It’s Complicated:
11 Books for Tween Girls
by Dena McMurdie
Whether your daughter is already in her tween years or will be soon, it’s a good idea to have some great books on hand. I went hunting for books about growing up and found several good reads for tween girls. Not only do these books give kids something to relate to, they can also give parents an inside look at what their girls are experiencing. These books are all about growing up and the changes that come with it.
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Growing Pangs
Kids love graphic novels, and girls will especially enjoy this story about a girl named Katie who has OCD and anxiety. The summer before sixth grade, Katie worries about her changing relationship with her best friend, braces, and attending public school for the first time. Tweens will appreciate this relatable story about a young girl figuring out how she fits in.
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Stepping Stones
Available from:This charming graphic novel combines blended families, sibling rivalries, and new beginnings. Jen and her mom move from the city to a farm to live with her mom’s new boyfriend and his two daughters. It sounds idyllic, but life on the farm is much different for Jen, and she’s unsure how she fits in with her new stepsisters. Tweens who enjoy realistic fiction or have a blended family will love this book.
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Fast Pitch
Available from:Shenice Lockwood is the star and captain of an all-Black girls’ softball team, and she has her heart set on playing in the regional championship. But when she learns an old family secret, Shenice’s attention gets diverted, and her team struggles to keep up their winning streak. This poignant middle grade read is an excellent pick for sports-loving tweens.
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PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together
Available from:Calling all animal lovers! This graphic novel is the perfect coming-of-age story for tween girls with an entrepreneurial spirit. Three best friends get together to start an after-school dog-walking business. It’s a challenging job, and the girls disagree on almost everything until a crisis helps them remember why they started the business. Don’t miss the sequel, PAWS: Mindy Makes Some Space.
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Operation Sisterhood
Available from:Sisterhood and summer combine in this heartwarming story about an only child adjusting to life in a big family. Bo feels overwhelmed by the cramped quarters and lack of privacy in the New York City brownstone where she and her mom move. Suddenly, Bo has three new stepsisters and several more adults in her life. As the summer progresses, Bo and her new sisters quickly form a strong bond.
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Merci Suárez Changes Gears
Available from:Private school, mean girls, first crushes, and trouble at home make this a must-read for tweens who love realistic fiction. Even though growing up is tough, Merci faces each challenge with courage and heart. Kids will love this Newbery Medal-winning novel and its sequels: Merci Suárez Can’t Dance and Merci Suárez Plays It Cool.
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Iveliz Explains It All
Available from:Seventh grade is a notoriously tricky year for tween girls, and more so for kids with mental health challenges. In this Newbery Honor Award-winning novel in verse, Iveliz plans to make seventh grade her best year ever. However, Iveliz struggles to move on from a tragedy, lashes out at others, and repeatedly gets suspended from school. She must learn to open up and trust the people she loves to heal from her feelings of anger and guilt.
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Beverly, Right Here
Available from:From bestselling and two-time Newbery Award-winning author Kate DiCamillo comes a thoughtful coming-of-age novel about a girl who runs away from home. Beverly is independent, snide, and looking for unconditional love. This tough-talking girl with a gooey caramel center will steal your heart and have you cheering for her every step of the way. Also, check out the companion novels Raymie Nightingale and Louisiana’s Way Home.
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The First Rule of Punk
Available from:Rock music, skateboarding, and a group of misfits make this book an irresistible read for tween girls. Malú’s run-ins with her school’s administration confirm her suspicions that she doesn’t fit in. When she recruits enough friends to form a punk band, she finally feels like she belongs somewhere. It’s the perfect story for any girl who has ever felt like the odd one out.
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Roller Girl
Available from:Best friends Astrid and Nicole do everything together until their hobbies pull them in opposite directions. While Nicole goes to dance camp, Astrid becomes obsessed with roller derby, where she deals with insecurities and new friendships. This heartwarming graphic novel is perfect for tweens who love stories about making friends and growing up.
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Turtle in Paradise
Available from:Adapted from the novel with the same name, this gorgeous graphic novel is a feel-good story about a girl who moves in with her relatives in Florida. At first, she feels shy and awkward, but as time passes, she comes out of her shell and finds her place in the family. Humor and plenty of sunny vibes make this book a must-read for tweens.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2023.