12 Books for a Tween Girl's Summer

Looking for a few good titles to add to the summertime reading list of your tween girl?    

I've asked my book-lovin' daughter to share some of her favorites.  She read dozens and dozens of captivating books during the 2013-2014 school year. But, I've asked her to whittle the list down to 12...her top 12 picks of the year.

12 Books for a Tween Girl's Summer-The Unlikely Homeschool

Be warned.  This is a twaddle-free list.  You'll not find any "pop culture," dime-store novel reads here.  These are books with substance.  Books with merit.  Books that will either help shape a girl's thoughts or provide worry-free, wholesome leisure. Great books worth sharing with a friend.

All are fiction books unless otherwise listed.


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And here they are in no particular order...

Her Top 12 Books for a Tween Girl's Summer

  1. Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes
  2. The New Complete Babysitter's Handbook by Carol Barkin and Elizabeth James (non-fiction)
  3. Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton (auto-biography)
  4. Rascal by Sterling North
  5. The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
  6. The Word Snoop by Ursula Dubosarsky (non-fiction)
  7. Heidi by Johanna Spyri
  8. Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
  9. Beautiful Girlhood by Karen Andreola (non-fiction)
  10. Little Women retold from Louisa May Alcott (abridged version)
  11. The Moffats by Eleanor Estes
  12. Little Pilgrims Progress by Helen L. Taylor (abridged version)
Obviously, this list is based on the personal preferences and literary affinities of my daughter.  Your daughter's taste will, no doubt, be different.  But, I hope these suggestions have helped to add a few new title's to her summertime list.

For more great summer reading for all ages, be sure to visit my Read Aloud Pinterest board!

Did your tween girl enjoy any books this year worth passing along to the rest of us?  We'd all love some suggestions!


For more great book suggestions, be sure to head to iHomeschool Network and check out the Massive Guide to Homeschool Reading Lists!

13 comments:

  1. NancyMay 28, 2014 at 8:38 AM

    Any of the books by Jenny L. Cote! My daughter loves them. They're rather new. They follow the lives of a cat and dog - Max & Liz who tell stories from biblical times. The books are about 400-500 pages, but the reading level is between 3rd-7th grade I think? I have a 3rd and 6th grader. They are a little hard for the 3rd grader and rather easy for the 6th, but she likes the length.

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    1. Jamie EricksonMay 28, 2014 at 11:37 AM

      I've not heard of those ones. I'll have to check them out! Thanks for the suggestion.

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  2. AnonymousMay 28, 2014 at 9:55 AM

    We LOVED The One and Only Ivan. Fantastic book to read aloud, too.

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    1. Jamie EricksonMay 28, 2014 at 11:38 AM

      I've seen that on GoodReads, but have not read it. I'll be sure to look into it further. Thanks!!

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  3. AnonymousMay 30, 2014 at 5:46 AM

    The One and Only Ivan is the best! Very popular in my junior high library!

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  4. AnonymousJune 1, 2014 at 2:32 PM

    Two of our favorites are "Gone Away Lake" and "Return to Gone Away". The first is about a pair of cousins, boy and girl, who find an abandoned lakeside vacation community and an elderly brother and sister who still live there. It is full of fun intergenerational exploring and learning. Great adventure! By Elizabeth Enright

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  5. Dana RongioneJune 4, 2014 at 5:48 AM

    Middle-grade readers enjoy The Delaware Detectives mystery series by Dana Rongione. They are Christian - based and contain extra tidbits (glossary of words, science experiment, historical information) for home schoolers.

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  6. :)December 1, 2014 at 8:47 AM

    I'm not sure if my last comment posted. I so appreciate your lists. I just reserved all of these titles at our library. My girls really enjoyed

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  7. :)December 1, 2014 at 8:49 AM

    Jerel Law's series for Tweens. First book titled Spirit Fighter. They loved them all and the truth that permeates

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  8. AnonymousJune 25, 2015 at 3:24 PM

    I'd also recommend "Holding the Future Hostage" by Tialla Rising. A great read for tween and teen girls!

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    1. Jamie EricksonJune 26, 2015 at 4:49 AM

      I've not heard of that one. I'll have to check it out. Thanks.

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  9. AnonymousAugust 31, 2015 at 7:23 PM

    The warrior books, peter nimble, harry potter, tales dark&grimm and northwood!!

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