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I’ve curated a list of the best books for tween girls. It’s the perfect gift list for parents, friends and family to choose a book from, safe in the knowledge that it is virtually guaranteed to be a hit.
As a parent who has just been through the tween years with my daughter, I know how tricky it can be to find books that tween girls engage with when the lure of devices is ever-present.
The ages of 8 to 12 are when tweens develop their identities and interests. The books they read can really impact their worldview, values, and beliefs. So I have put together a list of books that covers a range of genres and subjects, from adventure and mystery to coming-of-age stories and fantasy.
Related: 31 Books for party bags
Many of the books feature strong, relatable female protagonists who face challenges and overcome obstacles uniquely. I’ve also included some graphic novels, which are a great way to entice reluctant readers to pick up a book.
Before you dive into the list, I just thought I’d mention something for parents dealing with reluctant readers who would rather pick up a tablet or smartphone – one way to deal with devices versus books is to give your tween a Kindle.
Includes one year of Amazon Kids+ with over a thousand books and a child-friendly waterproof cover.
It is designed for kids' reading—no apps, videos or games. It also offers OpenDyslexic, a font preferred by some readers with dyslexia.
13 BEST BOOKS FOR TWEEN GIRLS 2023
Browse this curated list of the best books for tween girls and choose the book or books that you think your tween will love reading.
- The Magic Misfits
- Ella on the Outside
- The Clockwork Sparrow (The Sinclair’s Mysteries)
- Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse: Volume 1
- Girls Who Changed the World
- Black and British: An Illustrated History
- Why Your Parents Are Driving You Up the Wall and What To Do About It
- The Taylor TurboChaser: From the million copy best-selling author
- The Girl of Ink and Stars:
- Smile
- Roller Girl
- Sheets: Book 1
- Dork Diaries (Volume 1)
The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris (Hollywood actor) is a brilliant book for tween girls to read because it features a diverse group of young magicians who work together to solve a mystery. The book is filled with humour, adventure, and heart and promotes the values of friendship, teamwork, and inclusion.
A lovely book for tween girls because it tackles the sensitive topic of fitting in and making friends. The story follows Ella, a new girl in school who struggles to find her place among her classmates. It's a heartwarming and relatable story that teaches valuable lessons about empathy, honesty, and the importance of being true to yourself.
A brilliant book for cool tween girls to read. It's a thrilling mystery set in a glamorous department store in Edwardian London.
The story follows Sophie, a smart and resourceful young girl who finds herself caught up in a daring heist and embarks on a mission to uncover the truth. It's a page-turner filled with adventure, and suspense, featuring a strong female protagonist.
A quirky and imaginative story about a young girl named Ada Goth who lives in a creepy mansion with ghosts and eccentric guests.
When Ada meets a ghostly mouse named Ishmael, they embark on a thrilling adventure that teaches the book's young readers about friendship, courage, and loyalty lessons. The book is beautifully illustrated, witty, and full of surprises that will captivate tween girls.
Features inspiring stories about remarkable women who have made a difference. From activists to artists, scientists to athletes, Cleopatra to Tavi Gevinson (Style Rookie founder), the book celebrates the achievements of women throughout history.
It encourages young readers to follow their dreams and positively impact the world. It's an empowering and uplifting read that every tween girl should have on her bookshelf.
A must-read book for UK tweens. I read the original of this book, Black and British and love that a version has been created for kids. It tells the untold story of black people in Britain from ancient times to today, challenging the traditional narrative of British history.
The book is filled with fascinating stories and great illustrations. It encourages young readers to explore the rich diversity of British history and celebrate the contributions of black people to British culture.
A great book for 11 and 12-year-olds bordering on becoming teenagers. The book explains the science behind why parents behave the way they do and offers practical tips on how to communicate better and troubleshoot conflicts.
It's a light-hearted but informative guide that helps tweens and teens navigate the tricky years of adolescence and maintain good mental health.
I'm not a fan of many books 'written' by celebrities, but in my opinion (and that of my daughter), David Baddiel is a brilliant writer. The Taylor Turbochaser is one of his best books.
It's a thrilling adventure story about a young girl named Amy who loves cars and dreams of being a driver. Despite being in a wheelchair, Amy embarks on a road-trip rollercoaster with a twist that teaches valuable lessons about friendship, determination, and inclusion. It's a heartwarming and inspiring read celebrating the power of imagination and the human spirit.
A magical adventure story about a young girl named Isabella who sets out on a quest to find her missing friend. The book is filled with myth, magic and mapmaking.
It features a brave and curious heroine who overcomes obstacles and discovers the power of friendship and self-discovery. It's a beautifully written and captivating read that will transport young readers to a world of wonder that will spark their imagination.
A relatable and heartwarming memoir told in graphic novel form about a young girl named Raina who struggles with dental procedures and fitting in during her middle school years.
The book is filled with humour, honesty and promotes the values of self-acceptance, perseverance, and friendship. It's a must-read for any tween girl navigating the challenges of growing up.
A heartwarming graphic novel about friendship, self-discovery, and the power of roller derby: this New York Times best-seller story follows Astrid, a 12-year-old girl who signs up for roller derby camp and learns valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and being true to oneself. The book is filled with humour and action and celebrates the strength and spirit of girls.
A beautifully illustrated graphic novel about a young girl named Marjorie who runs her family's laundromat and befriends a group of ghosts. The book deals with themes of loss, grief, and the power of human connection and resilience. It's a touching and visually stunning read that promotes empathy, kindness, and the importance of family and community.
This is the first book in the brilliant Dork Diaries series. It follows the humorous and relatable diary entries of a young girl named Nikki Maxwell as she navigates her way through middle school life.
The series deals with themes of friendship, self-discovery, and overcoming challenges and promotes the values of kindness, empathy, and self-confidence. It's a fun read that will resonate with any tween girl.
BUYERS GUIDE: BEST BOOKS FOR TWEEN GIRLS
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing books for tween girls:
AGE-APPROPRIATENESS
Always choose books appropriate for the tween girl’s age. Some books may contain themes or language unsuitable for younger readers. Reading reviews or asking for recommendations from trusted sources before purchasing is always a good idea.
STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS
Tween girls are at an age where they are exploring their own identities and may be looking for role models in the books they read. Look for books that feature strong female characters who are independent, brave, and intelligent.
RELATABLE THEMES
Tween girls are also dealing with many changes and challenges in their lives, so choosing books with relatable themes can be helpful. For example, ‘Smile’ by Raina Telgemeier and ‘Dork Diaries’ by Rachel Renée Russell deal with issues like friendship, self-esteem, and fitting in.
ENCOURAGING TWEENS TO READ
As a parent, I understand the challenges of getting tweens to read books instead of scrolling through their devices. Encouraging kids to read regularly is crucial for their intellectual growth and development. Reading fiction and non-fiction books can help them expand their vocabulary, improve their comprehension skills, and enhance their imagination.
GRAPHIC NOVELS
One effective way to get reluctant readers to pick up and read a book is through graphic novels. Graphic novels are a great way to introduce tweens to the world of reading. They are visually appealing and can help improve their reading skills while keeping them engaged.
KINDLE PAPERWHITE
Giving a child a Kindle is another way of getting them to read. The Paperwhite Kindle for kids comes with a year’s subscription to Amazon Kids+ that gives access to a thousand books for kids.
Includes one year of Amazon Kids+ with over a thousand books and a child-friendly waterproof cover.
It is designed for kids' reading—no apps, videos or games. It also offers OpenDyslexic, a font preferred by some readers with dyslexia.
I know it is yet another device, but this is a device that could encourage your child to find a love for reading. The Paperwhite Kindle for Kids is lightweight, portable, and has a glare-free screen that is easy on the eyes. It also has a built-in dictionary, vocabulary builder, and adjustable font sizes that make reading more accessible and enjoyable for kids. There is also a font designed to help children with dyslexia.
You get a year’s subscription to Amazon Kids+, which gives access to thousands of books, including graphic novels and interactive titles. Kids can search to find stories that interest them and read at their own pace. The Kindle also tracks reading progress and awards badges for achievements, making reading a fun and rewarding experience.
Luci is the founder of Mums Make Lists (Est. 2011). Over the last decade or so, she has used her experience as a mum to create useful guides to organising family life. During that time, she has found the most joy in creating lists of ideas and inspiration to make it easier for busy parents to plan and host kids’ parties and find great gifts. Read more.