9 Books Your Kids & Tweens Will Love Reading
Good books have a way of speaking to us, understanding us, and holding us. The right book has the power to make us feel less alone and more inspired, hungry for more just like it. This was especially true for us when we were tweens, awkwardly dancing right in between childhood and young adulthood.
This transitional period of life, though short and fleeting, is incredibly formative, making the stories that your kids of this age consume monumentally influential. They need books that teach them valuable lessons, encourage a positive view of themselves and the world, instill noble values, and engage them deeply. They need books that, years down the road, they’ll look back and think of how glad they are to have read them.
But it’s difficult to know which books are good for them to read — you want to ensure that you’re giving them excellent, well-written books with positive messages. And these are more difficult to come by than you might think.
Below find our 9 suggestions for books that your older kid and tween can enjoy.
01 | The Green Ember Series by S. D. Smith
This fantastical four-book series follows the journey of two sword-bearing rabbits, Heather and Picket, who answer the call of adventure after having lived a quiet, sheltered life with their family in Nick Hollow. This whimsical, captivating series is sure to excite any young reader with a penchant for fantasy. Suited for ages 6-12.
02 | Raising Dragons by Bryan Davis
This book focuses on Bonnie and Billy, both of whom are outcasts, that find themselves called to protect their families’ secret — their dragon heritage. Using courage, faith, and love, they work to fight against evil. Raising Dragons, the first book of its series, reads like a modern-age Arthurian tale, and will capture your tween’s heart and mind. Suited for ages 10 and up.
03 | Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
Set in 1917, Hattie is a 16-year-old orphan who’s never had a family to call her own. When she inherits her uncle’s homesteading claim in Montana, she embarks on the journey of making a home for herself. Hattie is a wonderful image of a determined, spirited young woman who chooses to cultivate a beautiful life in spite of her difficulties. Suited for ages 10 and up.
04 | On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: The Wingfeather Saga Book 1 by Andrew Peterson
This beloved fantasy series is one that no book-loving kid should miss out on — nor should their parents. Peterson’s riveting, whimsical book tells a tale about a group of siblings who must use their gifts, love, and courage in order to fight against the evil Fangs of Dang. This one is bound to be a family favorite. Suited for ages 8 and up.
05 | Chosen by Ted Dekker
The first in The Lost Books series, Chosen follows Thomas Hunter, the supreme commander of the Forest Guard. With a dwindling army, Thomas must recruit new, young fighters ages 16 and 17, from which four will be chosen to serve on a special mission — which is to find the Lost Books, with their immense power over the past, present, and future, before the Dark One does. Suited for ages 13 and up.
06 | Naomi Grace’s “Wonder-full” Christmas by Jean-Marie Bralley
Written by one of Wallflower’s own contributing writers, this lovely book tells the story of Naomi Grace, a young girl who is cast as Clara in her school’s production of The Nutcracker. Upon befriending her mysterious neighbor, she learns valuable lessons about compassion, wonder, hope, and the joy of the Christmas season. Suited for ages 8-13.
07 | Redwall: A Tale from Redwall by Brian Jacques
Written by the beloved Brian Jacques, this children’s/young adult fantasy series details the grand tales of woodland creatures who fight evil with swords, bows, and a whole lot of heart. The series boasts 22 books — enough to keep them busy for a while if they choose to read them all! Suited for ages 8 and up.
08 | The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic by Jennifer Trafton
This wonderful book tells the tale of ten-year-old Persimmony Smudge, who resides in the Middle of Everything and has a heart for adventure. Upon discovering that the island’s rising-and-falling Mount Majestic is actually a sleeping giant’s belly, she must convince the inhabitants of the island that they mustn’t awaken the giant. Suited for ages 7-12.
09 | The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
“Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” — this is the question posed in a newspaper that dozens of children respond to. After a series of tests, only 4 kids pass. They’re challenged to go on a secret mission, but before they can, they must attend the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened — a school that is unlike any other. Your creative, gifted, intuitive kid will love this book. Suited for ages 9-12.