Fantasy

Tween

The 50 Best Books for 11- and 12-Year-Olds

What are the best books for 11- and 12-year-olds? Preteens need good books that both resonate with their complex lives as well as educate and entertain them. Our experts selected these 50 excellent titles that appeal to a range of interests, backgrounds, and even moods.

Grown-Up Reads

The Best Books of Early 2017

You’ll want to add these fantastic new fiction and nonfiction books to the very top of your 2017 “to read” pile.

Grown-Up Reads

Reflections on Faith and Art: Madeleine L’Engle’s Search for Solace in Storytelling

Charlotte Jones Voiklis, granddaughter of Madeleine L'Engle, explores how writing the beloved A Wrinkle in Time helped L'Engle reconcile the pain and suffering in the world with her faith in a loving creator.

Growing Reader

Tween

How Fantasy Novels Help Kids Explore the Messiness of Real Life

In kids’ literature, fantasy is interpreted as a “safe zone” for young readers, where the author leaves the icky messiness of real life outside the wardrobe door. But not only is leaving out the icky messiness of real life unwise, it’s pretty much impossible. The icky messiness is what it’s all about.

Growing Reader

Tween

Exploring Furthermore, Fantastical Worlds, and Fashion with Author Tahereh Mafi

Tahereh Mafi is the author of Furthermore, a spellbinding middle grade novel about two kids on an epic and magical adventure.

Growing Reader

Tween

Brightly's Book Club for Kids: Furthermore

Tahereh Mafi's Furthermore is a color-rich, wonderfully imaginative story that will enchant readers to the very end. With characters you’ll love, and scenes as creative as can be, your topsy-turvy journey won’t soon be forgotten. Come along, won’t you?

Growing Reader

Tween

Author Lou Anders On Norse Mythology, Strong Female Heroines, and Gaming

Lou Anders and his editor chat about the inspiration behind the Thrones & Bones series, the importance of gender-balanced characters, and the role of board games in his books.

Tween

6 Time-Traveling Chapter Books for Kids Who Love Magic Tree House

For young readers who’ve soared through Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House series, here are chapter books that offer more fun-filled time-traveling escapes.

Tween

Teen

Steampunk Stories: Crazy, Funky Tales Your Tween or Teen Will Love

Which kinds of books do you give to kids who love mechanical mayhem, history, time travel, and fantasy all rolled into one? How about a little steampunk?