Finding the best books for tweens can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, right? Tweens are at that tricky stage where picture books feel too young, and young adult novels can sometimes be too much. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether your 8-to-12-year-old is into gripping mysteries, heartfelt coming-of-age tales, or epic fantasy adventures, there’s a story waiting to grab their attention.
In this curated list of the best books for tweens, we’re shining a spotlight on 2025’s standout reads—titles that don’t just entertain but also inspire and spark curiosity. These books offer more than just great storytelling; they’re opportunities for tweens to dive into new worlds, explore big ideas, and maybe even learn something about themselves along the way. If you’re a parent, teacher, or someone simply looking for the next great read for a tween, you’re in the right place. From thrilling adventures to tales that tug at your heartstrings, these books are sure to keep the pages turning.
The Best Books for Tweens
1. The Stargazers’ Club
- Author: Emily Winters
- Prize Awarded: Newbery Medal Honoree 2025
- Book Launch Date: March 12, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 10-12
- Where to Buy: Available at major bookstores and online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Book Overview:
Emily Winters delivers an out-of-this-world adventure with The Stargazers’ Club, a tale of friendship, curiosity, and the mysteries of the night sky. This story follows a group of middle schoolers who stumble upon a hidden observatory and uncover secrets about their town’s forgotten history. Packed with vivid descriptions and a touch of sci-fi, it’s perfect for tweens who dream big and gaze at the stars. Critics have praised its ability to blend science and storytelling seamlessly, making it a top contender among the best books for tweens this year.
2. The Mystery of Mistwood Manor
- Author: Clara Everett
- Prize Awarded: Blue Peter Book Award
- Book Launch Date: February 20, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 9-11
- Where to Buy: Find it in independent bookstores or online.
Book Overview:
If your tween loves a good mystery, Clara Everett’s The Mystery of Mistwood Manor is a must-read. Set in a sprawling estate full of hidden passageways and cryptic messages, this gripping tale follows siblings Jack and Ivy as they try to unravel their late grandmother’s puzzling will. Combining elements of suspense and heartwarming family moments, it’s a great pick for parents asking what the best books for tweens are that also teach values like teamwork and resilience.
3. Windswept: The Chronicles of Elara
- Author: J.D. Albright
- Prize Awarded: None yet, but heavily anticipated for 2025 awards
- Book Launch Date: January 15, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 11-13
- Where to Buy: Available on Audible, Amazon, and in select libraries.
Book Overview:
Windswept is perfect for fantasy lovers. This first book in The Chronicles of Elara series invites readers into a world where kingdoms ride the winds on floating islands. Elara, a courageous tween, must harness ancient powers to save her homeland from a brewing war. Parents looking for the best audiobooks for tweens will appreciate this title’s dramatic narration and immersive world-building, making it an engaging experience for young listeners and readers alike.
4. The Greenway Girls
- Author: Sofia Martinez
- Prize Awarded: None
- Book Launch Date: April 5, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 9-12
- Where to Buy: Coming to major retailers and local bookstores.
Book Overview:
Heartfelt and empowering, The Greenway Girls follows a group of eco-conscious friends who start a community garden to combat climate change. This timely tale encourages readers to think about their impact on the planet while weaving a compelling story about friendship, activism, and growing up. Parents seeking the best parenting books for tweens might find this one sparks valuable conversations about sustainability and responsibility.
5. Secrets of the Ancient Sea
- Author: Tasha Duval
- Prize Awarded: Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2025
- Book Launch Date: May 10, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 8-10
- Where to Buy: Available at Waterstones, Amazon, and other major outlets.
Book Overview:
Tasha Duval’s Secrets of the Ancient Sea invites readers on an underwater adventure like no other. When a young marine biologist-in-training Finn discovers a mysterious artifact during a family diving trip, he’s thrust into a quest filled with sunken ships, hidden maps, and a race against time. This action-packed story is not only among the best books for tweens but also offers a fascinating glimpse into marine life and history, inspiring curiosity in its young audience.
6. Echoes of the Sky
- Author: Lin Mei
- Prize Awarded: Asian Pacific American Award for Literature
- Book Launch Date: June 15, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 10-12
- Where to Buy: Available at major retailers and through local library systems.
Book Overview:
Lin Mei’s Echoes of the Sky paints a poetic story of self-discovery and cultural heritage. Twelve-year-old Mei embarks on a summer trip to her grandparents’ remote village in China, uncovering family secrets through ancient legends. This beautifully written novel bridges generational gaps and celebrates diversity, making it a standout among the best books for tweens with a focus on global perspectives.
7. The Clockmaker’s Apprentice
- Author: Hugo Barlowe
- Prize Awarded: Carnegie Medal Finalist
- Book Launch Date: July 8, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 9-12
- Where to Buy: Widely available in bookstores and online.
