20 Books Every Kid Should Read Before Turning 13

Your child will get through every awkward moment, tough situation, and happy triumph of the preteen years with these relatable stories.

Apr 03, 2024

Ages

8-13

20 Books Every Kid Should Read Before Turning 13

Apr 03, 2024

Whether your child is just entering the preteen years or about to leave them, some titles are designed to leave a long-lasting impact. These books offer a lifeline through "awkward years" your child may encounter in upper elementary and middle school with relatable characters, or they challenge norms and reveal new perspectives your young reader may have never considered before. 

Plus, check out these best-selling coming of age books about love.

Many of the protagonists in these adventures face loneliness, discouragement, peer pressure, and a yearning for more as they navigate school life, family secrets, and serious hard knocks. Kids will come away from these books full of hope that they, too, will persevere — and even thrive — through all that life brings them. In Front Desk, 10-year-old aspiring writer, Mia, manages the front desk of a motel while her parents hide immigrants. With so much going on, will Mia be able to go for her dreams? 

Or take high school star athlete Colin Kaepernick. Heavily scouted by colleges and MLB as a baseball pitcher, Colin has a bright future ahead of him. Everyone from his parents to his teachers and his coaches are in agreement on his future. But Colin feels differently. The touching graphic novel, Change the Game, explores the story of how a young change-maker learned to find himself and never compromise.

The books in this collection also reignite the love of reading that too often fades as children move toward their teen years, ensuring that your child continues to be an avid reader for years to come. 

Does your reader prefer some pictures? Take a look at these coming-of-age graphic novels.

Shop these books below now! You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store

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