Best Books for 11-Year-Olds
Are you struggling to find books that appeal to your tween or a tween in your life? You’ve come to the right place! These are the best books for 11-year-olds across all genres.
Having raised 2 kids through this particular age, I am well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. I’ve got ideas for Percy Jackson fantasy fans and non-fiction picks for history-loving readers, those looking for realistic fiction, or those who want a graphic novel.
Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for 11-year-olds have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.
The Best Books for 11-year-olds
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fantasy Book for 11-year-olds
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger – Jump to Section
The Best Mystery Book for 11-year-olds
Greenglass House by Kate Milford – Jump to Section
The Best Realistic Fiction Book for 11-year-olds
Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt – Jump to Section
The Best Historical Fiction Book for 11-year-olds
Not Nothing by Gayle Forman – Jump to Section
The Best Audiobook for 11-year-olds
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell – Jump to Section
The Best Book for 11-year-olds Set in School
Wonder by R.J. Palacio – Jump to Section
The Best Animal Book for 11-year-olds
The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly – Jump to Section
The Best Classic Book for 11-year-olds
Holes by Louis Sachar – Jump to Section
The Best Sports Book for 11-year-olds
Nutcracked by Susan Adrian – Jump to Section
The Best Coming-of-Age Book for 11-year-olds
Camp Famous by Jennifer Blecher – Jump to Section
The Best Graphic Book for 11-year-olds
Booked by Kwame Alexander – Jump to Section
The Best Nonfiction Book for 11-year-olds
Free Lunch by Rex Ogle – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Best Fantasy Books for an 11-Year-Old
Keeper of the Lost Cities
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, KOTLC #1
Plot
Move over Harry Potter, there is a new middle grade fantasy series poised to take your throne! Meet Sophie Foster, a newly found elf living in the human world. In book one of this ever-growing series, she’s taken back to the Lost Cities and sent to Foxfire Academy to learn to harness her powers as a Telepath. In the process, she is welcomed into a new adopted family (The Ruewens), makes loads of friends (Fitz, Keefe, Biana, and Dex to name a few), and uncovers a secret organization trying to destroy the human world.
Why Kirsten loves it
Both of my boys adore Sophie, Keefe, Fitz, and the gang of Foxfire Academy. As the series progressed, I got invested in the Black Swan’s fight against the Neverseen. Each book is better than the last one!
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this with my 3 kids on our summer road trip to Toronto. By the end of the car ride, even my husband was hooked on this series!
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books for 11-year-olds / Books Like Harry Potter / Kids Audiobooks / Books with Magical Creatures
The Secret Library
Author: Kekla Magoon
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Dally lives in a big house, she has servants and a rich mom. She has everything she could ever want, except her freedom, and her grandpa. Annoyed by her mother’s lack of attention, she steals a letter left by her grandpa.
Following the map it had included, she finds herself in a secret library. Not a library that is secret, but rather, a library of secrets. And her family’s secrets make up a lot of them.
Why Jackie loves it
It was very exciting and fun to read. I was hooked on Dally’s story and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see what Magoon writes next.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for 11-year-olds
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Year: 2011
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
More info: Miss Peregruine’s Peculiar Children book 1 of 6
Age Range: 9+
Plot
When Jacob experiences a family tragedy, he finds himself on a remote island off the coast of Whales. He Discovers a crumbling ruin that was once Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
As Jacob explores the ruins, he finds clues that lead him to believe these children might be alive even though it seems impossible.
Why Jackie loves it
This series is full of magic and mystery. The amazing combination of fiction with antique photographs leads to a truly unique story that brings the characters to life.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy / Halloween Chapter Books / Time Loop Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Time Travel Books
Mystery Books for 11-Year-Olds
Greenglass House
Author: Kate Milford
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Greenglass House #1
Plot
The Greenglass House is an inn for smugglers and the winter season means it’s supposed to be quiet for Milo, the owner’s child. But instead, guest after guest checks in for the holidays, and items go missing around the inn. Soon, Milo and the chef’s daughter, Meddy, are off searching for the guests’ connection to the inn, uncovering secret after secret along the way.
Why Kirsten loves it
This mystery reminded me of Harry Potter in some ways. A child is trying to uncover the secrets of Greenglass House, a hotel for smugglers and spies before the adults do. I chose this as a family read-aloud and it was wonderful.
Find this book in: Best Ghost Books / Best Winter Books / Terrific Hotel Novels / Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Family Audiobooks / Books With Colors in the Title / Christmas Chapter Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds
The Van Gogh Deception
Author: Deron R. Hicks
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 13
More info: Lost Mysteries #1
Plot
Described as Dan Brown meets Jason Bourne, this story lives up to those clever titles. After all, it opens in the National Gallery when a boy wakes up with amnesia.
What unravels is a high-stakes mystery with a boy trying to figure out his identity while simultaneously trying to stop one of the biggest art heists to ever be attempted.
Why Kirsten loves it
The first in a series of middle grade novels, it captured the attention of my D.C.-obsessed son. It’s a fast-paced art caper that will keep your tween fully engrossed. It’s the first in a must-read series of books for 11-year-olds.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Books for Tweens / Middle Grade Mystery Books
The Name of this Book is Secret
Author: Pseudonym Bosh
Year: 2008
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Secret #1
Plot
This kids’ mystery book series is a captivating and mysterious journey that follows two young friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, as they stumble upon a hidden and enigmatic adventure. As they uncover cryptic messages and unravel secrets, readers are drawn into a suspenseful world of puzzles, codes, and intrigue.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a thrilling journey that keeps you guessing until the very end. It’s the first in a 6 book series that will keep your young reader eagerly turning pages.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens
Realistic Fiction Books for an 11-Year-Old
Pay Attention, Carter Jones
Author: Gary D. Schmidt
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 8 – 12
Plot
My son adored Pay Attention, Carter Jones. He loved the premise of the butler coming over to teach Carter to play cricket. He liked how Carter learned about how to be a gentleman from the butler who is strict, but exactly what the family needs during their troubling time.
Why Kirsten loves it
My son has recommended this story to a few of his friends already and my mom even read it and enjoyed it! It’s a heartfelt, thought-provoking read in all the best ways. It’s a perfect coming-of-age story.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Books for 11-year-olds
Refugee
Author: Alan Gratz
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age: 10+
More info: New York Times Bestsellers
Plot
Three tales in one, this realistic fiction story is told in alternating chapters by three narrators. The stories feature Josef, a Jewish refugee fleeing WWII Germany, Isabel a Cuban girl on her way to Miami in 1994, and Mahmoud a Syrian refugee seeking asylum in Germany in 2015. The chapters rotate between the three characters and their stories do connect at the end in a meaningful and moving way.
Trigger Warnings
War, Child Death
Why Kirsten loves it
The characters are all about 13 years old but shoulder burdens that would be hard for an adult to handle. Gratz accurately portrays each child’s struggle with both grace and clarity – not shying away from difficult emotions and even death.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Realistic Fiction Books for Kids / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Audiobooks of All Time / Best Books of 2017 / Books That Will Emotionally Wreck You / WWII Books for Kids
Plot
This middle-grade story is about a boy named Matthew who has severe OCD and has trouble leaving his house due to his anxiety. He has not gone to school and his hands bleed from washing them repeatedly. He spends his time at the window observing the neighborhood.
Matthew is the last person to have seen the toddler next door before the four-year-old disappeared. Now Matthew is thrust into the middle of the investigation to find the little boy before its too late. Can he leave his comfort zone to help?
Trigger Warnings
Severe anxiety
Why Jackie loves it
I love the fact that this book looks at the world from Matthew’s point of view. It is a very readable, eye-opening middle-grade mystery book for 13-year-olds
Find this book in: Best Books for a 11-Year-Old / The Best Mystery Books for Tweens / The Best Books of 2017 / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
Historical Fiction Books for 11-Year-Olds
Plot
Alex is a twelve-year-old boy who did something very, very bad. When the judge sentences him to community service at a retirement home, he expects the worst. With Maya-Jade – the only other person his age who works there – hovering over his shoulder at all times, he fears that his secret will be revealed.
Alex eventually meets Josey who is a 107-year-old man who lived through the holocaust and hasn’t talked in many years. Josey entrusts his story to Alex, one of sadness, love, and death soon they form a close bond. But, secrets can’t be kept forever, and to do good, Alex has to confront what he has done.
Trigger Warnings
War, Antisemitism, Genocide
Why Jackie loves it
I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best books I have ever read. It’s amazingly well-written, and one of the few books I have read to have made me cry.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Books about the Holocaust / Giftable Books / Best New Children’s Books of 2024
The Parker Inheritance
Author: Varian Johnson
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Coretta Scott King Author Honor Winner
Plot
Two new friends, both overcoming personal struggles, end up on a hunt to find a hidden fortune in the town of Lambert, South Carolina. Along the way, they encounter the racist past of the city and learn how the deep-rooted racism impacted Lambert long-term.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
The Parker Inheritance was such a fun listen! It reminded me of The Westing Game, which it references frequently and was clearly a source of inspiration in the best way. I loved the modern twist and more thought-provoking spin on the classic puzzle mystery book. It’s a must-listen and one of my favorite audiobooks for tweens!
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens
Echo
Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 12
More info: Newbery Honor Book, New York Times Bestseller, Children’s Literature Legacy Award Winner
Plot
The story is three tales woven together in one with a magical harmonica at the center. The story follows a harmonica as it lands in the hands of Freidrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California.
Part fairy tale and part historical fiction, this is one story that is amazing for middle grade and adults alike. Each child has their own adventure but the end brings the three stories together in a beautiful way.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Antisemitism
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s not often that I find myself contemplating a middle grade story long after I have finished it, but I have thought of this one many times in the years since I read it. My children loved it just as much as I did when we listened to it during a road trip.
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this feel-good book and it blew me away. The full-cast audiobook plays music so it is a full sensory experience. In our opinion, this story is best in audiobook format.
Find this book in: World War II Books for Kids / Magical Realism Books / Books for 11-Year-Olds / Audiobooks for Kids / Novels About Music
Best Audiobooks for an 11-Year-Old
Impossible Creatures
Author: Katherine Rundell
Illustrator: Ashley Mackenzie
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10+
More info: Impossible Creatures #1, International Bestseller, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Bestselling author, Katherine Rundell launched a new fantasy series for the magical creature obsessed! After rescuing a baby griffin, Christopher learns about magical islands where magical creatures have lived in secret for thousands of years. Soon, he’s on a mission to help Mal figure out why the magic is fading from the islands.
Along the way, he meets numerous mythical creatures, discovers the magic of the archipelago, and forms a deep attachment to Mal and two adults who help them on their journey to restore the glimourie.
Trigger Warnings
Animal death, Child death
Why Kirsten loves it
Rundell wove a story that earned its place with the greats like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Christopher and Mal’s friendship moved me to tears and the lessons they learned about life, death, and what it all means felt as filled with wisdom as anything Dumbledore ever said.
I listened to this one and can attest that the narrator is marvelous. My boys looked forward to our car rides listening to this epic adventure and we can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy!
Find this book in: Books with Magical Creatures / Dragon Books for Tweens / Giftable Books / Best Children’s Books of 2024 / Best Books for 11-year-olds
City Spies
Author: James Ponti
Year: 2020
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 10 – 12
More info: City Spies #1
Plot
MI6 has recruited a bunch of kids to be their newest spy group – the City Spies. They attend boarding school while learning various spy tactics. Soon they get to go on a mission to Paris to put what they learned into action. Subsequent books take place in San Francisco and Beijing.
Why Kirsten loves it
At this point, this series is on our pre-order series list. It’s action-packed and filled with the kind of adventure my boys crave in their books.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Mystery Books for Tweens
Hello, Universe
Author: Erin Entrada Kelly
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 11
More info: Newbery Medal Winner
Plot
In this Newberry Medal Winner, four children tell the story of one out-of-the-ordinary day. When Chet pulls a prank that leaves Virgil in a well, Kaori, Gen, and Valencia go on an epic search to find their missing classmate. They don’t start the day as friends, but they grow close throughout the story.
Why Kirsten loves it
This realistic fiction book for a 13-year-old was a Newberry Award winner for a reason. It gave the mom in me a bit of an anxiety attack when one of the characters fell down the well, but all’s well that ends well.
This tween book is a read that I’d recommend for all ages. In particular, I liked how it addressed bullying, being different, and overcoming shyness.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Middle Grade Books
Books for 11-Year-Olds Set at School
A Wizard of Earthsea
Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Year: 2012
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Earthsea Cycle Book 1 of 6
Age Range:10+
Plot
This book is about a young mage named Ged who displays magic at a young age. He eventually goes to a school for wizardry. Although his path does not resemble Harry Potter’s, both boys must come to terms with their power and death in their journeys.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved reading about Ged and his path to wizardry. This is a fun series for anyone looking for another series to read that is like Harry Potter.
Find this book in: Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Books for 11-year-olds
Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Wonder #1, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
August Pullman is a boy with an extraordinary facial difference. He has been homeschooled his entire life and is starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep. This book for 11-year-olds is amazing and has a lesson about love and acceptance that everyone needs to read.
Trigger Warnings
Bullying
Why Jackie loves it
This is a must-read story for middle schoolers. It is an amazing book about embracing differences, kindness, and being yourself. However, it would also be a wonderful read-aloud book for a younger audience.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Books that Will Make You Cry / Chapter Books to Read Aloud / Family Audiobooks / School Books
The School for Whatnots
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Year: 2022
Genre: Middle Grade Sci-fi
Age: 8 – 12
Plot
This stand-alone story is about Max and his best friend, Josie, who disappears suddenly leaving only a note. Soon both friends are trying to get back to one another but Josie isn’t supposed to be real and there are forces working to keep the friends apart.
Why Kirsten loves it
After devouring Haddix’s Greystone series, my son was delighted when she showed up and spoke at his school about this story! He brought it home and finished it in 2 days!
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Back to School Books
Animal Books for 11-Year-Olds
Plot
Nina is the odd duckling in her family, preferring birds to humans. Eager for a break from home, she decided to spend the summer with her quirky aunt who happens to run a summer camp in Texas.
While there, Nina stumbles upon a mating pair of egrets so rare, they haven’t been seen in Texas for almost 100 years. As she works to protect the birds, she begins to form friendships with the other campers helping her keep the secret of the birds.
Why Kirsten loves it
As a summer camp girly, I was eager to pick up this book. It was wonderful to see Nina gain self-confidence at camp while staying true to herself. I also loved checking in on my favorite protagonist from Lynne Kelly’s other book, Song for a Whale.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Books about Camp
Hoot
Author: Carl Hiaasen
Year: 2002
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Newbery Honor Winner
Plot
Mother Paula’s Pancakes is the most popular pancake restaurant around and they want to open their new restaurant on the site where endangered owls live. Can the new kid in school find a way to save the owls?
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a Newberry Honor Winner and is perfect for animal lovers of every age.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds
Warriors: Into the Wild
Author: Erin Hunter
Year: 2003
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Warriors: The Original #1
Plot
Rusty, a house cat, wanders into the forest where he fights with a cat named Grey Paw. Two cats, part of a Clan of wild cats, were watching the encounter and asked Rusty to join the clan. There is a prophecy that a cat with fire-colored fur would save the Thunder clan from evil. This is the book that has launched the 7 series of Warriors!
Why Jackie loves it
This is a very creative series with many different plots simultaneously. There is never a time to be bored in this series. There are many different Warriors series and somehow each one has a unique plot and villains.
Find this book in: Books with Magical Creatures / Best Books for 11-year-olds
Classic Books for an 11-Year-Old
Holes
Author: Louis Sachar
Year: 1998
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: National Book Award Winner, Newbery Medal Winner, Holes #1
Plot
When a boy under a curse is sent to a detention camp he’s taught to behave by digging holes all day, every day. It doesn’t take long for him to realize he’s digging for a reason – but what are the camp wardens looking to find?
Why Jackie loves it
Holes should be on every child’s list. It’s clever and will captivate the attention of any child. Read it and then watch the movie starring Shia LeBeouf.
Find this book in: Books About Camp / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens / Bedtime Stories for Kids / Ultimate List of Middle Grade Books
The Westing Game
Author: Ellen Raskin
Year: 1979
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 11
More info: Newbery Medal Winner
Plot
When Mr. Westing dies, he leaves the residents of Sunset Towers named in his will. But they need to solve the mystery of his death in order to win control of his company and gain his vast fortune. Your family will love trying to work out what happened along with the characters!
Why Kirsten loves it
The tween book that got me into mysteries as a child is also great as an audiobook. This classic 70s book is still a must-read today! It has withstood the test of time.
Find this book in: Best Middle Grade Mystery Books / Books for 11-year-olds / Books About Puzzles
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
Author: C. S. Lewis
Year: 1950
Genre: Classic Children’s Fantasy
Age: 6 – 10
More info: Chronicles of Narnia #2
Plot
When four children discover a secret passage from a wardrobe into the Land of Narnia, they find a land enslaved by the White Witch. They find friends, enemies, and magic in this book that has withstood the test of time. Just when things are dire, the Great Lion, Aslan, makes his return setting off a series of events that spans several books.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Jackie loves it
The iconic book is actually the second book in the Chronicles of Narnia Series. However, since the first book is technically a prequel, I consider this the first and it can be read independently of the rest of the books in the series.
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Classic Kids Books / Children’s Books About Winter / Christmas Chapter Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds
Sports Books for an 11-Year-Old
Plot
When Georgie is chosen to play Clara in The Nutcracker, she is so delighted – it’s everything she’s been working towards, even if her best friend didn’t get the part. When rehearsals start, she dances with the Nutcracker for the first time and something mysterious happens – she’s brought into another world – literally!
As she tries to help the trapped nutcracker in the other world, she’s dealing with the fallout from her bestie not getting the role. As she’s navigating her old friendship, she starts to make a new friend who just might be able to help her save the Nutcracker.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m always looking for holiday-specific books geared toward tweens. This one delivers a unique spin on a story that most children grow up knowing. I like how it also focused on the ups and downs of friendship.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books for Kids / Christmas Chapter Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds
The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2008
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
More info: Hunger Games #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 10+
Plot
This is the first book in the Hunger Games series and it is epic! In the aftermath of what was once North America, there are 12 Districts surrounding the capital.
Each year, each district sends one boy and one girl to fight to the death in a competition called “The Hunger Games”. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her younger sister, Prim, from certain death in the games where it is kill-or-be-killed.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Violence
Why Jackie loves it
This sci-fi book has everything but at its heart, it is a book about family, love, and survival. This book has a heart while also being a total pageturner!
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m not usually a sci-fi girly, but Jackie convinced me to read this one and I finished the entire series in a week and immediately binged the movies!
Find this book in: Books Like The Hunger Games / Young Adult Fantasy Series / Books About Sisters / Sci-Fi Books / Books Like Fourth Wing / YA Dystopian Novels / Fun Books for Teens / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 11-year-olds
Plot
Will’s town is down on its luck after a recent factory closure left many residents without jobs. The town can’t even afford to fund the town football team and with so many townsfolk leaving, they might not have enough players either. But Will is determined to give the town something to rally around – so he sets off to save the football season.
Why Jackie loves it
Sports enthusiasts will love Lupica’s detailed play descriptions. It’s one of the reasons my son loves anything by Lupica!
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Football Books
Coming-of-Age Books for 11-Year-Olds
Plot
Abby is so excited to go to summer camp. She is going to camp for famous kids except that she is not famous. So, she pretends to be famous so she can fit in with the other kids at the camp. She just wants to make friends and find a best friend. I don’t want to give spoilers but she has hard decisions she has to make.
Why Jackie’s Daughter loves it
This was a really fun book to read and is perfect to read in the summer. I already read it twice.
Find this book in: Books About Camp / Books for 11-year-olds / Middle Grade Fiction
Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry
Year: 2004
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age: 9+
More info: Newbery Medal Winner
Plot
This Newbery Medal Winning book takes place during WWII in Denmark. It emphasizes the small miracles that took place in order to save Denmark’s Jewish population by focusing on the story of Ellen and Annemarie. When the Nazis came to town, Jewish Ellen moved in with Annemarie, pretending to be a member of her family.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Genocide
Why Jackie loves it
This is a very powerful middle-grade historical fiction that I think every child should read. This book captured so much emotion, the beauty of friendship, and the power of kindness all while avoiding bringing in gruesome facts about the war.
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / Books for 11-year-olds
Plot
The story revolves around Jaime who, after doing something bad at school, is doing community service hours at the library for the summer. Jaime is reluctant to volunteer at first but quickly grows to love the staff and regulars at the library.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this as a read-aloud with both of my children (boys 6-8) even though it’s technically a Middle Grade book. We adored this charming tale so much that we stayed up to late reading it together.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens
Graphic Novels for an 11-Year-Old
Booked
Author: Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile
Year: 2022
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Age: 10 – 12
More info: Crossover #2, Graphic Novel Adaptation of New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Kwame Alexander’s signature novel-in-verse has been adapted into a graphic novel. It tells the story of Nick, a soccer player struggling with life at home, a bully, and his first crush. As he tries to juggle everything at once, he leans on his best friend and also a librarian who keeps giving him books to inspire him.
Why Kirsten loves it
My sports loving 10 year-old DEVOURS anything by Kwame Alexander but he particularly loves this graphic novel series for his engaging illustrations that bring Alexander’s words to life.
Find this book in: Best Graphic Novels / Best Books for 11-year-olds
Last Kids on Earth
Author: Max Brallier
Illustrator: Douglas Holgate
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Last Kids on Earth #1, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
After a monster apocalypse hit his town, Jack has been living in his treehouse with everything a 13-year-old needs: Oreos, Mountain Dew, and many video games. He realizes that he cannot fight the monsters on his own so he builds a team of middle schoolers to launch a fight back.
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first book in the fantasy books for tweens series with over 7 million copies in print. My son, a reluctant reader, devoured this series in one summer!
Find this book in: Best Graphic Novels / Best Books for 11-year-olds
The Stonekeeper: A Graphic Novel
Author: Kazu Kiuishi
Illustrator: Kazu Kiuishi
Year: 2008
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Amulet #1
Plot
After Emily and Navin’s father dies, they move into the home of their great-grandfather with their mother. strange things start happening and a strange creature lures their mother into another world. With the help of a mechanical rabbit, they must venture to the underground world to save her.
Why Jackie loves it
To me, the images in this graphic novel, along with the story, make this one of the scarier picks on the list. Make sure your child is ok with that before giving it to them! If they can handle a little scare factor, they will love this fun story!
Find this book in: Graphic Novels / Best Books for 11-year-olds
Non-fiction Books for 11-Year-Olds
Guts & Glory: The American Civil War
Author: Ben Thompson
Illustrator: C. M. Butzer
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Nonfiction
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Guts & Glory #1
Plot
Popular blogger, Ben Thompson, makes history fun and engaging for kids in this nonfiction story. He highlights various battles and people in the book with a storytelling style that captures the imagination of even the most reluctant of readers.
Why Kirsten loves it
Both of my history-loving boys devoured this nonfiction book about the American Civil War and then promptly asked if there were more books in the series.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds
Taylor Swift Styled
Author: Sarah Chapelle
Year: 2024
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: Instant New York Times & USA Today Bestseller
Age Range: 11+
Plot
In this incredible fashion tome, @taylorswiftstyled takes readers through Taylor Swift’s many fashion reinventions, album by album, one era at a time.
Within the pages you’ll see how Taylor commits to a theme, seamlessly reinventing her style with every new album. Chapelle connects the fashion dots and explains the narrative Taylor was conveying in her outfit choices by pointing out patterns and common elements around each era’s satirical choices.
Why Kirsten loves it
Like her famed IG account, she gives her own commentary and takes on the outfits as well and the way she does it is magnificent. To quote the book “In the world of fashion, where the urge to be cutting, to even be catty, felt like the norm, I wanted to carve out a space that was critically kind in thought and in manner.”
While Chapelle applied this sentiment to Taylor’s fashion, take out “of fashion” and you have an ethos we strive for in this community… one we wish to see more of in the world today. If you loved Elizabeth Holmes’s HRH Royal Fashion, you will adore this one. It’s an ideal gift for the Swiftie in your life!
Find this book in: Books About Fashion / Giftable Books / Best New Nonfiction Books of 2024 / Best Books for 11-year-olds
Free Lunch
Author: Rex Ogle
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Nonfiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award
Plot
Rex attends school in a wealthy area, but he is poor. Instead of getting lunch money, he is signed up for the free meal program – which he is embarrassed about when he has to shout it to the lunch lady who is hard of hearing.
Rex’s memoir covers his sixth grade year as he acclimates to his school and faces stigmas because of his second hand clothes and life in subsidized housing.
Trigger Warnings
Child Abuse, Domestic Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This moving story captured my daughter’s attention and never let it go. She devoured the story of Rex overcoming adversity and it left her with a hopeful message.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Books about Poverty
Helpful Tips
- Don’t force your tween to read a genre or book they don’t like – it won’t turn them into life-long readers.
- Despite the on-going debate on this subject, consuming graphic novels and audiobooks does count as reading!
- Each of the books on this list appear on other book lists across the website. Find a book you (or your child) enjoys and explore other book lists that book is on!
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre should an 11-year-old read?
11-year-olds are just like any other readers, they should be the genre they find most fascinating. I’d advise that 11-year-old readers lean into books about things that inspire them in their everyday lives. Realistic fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction are particularly popular for this age group.
What are the best books for 11-year-olds?
A hard question to answer, but some of my favorites from each genre include The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, and Refugee by Alan Gratz.
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Epilogue
Finding age-appropriate books for 11-year-olds really comes down to embarrassing their interests as readers! Did you find any books for an 11-year-old to add to your home library?
Book Lists by Age
If you are looking for more amazing book lists, we have the best lists sorted by age.
Two of my favorite MGs are SWEEP:a story of a girl and her monster by Jonathan Auxier and The White Giraffe by Lauren St. John
Check them out!