Book Overview:
An enchanting mix of steampunk and mystery, The Clockmaker’s Apprentice follows orphaned Theo as he learns the secrets of time manipulation from a reclusive inventor. As a looming disaster threatens their city, Theo must race against time—literally—to uncover the truth behind his mentor’s mysterious past. Parents searching for the best books for teens that spark imagination will love this adventurous tale.
8. The Paper Trail
- Author: Cora Tanfield
- Prize Awarded: Winner of the Children’s Book Council Award
- Book Launch Date: August 22, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 10-12
- Where to Buy: Major online retailers and independent bookstores.
Book Overview:
Cora Tanfield’s The Paper Trail offers an exhilarating mix of history and adventure. Set in the bustling streets of 19th-century London, the story follows Lucy, a budding journalist who uncovers a dangerous conspiracy. Through clever sleuthing and daring escapades, Lucy inspires young readers to question authority and value the power of storytelling. Among the best books for tweens, this historical fiction tale also introduces themes of courage and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
9. The Shadow Thieves
- Author: Eleanor Parks
- Prize Awarded: None yet, but highly anticipated for 2025 awards
- Book Launch Date: September 10, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 9-11
- Where to Buy: Available at leading bookstores and online platforms.
Book Overview:
A spellbinding mix of fantasy and mystery, Eleanor Parks’ The Shadow Thieves introduces readers to Alex, a young hero with an extraordinary ability to manipulate shadows. As he uncovers the secrets of his powers, Alex faces a shadowy organization bent on world domination. Packed with twists and high stakes, this gripping novel cements its place among the best books for tweens, blending fast-paced action with meaningful character development.
10. The Adventures of Cedar and Sky
- Author: Jamie Lark
- Prize Awarded: None (yet!)
- Book Launch Date: October 1, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 9-12
- Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, your favorite indie bookstore, or wherever you find your next great read.
Book Overview:
Take two best friends, an enchanted forest, and a whole lot of heart, and you’ve got The Adventures of Cedar and Sky. Jamie Lark gives you a magical adventure full of clever creatures and twisty puzzles as Cedar and Sky set out to rescue their missing families. But what they discover is a lot bigger than they expected. It’s a story about bravery, trust, and the bonds that hold us together, and it’ll have your tween hooked from page one.
11. Beyond the Glass Mountains
- Author: Kendra Hollis
- Prize Awarded: Finalist for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature
- Book Launch Date: November 15, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 10-13
- Where to Buy: Books are sold pretty much everywhere, online or in-store.
Book Overview:
Sometimes, saving your world means stepping into the unknown. In Beyond the Glass Mountains, Kendra Hollis takes us to a world of shimmering peaks, where young Avi sets out to recover an ancient artifact that could save her village. With dangers lurking at every turn, she’ll need all her courage (and then some) to make it through. The world-building here is next-level, and it’s perfect for tweens who love fantasy with a big dose of heart and adventure.
12. The Last Summer at Sandhill
- Author: Rebecca Wren
- Prize Awarded: Newbery Medal Finalist
- Book Launch Date: August 5, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 9-12
- Where to Buy: Find it at your local indie bookstore or online retailer.
Book Overview:
Bittersweet, funny, and absolutely unforgettable, The Last Summer at Sandhill is a story that hits right in the feels. It follows 12-year-old Lila as she spends one last summer at her beloved Sandhill before her family moves away. It’s all about navigating friendships, change, and the tricky parts of growing up. If your tween loves stories that stick with them long after the last page, this one is a must-read.
13. The Whispering Woods Chronicles
- Author: Arden Sloane
- Prize Awarded: Winner of the British Fantasy Award for Children’s Fiction
- Book Launch Date: December 1, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 10-12
- Where to Buy: Check your favorite bookstore or online.
Book Overview:
Step into a forest where the trees speak in hushed tones and the creatures have plenty to say. Arden Sloane’s The Whispering Woods Chronicles introduces us to Callie, a young guardian tasked with protecting her forest from an ominous threat. It’s a story packed with adventure, eco-magic, and characters you’ll want to root for. Perfect for tweens who love stories with big stakes and even bigger hearts.
14. The Song of the Skybound
- Author: Elise Harper
- Prize Awarded: Winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Award for 2025
- Book Launch Date: September 30, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 10-13
- Where to Buy: Available at major retailers and through local bookstores.
Book Overview:
Elise Harper’s The Song of the Skybound is a breathtaking story about courage, community, and finding your voice literally. The story follows Maya, a tween with a gift for music that holds the power to calm the storms threatening her floating island. Blending lyrical prose with high-stakes adventure, this is the kind of book that sticks with you. It’s perfect for readers who dream big and believe in the magic of their own potential.
