50+ Best Books for 12-Year-Olds: Adventure, Classics, and More!

The age of twelve is a momentous one for kids. There are major things happening in terms of brain development and puberty, and children are having to navigate new social relationships.

Great books for twelve-year-olds offer an escape, companion, and, importantly, can help provide the tools needed to make sense of the world around us in all its complexity. All the books on the list below are perfect for this age group and beyond—many are likely to be enjoyed by the entire family, too.

Contents:

• Books for Summer Holidays
• Books for 12-Year-Old Girls
  • Coming-of-Age Books
  • Mystery Books
  • Books About Fantasy and Magic
• Books for 12-Year-Old Boys
  • Adventure Books
  • Science Fiction Books
  • Inspired by History
• Classics
• Non-Fiction
• Funny Books
• Graphic Novels
• Other Interesting Books for 12-Year-Olds
• Turning Kids Into Readers

Books for Summer Holidays

Up for Air by Laurie Morrison

Recommended for kids in grades 5-7, Up for Air features the main character Annabelle who is the fastest swimmer in her school. While she excels in the pool, Annabelle struggles socially and academically. When she loses the ability to swim, Annabelle must discover her worth beyond the surface of the water.

Product Specs:

• Author: Laurie Morrison
• Reading Age: 11–13 years
• Grade Level: 5–9
• Length: 304 pages total
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Publication Date: April 13, 2021
• ISBN 1419751425

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The Ice Cream Machine by Adam Rubin

This quirky book for 12-year-olds is actually a collection of six different stories, all with the same title. Funny, light-hearted, and reminiscent of summers passed, this is a great beach book or family vacation read. Each story features different characters, a unique setting, and illustrations by a range of talented artists.

Product Specs:

• Author: Adam Rubin
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 384 pages total
• Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s & Sons
• Publication Date: February 15, 2022
• ISBN0593325796

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Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Perez

A great summer read for 12-year-old girls, Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers tells the story of four friends who come together for a great cause. Driven by their love of animals, the girls take on the local scout group “The Floras” and its tradition of using a hat made from real bird feathers. As their mission develops, so too does their friendship and commitment to social change.

Product Specs:

• Author: Celia C. Perez
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 4–7
• Length: 384 pages total
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Publication Date: September 1, 2020
• ISBN042529045X

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Mostly The Honest Truth by Jody J. Little

Add this to your holiday packing: your twelve years will be engrossed in this thought-provoking story that’ll take their mind off a long plane trip and help to relax by the pool. The story follows Jane, beginning with her arrival at her latest foster home, and is a poignant, bitter-sweet, inspiring tale of forgiveness, community, and kindness—and how families can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Product Specs:

• Author: Jody J. Little
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 288 pages total
• Publisher: Harper Collins
• Publication Date: April 5, 2022
• ISBN 0062852507

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Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson

For kids dealing with the impact of mental health on their family life, like protagonist ZJ, there can be a significant emotional toll. Exploring these issues with sensitivity and compassion, Before the Ever After follows ZJ as he tries to figure out how his family can move forward when everyone seems stuck mourning the past, and how life used to be. Poignant and, at times, heartbreaking, this book is ultimately an inspiring and uplifting tale of how love can overcome even the most difficult of situations.

Product Specs:

• Author: Jacqueline Woodson
• Reading Age: 10–13 years
• Grade Level: 5–6
• Length: 176 pages total
• Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
• Publication Date: September 6, 2022
• ISBN 0399545441

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Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea

Looking for a great vacation read for a twelve-year-old? This could be the perfect option! When Anna heads to Hawaii for the summer she has no idea of the adventure that awaits her. Upon inadvertently insulting the fire goddess, Pele, Anna’s best friend is kidnapped by a giant hawk, and she must team up with demigods and talking animals in a bid to save both her friend and her family members.

Product Specs:

• Author: Malia Maunakea
• Reading Age: 10–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 304 pages total
• Publisher: Penguin Workshop
• Publication Date: April 23, 2024
• ISBN 0593752503

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Books for 12-Year-Old Girls

Coming-of-Age Books

Wonderland by Barbara O’Connor

Written by beloved children’s author Barbara O’Connor, Wonderland is a book about a girl and her dog—at least on the surface. Buried in the pages, though, are lessons about growing up, overcoming hardship, and what it means to be a friend. Tween girls will find connections with the feisty, but big-hearted main character Mavis while they fall in love with her dog, Henry.

Product Specs:

• Author: Barbara O’Connor
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–4
• Length: 288 pages total
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
• Publication Date: August 28, 2018
• ISBN 0374310602

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Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

Set during the Great Depression, Echo Mountain follows Ellie who leaves her home during hard times to start over in a rural area near Echo Mountain. When her father has a serious accident and Ellie is blamed, she treks to the top of the mountain in search of a miracle cure. However, what she finds is something even more healing.

