Books Tweens Actually Want To Read This Summer
Sometimes there is a gap between the books parents or teachers think their tweens will want to read and the books tweens actually want to read.
Good news! These middle grade books are 100% tween-approved!
Pick up one of these titles, ranging from realistic fiction stories to Greek mythology to historical fiction, and let your tween enjoy their summer reading!
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1
Add to BookshelfSoundtrack: A Novel
by Jason Reynolds
Although his home life is challenging, Stuy finds an outlet in playing drums and teams up with other musicians to form a band. They begin performing in subway stations to earn enough money to record an album, and their popularity spikes. But as Stuy begins to experience fame, he also faces increasing public expectations and ongoing struggles with his difficult family situation.
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$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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2
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Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter
by Joseph Coelho
Every child dreams of finding a magic lamp, but for twelve-year-old Relic, that dream becomes a nightmare. While polishing brass lamps in the antique shop below his home, he accidentally releases a genie. However, this is no ordinary, wish-granting genie; this one is evil and thrives on destroying hope.
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$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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3
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Greeking Out
by Kenny Curtis and Jillian Hughes
If you have a child who is into Greek mythology and loves the podcast Greeking Out, you have to check out this book! It features a mix of popular and lesser-known stories from Greek mythology, alongside bright, eye-catching illustrations. This book will keep young mythology lovers glued to the page!
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$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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4
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Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All
by Chanel Miller
Wu hopes to help people find their lost socks from her parents’ laundromat by pinning them up on a corkboard. She quickly learns that many people do not notice or care about the sock board. That is, until a new friend moves into town and gets excited about jetting across the city to find the owners of all those lonely socks!
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$7.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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5
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The Bletchley Riddle
by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin are the respective queen and king of historical fiction, and when they team up to write a novel about World War II codebreakers, you don’t want to miss it. Set in the summer of 1940, the story follows a brother and sister who have a passion for riddles and puzzles. They get caught up in working to crack the Nazis’ impossible Enigma code. This story is a gripping piece of historical fiction for middle grade readers!
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$9.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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6
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The Secret Library
by Kekla Magoon
After Dally’s grandpa passes away, her single mother focuses on taking over the family business. Dally is bored until she discovers a mysterious envelope from her grandpa containing a map to a secret library! Each book in this library transports the reader to a different place in time. It’s no surprise that Dally takes advantage of this magical portal to adventure.
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$10.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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7
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The City of Ember
by Jeanne DuPrau
This graphic novel is full of mystery, suspense, and incredible illustrations. The lights are slowly dimming in the underground city of Ember, which might soon be plunged into total darkness. Lina and her friend Doon find a message they think is the key to saving the entire city!
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$13.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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8
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Before the Ever After
by Jacqueline Woodson
If you are looking for something a little different to read, this novel in verse is just the ticket! It follows a young boy whose father is a beloved professional football player. And now he’s starting to act strangely, with angry outbursts followed by long periods of silence. This story is full of trials, family traditions, and personal growth.
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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Holes
by Louis Sachar
This book has been around for a while, but that doesn’t diminish how wonderful it is. Stanley Yelnats comes from a line of cursed ancestors. His luck seems just as bad when he is unjustly sent to a hole-digging detention center for boys. This story is extra fun because there’s a fantastic movie adaptation to watch afterward.
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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10
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Matilda
by Roald Dahl
Matilda was born a genius. But that doesn’t mean her parents recognize it, or even recognize her, for that matter. She is thrilled when her dad enrolls her in school, but soon realizes she has to face another menacing adult, Miss Trunchbull. She soon discovers she has a remarkable and subtle ability to fight back. This book is clever, funny, and downright gripping.
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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11
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A Royal Conundrum (The Misfits)
by Lisa Yee
Olive has never fit in, and she fears she never will, especially after enrolling in the strangest boarding school she has ever seen. There, she discovers the school is filled with fellow misfits who fight crime together. As Olive adjusts to her new environment, she finds out the school is on the brink of closing. Will she and her new friends be able to save it?
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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12
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Last Day Pool Party
by Emma Steinkellner
On the last day of school, six very different kids head to one unforgettable pool party—each hoping to change their story before summer begins. As friendships shift and drama unfolds, this funny, fast-paced graphic novel captures all the awkward, exciting moments of growing up.
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$21.99Buy from Other Retailers:
