Good Books for Tweens

• 

  The Witch of Blackbird Pond

  by Elizabeth George Speare

  Kit Tyler struggles to fit into Puritan New England society while facing accusations of witchcraft. This Newbery Medal winner vividly portrays colonial life and the courage to stand up for what's right.

• 

  The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

  by Avi

  Thirteen-year-old Charlotte becomes entangled in mutiny and murder aboard a ship bound for America. This thrilling historical adventure showcases a strong female protagonist facing extraordinary circumstances.

• 

  From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

  by E.L. Konigsburg

  Claudia and Jamie run away to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and become involved in solving an art mystery. This Newbery Medal winner combines adventure with art appreciation and sibling dynamics.

• 

  Where the Red Fern Grows

  by Wilson Rawls

  A boy and his hounds forge an unbreakable bond in the Ozarks. Heart-warming and heart-breaking, it's a classic tale of loyalty and love.

• 

  Ghost

  by Jason Reynolds

  Ghost joins a track team to outrun his past—but running isn't always enough. A powerful portrait of resilience, hope, and finding your stride.

• 

  The Castle of Tangled Magic

  by Sophie Anderson

  Olia must venture into a magical realm to save her family's castle from a mystical storm. Rich with Slavic folklore, it's a lyrical, adventure-filled tale that enchants and inspires.

• 

  Charlotte's Web

  by E.B. White

  The tender friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider unfolds in lyrical prose. A gentle, evergreen tale about kindness, loyalty, and the circle of life.

• 

  The Indian in the Cupboard

  by Lynne Reid Banks

  Omri discovers that his toy cupboard can bring plastic figures to life. This imaginative fantasy explores the responsibility that comes with power and the complexity of bringing fantasy into reality.

• 

  A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning

  by Lemony Snicket

  The Baudelaire orphans face perils and mysteries under a sinister guardian. Cleverly morose and endlessly inventive, it's a darkly comedic page-turner.

• 

  The Hunger Games

  by Suzanne Collins

  Katniss volunteers to save her sister in a brutal televised contest. A gripping dystopian tale of courage, strategy, and resilience.