Books for Young Readers Pre Teens and Tweens: Ages 9-12
Pre Teens, tweens, and middle grade readers (books for ages nine and up) begin to soar with well-developed fantastical worlds, a gentle increase in the complexities of social and emotional plot developments, smaller fonts, and more pages.
With maturity developing and a wide range of reading abilities among preteens and tweens, middle grade novels launch readers into incredible worlds, a gentle increase in the complexities of social and emotional plot developments, smaller fonts, and more pages.
While kids used to read books featuring characters around their age, preteens and tweens begin to “read up”–they often like to read about characters older than themselves while also reserving the right to “read down” at any moment in time. We believe that our job here at The Children’s Book Review is to select excellent middle grade books that cover the many interests, maturity levels and varying ranges of emotional readiness of kids ages 9-12.
Our middle grade book reviews and book lists cover everything from the fun and enjoyable to stories that begin to raise difficult questions. You’ll find fantasy novels, mystery books, historical fiction, graphic novels (books formatted in comic book style), and much, much more.
Here Are a Few Middle Grade Book Lists to Get You Started:
5 Gorgeous Animal Adventure Novels for Middle Grade Readers
5 Laugh-Out-Loud and Reach-for-the-Kleenex Middle Grade Novels
What to Read Next If You Love the Ramona Books
5 Middle Grade Books That I’ll Never Lend Out to Anyone Ever
If you’re a huge fan of middle grade novels and a socialite, digitally speaking, and feel that we must know about one of your favorite books for ages 9-12, then you can send us suggestions on books for preteens and tweens through our Twitter handle, and share your most distinguished books on Instagram or Facebook with #thechildrensbookreview. We’re looking forward to connecting with our fellow bookworms!
Buy recent books and ebooks for preteens and tweens in our Book Shop powered by Amazon.
Books For Kids Ages 9, 10, 11, 12 and Up
Playing the Cards You’re Dealt is an enjoyable and thought-provoking book—especially for boys wondering what it takes to be a man.
Old Mother West Wind Tales, by Muz Murray, is a timelessly enjoyable collection, perfect for shared reading and discussion.
Debunking Disabilities: A list of excellent books exploring the fight for disability rights curated by Anna Iacovetta, Ph. D.
The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers is a fantastic introduction to real fairy tales for questioning readers—but not for the faint-hearted!
Number the Stars won the 1990 Newbery Medal. Lois Lowry is the author of over forty books for young adults, for which she has won many awards.
In this interview, Rebecca Laxton discusses everything from activism and conservation efforts for young readers to The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry.
Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom was honored with the American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Picture Book in 2008.
How Do You Live?, by Genzaburō Yoshino, is a meaningful and thoroughly enjoyable introduction to the meaning of life—for readers of all ages.
Based on a true story from the author’s experience, The Mermaid Who Learned to Dance is an inspiring, heart-warming fairy tale.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go is so entertaining. The words will have you (and your friends) reaching for the stars, dreaming big, and moving mountains!