Before the term “tween” even existed, I was a book-loving preteen, lost in the worlds created by authors like Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary. I would eagerly browse through the young readers’ section at my local bookstore, devouring every title I could find. My weekly library visits often left me with nothing but my sister’s worn-out romance novels and my parents’ dense copy of The Hotel New Hampshire.
Fortunately, my 11-year-old niece shares my passion for reading and is always open to my recommendations. I consider myself a curator of classic young adult literature from the ’70s and ’80s, guiding her through the must-reads for any preteen girl. While I do introduce her to contemporary gems like The Giver, I firmly believe that some of the most imaginative and enchanting stories can be found among older titles. These selections are perfect for summer reading and might even entice your child to take a break from their favorite video games.
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Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
If Harriet were around today, she’d definitely have an anonymous viral blog. Her keen observations about her classmates, her touching bond with her nanny Ole Golly, and the chaos that ensues when her friends discover her secret notebook made spying on everyone a rite of passage for many girls.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the sequel, The Long Secret, where Harriet and her friend Beth Ellen embark on a mystery-solving adventure in Montauk. -
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This book was a game changer for me at 11, and I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see how my niece reacts to it. Following Meg and Charles Wallace as they journey through time and space, this book ignited my imagination and left me fascinated with the concept of the tesseract. -
All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
This delightful series about five Jewish sisters living in a bustling New York City apartment in the early 20th century filled me with wonder. I can only hope my niece enjoys the imaginative escapades of Charlotte and Gertie while they munch on crackers and chocolate babies (seriously, what are those?). -
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
While I hope my niece doesn’t take off to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I wouldn’t blame her if she did after diving into this captivating story. -
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Is there a book that evokes the essence of summer more than this one? The enchanting friendship between Jess and Leslie and the magical kingdom they create is unforgettable, even if the ending is heart-wrenching. -
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Pippi is the ultimate free spirit, living in a whimsical house with her monkey and horse. Much like how Taylor Swift inspires young girls today, Pippi was my idol. I yearned to join her in her wild adventures, which continued in the sequels, Pippi Goes on Board and Pippi in the South Seas.
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In summary, these timeless books are sure to spark your tween’s imagination, providing adventures that will keep them engaged long after summer fades.