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Book Lists & Recommendations for Ages 11-13

Book Lists & Recommendations for Ages 11-13

Find just-right books for your kids. Browse book lists by age, reading level, interests, and more.
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The "How I Survived Middle School" Series

Jenny McAfee's life as a middle school student is perfect for your tween reader.

Baseball Books These fiction and non-fiction titles will be a "grand slam" with your middle-schooler!
Pre-teen Bookshelf

Learn which books are best for your 11-13 year old.

Ages

Award Winners

Favorites & Classics

Series, Characters, Authors

Adventure & Fantasy

Funny & Scary

Science & Nature

School

Families & Relationships

Life Experiences & Values

Sports

Poetry & Rhymes

History & Social Studies

Seasonal Themes

Holidays & Celebrations

More Book Lists

Award WinnersSee all

Newbery Award Winners
Honoring the "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children," Newbery winners are some of the best chapter books available.
Newbery Medal Winner for Grades 3-5
Honoring the "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children," Newbery winners are some of the best chapter books available.
Printz Award Winners
Exploring tough subjects, these award-winning and moving titles will show your teen the power of a good book.

Favorites & ClassicsSee all

Books Parents Loved as Kids
We asked our Facebook fans to tell us which books they loved when they were kids. Here are the most popular responses we received!
Top Picks for Middle-Schoolers
Experts suggest their best bets for pleasure and school reading.
Stories to Share - Family Read Alouds
Bring your family together with these celebrated tales that appeal to all ages.

Series, Characters, AuthorsSee all

I SPY Challengers for All Ages
The I SPY Challenger series uses photographs from the original I SPY books with new challenging riddles.
I SPY Classics for All Ages
Share the I SPY fun with anyone.
Goosebumps Most Wanted
This brand new Goosebumps series features the return of some infamous villains!
Books Parents Loved as Kids
We asked our Facebook fans to tell us which books they loved when they were kids. Here are the most popular responses we received!

Adventure & FantasySee all

More from Suzanne Collins: The Underland Chronicles
Is your 6th to 8th grader too young for The Hunger Games series? Try Suzanne Collins' fun fantasy series for younger readers.
Harry Potter: From Boy to Wizard
Follow Harry Potter and his friends on their magical adventures in J.K. Rowling's acclaimed book series.
Goosebumps Classics
Introduce your middle grade reader to Goosebumps, the beloved classic thriller series where kids triumph over evil.
Goosebumps Hall of Horrors
Send a chill up your independent reader's spine with these spooky (and funny!) tales.

Funny & ScarySee all

Goosebumps Most Wanted
This brand new Goosebumps series features the return of some infamous villains!
Read-Them-If-You Dare Horror Tales for Tweens
If your middle-schooler has a penchant for spooky stories, try these terrifying titles.

Science & NatureSee all

Back-to-Nature Books for Independent Readers
Celebrate spring with these outdoor-themed books.
Nonfiction for Middle Schoolers
Find a range of informational and entertaining titles for your advancing reader.

SchoolSee all

How I Survived Middle School
Nancy E. Krulik's series about Jenny McAfee and her life as a middle school student is perfect for your tween reader.

Families & RelationshipsSee all

Tween Books of Love
Valentine's Day might be a touchy topic for your tween. Help her escape with these tales of true love and friendship.
Friendship Chapter Books
Whether you're hanging out or even having it out, there's nothing like friendship. These books explore what it means to be a good friend.

Life Experiences & ValuesSee all

Books to Help Explain the Economy: Ages 9-12
Making sense of economic issues with your kids can be difficult. Use these books to impart an understanding of what's going on in the world.
Easy-to-Read Books for Older Readers: Ages 11-13
Surprise your kids with these easy books that hit on teen issues.
Coming-of-Age Classics
Here's a list of beloved time-tested novels and often-controversial classics that have become reading rites of passage.
Books for Sad Days
In the mood to hug your pillow and shed some tears? Then keep some tissues handy and indulge in these touching tales.

SportsSee all

Baseball Books for Middle Schoolers
Whether your adolescent is a starting pitcher or simply a devoted fan, these novels, histories, and reference books will hit a grand slam.

Poetry & RhymesSee all

Poetry for Preteens
Open your middle-schooler's mind to a world of language with these poetry collections and free verse novels.

History & Social StudiesSee all

Honor Martin Luther King, Jr.
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the civil rights movement, with books for 10- to 13-year-olds.
Books to Help Explain the Economy: Ages 9-12
Making sense of economic issues with your kids can be difficult. Use these books to impart an understanding of what's going on in the world.
September 11 Fiction Books
Help your children understand the 9/11 terrorist attacks through realistic fiction. Our picks can help you get started.
September 11 Nonfiction Books
Help your child understand the events and people involved in 9/11, from photos of Ground Zero and to poems written about the terrorist attacks.

Seasonal ThemesSee all

Food-Inspired Books
Have your child read a delicious book every day in October.
August is Art Appreciation Month
Celebrate with your middle reader by introducing him to some of the greatest artists of all time.
Beach Blanket Books
Whether on the sandy shore or a comfy couch - these reads are sure to help independent readers fill their summer days with excitement.
Hot Summer Series
Your kids will want to savor these great series books all summer long.

Holidays & CelebrationsSee all

Honor Martin Luther King, Jr.
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the civil rights movement, with books for 10- to 13-year-olds.
Holiday Books for Middle Schoolers
Get your independent reader in the festive spirit with these books that celebrate the season.
Festive Tales for Independent Readers
From encounters with St. Nick to enthralling and enduring folktales, these books invite your child to celebrate diverse festivals of light.
Independence Day Books for Independent Readers
Honor America's birthday with fiction and nonfiction that promotes patriotism, encourages reflection, and enlivens history.

More Book ListsSee all

Essential References
Stock up on the key tools to tackle middle school's tough homework assignments and research reports.
Best Bets for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
Encourage your reluctant middle-school reader with these addictive titles.
Books for Boys: Reluctant Readers Grades 3-5
These fun and entertaining stories are perfect for struggling boy readers.

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