Tween

Holiday Book Gifts for Tweens
Ages 9 – 12

by Kari Ness Riedel

I’m a big believer in the “4 Gift Rule” for holiday giving: 1) Something they want, 2) Something they need, 3) Something to wear, and 4) Something to read. As the founder of Bookopolis.com, you can guess which one is my favorite. If you’re unsure what books to give as gifts for young readers, ask questions about what movies they like, YouTube channels they follow, things they do in their free time, or the last book they enjoyed.

Here are the best books to gift all kid-approved by tween readers, including titles for those who like magical adventures, inspiring sports stories, sad but hopeful coming-of-age tales, page-turning mysteries, mind-bending riddles, and more.

For kids who like action and adventure with a healthy dose of humor:

The Last Kids on Earth and the Monster Dimension

The Last Kids on Earth and the Monster Dimension

by Max Brallier, illustrated by Douglas Holgate

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Jack is back in the ninth book of this graphic novel series set in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by zombies. This time, Jack must travel to another dimension to take on the monsters that threaten Planet Earth. This installment is full of the signature humor and plot twists that make this a perennial kid favorite. Kadon, age 12, describes it as “full of adventure and excitement and love.”

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Max and the Midknights: The Tower of Time

Max and the Midknights: The Tower of Time

by Lincoln Peirce

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This epically fun series from the author of Big Nate will amuse young readers as they follow the misadventures of Max, a lovable, goofy knight-in-training. In the third book, Max and her fellow knights must fight off everything from trolls to pirates in their quest to find her twin sister. If your tween hasn’t read the first two books, consider gifting them the whole series.

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Wrecker

Wrecker

by Carl Hiaasen

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This engaging novel by the bestselling author of Hoot is set in the Florida Keys during the early days of the pandemic. While on his speedboat, Valdez “Wrecker” Jones accidentally gets mixed up with a group of shady guys involved in illegal activities. He tries to walk away and get back to his multiple jobs, like cleaning graveyards and working in the local grocery store, but the “Silver Mustache” guy keeps finding him and offering him money. Wacky adventures and kooky characters abound as Wrecker tries to figure out how to stop the bad guys.

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For kids who like more hands-on reading:

Would You Rather? Box Set

Would You Rather? Box Set

by Lindsey Daly

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"Would You Rather? questions make a great family game. And this boxed set, complete wit three bestselling “Would You Rather?” books — Made You Think! Edition, Family Challenge! Edition and Christmas Edition — will lead to hours of family fun, creativity, and thoughtfulness as participants answer questions like: Would you rather jump into a pool filled with paint or a huge pile of glitter? Would you rather have Christmas dinner with Ebenezer Scrooge or bake Christmas cookies with the Grinch? Would you rather spend an hour floating around in space or swimming in the depths of the ocean?

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Science Magic Tricks for Kids

Science Magic Tricks for Kids

by Kathy Gendreau, photographs by Nancy Cho

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The perfect book for budding scientists and magicians, Science Magic Tricks for Kids offers step-by-step instructions and clear explanations of the scientific principles behind each trick. With common household materials, young magicians can learn and perform these age-appropriate tricks while gaining confidence in their scientific knowledge and abilities. Create a cloud in a bottle, make a flame jump from candle to candle, and so much more with this book that fosters curiosity, creativity, and imagination.

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The Minecraft Ideas Book

The Minecraft Ideas Book

by DK

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Discover the Minecraft universe like never before! Featuring over 70 mind-blowing build ideas and expert tips and tricks from Minecraft builders, this hands-on book is sure to ignite any Minecraft player's imagination. From iconic landmarks to natural wonders, explore the world around you and bring it to life in Minecraft. With building techniques, customization ideas, and inspiration from expert builders, the possibilities are endless.

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For kids who like mysteries with magic and whimsy:

Forever Twelve

Forever Twelve

by Stacy McAnulty

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Set in an elite boarding school for gifted kids, this compelling and complex story unfolds through the alternating perspectives of three students, Abigail, Ivy, and Ronan. They all look the same age, but Abigail is an “Ever,” a group of immortals who mysteriously remain forever 12 years old. Ronan comes from a family of psychics. Ivy is mortal but looks oddly like one of Abigail’s “Ever” friends who disappeared years ago. The three kids come together to unravel a centuries-old mystery that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

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Ravenfall

Ravenfall

by Kalyn Josephson

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In the magical Ravenfall Inn, which sits between the human world and the Otherworld, Anna and Colin use their supernatural powers to find Colin’s missing brother. They soon realize the evil forces at play are more formidable than they imagined. Celtic folklore is woven throughout this spooky, fast-paced fantasy full of family secrets, magical animals, and new friendships.

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Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen

Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen

by Geri Halliwell-Horner

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What do you get when you mix Tudor history, a magical adventure, and Girl Power? Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen! An orphan on Bloodstone Island, Rosie battles menacing foes, uncovers family secrets, and unravels the island's mystic history while competing to be Falcon Queen. Written by Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, tween readers will love this story on the power of self-belief and friendship.

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The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Beth Lincoln, illustrated by Claire Powell

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This bestselling book with several starred reviews is like Knives Out meets Lemony Snicket for tweens. In the Swift family, your name is your identity. So, you can guess what Shenanigan Swift is like. When her aunt dies in a suspicious accident during a family reunion, Shenanigan becomes a “clever detective” who won’t stop until she discovers the truth. Full of wordplay and interesting clues, this page-turner is perfect for fans of whodunit mysteries.

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For kids who like fast-paced fantasy adventure stories:

Alex Wise vs. the End of the World

Alex Wise vs. the End of the World

by Terry J. Benton-Walker

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Alex feels like his world is crashing around him as he navigates typical seventh-grade drama like friendship rifts and annoying siblings. But the world literally falls apart when his sister becomes possessed by one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Alex must tap into his magical powers and draw upon his inner courage to save his sister and the world. This gripping story provides a thrilling escapade that will resonate with readers who relish heart-pounding, page-turning adventures while delivering poignant insights on bravery, self-discovery, and self-acceptance.
(Ages 8-12)

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Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind

by Misa Sugiura

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Drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore, this fantasy adventure captivates readers with its blend of action, emotion, and a cast of compelling characters. Momo’s mom always told her magical stories, but she didn’t think they were real until her mom falls deathly ill and is visited by creatures from another realm. Momo learns she’s the daughter of a Shinto goddess and must use her newly discovered powers to save her mom. Rilla, age 11, shares, “With the magical, mythical, adventurous theme, I think readers who love the Percy Jackson series would enjoy this book.” And fans of Momo will be happy to know that book #2 is coming out in February 2024!

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The Rhythm of Time

The Rhythm of Time

by Questlove and S. A. Cosby

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Rahim, a rap-loving kid from an anti-tech family, and Kasia, a homeschooled tech genius, are best friends. When Kasia gives Rahim a special cell phone she made from scratch, she doesn’t realize it has time-traveling powers. As Rahim travels back to Philadelphia in the 1990s, he must figure out how to get home without destroying the future. This book weaves a suspenseful and action-filled plot with themes of bullying, friendship, and being yourself. Pro tip: adults who grew up in the 90s will want to sneak a copy and enjoy a flashback to their childhood.

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For kids who like friendship stories with humor & heart:

Airi Sano, Prankmaster General: Public Enemy Number One

Airi Sano, Prankmaster General: Public Enemy Number One

by Zoe Tokushige, illustrated by Jennifer Naalchigar

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Who doesn’t love a good prank? In the second book in this hilarious and sweet series, Airi is now enjoying seventh grade and has dramatically reduced the number of pranks she pulls. However, when she gets blamed for someone else’s pranks, she must find out who the impostor is. This is an excellent pick for fans of highly illustrated stories filled with mischief, friendship, and relatable characters like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate.

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Penny Draws a Best Friend

Penny Draws a Best Friend

by Sara Shepard

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Penny’s anxiety is off the charts as she begins fifth grade. Friendships are different, classes are different, and what is that fart smell? This is the first book in the popular Penny Draws graphic novel series, which uses humor and relatability to address big topics like mental health and anxiety in an approachable and tween-friendly way. It is perfect for fans of graphic novels like Smile, Click, and the Dork Diaries series.