Product Specs:

• Author: Lauren Wolk
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 5–6
• Length: 368 pages total
• Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: April 27, 2021
• ISBN 0525555587

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Tall Story by Candy Gourlay

Unfolding in alternate chapters, one by Andi in the UK and the other by her eight-foot-tall half-brother in the Philippines, Tall Story is an exploration of two very different cultures and a sibling relationship. The story draws on the author’s own experience growing up in the Philippines and is a sensitive narration of the challenges of coming of age in a country that offers a heady mix of modern internationalism alongside primitive superstitions and living conditions.

Product Specs:

• Author: Candy Gourlay
• Reading Age: 10–13 years
• Grade Level: 5–6
• Length: 304 pages total
• Publisher: Yearling
• Publication Date: February 14, 2012
• ISBN 0385752334

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All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders

A wondrous mix of science fiction and fantasy, this contemporary classic by one of the masters of the genre is, at its heart, a charming coming-of-age narrative full to the brim of wisdom, romance, and humor. Talented witch Patricia and ultra-bright engineer Laurence find themselves on different sides of a culture war—what each chooses to do next will have repercussions not just for their friendship, but the whole world.

Product Specs:

• Author: Charlie Jane Anders
• Reading Age: 12+
• Grade Level: 7+
• Length: 320 pages total
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Publication Date: April 11, 2017
• ISBN 0765379953

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The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars (Series) by L.B. Anne

Sheena Meyer was just an ordinary girl living an ordinary life… until her father ends up in hospital following a car accident, and she encounters a beautiful, glowing creature healing him. Sheena doesn’t realize it, but she possesses a special gift, and dark forces—in the form of the Murk—are marshaling against her. When it comes to mystery books, this coming-of-age drama weaves a magical spell that’ll have your young reader captivated from the first page.

Product Specs:

• Author: L.B. Anne
• Reading Age: 10–12
• Grade Level: 5–7
• Length: 181 pages total
• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication Date: October 28, 2019
• ISBN 1700075721

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Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

Genesis doesn’t like herself much. She particularly dislikes her dark skin, and her dad’s and grandmother’s criticism isn’t helping. A challenging book that sees Genesis as the target of emotional and verbal abuse, its themes are both powerful and important. When the family moves to a new neighborhood, Genesis joins a choir, and her sense of self-worth increases. She begins to see that, actually, she’s beautiful inside and out, after all.

Product Specs:

• Author: Alicia D. Williams
• Reading Age: 9–13 years
• Grade Level: 4–8
• Length: 384 pages total
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: August 18, 2020
• ISBN 1481465813

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Mystery Books

Hannah Saves the World (Series) by A.M. Luzzader

In this contemporary “Nancy Drew” spin-off, middle-schooler Hannah and her best friend Mia embark on a mission to save the world. Along the way, clues are unveiled, and epic adventures are shared. Readers who agree that this is one of the best books for 12-year-olds will be happy to learn that it is part of a 3-book series. Hannah Saves the World is recommended for girls aged eight to twelve, so it will likely be an easier read for tweens.

Product Specs:

• Author: A.M. Luzzader
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–6
• Length: 172 pages total
• Publisher: Knowledge Forest Press
• Publication Date: December 13, 2020
• ISBN 1949078205

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Premeditated Myrtle (Series) by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Another top pick for mystery lovers, Premeditated Myrtle, is an award-winning mystery series starring 12-year-old sleuth Myrtle Hardcastle. Readers will be enthralled by the unfolding mystery of a spinster’s untimely death as Myrtle follows clues that lead her to exciting revelations. This novel explores real-life science like crime scene analysis, forensics, and toxicology while keeping young readers hanging onto every word. 

Product Specs:

• Author: Elizabeth C. Bunce
• Reading Age: 10 years+
• Grade Level: 5+
• Length: 384 pages total
• Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
• Publication Date: September 7, 2021
• ISBN 1643751875

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The Owl Service by Alan Garner

Already hailed as a modern classic, this beautiful, haunting tale combines mystery and adventure and has won accolades including the Guardian’s Children’s Books Award and the Carnegie Medal. Your young reader will fall under the spell of the story of Alison who, with her family, is spending a holiday in a guest house in Wales, UK. Alison discovers a mysterious dinner service in the attic, which features a pattern of owls that seem able to rearrange themselves by magic—and this is just the beginning of the adventure.

Product Specs:

• Author: Alan Garner
• Reading Age: 12 years+
• Grade Level: 5+
• Length: 224 pages total
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Publication Date: August 5, 2002
• ISBN 0007127898

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The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kapit

At the center of this story is a pair of autistic sisters, Caroline and Lara. When Lara decides to set up a detective agency, the Finkel Investigation Agency Solving Consequential Crimes Only (FIASCCO) she’s annoyed to find that her sister isn’t interested in joining—the latter is too busy texting other kids from school on her tablet. When Lara’s investigation uncovers a major family secret, however, events threaten to spiral out of control.

