Age-Appropriate Romance Reads for 10- to 12-Year-Olds
by Janssen Bradshaw
I love a good romance book, so I can understand why a ten-, eleven-, or twelve-year-old reader might also love swooning and romance.
This list of tween romance books features sweet love stories, crushes, first kisses, and friendships as the characters build new relationships. If you’re looking for sweet romance books for your tweens, this is the list to turn to.
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Ella Enchanted
This Cinderella retelling might be one of my favorite books of all time!! Shortly after birth, a curse was placed on Ella, making her obey any order given to her. Unable to break the curse herself, she searches for a fairy who can help her. Along the way, she meets Prince Char, who is completely smitten with Ella. I cannot recommend this one enough!
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Well, That Was Awkward
Available from:Gracie and Sienna have been best friends for a long time. So, when Gracie’s giant crush, A.J., starts crushing on Sienna, Gracie refuses to admit she is heartbroken. She tries to hold it together and be the best friend sidekick, but it’s not easy.
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Awkward Stuff
Available from:This third book in the middle grade series, Girl Stuff, is finally hitting the bookshelves! Fonda, Drew, and Ruthie are best friends in the thick of 7th grade. Each girl has different experiences with life, from their changing bodies to relationships with boys, but they all want to experience their first kiss on the same night. Can they possibly make this happen?
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Flipped
Available from:Juli first met Bryce in second grade, and her stomach completely flipped. Bryce was the opposite and felt uncomfortable around Juli. Six years later, they feel the same way — or do they? Just as Bryce warms up to Juli, her crush begins to wane.
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The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora
Available from:Like most middle schoolers, Arturo can’t wait for his relaxing summer break in Miami. He is looking forward to endless hours of basketball, mango smoothies, staying out until dusk, and chilling in the shade. But when a land developer wants to change his beloved community, Arturo and his super crush, Carmen, must work together to save the town.
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Stargirl
Available from:I read this book over a decade ago and still love it today! Bright and bold, Stargirl arrives at Micah High School, and everyone falls in love with her unique personality, especially the narrator, Leo. But when she cheers for both the home and away teams at sporting events, she becomes an outcast at school. Leo loves her and, in desperation, begs her to conform. I highly recommend this one!
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Goodbye Stranger
Available from:When they were little, best friends Bridge, Emily, and Tab promised each other they would never fight. This promise becomes challenging to keep as they grow up and develop new interests (and crushes) during their 7th-grade year. Can they make it through the school year with their friendship intact?
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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Available from:This series hit the New York Times bestseller list for a reason! It’s about four friends with an unbreakable bond and one pair of pants that mysteriously fit each girl perfectly. As the girls go their separate ways for the summer, they meet boys, fall in love, and make unforgettable memories. The pants join each girl on her adventures and tie them together even more.
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The Next Great Jane
Available from:Jane wants to become a famous writer like Jane Austen and thinks that befriending a bestselling author (and her annoying son) will help. But when her mom tries to claim custody and move her back to California, Jane embarks on a mission to find her dad a suitable partner. Humor, heart, and misadventures abound in this delightful middle grade rom-com.
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Me and Miranda Mullaly
Three boys all have crushes on one girl. Miranda, the one special girl, hardly knows that any of the boys exist! If you are interested in a book full of humorous misunderstandings, this book is for you.
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Project (Un)popular Book #2: Totally Crushed
The second book in the Project (Un)Popular series is packed with middle school challenges. Best friends Perry and Venice struggle through feeling left out, lackluster school assignments, conflicts with siblings, and new crushes. Is sixth grade going to be as awful as it appears to be?
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The Love Report
Available from:Lola and Grace may not have boyfriends, but they keep track of everyone who does. As they go through the year, they compile a love report on all the middle school relationships and analyze why some seem to work, and others fizzle out quickly. This opens their eyes to more than they ever anticipated!
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11 Paper Hearts
Available from:Ella’s perfect life turns upside down when she wakes up in the hospital after a terrible car accident. She is shocked that she can’t remember anything that happened in the last month, including why she broke up with her boyfriend. A series of clues written on paper hearts help her remember what happened.
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