Last Updated on May 17, 2021 by ellen
This summer reading list for tweens will encourage your young reader to pick up a book on their own. Get the full list here.
Posts may be sponsored. This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I eagerly awaited summer vacation as a child because it meant that I could spend the day reading my favorite books. Yes, I was definitely a bookworm as a child and that really hasn’t changed much now that I am an adult. Reading is still one of my favorite pastimes and if I had more hours in my day, I would definitely spend more time reading.
Summer Reading List for Tweens
Yes, there are a lot of new books that have been released since I was a tween but both of my children have always enjoyed what I consider the classics from my youth. This summer reading list for tweens has quite a few of those.
In many cases, the writing is more wholesome and the topics more appropriate than some books marketed towards tweens today. These books were on my summer reading list for tweens when my kids were younger and still work well today.
What should a 12-year-old be reading?
If your 12-year-old enjoys science fiction, I highly recommend the His Dark Materials Trilogy by Phillip Pullman. The first book is called Northern Lights.
- The Witch’s Buttons by Ruth Chew
- The Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wrinkle in Time series by Madeleine L’Engle
- The Boxcar Children Books by Gertrude Chandler Warner
- Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
- Stuart Little by EB White
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis
- The Secret of the Old Clock (or any Nancy Drew book)
- The Secret of the Mansion (or any Trixie Belden book)
- The Tower Treasure (or any Hardy Boys book)
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Many of the books on this summer reading list for tweens can be purchased in the Kindle version if your child likes to read books electronically. Or, you can purchase the paperback or hardcover if you prefer.
If your tween is younger, editions are available with illustrations in the “starter” style instead of the full unabridged edition of some of the classics.
Best books for 11 to 13-year-olds
Inspirational books for tweens
Book series for tweens
Ellen is a mom of a 25-year-old son and 30-year-old daughter. She is Grandma to one adorable toddler. In what little spare time she has, she loves to read, watch movies, and check out the latest toys and games.
Oh I totally forgot about Pippi Longstocking, a fave of mine. Sometimes it’s hard to find an appropriate book and one you don’t have to preview page by page to see if it’s OK. That’s why I love book reviews.
It can be a challenge, Deb. I always check out reviews to be certain.
Those are all great books! My daughter loved them when she was younger!
Thanks! I still enjoy reading them!
I was dismayed by the reading list that was sent out by the 7th grade teacher at our school. Hundreds of book from which to choose, but so many topics I found inappropriate. But my sons and I poured through the list and found some that were more in-line with our family’s comfort level. I like your list!
I found the same thing, Camilla! I couldn’t believe the books that they were recommending. Definitely NOT what I’d recommend!
We loved My Side of the Mountain!
It’s a great book!