Summer Reading for Tweens (Ages 10-12)
Summer break is creeping up. Whether your tween is packing for sleepaway camp or you're steeling yourself for a tween hanging around the house with screens, it's time to stock up on books to fuel your tween's reading adventures! This curated list encompasses classic coming-of-age novels, immersive fantasies, and stories tackling important social issues.
10 books
A time-traveling detective escapade from a Newbery Medal winner
Sylvia Liu & 🐙 Susan Dennard (she/her) 🏳️🌈
When You Reach Me: (Newbery Medal Winner)
Rebecca SteadSylvia Liu & 🐙 Susan Dennard (she/her) 🏳️🌈Paperback, 2010
$8.99$4.49 + Free shipping50% off your first book
Winner of the 2018 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
Children's Bookshelf & Boston Public Library
Beyond the Bright Sea
Lauren WolkChildren's Bookshelf & Boston Public LibraryPaperback, 2018
$9.99$4.99 + Free shipping50% off your first book
A National Book Award Finalist from the acclaimed author of "Roller Girl" 
yvette nicole brown & University of Notre Dame
When Stars Are Scattered: (National Book Award Finalist)
Victoria Jamiesonyvette nicole brown & University of Notre DamePaperback, 2020
$13.99$6.99 + Free shipping50% off your first book
An energizing tale of friendship, running, and survival
Ghost
Jason ReynoldsPaperback, 2017
$7.99$3.99 + Free shipping50% off your first book
This entrancing, witchy adventure story is perfect for young sorcerers 
Kelly Barnhill is Now a Dragon & Literary Base
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Kelly BarnhillKelly Barnhill is Now a Dragon & Literary BasePaperback, 2019
$10.99$5.49 + Free shipping50% off your first book
A NAACP Image Award-winning tale in verse from one of our greatest living legends of young people's lit
Before the Ever After
Jacqueline WoodsonHardcover, 2020
$17.99$8.99 + Free shipping50% off your first book
The film with Rachel McAdams has revived interest in this classic coming-of-age tale
WSJ. Magazine & The Gen-Xer
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Judy BlumeWSJ. Magazine & The Gen-XerPaperback, 2023
$9.99$4.99 + Free shipping50% off your first book
This piercing historical novel tells the untold story of the Sudanese Lost Boys
Linda Sue Park SAYGAY & Library of Congress
A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story
Linda Sue ParkLinda Sue Park SAYGAY & Library of CongressPaperback, 2011
$9.99$4.99 + Free shipping50% off your first book
Publishers Weekly dubbed this Newbery honor award-winner "a spellbinding story about rites of passage."
Eric Levitz & Rebecca Stead (on hiatus)
Wringer: A Newbery Honor Award Winner
Jerry SpinelliEric Levitz & Rebecca Stead (on hiatus)Paperback, 2018
$9.99$4.99 + Free shipping50% off your first book
A Time Magazine Best 100 YA Books of ALL Time!
Jodi Picoult & Katherine Locke
The Book Thief
Markus ZusakJodi Picoult & Katherine LockePaperback, 2007
$14.99$7.49 + Free shipping50% off your first book