Product Specs:

• Author: Sarah Kapit
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 288 pages total
• Publisher: Dial Books
• Publication Date: March 23, 2021
• ISBN 0593112296

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Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick

Neurodivergent Frankie finds it difficult to make friends. So when the one friend she does make, Colette, vanishes, and it transpires that Frankie is the last person to see her, she’s determined to get to the bottom of it. A mystery book with a huge heart, Tornado Brain is a touching depiction of Frankie’s experiences navigating the world, and her attempts at creating a space in which she can be her authentic self.

Product Specs:

• Author: Cat Patrick
• Reading Age: 10–13 years
• Grade Level: 5–6
• Length: 320 pages total
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Publication Date: April 13, 2021
• ISBN 1984815334

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The Mystery of the Moon Tower by Francesco Sedita and Prescott Seraydarian

During summer camp, five friends come across an old film that sheds light on both the camp’s founder and the history of their town. The intrigue deepens when this film also leads the group to a strange tower, where time itself is distorted—and there may even be treasure to be found. Fast-paced, exciting, and lots of fun, The Mystery of Moon Tower will have even less-than-eager readers hooked.

Product Specs:

• Author: Francesco Sedita and Prescott Seraydarian
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 176 pages total
• Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: April 21, 2020
• ISBN 0425291871

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Books About Fantasy and Magic

The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman

Weaving in important lessons regarding environmental issues and animal rights, The Silver Arrow is a must-read adventure story. In it, a girl named Kate receives a magic locomotive as a gift for her eleventh birthday. Kate and her brother Tom then proceed to take a trip of a lifetime, exploring exotic locations and meeting talking animals. This book is your tween’s ticket to hop on board and find inspiration along the way!

Product Specs:

• Author: Lev Grossman
• Reading Age: 7–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 272 pages total
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: August 31, 2021
• ISBN 0316539546

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The Patron Thief of Bread by Lindsay Eager

A main character raised by sea urchins, a talking gargoyle, and a moral dilemma. These are just some of the things your twelve-year-old will encounter within the pages of the mystical novel The Patron Thief of Bread. Eight-year-old Duck is assigned to be the apprentice for the local baker, and her sea urchin family urges her to steal from the baker’s coffers. Duck must decide where her loyalty lies and ultimately, who she really is.

Product Specs:

• Author: Lindsay Eagar
• Reading Age: 10–14 years
• Grade Level: 5–9
• Length: 448 pages total
• Publisher: Candlewick
• Publication Date: May 11, 2022
• ISBN 1536204684

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City of Stolen Magic by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak

Set in a fictional India of 1855, where magic is forbidden under British rule, the story revolves around Chompa, whose mother—due to her magical powers—has been kidnapped and shipped across the sea to England by the mysterious and nefarious Company. Resolving to rescue her mother from the Company’s clutches, Chompa must use her own magic abilities, as well as her innate courage. It quickly becomes clear that power, whether wielded for good or bad, always comes at a price.

Product Specs:

• Author: Nazneen Ahmed Pathak
• Reading Age: 9–14 years
• Grade Level: 4–9
• Length: 384 pages total
• Publisher: Puffin
• Publication Date: May 28, 2024
• ISBN 0241567483

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The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts

Ever since she was a young girl Abby Shepherd has known she was different. Now in seventh grade and a fully-fledged teenage witch, Abby suddenly discovers, from her new mentor, that she’s not the only one in town with magical abilities. She also finds out that her home of Willow Cove has a secret past, that inherently connects with her own witchy powers. Abby must dig deeper to unearth the mystery, and decide who she can—and can’t—trust along the way.

Product Specs:

• Author: Josh Roberts
• Reading Age: 9–13 years
• Grade Level: 4–9
• Length: 310 pages total
• Publisher: Owl Hollow Press
• Publication Date: May 26, 2020
• ISBN 194565449X

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The Inheritance Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Mystery books don’t come more suspenseful than this page-turner from author Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Full of twists and turns, the story follows Avery who, out of the blue, inherits a fortune—and she has no idea why. Moving into her newly acquired mansion, Avery finds herself surrounded by the deceased’s surviving relatives—who aren’t best pleased, to say the least. The house is also full of fantastical clues and secrets that seem to point to an even deeper mystery.

Product Specs:

• Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
• Reading Age: 12 years+
• Grade Level: 7+
• Length: 400 pages total
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: July 27, 2021
• ISBN 0759555400

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The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu

If you have a Harry Potter fan in the house—or have one in the family—then they’ll be sure to love The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy. When Marya is sent to the academy, she finds herself far from home and among strangers, in the service of a powerful sorcerer. When the Dread attacks, all the girls must work as a team, and they discover that they wield more power than they ever thought possible.

Product Specs:

• Author: Anne Ursu
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 448 pages total
• Publisher: Walden Pond Press
• Publication Date: December 6, 2022
• ISBN 0062275135

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Books for 12-Year-Old Boys

Adventure Books

Children of the Flying City by Jason Sheehan

Orphan Milo Quick has lived in the flying city of Highgate since he was a little kid. Now twelve years old, he finds himself in possession of a dangerous secret. He’ll need his close friends Jules and Dagda to help him elude the bounty hunters as a war erupts around them all. This fast-paced narrative will encourage even young readers to slow down and ponder questions of character and loyalty.

Product Specs:

• Author: Jason Sheehan
• Reading Age: 10–12 years
• Grade Level: 5–6
• Length: 416 pages total
• Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: March 15, 2022
• ISBN 0593109511

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Tristan Punches a Hole in the Sky (Tristan Strong series) by Kwame Mbalia

Though it’s packed with action, the first book of the Tristan Strong series isn’t your run-of-the-mill middle-grade adventure story. When Tristan experiences a traumatic loss, he’s sent off to his grandparents’ farm to recover. There, he stumbles into a strange and mysterious world full of monsters, a burning sea, and African-American folk heroes. Since it’s part of a trilogy, readers will have more to look forward to as Tristan’s journey continues in books two and three.

Product Specs:

• Author: Kwame Mbalia
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 528 pages total
• Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
• Publication Date: September 22, 2020
• ISBN 1368042414

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My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons

A fun story that your twelve-year-old will love, My Brother is a Superhero is a must-read for fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. Luke can’t believe that it’s his boring, nerdy brother Zack who gets turned into a superhero when it’s him with the love of all things super. However, when his bro’s alter ego, Star Guy, gets into major hot water, it’s Luke who must come to the rescue…

Product Specs:

• Author: David Solomons
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 320 pages total
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Publication Date: June 27, 2017
• ISBN 0147516056

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The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The much-loved classic that’s enchanted generations of kids and adults alike, this amazing story of adventure follows the most unlikely of heroes: the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. A very unexpected adventure awaits, and Bilbo finds himself swept off on a road that takes him to mysterious forests, troll-infested mountains, and a cave where the dragon Smaug is guarding a stolen horde of gold. Can Bilbo and his companions defeat the dragon and rescue the treasure? The Hobbit reminds us that we all have the potential to master our own destiny and make a difference—no matter how little we are.

Product Specs:

• Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
• Reading Age: 12+
• Grade Level: 7–9
• Length: 300 pages total
• Publisher: Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt
• Publication Date: September, 2012 (this version)
• ISBN 054792822X

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The Extinction Trials by S.M Wilson

Did your twelve-year-old devour The Hunger Games? If so, they’ll adore this novel, set in a world of two continents: the barren, plague-riddled Earthasia, and the beautiful, green—and dinosaur-infested—Piloria. Narrated alternately by characters Storm and Lincoln—who must undertake a seemingly impossible quest—The Extinction Trials offers a slice of suspenseful fantasy adventure that’ll fulfill your kid’s The Hunger Games cravings perfectly!

Product Specs:

• Author: S.M. Wilson
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 4–7
• Length: 384 pages total
• Publisher: Usborne
• Publication Date: July 12, 2018
• ISBN 1474927343

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Skink No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen

This thoroughly contemporary adventure story sees Richard set off on a mission to rescue his cousin, Malley, who has run off with a man she’s met on the internet. Richard is worried his cousin could be in real trouble, so when he meets eccentric drifter Skink, he’s keen to enlist any help he can get. The pair set off on a madcap ride around Florida, determined to stop at nothing to bring Malley home safely.

Product Specs:

• Author: Carl Hiaasen
• Reading Age: 12–15 years
• Grade Level: 7–9
• Length: 304 pages total
• Publisher: Ember
• Publication Date: December 1, 2015
• ISBN 0307930599

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Science Fiction Books

The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm

Is your tween obsessed with science fiction? If so, The Lion of Mars will make a great addition to his reading list. This popular book follows eleven-year-old Bell who lives on Mars. When a virus breaks out that targets the adults, it’s up to Bell and his friends to literally save the planet. Full of epic space adventure, fun science, and lessons about community, this book has it all!

Product Specs:

• Author: Jennifer L. Holm
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 272 pages total
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: January 5, 2021
• ISBN 0593121813

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Greystone Secrets (Series) by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Siblings Chess, Emma, and Finn Greystone lead ordinary lives. That is until their very existence comes into question when a local kidnapping raises eyebrows. When details of the incident reveal that the victims are strangely similar to themselves, the Greystone kids are thrust into a startling mystery. Your tween won’t want to put this book down, but when he does, he can pick up the next two books in the series!

Product Specs:

• Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 432 pages total
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
• Publication Date: March 3, 2020
• ISBN 0062838385

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We’re Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey

This middle-grade book from bestselling author Geoff Rodkey asks readers to imagine a scenario in which they are the aliens! With Earth no longer habitable, humans must search for a new home in the stars; which is how the book’s narrator finds himself living on Planet Choom, among its giant mosquito-like inhabitants, the Zhuri. While the two species don’t have much in common, unlikely friendships are formed which could have profound consequences for all.

