There\u2019s no question that the isolation of the pandemic was hard on everyone. Reading books together helped my kids and I adjust to being confined to our house 24\/7. It helped stave off boredom, gave us something to talk about, and reduced the inevitable brain-drain kids get from not being in school. And though the world is slowly opening up again, this little moment of connection is something we still do. Sometimes, I\u2019ll read aloud to my tweens, but other times, we\u2019ll read the same book on our own and then discuss it afterward. It\u2019s like our own little book club.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re interested in starting an informal book club with your kids, or a virtual one with their friends, here are some fantastic books to check out.<\/p>\n
no no 9781984814982 girl stuff. <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/609388\/girl-stuff-by-lisi-harrison\/9781984814982?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Lisi Harrison <\/p>\n
Pre-teens that enjoy realistic fiction will love the girl stuff<\/a><\/i> series! Seventh grade poses the ultimate challenge to friends Fonda, Drew, and Ruthie \u2014 keeping their friendship intact. This series tackles middle school head-on with gifted classes, first crushes, popular kids, and friendship drama. <\/p>\n 9780525552413 The Anti-Book<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/564513\/the-anti-book-by-raphael-simon\/9780525552413?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Raphael Simon <\/p>\n Home Alone<\/i> meets The Phantom Tollbooth<\/i> in this coming-of-age novel for tweens. Consumed with anger at everyone and everything, Mickey wishes that the world would disappear. But when his wish comes true, he finds himself trapped in the bizarre world he created inside a blank book. It will take courage and the help of a new friend to find his way home again.<\/p>\n 9781984815347 Paper Heart <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/610485\/paper-heart-by-cat-patrick\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Cat Patrick <\/p>\n Unable to get past the grief and guilt caused by her best friend\u2019s death, Tess heads to Wyoming to spend the summer with her cousins. With the help of her cousin and a new friend, Tess starts to heal. This heartfelt companion novel to Tornado Brain<\/i> offers hope to readers dealing with grief.<\/p>\n 9780525518433 What Lane? <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/588591\/what-lane-by-torrey-maldonado\/9780525518433?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Torrey Maldonado <\/p>\n This middle grade novel is a fascinating look at the unique challenges faced by mixed-race children. It\u2019s an excellent book to read with your pre-teen or book club to jump-start conversations about racism, biases, and expectations. Readers will be captivated by Stephen\u2019s story as he tries to figure out how he fits into society.<\/p>\n 9780593121221 The Elephant\u2019s Girl <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/610546\/the-elephants-girl-by-celesta-rimington\/9780593121221?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Celesta Rimington <\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a magical story the whole family can enjoy, this is an excellent choice. It\u2019s about a girl named Lex who lives in a zoo and can speak to the wind. When one of the zoo\u2019s elephants sends her a telepathic message, it pushes her beyond the zoo\u2019s border on a quest to find out who she is and where she came from.<\/p>\n 9780593302279 The Star Outside My Window <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/646978\/the-star-outside-my-window-by-onjali-q-rauf\/9780593302279?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Onjali Q. Ra\u00faf <\/p>\n Get ready to feel all the feels when you read this book. After their mother disappears, Aniyah and her little brother live in foster care. But Aniyah believes her mum is still watching over her, and a mysterious star in the night sky seems to confirm her theory. A global competition to name the star will take Aniyah on an emotional and literal journey that has a lasting impact. This unforgettable story is a must-read!<\/p>\n 9780593175170 Take Back the Block<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/624761\/take-back-the-block-by-chrystal-d-giles\/9780593175170?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Chrystal D. Giles <\/p>\n Friendship, determination, and activism combine into a highly readable story about a boy who wants to save his neighborhood from a real-estate developer. With everyone arguing about what to do, Wes\u2019s community and friendships change in ways that nobody expects. This book shines a light on gentrification and the people who get displaced in the process.<\/p>\n 9780593302750 Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/618163\/ben-yokoyama-and-the-cookie-of-doom-by-matthew-swanson-illustrated-by-robbi-behr\/9780593302750?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Matthew Swanson, illustrated by Robbi Behr <\/p>\n Fans of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid<\/i> will adore this funny story about a boy tackling his enormous to-do list. When a fortune cookie makes Ben think he\u2019s living his last day on Earth, he rushes to complete everything on his bucket list. Humor, adventure, and plenty of shenanigans make this book a delight to read!