginative rooms, providing hours of screen-free fun on long winter nights.
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Minecraft Bite Size Builds Collection 4 Book Boxed Set
Buy from:Featuring 80 epic builds, this boxed set gives Minecraft fans endless inspiration for taking their creativity to the next level. Each book features easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and helpful pictures that guide young builders as they create and customize their own incredible mini projects. With four inspiration-packed books, there’s plenty to keep Minecraft lovers happily building long after the gifts are opened!
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Unlock Your Imagination
Buy from:This book is the perfect answer to the inevitable “I’m bored!” Packed with 250 creative crafts, projects, games, and challenges, it offers hours of screen-free fun for kids. Colorful photographs bring the activities to life, and with everything from arts and crafts and drama to sports and problem-solving challenges, there’s something for every kid to enjoy.
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Disney How to Draw Favorite Characters
Buy from:With a fun mix of beloved classics and modern favorites, plus fascinating character facts, drawing tips, and techniques from professional Disney animators, this is an appealing choice for budding artists and Disney lovers alike.
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Little Woodchucks
Buy from:Nick Offerman brings his signature humor to this entertaining woodworking guide, encouraging kids and families to roll up their sleeves and start building! With helpful safety tips and an introduction to essential tools, the book features twelve family-friendly projects you can build together. Practical, funny, and wonderfully hands-on, this is a fantastic option for curious, creative kids.
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Nonfiction:
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Knowledge A Visual Compendium: Making Sense of the World
Buy from:This nonfiction book offers essential and random facts about chemistry, bird species, US Presidents, anatomy, and more. It is full of engaging text and beautiful images, making it perfect for curious kids who like to choose what they learn about. It could spark a new interest or provide excellent fodder for family conversations.
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Grossology: The Science of Really Gross Things!
Buy from:Anything disgusting grabs my kids’ attention, so Grossology is the perfect way to fuel their wonderfully weird interests. Packed with hilarious illustrations and fascinating facts about the human body, this delightfully icky guide is guaranteed to keep kids hooked.
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An Immense World (Young Readers Edition)
Buy from:Perfect for curious kids, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into how animals use their senses to survive. From seeing ultraviolet light to communicating with ultrasonic frequencies or detecting infrared radiation, readers will be amazed by the extraordinary ways animals experience the world. This is a must-have for animal lovers!
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History Smashers: Ancient Egypt
Buy from:This hybrid chapter book and graphic novel brings history to life in the most engaging way. Readers are whisked back to Ancient Egypt to uncover fascinating facts, bust common myths, and explore the wonders of one of the world’s most remarkable civilizations.
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The Soccer GOAT: Messi v Ronaldo
Buy from:Calling all soccer fans! This highly illustrated book compares two of the sport’s biggest legends: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Fascinating facts, career highlights, stats, and head-to-head comparisons give young soccer fans everything they need to decide for themselves: Who is the greatest of all time?
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Priceless Facts About Money
Buy from:Learning about financial literacy at a young age is a gift that keeps on giving! Financial expert Mellody Hobson makes learning about money surprisingly fun with eye-opening facts, practical advice, and helpful tools kids can use to make smart financial choices now and in the future.
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Gift-Worthy Special Editions:
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Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Collector’s Edition
Buy from:Introduce a new generation of readers to the treasured story of four best friends whose bond remains unbreakable with a little help from one magical pair of pants. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of this funny, heartfelt coming-of-age classic, this gorgeous collector’s edition features a stunning new hardcase design, sprayed edges, and a luxe ribbon marker. It’s a lovely way for longtime fans to revisit the story and for a new generation to discover it.
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Kiki’s Delivery Service: Deluxe Edition
Buy from:Utterly charming, this sweet story follows young half-witch Kiki as she sets out to make a life of her own in the seaside town of Koriko. With high hopes and her witty black cat, Jiji, by her side, Kiki is determined to find her place and make new friends even when things don’t always go according to plan. Cozy, whimsical, and full of heart, this modern classic is especially enchanting in this deluxe edition, featuring a gorgeous new cover and sprayed edges.
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Greeking Out: The Epic Collection Volume 1-3 Boxed Set
Buy from:A must-have for mythology lovers! Inspired by the incredibly popular Greeking Out podcast, this epic boxed set features 60 stories brought to life with striking artwork, alongside surprising real-world facts. Funny, engaging, and educational without feeling like homework, this collection will keep mythology-obsessed kids happily reading about gods, heroes, monsters, and myths.
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Redwall: The Collector’s Edition
Buy from:This epic fantasy has captivated readers for generations, and this stunning collector’s edition is an extraordinary way to experience the story. Follow the courageous mouse Matthias through an unforgettable battle between good and evil filled with danger, memorable characters, and heroic quests. With a cloth-bound, foil-stamped cover, gilded edges, and never-before-seen content, this gorgeous edition deserves a special place on any fantasy lover’s bookshelf.
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Graphic Novels They'll Devour
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Winnie-the-Pooh: The Graphic Novel
Buy from:When my 11-year-old heard there was a new Winnie-the-Pooh graphic novel, she immediately added it to her holiday wish list! Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood feel special and timeless, and this richly illustrated adaptation introduces their beloved adventures to a whole new generation. Nostalgic for grown-ups and irresistible for kids, this is a wonderful choice for readers of all ages.
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Mexikid Dreams: A Graphic Memoir
Buy from:This hilarious companion to the Newbery Honor–winning Mexikid is a must-read! Inspired by his own childhood, Pedro MartĂn blends laugh-out-loud moments with a moving exploration of growing up as the child of a migrant worker and discovering more about his family’s past, culture, and sacrifices. Expressive illustrations and unforgettable moments make heavier themes accessible, resulting in a graphic memoir that is as meaningful as it is entertaining. This is one of my favorite graphic novels of the year.
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The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade: The Graphic Novel
Buy from:The wildly popular The Last Kids on Earth series is now available as graphic novels! This colorful adaptation gives longtime readers a fresh way to experience the zombie-filled story while giving newcomers an easy entry point. With monsters, humor, and nonstop chaos, it’s an irresistible choice for kids who like their graphic novels fast and funny.
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Harper Sharp: Kid Detective
Buy from:Fifth grade is a lot to manage, especially when you’re juggling school, video games, family, and crime-solving! Kid genius Harper Sharp loves cracking mysteries around his school, and his latest case puts his detective skills to the test. Vivid, expressive artwork, plenty of humor, and clever mysteries make this graphic novel ideal for young sleuths and reluctant readers.
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Hilo: The Holiday Special
Buy from:The holidays are a time for family, friends, and togetherness… and apparently battling giant, grumpy snowmen determined to ruin Christmas! Super-powered alien robot Hilo wants to celebrate with the people he loves, but first, he must save the holidays. Festive, funny, and wonderfully over-the-top, this special edition brings all the mayhem longtime Hilo readers have come to love.
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Sama Crushes the Code
Buy from:Starting middle school is nerve-racking enough, but Sama also wants to help her Tech Club win the Code Crusher championship. Written by a tech-loving high school student, this engaging graphic novel authentically captures the ups and downs of middle school while seamlessly weaving coding concepts into the story. Fun, empowering, and full of STEM appeal, this book will be a hit with curious kids who love technology, coding, and figuring out how things work.
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Looking for Book Gifts for Other Ages?
Find even more books to wrap up and share with the readers in your life, from little ones discovering their first stories to teens finding their next favorite read.
Explore our book gifts for babies and toddlers, preschoolers, growing readers, and teens.