Tween and Teen books
The One-Minute Gratitude Journal by Brenda Nathan
This will provide a place for your teen to write and draw freely, or to share with the family, what they are grateful for. This is a time where negative thoughts flourish in the confused minds of teens and tweens. This will provide them with a positive outlet to learn to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
Perfectly Logical! Challenging Fun Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles for Smart Kids by Jenn Larson
For those reluctant readers who are treating this quarantine time as an extended Spring Break 2020, this is a way to get their minds working. Challenge them to figure out as many as they can. Make it a family competition of fun.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Hatchet is an all time favorite for girls and boys from 4th-7th grade. Gary Paulsen does a wonderful job of making you feel like you are really in Brian’s world surviving alone in the wilderness. Ask your child to put themselves in Brian’s shoes and see if they would have done anything different.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
A wonderful view inside the life of a young Jewish girl from Denmark during World War II. Bravery and kindness are highlighted in this historical fiction classic. Challenge your child to go research and write down 3 new things they learned about this war.
Dork Diaries
A great read for upper elementary and middle grade girls. The author has a great interactive website now that your child can hop on and learn more about.
Old Yeller by Fred Gibson
As a Newberry Honor Book the author takes you back in time to life on a Texas frontier. Any dog lover will love reading about the relationship of Old Yeller and his family. After reading this book, have a family movie night and enjoy the old classic together. Discuss the similarities and differences in the book and movie.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
This book is another great opportunity to read and then pair with a family movie night. Life in a utopian world may not be as perfect as it sounds. Have a family discussion over dinner on whether you would like to live in this world or not.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
As a teacher, I love this book because it shows how a struggling learner deals with peers in a very difficult middle school world. Ask your child which character they most identify with.
The Cay by Theodore Taylor
Especially loved by adventurous boys, this book shows how friendship and survival can go hand in hand.
Hidden Figures: Young Readers’ Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly
This is an empowering example of 4 African American women working for NASA as human computers to help launch us into space. Another great book to compare to the movie version.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
A heart wrenching story of World War II as two boys become friends through a concentration camp fence may bring a tear to your eyes. A movie was also made on this historical example of a forbidden friendship.
Love this!!!