As a former tween with a passion for reading, I fondly recall losing myself in the worlds crafted by authors like Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary. Long before the term “tween” was coined, I was devouring every book I could find in the local Waldenbooks, often racing through titles like The Secret Garden and The Westing Game in mere days. My literary cravings were insatiable, leaving me with little choice but to explore my sister’s worn-out romances or tackle my parents’ dense copy of The Hotel New Hampshire.
Fortunately, my 11-year-old niece shares my enthusiasm for books, allowing me to pass down some of my cherished classics to her. I’ve taken on the role of her personal guide to the literary treasures from the ’70s and ’80s, while also introducing her to contemporary gems like The Giver—because, let’s be honest, great literature isn’t confined to a specific timeline. Below is a curated selection of the most enchanting young adult novels perfect for summer reading. These stories have the power to draw any child away from their screens, even if just for a couple of afternoons.
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Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Imagine Harriet today; she’d undoubtedly have a captivating anonymous Tumblr. Her keen observations about her peers, her poignant bond with her nanny Ole Golly, and the chaos that ensues when her friends discover her secret notebook make this book a rite of passage. Plus, don’t miss the sequel, The Long Secret, where Harriet and her friend Beth Ellen embark on a summer mystery in Montauk. -
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This groundbreaking novel left a lasting impression on me at age 11, and I am eager to see if it resonates with my niece in the same way. Meg and Charles Wallace’s journey through space and time sparked my imagination, especially the concept of the tesseract—the fifth dimension! -
All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
This delightful five-book series chronicles the lives of five Jewish sisters in a bustling apartment during the early 20th century. I envision my niece relishing the imaginative escapades of Charlotte and Gertie as they construct their dream house while sharing crackers and chocolate babies—whatever those are! -
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
While I hope my niece doesn’t run 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
Few books evoke the essence of summer quite like Bridge to Terabithia. The profound friendship between Jess and Leslie, along with their secret kingdom, captivated me. Despite its heart-wrenching conclusion, I remember this book more for its magic than its sadness. -
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
With her wild red hair and adventurous spirit, Pippi was a beacon of inspiration for me as a child. The freedom and whimsy of her life, shared with a monkey and a horse, is something I still dream of. The sequels, Pippi Goes on Board and Pippi in the South Seas, further the excitement of her extraordinary adventures.
In summary, these timeless tales serve as a wonderful bridge between generations, encouraging young readers to explore their imaginations. For those looking into family planning, resources like Make a Mom offer valuable insights, along with expert advice on your fertility journey found here. Additionally, for more information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from Kindbody.
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