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PAWS: Priya Puts Herself First

PAWS: Priya Puts Herself First

by Nathan Fairbairn, illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn

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This giggle-inducing graphic novel series centers on three best friends — Gabby, Priya, and Mindy — who have different personalities but share a love of cute dogs. Together, they weather the dramas of tween life and the challenges of their dog-walking business, PAWS, with humor and heart. In this third book in the series, Priya deals with her family’s threat of eviction, while a terrible snowstorm means the possible closure of PAWS. Emily, age 10, highly recommends it “to people who like The Baby-Sitters Club” as “it has a similar plot but with pets!”

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For kids who like emotional & thought-provoking stories:

Remember Us

Remember Us

by Jacqueline Woodson

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It’s the summer before seventh grade, and Sage’s historic New York neighborhood is literally burning down. Amidst her physically changing landscape, she struggles to define her identity in a world where she'd rather be shooting hoops with the guys than gossiping with the girls. Jacqueline Woodson, a masterful storyteller, has created another poignant novel-in-verse that prompts readers to ponder one of life's profound inquiries: As we get older, what do we hold on to, and what do we let go?

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Pony

Pony

by R. J. Palacio

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Set in the late 1800s, just before the American Civil War, this profound story is about Silas Bird, who watches his father be taken away by three mysterious men. Silas goes on a harrowing journey through the Wild West to find his father with help from a stray horse and his lifelong ghost companion, Mittenwool. The journey reveals family secrets and self-discoveries that change Silas forever. Emotional, moving, and historically intriguing, this book is perfect for deep thinkers and advanced readers.

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Iveliz Explains It All

Iveliz Explains It All

by Andrea Beatriz Arango, illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez

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Twelve-year-old Iveliz tries to control her emotions through her poetry, journal writing, therapy, and medication, but sometimes it’s too hard. This raw and touching novel-in-verse gives readers a rare glimpse into the experience of a young person coping with trauma while managing school, friendships, and family hardships. This Newbery Honor Award-winner is perfect for fans of books that deftly tackle important topics like mental health and PTSD.

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For kids who like inspiring, true (or almost true) stories:

It's Not Bragging If It's True

It's Not Bragging If It's True

by Zaila Avant-garde and Marti Dumas

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Zaila is a phenomenal speller, basketball player, and juggler. In 2021, she became the first African American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This autobiography reads like an inspiring “how-to” novel as Zaila shares anecdotes about her homeschool life and interesting facts, like how she learned 12,000 words per day for a year. It is a celebration of divergent thinkers and is an excellent choice for readers who love inspiring true stories about people who overcome obstacles to reach their dreams.

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Mexikid

Mexikid

by Pedro Martín

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In this funny and heartwarming graphic novel memoir, readers get a unique glimpse into the Martín family as Pedro, his eight brothers and sisters, and his parents travel to Mexico to bring their Abuelito home to California. The importance of family, intergenerational relationships, and the rich history of our elders takes center stage in this book that bestselling author Victoria Jamieson calls “one of those books that kids will pass to their friends as soon as they have finished it.”

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Who Is LeBron James?

Who Is LeBron James?

by Crystal Hubbard and Who HQ, illustrated by Stephen Marchesi

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This book in the ever-popular Who HQ series explores one of the most popular sports stars of all time. Curious readers will be fascinated to learn about his humble beginnings in Akron, Ohio, and his time playing AAU through middle and high school before he became “King James.” This biography also provides a deeper dive into the twists and turns of his NBA career.

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Wonka

Wonka

inspired by Roald Dahl, adapted by Sibéal Pounder

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If your young reader ever wondered what Willy Wonka was like as a child while reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, then this book, based on the movie of the same name, is a great pick. While this is not a “true story” like the other titles in this section, it draws upon the magic and whimsy of a classic Roald Dahl story to imagine what made young Willy the eternal optimist and dreamer that readers know and love.

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Black Boy Joy

Black Boy Joy

edited by Kwame Mbalia

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Often, books that center on Black characters focus on the hardships and challenges endured currently or historically. In contrast to those important narratives, this compilation of short stories by beloved Black male and non-binary authors celebrates the experiences of Black boys and teens through fantastical adventures, realistic dramas, humorous antics, and page-turning mysteries.

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Funny Girl

Funny Girl

edited by Betsy Bird

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This anthology includes short stories from 25 of today’s most popular and prolific women authors. They find the funny in friendships, family, and everyday life in these genre-spanning tales that will make you laugh until you cry. Readers of all ages and genders love these “girl power” focused stories.

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