Product Specs:

• Author: Geoff Rodkey
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 272 pages total
• Publisher: Yearling
• Publication Date: March 10, 2020
• ISBN 0062838385

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Ender’s Game (Series) by Orson Scott Card

Buy this book for your twelve-year-old and they may not emerge from its pages for some time! Ender’s Game has won a slew of awards including the prestigious Nebula and the Hugo and takes the reader on an epic sci-fi adventure. Protagonist Andrew “Ender” Wiggin believes he’s simply playing computer-simulated war games, but the truth is much more deadly, and Ender must grow up fast: the world’s survival could depend on him.

Product Specs:

• Author: Orson Scott Card
• Reading Age: 7–14 years
• Grade Level: 7–9
• Length: 256 pages total
• Publisher: Tor Trade
• Publication Date: May 4, 2021
• ISBN 1250773024

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A Small Zombie Problem by K.G. Campbell

August DuPont is delighted when he receives an invitation in the mail from an aunt and cousins he didn’t know he had—and they want to meet him! Things take a strange turn, though, when August accidentally reanimates and befriends a zombie. As well as contending with a whole new set of family members, August must also navigate this friendship with Claudette, which could become a little more than a “small” problem.

Product Specs:

• Author: K.G. Campbell
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 240 pages total
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: June 4, 2019
• ISBN 0553539558

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Finn and the Intergalactic Lunchbox by Michael Buckley

Finn Foley’s lunchbox is not all it seems. For starters, it contains a seven-foot-tall robot and opens wormholes that Finn can use to visit the farthest corners of the galaxy. It also contains a blinking device, and it’s this that’s caught the attention of the Plague, a race of giant bugs. They want this little device, which just so happens to be a weapon of unimaginable power, back. And they’ll stop at nothing to get it.

Product Specs:

• Author: Michael Buckley
• Reading Age: 10–12 years
• Grade Level: 5–6
• Length: 288 pages total
• Publisher: Yearling
• Publication Date: March 2, 2021
• ISBN 0525646906

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Inspired by History

Duet by Elise Broach

Fans of music and mystery will be spellbound by this charming story about a boy, a bird, and some of the best creative minds of the 19th century. As 11-year-old prodigy Michael Jin struggles to learn a complex piano score in preparation for the renowned Chopin festival, something magical happens. A goldfinch named Mirabelle sings the tune for him as he plays. Soon after, the plot thickens, and the duo goes on a quest to find a lost piano worth a fortune.

Product Specs:

• Author: Elise Broach
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 304 pages total
• Publisher: Chrissy Ottavanio Books
• Publication Date: May 10, 2022
• ISBN 0316311359

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The Storm Runner (Series) by J.C. Cervantes

Based on Mayan mythology, The Storm Runner follows Zane, an awkward kid who walks with a limp but is destined for greatness. When Zane’s dog Rosie becomes a victim of mayhem, Zane discovers his inner strength and embraces his destiny as the Storm Runner. Your tween will be on the edge of his seat as Zane confronts volcanoes, demons, and warring gods. And that’s just the beginning of this exciting three-part adventure series.

Product Specs:

• Author: J.C. Cervantes
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 464 pages total
• Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
• Publication Date: August 20, 2019
• ISBN 1368023606

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Eleven by Tom Rogers

One of the more challenging books on this list, Eleven is based on the events of the 9/11 terrorist attack in the US, written from the perspective of Alex, who is due to turn eleven on the now notorious date. This multi-award-winning novel deals with both the reality of the events and their aftermath and explores, in an accessible way, the complex ways in which 9/11 changed the world forever.

Product Specs:

• Author: Tom Rogers
• Reading Age: 10–12 years
• Grade Level: 5–6
• Length: 200 pages total
• Publisher: Alto Nido Press
• Publication Date: January 14, 2014
• ISBN 099118100X

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A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

This tween book weaves a beautiful story, taking the reader back to twelfth-century Korea in an unforgettable coming-of-age drama about the importance of determination in overcoming adversity and working towards our dreams. The book is full of intrigue, danger, and excitement, as Tree-ear resolves to prove his skills to the village’s master potter, an endeavor which ultimately takes him to the royal court seeking a commission, bearing just a single celadon shard.

Product Specs:

• Author: Linda Sue Park
• Reading Age: 10–12 years
• Grade Level: 4–7
• Length: 176 pages total
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication Date: January 10, 2011
• ISBN 0547534264

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A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

From a New York Times’ bestselling author comes this extraordinary tale of Gerta, who finds her family divided as the Berlin Wall rises. Gerta, her mother, and her brother are on the east side of the wall, while her father and another brother, who had traveled west in search of work, can no longer get home. Offering a fascinating look at the realities of this period of history, A Night Divided is utterly captivating and boasts a cast of colorful characters that kids will love.

