One of the best things you can do is to pass on the love of reading to your pre-teen. One way is to read the same book and discuss the plot as you read it together. The difficulty is picking the books.
Let’s be honest that there are some books out there for tweens that are so difficult to enjoy (as an adult) that you would rather clean your bathroom floor with a toothbrush than read them. However, I’m here to help. Here are four tween novels suitable for your son or daughter that can be enjoyed by you both.
- Breaking Stalin’s Nose
by Eugene Yeltzen. This novel for kids gives a fictional account of a young boy growing up under Stalin’s Russia. Stalin was in power from 1924 to 1953. His was a reign of terror where one critical word against the “Father of Nations” could result in a knock on your door in the middle of the night. Millions died under his leadership. The book does an excellent job of portraying the trials and fears of living under Stalin’s regime without going into too many details given the age of many readers of this book.
- The City of Ember (The First Book of Ember)
by Jeanne DuPrau. This enjoyable novel describes a dystopian future that takes place in the city of Ember which was built underground to avoid an unspecified (at least at first) catastrophe. The mechanism to bring them out of the city failed and now Ember is decaying. Meet Lina and Doon who have just turned 12. They are now assigned to their respective jobs according to Ember tradition. Join them as they gradually start to unravel what has happened to Ember and search for a solution.
by Jeanne DuPrau. This enjoyable novel describes a dystopian future that takes place in the city of Ember which was built underground to avoid an unspecified (at least at first) catastrophe. The mechanism to bring them out of the city failed and now Ember is decaying. Meet Lina and Doon who have just turned 12. They are now assigned to their respective jobs according to Ember tradition. Join them as they gradually start to unravel what has happened to Ember and search for a solution.
- The Silver Crown (Aladdin Fantasy)
by Robert C. O’Brien. You might remember this author from his more well-known classic, Mrs. Frisbee and the Rats of Nimh, but this novel is very good, too. The story opens on Ellen’s 10th birthday when she mysteriously receives a silver crown. Very soon after, dangerous and mysterious happenings start occurring. After Ellen’s parents appear to have died in a fire, she finds she is being pursued by mysterious persons who have an evil master plan. Things look dark, but with the help of a new friend, they unravel why her crown is considered so powerful and why it is extremely important to keep it out of the hands of the enemy. I do want to add the caveat that for a children’s book it’s a bit dark (with a bright ending). While it is not detailed, at least a couple of men die from being shot. However, my girls loved this exciting story.
by Robert C. O’Brien. You might remember this author from his more well-known classic, - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
by J. K. Rowling. What list would be complete without the boy wizard? Orphaned as a baby, Harry Potter is raised by his unkind aunt and uncle. You see, they have no truck with those who practice magic. Although Harry’s parents were practitioners of the highest order, they’re determined to keep Harry a muggle (non-magical person). They are succeeding until Harry’s 11th birthday. He then receives an invitation to Hogwarts which is a boarding school for training in magic. It’s only when Harry attends Hogwarts that his new life begins.
by J. K. Rowling. What list would be complete without the boy wizard? Orphaned as a baby, Harry Potter is raised by his unkind aunt and uncle. You see, they have no truck with those who practice magic. Although Harry’s parents were practitioners of the highest order, they’re determined to keep Harry a muggle (non-magical person). They are succeeding until Harry’s 11th birthday. He then receives an invitation to Hogwarts which is a boarding school for training in magic. It’s only when Harry attends Hogwarts that his new life begins.Whatever you read, it’s important to share the love of reading with your child. It’s a gift that will last a lifetime. If you have some books you think would fit well with this list, please comment below.