15. River of Stars
- Author: Lucas Knight
- Prize Awarded: Longlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize
- Book Launch Date: November 5, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 9-12
- Where to Buy: Widely available in stores and online.
Book Overview:
River of Stars takes readers on a dazzling journey through an intergalactic world where rivers of light connect distant planets. When 11-year-old Niko is caught in a battle to protect one of these celestial waterways, he discovers a surprising secret about his own family’s role in the galaxy. Packed with stunning imagery and moments of pure wonder, this is sci-fi that even reluctant readers will love.
16. The Lighthouse Keepers
- Author: Grace Donovan
- Prize Awarded: Finalist for the Scottish Children’s Book Awards
- Book Launch Date: October 10, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 8-11
- Where to Buy: Available through indie booksellers and online platforms.
Book Overview:
Imagine living in a lighthouse on a stormy coast, surrounded by secrets and mysteries. That’s the world of The Lighthouse Keepers, where siblings Ben and Clara discover that their family’s lighthouse is much more than it seems. Grace Donovan’s storytelling is full of heart and suspense, making this a perfect pick for families searching for an adventurous read with a touch of magic.
17. A Star for Willow
- Author: Priya Desai
- Prize Awarded: Shortlisted for the Asian Book Award 2025
- Book Launch Date: August 25, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 9-12
- Where to Buy: Check online retailers or ask at your local library.
Book Overview:
Priya Desai delivers an emotional powerhouse with A Star for Willow, the story of a young girl navigating grief while holding on to her love of astronomy. As Willow searches for the star her late mother always promised to show her, she discovers unexpected friendships and a deeper understanding of herself. It’s a moving, beautifully written book that parents will love sharing with their tweens.
18. The Secret Library of Windemere
- Author: Oliver Crane
- Prize Awarded: Winner of the Children’s Choice Award
- Book Launch Date: December 5, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 10-12
- Where to Buy: Coming to major booksellers everywhere.
Book Overview:
Who wouldn’t want to find a library hidden inside an ancient castle? In The Secret Library of Windermere, young Tom discovers not only a treasure trove of books but also a gateway to magical worlds. As he unravels the secrets of Windermere, Tom learns that courage and curiosity go hand in hand. This one’s a page-turner that keeps readers guessing (and reading!) until the very end.
19. The Firebird’s Flight
- Author: Anya Patel
- Prize Awarded: Winner of the 2025 Young Reader’s Choice Award
- Book Launch Date: October 20, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 9-12
- Where to Buy: Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local indie bookstores.
Book Overview:
In The Firebird’s Flight, readers are swept into a richly imagined fantasy world where brave Anya must journey across dangerous lands to return a magical firebird to its home. Along the way, she faces challenges that test her courage, loyalty, and determination. The vivid world-building and captivating prose make this an unmissable adventure for tweens who love tales of heroism and heart. It’s a book that lingers long after the last page is turned.
20. The Iceheart Expedition
- Author: Morgan Fox
- Prize Awarded: Shortlisted for the Green Earth Book Award
- Book Launch Date: November 12, 2025
- Preferred Group: Ages 10-13
- Where to Buy: Available at major retailers and your local library.
Book Overview:
Get ready for an epic journey through the frozen tundra in Morgan Fox’s The Iceheart Expedition. When 12-year-old Leo joins a daring team of adventurers to uncover the truth behind an ancient glacier’s mysterious energy, he learns that survival requires more than just bravery\u2014it demands teamwork and resilience. With its breathtaking landscapes and eco-conscious themes, this story is perfect for tweens who love adventure with a deeper message about protecting our planet.
Final Note
And there you have it—the best books for tweens to read in 2025. Whether your tween loves uncovering magical worlds, solving gripping mysteries, or following characters as they tackle real-world challenges, this list has something for everyone. These stories are more than just entertaining; they’re opportunities for tweens to build empathy, develop critical thinking, and fall in love with reading.
FAQs
How do I know if a book is appropriate for my tween?
It’s always a good idea to check the recommended age range provided by publishers. Our list focuses on books suited for ages 8-12, but you can also preview a book’s themes and reviews to ensure it aligns with your tween’s maturity level and interests.
What are the benefits of encouraging my tween to read?
Reading helps tweens build their vocabulary, improve critical thinking, and develop empathy by seeing the world through different perspectives. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to spark their creativity and encourage lifelong learning.
How can I get my reluctant tween excited about reading?
Start by picking a book from this list that aligns with their interests, whether it’s fantasy, mystery, or a character they can relate to. Audiobooks can also be a great alternative for tweens who prefer listening over reading.