Product Specs:

• Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
• Reading Age: 10–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 352 pages total
• Publisher: Scholastic
• Publication Date: April 24, 2018
• ISBN 0545682444

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Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai

An Amazon’s Teachers’ Pick, Shooting Kabul is set in the summer of 2001, when Fadi’s family make the difficult decision to illegally leave Afghanistan to travel to the United States to resettle. Tragically, Fadi’s sister Mariam becomes separated as the family flees, and ends up being left behind in Kabul. In the aftermath of the events of September 11, Fadi’s family struggle to settle into their new home, but remain determined to locate Mariam and bring her to safety.

Product Specs:

• Author: N.H. Senzai
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 288 pages total
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication Date: July 12, 2011
• ISBN 9781442401952

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While books are a fantastic way for your preteens to learn and explore new worlds, it’s also crucial to ensure their safety in the real world. As a parent, you can provide an extra layer of protection by downloading the Findmykids app. This app allows you to keep track of your child’s location and stay connected, giving you peace of mind while they enjoy their books and adventures!

Classics

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

An instant bestseller and now modern classic, Hatchet tells the story of young teen Brian Robeson who finds himself alone and deserted in the wilderness after a plane crash. While grappling with his parent’s divorce, Brian must find it within himself to survive the 55 long days until his eventual rescue. When he does triumph over his circumstances, he is changed by the experience. This is a must-read classic survival story that’s perfect for ages twelve and up.

Product Specs:

• Author: Gary Paulsen
• Reading Age: 8+
• Grade Level: 5–9
• Length: 192 pages total
• Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: December 26, 2006
• ISBN 1416936475

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Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

A classic work of historical fiction for preteens, Number the Stars recounts 10-year-old Annemarie’s experiences as a member of a Jewish family living in German-occupied Denmark during World War II. Taken in by her friend’s family, she must hide in plain sight while her people are relocated to Sweden to escape the Nazis. Readers will come away with knowledge of the Holocaust as well as timeless lessons about humanity.

Product Specs:

• Author: Lois Lowry
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 5–7
• Length: 160 pages total
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication Date: May 2, 2011
• ISBN 0547577095

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Stig of the Dump by Clive King

A classic read for both younger readers and older kids, Stig of the Dump has been loved since it was first published back in 1963. While exploring an old chalk pit, Barney makes an unexpected discovery: stone-age Stig, a caveboy who has made the pit his home. The pair learn how to communicate, and Barney helps Stig improve his den, while the caveboy teaches his new friend how to fend off bullies.

Product Specs:

• Author: Clive King
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–6
• Length: 184 pages total
• Publisher: Open Road Media Teen & Tween
• Publication Date: September 6, 2016 (this version)
• ISBN 1504037707

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The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann D. Wyss

The iconic story of survival that has fascinated readers for decades, The Swiss Family Robinson is a perfect middle-grade book for kids who are keen to try the classics. After surviving a shipwreck, the Robinson family wash up on a tropical island, and have only their survival skills, tenacity, sense of humor, and love for each other to rely on. If you have a young avid reader in the household, this book won’t disappoint.

Product Specs:

• Author: Johann D. Wyss
• Reading Age: 7–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 352 pages total
• Publisher: Signet
• Publication Date: December 7, 2004 (this version)
• ISBN 0451529618

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The Borrowers by Mary Norton

First published in 1952 and still a much-loved classic, Mary Norton weaves a story of the tiny people living, unseen, in our homes—staying out of the eye line of “human beans” is the number one rule of bringing a borrower, after all! The exploits of Pod, Arrietty, and Homily Clock are sure to entertain middle-grade readers, who will sympathize with Arrietty’s determination to explore beyond the boundaries of her miniature world.

Product Specs:

• Author: Mary Norton
• Reading Age: 6–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 180 pages total
• Publisher: Scholastic
• Publication Date: January 1, 2001 (this version)
• ISBN 9780439325103

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The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken

Adored by readers for more than six decades, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is a fast-paced, gothic fairy tale adventure that’ll have kids hooked from the first line. When Bonnie’s parents leave on a voyage Miss Slighcarp is left in charge—she wastes no time in selling the family furniture, dismissing the staff, and shipping Bonnie and her cousin off to a bleak orphanage. Escaping from this prison-like establishment, the girls must figure out how to save Willougby Chase from the human wolves who now inhabit it.

Product Specs:

• Author: Joan Aiken
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 4–7
• Length: 192 pages total
• Publisher: Yearling
• Publication Date: October 1, 1987 (this version)
• ISBN 0440496039

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A Wizard of Earthsea (Series) by Ursula K. Le Guin

Twelve-year-olds who enjoy fantasy and mystery books will devour this first book in the Earthsea series, which follows Ged (known as Sparrowhawk) who discovers he possesses powerful magical abilities. Journeying to the School of Magic on the Island of Roke, the young wizard begins to hone his craft. However, a miscast spell results in the release of a terrifying shadow creature, and now Ged must decide whether to leave the island or confront the entity he’s set loose.

