Book Club Picks for Kids

Looking for a book to jump-start discussion with your tweens and teens? Or something you could use for a kid-friendly book club choice? Then look no further: This list is full of great titles to talk about. From inspiring true stories to award-winning classics, these must-read books are loved by kids as well as adults. Keep in mind that some have difficult themes or touch on sensitive issues, so you might want to check out our review for discussion questions before reading. For more recommendations, see our lists of Coming-of-Age Books and Books to Help Kids Understand the Immigrant Experience.

The Best of Iggy: Iggy, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

The Best of Iggy: Iggy, Book 1

age 8+

Funny look at boy whose impulsive ideas get the best of him.

By: Annie Barrows (2020)
Clayton Byrd Goes Underground Poster Image
BOOK

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground

age 8+

The blues and forgiveness fuel emotional family grief tale.

Escape from Aleppo Poster Image
BOOK

Escape from Aleppo

age 8+

Gripping, moving tale of Syrian teen fleeing war-torn city.

By: N.H. Senzai (2018)
The First Rule of Punk Poster Image
BOOK

The First Rule of Punk

age 8+

Creative Latina finds her voice and pride in spirited tale.

By: Celia C. Pérez (2017)
From the Desk of Zoe Washington Poster Image
BOOK

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

age 8+

Girl works to clear her father of a crime in smart tale.

By: Janae Marks (2020)
New Kid, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

New Kid, Book 1

age 8+

Funny, heartfelt middle school tale explores race, class.

By: Jerry Craft (2019)
The Season of Styx Malone Poster Image
BOOK

The Season of Styx Malone

age 8+

Heartwarming story of friendship and adventure.

By: Kekla Magoon (2018)
Simon B. Rhymin' Poster Image
BOOK

Simon B. Rhymin', Book 1

age 8+

Fun story about boy whose creativity sparks his empathy.

By: Dwayne Reed (2021)
When You Trap a Tiger Poster Image
BOOK

When You Trap a Tiger

age 8+

Superb family tale of loss has mystery, folklore, sadness.

By: Tae Keller (2020)
Bridge to Terabithia Poster Image
BOOK

Bridge to Terabithia

age 9+

Honest, moving story of friendship and loss.

By: Katherine Paterson (1977)
Merci Suárez Changes Gears: Merci Suárez, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Merci Suárez Changes Gears: Merci Suárez, Book 1

age 9+

Upbeat coming-of-age story explores culture, class, aging.

By: Meg Medina (2018)
The Only Road Poster Image
BOOK

The Only Road

age 9+

Harrowing, heartfelt tale of Central American teen refugees.

By: Alexandra Diaz (2016)
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit Poster Image
BOOK

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

age 9+

Young WWII refugee's story told with warmth and wonder.

By: Judith Kerr (1971)
A Wrinkle in Time Poster Image
BOOK

A Wrinkle in Time

age 9+

Classic sci-fi story still inspires and gets kids thinking.

By: Madeleine L'Engle (1962)
Better Nate Than Ever Poster Image
BOOK

Better Nate Than Ever

age 10+

Terrific tale of misfit taking bold step to remake his life.

By: Tim Federle (2013)
Black Girl, White School: Thriving, Surviving, and "No, You Can't Touch My Hair" Poster Image
BOOK

Black Girl, White School: Thriving, Surviving, and "No, You Can't Touch My Hair"

age 10+

Remarkable anthology brims with solidarity for Black girls.

By: Olivia V. G. Clarke (2020)
Brown Girl Dreaming Poster Image
BOOK

Brown Girl Dreaming

age 10+

Captivating poems depict coming-of-age in tumultuous 1960s.

By: Jacqueline Woodson (2014)
Esperanza Rising Poster Image
BOOK

Esperanza Rising

age 10+

Historical fiction at its best in story of '30s farmworkers.

By: Pam Munoz Ryan (2000)
Inside Out and Back Again Poster Image
BOOK

Inside Out and Back Again

age 10+

Inspiring verse story of immigrant's new life in the U.S.

By: Thanhha Lai (2011)
Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero Poster Image
BOOK

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero

age 10+

Boy adjusts to father's death in bittersweet tale.

By: Kelly J. Baptist (2020)