Before the term “tween” became popular, I was a young book enthusiast, enchanted by authors like Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary, eagerly devouring every title I could find at the local bookstore. The shelves were never stocked enough to satisfy my hunger for stories—I would speed through my weekly library visits, finishing classics like The Secret Garden and The Westing Game in just a couple of days, often resorting to my sister’s worn-out romance novels or my parents’ perplexing copy of The Hotel New Hampshire.
Fortunately, my 11-year-old nephew shares my passion for reading and is quite receptive to my recommendations from my childhood. I see myself as a curator of timeless young adult literature from the ’70s and ’80s, guiding him through the essential reads for preteen boys. While I do introduce him to contemporary classics like The Giver, I understand that the literary landscape has evolved since my time.
Here are some of the most imaginative and enchanting novels that make for perfect summer reading. These are the ones I eagerly anticipated sharing with my nephew, and they might just encourage any child to step away from their video games for an afternoon or two.
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Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
If Harriet were around today, she would undoubtedly have a captivating anonymous blog. Her keen observations of her classmates, her touching bond with her caregiver, Ole Golly, and the chaos that ensues when her friends discover her diary—what child hasn’t felt inspired to “spy” on the world around them after reading this book?
P.S. The sequel, The Long Secret, continues Harriet’s adventures as she and her friend Beth Ellen embark on a mystery in Montauk. -
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This book left a lasting impression on me at the age of 11, and I’m eagerly awaiting to see if it has the same effect on my nephew. The journey of Meg and Charles Wallace through space and time captivated my imagination, and my fascination with the concept of the tesseract (the fifth dimension!) never faded. -
All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
This delightful series about five Jewish sisters living in a small apartment at the dawn of the 20th century ignited my own imagination. I can picture my nephew enjoying the charming tales of the imaginary house that Charlotte and Gertie created while munching on crackers and chocolate babies—whatever those are! -
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
While I hope my nephew doesn’t decide to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I wouldn’t blame him if he did after diving into this adventure. -
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
No novel evokes the essence of summer quite like Bridge to Terabithia. I often found myself envious of the extraordinary friendship between Jess and Leslie, as well as the secret kingdom they built together. Although the ending is quite tragic, I remember this book as a magical journey rather than a sad tale. -
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Pippi, the spirited redhead who lives in a whimsical house with her monkey and horse, was the epitome of adventure for me as a child. Much like how Taylor Swift resonates with girls today, Pippi was my childhood idol. I dreamed of joining her on her quirky escapades as Tommy and Annika did in the sequels, Pippi Goes on Board and Pippi in the South Seas, where she travels and encounters her father, a king.
Discovering these timeless tales can be a gateway to imagination and creativity for your child. If you’re interested in exploring other resources related to parenting, including home insemination kits, this page offers valuable insights. Additionally, this article can help you navigate your options effectively. For a comprehensive understanding of the subject, this Wikipedia entry serves as an excellent resource.
In summary, these summer reading picks promise to engage your tween’s imagination and encourage them to explore the world of books, making it a wonderful time for them to step away from screens and dive into literature.
Keyphrase: Late Summer Reading for Tweens
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