Product Specs:

• Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
• Reading Age: 10 years+
• Grade Level: 7–9
• Length: 264 pages total
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication Date: September 11, 2012 (this version)
• ISBN 0547722028

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Non-Fiction

Becoming Muhammed Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander

Tweens interested in the sport of boxing or even just the game of life will be intrigued by this story of heavyweight champion Muhammed Ali’s childhood. Readers will learn fascinating details about the kid named Cassius Clay, his friends and family, as well as his brushes with racism. Most of all, they’ll be inspired by his hard work and perseverance from the age of twelve to seventeen as he begins his professional boxing career and “becomes” Muhammed Ali.

Product Specs:

• Author: James Patterson
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 320 pages total
• Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
• Publication Date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN 0316498173

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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

If you’re looking for one of the most uplifting books for 12-year-olds, don’t miss this inspiring true story of a boy who builds a windmill to save his village in Malawi. When his family finds themselves destitute after a drought, young William takes action. After reading everything he can find on the subject, William constructs a fully functioning windmill from scrap. Readers will come away from the book awestruck and believing their ideas matter!

Product Specs:

• Author: William Kamkwamba
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 5–9
• Length: 304 pages total
• Publisher: Rocky Ponds Book
• Publication Date: January 5, 2016
• ISBN 9780147510426

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Survivors of the Holocaust: True Stories of Six Extraordinary Children Edited by Kath Shackleton

This book has won numerous awards including the UK’s School and Library Association Information Books Awards 2017. Taken from their homes, separated from their families, and imprisoned or forced into hiding, these six true stories from holocaust survivors are powerful, emotional, and utterly unforgettable. The book includes a timeline to help the reader and recently taken photographs of each contributor, along with updates on their lives.

Product Specs:

• Author: Kath Shackleton
• Reading Age: 10–14 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 96 pages total
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Explore
• Publication Date: October 1, 2019
• ISBN 1492688932

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Why is Art Full of Naked People? by Susie Hodge

If you’ve got a middle-grade child in the family who is interested in art, then this is the book for them! The beauty of this book is that it explores the sort of questions that this age group tends to have about artworks, such as why some artists paint in a ‘blurry’ fashion, and what makes certain works so expensive. Both irreverent and informative, this book may teach the entire family a few things about the art world!

Product Specs:

• Author: Susie Hodge
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 96 pages total
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Publication Date: October 18, 2016
• ISBN 9780500650806

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History’s Unsolved Mysteries by Arch Stanton

Is your middle school kid a fan of both mystery books and historical fiction books? Then send them on a thrilling voyage of discovery with this gorgeous tome that takes the reader to the Great Pyramid of Giza, the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, and Easter Island (among many others) to try to solve some of the globe’s most perplexing puzzles. History’s Unsolved Mysteries fuses fascinating factual information with tantalizing legends, myths, and cryptic clues.

Product Specs:

• Author: Arch Stanton
• Reading Age: 9–15 years
• Grade Level: 4–9
• Length: 177 pages total
• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication Date: July 18, 2023
• ISBN 979-8852624062

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Funny Books

Marcus Makes a Movie by Kevin Hart and Geoff Rodkey

If you’re in search of a funny book for your 12-year-old, you can’t go wrong with a novel written by a world-famous standup comic! In addition to a kid-friendly dose of Kevin Hart’s comedic prowess, this book manages to have an actual heart as well. The story features middle-schooler Marcus who, with hard work and a little help from his friends, realizes his dream of being a filmmaker.

Product Specs:

• Author: Kevin Hart
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 224 pages total
• Publisher: Yearling
• Publication Date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN 059317917X

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Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid (Series) by Jeff Kinney

From the author of the immensely popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series comes a spin-off series narrated by the beloved character Rowley Jefferson. Full of hilarious situations recalled by the notoriously clueless narrator, the book will make your tween laugh out loud (and not just online, but in real life!). Perhaps more importantly, the book’s style is not overly complex, making it an easy read even for reluctant readers.

Product Specs:

• Author: Jeff Kinney
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 224 pages total
• Publisher: Harry N.Abrams
• Publication Date: April 9, 2019
• ISBN 141974027X

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The Summer I Robbed a Bank by David O’Doherty

The main character Rex’s summer holidays hasn’t gotten off to the best start. His parents have split up and he’s been packed off to a remote and wet Irish island to stay with his eccentric—but brilliant—Uncle Derm. Things take a turn for the hilariously unexpected, however, when Uncle Derm tells his nephew that he’s planning to rob the island’s traveling bank… and he needs Rex’s help to pull off the heist.

