Young girls aged nine to eleven are looking for titles to encourage them in their relationships with friends and family. Middle school years are challenging them to become more responsible and teen years are right around the corner. Here are some excellent titles for pre-teen ladies who enjoy a good read.
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm: Turtle spends a summer in Florida during the great depression. She learns about family relationships and teamwork as she unravels some mysteries and comes out of her shell.
Fat Cat by Robin Brande: This is the story of a girl named Catherine whose life is changed by her science project. It’s also a story of self-respect and self-discovery.
This is Me from Now On by Barbara Dee: Evie and her friend Francesca are involved in some middle school antics that end up hurting someone. This is an excellent read about becoming a good friend, learning kindness and being yourself.
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool: This Newbery Award winner is a historical fiction novel set in the Great Depression with flashbacks to WW I. The twelve year old character, Abilene, learns about listening to another’s story as she unravels mysteries.
The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan: This fable-like book tells the story of a young boy named Neftali who has the soul of an artist. He finds little support from his father, but is encouraged by a kind step-mother and an uncle who help him to find his true self.
