Book Club Picks for Kids

Last updated: October 8, 2021

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.

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Clayton Byrd Goes Underground Poster Image

BOOK

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground

age 8+

The blues and forgiveness fuel emotional family grief tale.

Rita Williams-Garcia Emotions (2017)

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Escape from Aleppo Poster Image

BOOK

Escape from Aleppo

age 8+

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

N.H. Senzai Historical Fiction (2018)

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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.

Janae Marks Family Life (2020)

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New Kid, Book 1 Poster Image

BOOK

New Kid, Book 1

age 8+

Funny, heartfelt middle school tale explores race, class.

Jerry Craft Graphic Novel (2019)

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Simon B. Rhymin' Poster Image

BOOK

Simon B. Rhymin', Book 1

age 8+

Fun story about boy whose creativity sparks his empathy.

Dwayne Reed Contemporary Fiction (2021)

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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.

Annie Barrows Humor (2020)

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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.

Celia C. Pérez Coming of Age (2017)

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The Season of Styx Malone Poster Image

BOOK

The Season of Styx Malone

age 8+

Heartwarming story of friendship and adventure.

Kekla Magoon Coming of Age (2018)

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When You Trap a Tiger Poster Image

BOOK

When You Trap a Tiger

age 8+

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

Tae Keller Family Life (2020)

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A Wrinkle in Time Poster Image

BOOK

A Wrinkle in Time

age 9+

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

Madeleine L'Engle Science Fiction (1962)

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Bridge to Terabithia Poster Image

BOOK

Bridge to Terabithia

age 9+

Honest, moving story of friendship and loss.

Katherine Paterson Friendship (1977)

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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.

Meg Medina Coming of Age (2018)

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The Only Road Poster Image

BOOK

The Only Road

age 9+

Harrowing, heartfelt tale of Central American teen refugees.

Alexandra Diaz Contemporary Fiction (2016)

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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.

Judith Kerr Historical Fiction (1971)

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Better Nate Than Ever Poster Image

BOOK

Better Nate Than Ever

age 10+

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

Tim Federle Coming of Age (2013)

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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.

Olivia V. G. Clarke Autobiography (2020)

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Brown Girl Dreaming Poster Image

BOOK

Brown Girl Dreaming

age 10+

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

Jacqueline Woodson Poetry (2014)

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Esperanza Rising Poster Image

BOOK

Esperanza Rising

age 10+

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

Pam Munoz Ryan Historical Fiction (2000)

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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.

Thanhha Lai Historical Fiction (2011)

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Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero Poster Image

BOOK

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero

age 10+

Boy adjusts to father's death in bittersweet tale.

Kelly J. Baptist Coming of Age (2020)

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