Product Specs:

• Author: David O’Doherty
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 4–7
• Length: 304 pages total
• Publisher: Puffin
• Publication Date: May 27, 2021
• ISBN 0241362237

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Midnight at the Barclay Hotel by Fleur Bradley

Looking for mystery books for your 12-year-old that’ll also tickle her funny bone? If so, Midnight at the Barclay Hotel could be just the ticket! Spooky, suspenseful, and frequently hilarious, the novel centers on JJ, who is thrilled to receive an invitation for an all-expenses-paid trip to the Barclay Hotel, alleged to be one of the most haunted establishments in Colorado. It turns out, though, that there are scarier things than ghosts lurking in the hotel’s dark corridors…

Product Specs:

• Author: Fleur Bradley
• Reading Age: 8–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 336 pages total
• Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: August 24, 2021
• ISBN 0593202910

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Little Badman and the Time-Traveling Teacher of Doom by Humza Arshad and Henry White

Fans of David Walliams’ and David Badiel’s books are sure to enjoy this laugh-out-loud story about eleven-year-old rapper Little Badman (aka Humza Khan) whose dad is threatening to ship him off to summer school in Pakistan. Little Badman and his best bud Umer soon discover that this summer school is far from run of the mill, though—in fact, the very fabric of time is being messed with by the staff.

Product Specs:

• Author: Humza Arshad and Henry White
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 4–7
• Length: 352 pages total
• Publisher: Puffin
• Publication Date: August 20, 2020
• ISBN 0241378508

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Graphic Novels

The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor by Shaenon K. Garrity

If your kid loves graphic novels, this one is worth a trip to the bookstore. Heroine Haley is also an avid reader and is obsessed with Gothic romance novels. One night, she quite literally falls into one while trying to save a stranger from drowning. This dark, yet strangely whimsical book-within-a-book will have your 12-year-old hooked from page one.

Product Specs:

• Author: Shaenon K.Garrity
• Reading Age: 12 years+
• Grade Level: 7–9
• Length: 224 pages total
• Publisher: Margaret K.Elderry Books
• Publication Date: July 20, 2021
• ISBN 1534460861

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The Witch Boy (Series) by Molly Knox Ostertag

Happily, this graphic novel is a three-part series because your pre-teen is going to want more after turning the final page. In The Witch Boy, the main character Aster is a boy who wants to be a witch. Unfortunately for him, his fantastical society doesn’t allow males to be anything other than shapeshifters. Young readers will identify with Aster as he struggles to find his identity while navigating societal pressures.

Product Specs:

• Author: Molly Knox Ostertag
• Reading Age: 10–13 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 224 pages total
• Publisher: Graphix
• Publication Date: October 31, 2017
• ISBN 133808951X

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The Nameless City (Series) by Faith Erin Hicks

Rat and Kaidu are from very different worlds, but when they meet in the streets of the Nameless City they form a friendship that will change their fates forever. With breathtaking artwork that’ll instantly draw readers into the story, this tale encompasses everything from adolescent angst to explorations of identity and belonging. Readers will be relieved to learn that the action doesn’t end with the turning of the final page—it’s the first book in a series.

Product Specs:

• Author: Faith Erin Hicks
• Reading Age: 9–13 years
• Grade Level: 4–6
• Length: 240 pages total
• Publisher: First Second
• Publication Date: April 5, 2016
• ISBN 1626721564

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New Kid by Jerry Craft

When Jordan is sent to a prestigious private school he discovers he’s one of just a handful of kids of color in his entire grade. Any child who has felt like an outsider, or had to contend with getting to grips with life in a new school will relate to the main character of this graphic novel, which explores how to navigate new environments while staying true to ourselves.

Product Specs:

• Author: Jerry Craft
• Reading Age: 9–12 years
• Grade Level: 3–7
• Length: 256 pages total
• Publisher: Quill Tree Books
• Publication Date: February 5, 2019
• ISBN 0062691198

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Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi

Great comic books aren’t always about superheroes or set in a magical world, as proved by this award-winning memoir in the form of a graphic novel. The book offers an insight into what it was like to grow up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq war and the aftermath of these events. The black-and-white comic strip form is strikingly powerful, offering a child’s eye perspective on the seismic events that took place in this region.

Product Specs:

• Author: Marjane Satrapi
• Reading Age: 10–12 years
• Grade Level: 5–7
• Length: 160 pages total
• Publisher: Pantheon
• Publication Date: June 1, 2004
• ISBN 037571457X

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Other Interesting Books for 12-Year-Olds

1. The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty (Fantasy).
2. Better Nate than Ever by Tim Federle (Coming of Age).
3. My Own Lightening by Lauren Wolk (Coming of Age).
4. Willodeen by Katherine Applegate (Fantasy).
5. Holes By Louis Sachar (Classics).
6. The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera (Science Fiction).
7. The Secret Fountain by Grace Lockhaven and Michael Jaymes (Science Fiction).
8. The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis (Historical Fiction).
9. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (Coming of Age).

Turning Kids Into Readers

As parents, we all know how important it is for kids to get off their phones and put their noses in a book. Yet, it can be an uphill battle getting some preteens to open a book instead of an app. Consider the above list your free handbook to turning your social media-obsessed tweens into lifelong readers. Just put one of these novels in their hand, and let the authors do the rest!

Did you find this article useful? Don’t forget to share it with your tribe of tween parents—they’ll thank you later!

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