<\/p>\n 9780803740815 The War That Saved My Life<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/314816\/the-war-that-saved-my-life-by-kimberly-brubaker-bradley\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley <\/p>\n Read about another unusual time in history when societies went to extreme measures to keep their vulnerable populations safe. During World War II, siblings Ada and Jamie are sent from London to the countryside and placed in the care of a woman named Susan. Each of the characters suffers from grief, loss, or abuse, but they find healing and hope together. This moving story will be a favorite that you’ll want to read again and again.<\/p>\n 9780399162596 Fish in a Tree<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/312871\/fish-in-a-tree-by-lynda-mullaly-hunt\/9780142426425\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Lynda Mullaly Hunt <\/p>\n Lynda Mullaly Hunt writes heartfelt stories about kids growing up and discovering who they really are. Fish in a Tree<\/i> is one of my favorites. Ally has dyslexia and can’t read, but she manages to hide it from everyone around her. When her new teacher sees through her act and offers to help, Ally must face her fears and learn to be kind to herself.<\/p>\n 9781782692591 The Letter for the King (Netflix Original Series Tie-In)<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/625261\/the-letter-for-the-king-netflix-original-series-tie-in-by-tonke-dragt\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Tonke Dragt <\/p>\n The best part of reading a book with a Netflix adaptation is that you can have a watch party afterward. With magic, friendship, and an honest-to-goodness quest, this adventure novel will sweep you away to another world. Join Tiuri as he risks everything to travel through rivers and cities to deliver a letter that has the power to save his kingdom from doom. Then, relive the adventure again with the Netflix adaptation.<\/p>\n 9780525471370 The Westing Game<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/296599\/the-westing-game-by-ellen-raskin\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Ellen Raskin <\/p>\n My tween daughters and I fell in love with this imaginative and captivating book. When Samuel W. Westing dies, he sends 16 people on a race to solve puzzles, crack clues, and win a fortune. Filled with suspense and humor, both you and your kids will get sucked into the mystery of the Westing Game.<\/p>\n 9781524773007 Bloom<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/564533\/bloom-by-kenneth-oppel\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kenneth Oppel <\/p>\n Read about a different sort of pandemic-one filled with alien plants that invade the Earth through raindrops. As the plants take over the world, devouring animals and people and releasing toxic pollen, three young teens discover they are immune to the plants. They have to figure out the reasons behind their immunity before the plants destroy everything. This suspenseful and oddly relatable science fiction novel will keep you and your kids on the edge of your seats.<\/p>\n 9780763694647 Beverly, Right Here<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/623633\/beverly-right-here-by-kate-dicamillo\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kate DiCamillo <\/p>\n You can’t go wrong with one of Kate DiCamillo’s books. This beloved author brought us classics like Because of Winn-Dixie<\/i><\/a> and The Tale of Despereaux<\/i><\/a>. Pick up her newest novel and go on a journey of self-discovery with Beverly as she meets new people, finds love (not the mushy kind), and runs away from home (again). Set in the same world as Raymie Nightingale<\/i><\/a>, you’ll meet new characters and see some familiar ones as well. <\/p>\n 9780440414803 Holes<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/159528\/holes-by-louis-sachar\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Louis Sachar <\/p>\n Every kid (and their parents) should read this modern classic and now is the perfect time to do it. Wrongfully convicted of a crime, Stanley is sent to Camp Green Lake, which isn’t a lake at all. It’s a work camp where the residents are forced to dig holes all day, every day. It doesn’t take long before Stanley starts to wonder about all the holes and goes looking for an answer.<\/p>\n 9781984893833 The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/605971\/the-lonely-heart-of-maybelle-lane-by-kate-oshaughnessy\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kate Oshaughnessy <\/p>\n If you like music, reality TV, and road trips, you should read this delightful novel with your kids. When Maybelle discovers that her dad is a radio DJ in Nashville, Tennessee, she decides to enter the singing competition he will be judging. But first, she has to get to Nashville. With the help of her uptight neighbor and a bully from her trailer park, Maybelle sets out on a journey to find her dad and forms an unlikely family along the way.<\/p>\n 9780425291856 Poison in the Colony: James Town 1622<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/561590\/poison-in-the-colony-by-elisa-carbone\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Elisa Carbone <\/p>\n