Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)

Holiday Book Gifts for Tweens
Ages 9 – 12

by Kari Ness Riedel

I’m a big believer in the “4 Gift Rule” for holiday giving: 1) Something they want, 2) Something they need, 3) Something to wear, and 4) Something to read. As the founder of Bookopolis.com, you can guess which one is my favorite. If you’re unsure what books to give as gifts for young readers, ask questions about what movies they like, YouTube channels they follow, things they do in their free time, or the last book they enjoyed.

Here are the best books to gift, all kid-approved by tween readers, including titles for those who like magical adventures, inspiring sports stories, sad but hopeful coming-of-age tales, page-turning mysteries, mind-bending riddles, and more.

  • For kids who like fast-paced fantasy and adventure:

  • Impossible Creatures

    by Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie

    Learn More
    Available from:

    Two kids, Christopher and Mal, find themselves on an epic adventure to save magical creatures. Beautiful world-building, intriguing characters, and important themes about courage, duty, and bravery abound in this page-turning story. This is a must-read for kids who love epic fantasy tales.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents

    by Nicki Pau Preto

    Learn More
    Available from:

    Young readers who love a good “hero’s journey” story arc will adore this book centered around Lavinia “Vin” Lucas. Her disinterested parents send her to Last Hope, a school for troubled magical kids like her, where she tries to be on her best behavior. When weird things happen around the school, drama ensues as she must decide who her true allies are. This unique book will make you laugh, cry, and root for all the heroes.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • The Graveyard Gift

    by Fern Forgettable, as told by Piper CJ

    Learn More
    Available from:

    Twelve-year-old Rosemary has the “gift” of knowing how people will die. Her family sends her to Fern's School for Wayward Fae, a school for kids like her who are half human, half magical. As Rosemary and her new friends work together to find a student who has gone missing, they discover belonging, community, and an appreciation for their unique gifts. This is an excellent choice for fans of exciting books filled with fantasy and mystery.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • Forever Twelve

    by Stacy McAnulty

    Learn More
    Available from:

    Set in an elite boarding school for gifted kids, this compelling and complex story unfolds through the alternating perspectives of three students, Abigail, Ivy, and Ronan. They all look the same age, but Abigail is an “Ever,” a group of immortals who mysteriously remain forever 12 years old. Ronan comes from a family of psychics. Ivy is mortal but looks oddly like one of Abigail’s “Ever” friends who disappeared years ago. The three kids come together to unravel a centuries-old mystery that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

    Learn More
    Also available from:

Gift Guides, Holiday Stories, & More!
❄️ EXPLORE NOW ❄️


 

  • For kids who like realistic fiction with heart and humor:

  • And Then, Boom!

    by Lisa Fipps

    Learn More
    Available from:

    This captivating novel-in-verse from the award-winning author of Starfish will touch readers’ hearts and souls. It spotlights kids living in poverty with disengaged parents and the unsung hero adults who help when needed. I highly recommend this for readers who like empathy-building realistic fiction and for any kid who has received free or reduced lunch at school, shopped at Goodwill, or lived in a non-traditional family.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • The Frindle Files

    by Andrew Clements

    Learn More
    Available from:

    Humor, coding, and mystery combine in this fantastic sequel to the beloved classic Frindle. Josh, a tech-loving 6th-grader, is frustrated by his teacher, Mr. N., who operates a strict “no tech” classroom. As Josh fights his teacher over his seemingly outdated policies, he uncovers a secret that leads to multiple plot twists in his pursuit of bringing Mr. N’s classroom into the modern age.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All

    by Chanel Miller

    Learn More
    Available from:

    Ten-year-old Magnolia loves her NYC neighborhood even if she is occasionally embarrassed when classmates visit her parent’s laundromat. When her mom’s friend and daughter move to New York from California, Magnolia and Iris go on a mission to find the owners of the lost socks that Magnolia has collected over the years at the laundromat. This is a fun way to show Iris her new city, and the girls learn several surprising and profound life lessons along the way. This is a sweet and touching story with mystery and humor. It is a bit shorter than other books on this list, which makes it perfect for emerging tween readers.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • Simon Sort of Says

    by Erin Bow

    Learn More
    Available from:

    Most kids might be upset about moving to a town without internet or cellphone service. But, for Simon, this is precisely what he needs. A place where no one can Google him and learn about the horrible tragedy he is known for in his hometown. Simon quickly meets Agate and Kevin, and his new friendships grow as they work together to unravel a local mystery, which also supports Simon’s healing journey. This well-crafted book expertly integrates humor with tragedy and offers a fresh take on familiar themes like identity, friendship, and overcoming adversity. I will not spoil this tragedy's dramatic reveal, but sensitive readers should read the publisher’s full summary of this book.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • For kids who like more hands-on reading:

  • Would You Rather? Box Set

    by Lindsey Daly

    Learn More
    Available from:

    "Would You Rather? questions make a great family game. And this boxed set, complete wit three bestselling “Would You Rather?” books — Made You Think! Edition, Family Challenge! Edition and Christmas Edition — will lead to hours of family fun, creativity, and thoughtfulness as participants answer questions like: Would you rather jump into a pool filled with paint or a huge pile of glitter? Would you rather have Christmas dinner with Ebenezer Scrooge or bake Christmas cookies with the Grinch? Would you rather spend an hour floating around in space or swimming in the depths of the ocean?

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • Science Magic Tricks for Kids

    by Kathy Gendreau, photographs by Nancy Cho

    Learn More
    Available from:

    The perfect book for budding scientists and magicians, Science Magic Tricks for Kids offers step-by-step instructions and clear explanations of the scientific principles behind each trick. With common household materials, young magicians can learn and perform these age-appropriate tricks while gaining confidence in their scientific knowledge and abilities. Create a cloud in a bottle, make a flame jump from candle to candle, and so much more with this book that fosters curiosity, creativity, and imagination.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • The Minecraft Ideas Book

    by DK

    Learn More
    Available from:

    Discover the Minecraft universe like never before! Featuring over 70 mind-blowing build ideas and expert tips and tricks from Minecraft builders, this hands-on book is sure to ignite any Minecraft player's imagination. From iconic landmarks to natural wonders, explore the world around you and bring it to life in Minecraft. With building techniques, customization ideas, and inspiration from expert builders, the possibilities are endless.

    Learn More
    Also available from:
  • The Mad Libs Silly, Hilariously Funny, Belly-Busting Joke Book

    by Stacy Wasserman

    Learn More
    Available from:

    This classic game is a perfect holiday gift, as it will provide hours of entertainment and laughter for everyone in your home. If you’re traveling for the holidays, consider making it an early gift so you can enjoy it on the plane, in the car, while waiting at stores, etc. And don’t tell your kids, but they practice English Language Arts skills when playing Mad Libs.

    Learn More
    Also available from: