Before the term “tween” gained popularity, I was a devoted bookworm in my preteen years, utterly absorbed by the works of authors like Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary. I would eagerly delve into the Dell Yearling section of my local bookstore, and my insatiable appetite for stories often left me combing through the library’s offerings at lightning speed. I remember devouring classics like The Secret Garden and The Westing Game in just a couple of days, often left to sift through my sister’s worn romance novels or my parents’ dense copy of The Hotel New Hampshire.
Today, my 11-year-old niece shares my passion for reading, and thankfully, she’s open to exploring my cherished favorites. I take pride in being her personal guide to the best young adult fiction from the ’70s and ’80s, while also introducing her to newer classics like The Giver—because, let’s face it, great literature for kids didn’t stop being written in 1990.
Here’s a curated selection of enchanting summer reads, sure to spark your tween’s imagination and potentially lure them away from their screens for a few blissful hours.
- Harriet the Spy, by Louise Fitzhugh
If Harriet were around today, she’d undoubtedly have a wildly popular anonymous blog. Her keen observations about her classmates, her poignant bond with her nanny Ole Golly, and the drama that ensues when her friends discover her secret notebook—what girl hasn’t found herself inspired to “spy” on her friends and family after reading this? Don’t miss the sequel, The Long Secret, where Harriet and her friend Beth Ellen embark on a summer mystery in Montauk. - A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle
This book completely transformed my world at age 11, and I can’t wait to see if it has the same effect on my niece. Meg and Charles Wallace’s adventure through time and space captivated me—it was my gateway into the realm of science fiction, and the concept of the tesseract (the fifth dimension!!) left me in awe. - All-of-a-Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor
This delightful five-book series about five Jewish sisters living in a bustling New York apartment in the early 1900s sparked my own imagination. I can picture my niece getting lost in the whimsical make-believe world that Charlotte and Gertie created while munching on crackers and chocolate babies (what exactly are chocolate babies?). - From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E.L. Konigsburg
I sincerely hope my niece doesn’t take off for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but I wouldn’t blame her if she did after diving into this adventure. - Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson
No book encapsulates the spirit of summer quite like Bridge to Terabithia. I was envious of the incredible bond between Jess and Leslie and the magical kingdom they crafted together. Despite the poignant ending, I remember this book as a celebration of friendship and imagination. - Pippi Longstocking, by Astrid Lindgren
Pippi, the spirited redhead living alone with her monkey and horse, was the ultimate role model for adventure. Much like how Taylor Swift inspires girls today, Pippi’s whimsical escapades had me dreaming of being her neighbor, joining her on her thrilling journeys. The sequels, Pippi Goes on Board and Pippi in the South Seas, are just as enchanting.
As summer winds down, these incredible books await your tween’s eager hands. They promise to transport them to fantastic worlds, stirring their imaginations and offering some much-needed respite from screens.
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Summary:
This late summer reading list is filled with timeless classics and imaginative stories that are sure to engage and inspire tweens. Featuring beloved titles like Harriet the Spy and A Wrinkle in Time, these books will encourage young readers to explore new worlds and embrace their creativity.
Keyphrase: ultimate summer reading list for tweens
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