Sure-Fire Picks for Your Mother-Daughter Book Club

Reading books together is a great way to connect with your kid, and a mother-daughter book club is one way to make it happen (although we think dads, sons, and other family members can get in on the fun too). We've selected books for kids age 8 to 14 that have enthralled readers in book clubs and classrooms and when reading for pleasure at home -- all bound to spark interesting, thoughtful discussions. Choices range from family stories, memoirs, offbeat romance, science fiction, and fantasy to classics and historical fiction (parents, that's where you can help with context and language). Find a title that suits your kid's age, reading level, and interest, and then dive in together! And for more picks to spark great conversations, check out these other Book Club Picks for Kids.

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BOOK

Escape from Aleppo

age 8+

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

By: N.H. Senzai (2018)
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BOOK

The First Rule of Punk

age 8+

Creative Latina finds her voice and pride in spirited tale.

By: Celia C. Pérez (2017)
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BOOK

The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook

age 8+

Realistic story of girl coping with sick cat, dad's death.

By: Joanne Rocklin (2012)
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From the Desk of Zoe Washington

age 8+

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

By: Janae Marks (2020)
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BOOK

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Harry Potter, Book 1

age 8+

Magical start of the fantastic boy-wizard series.

By: J. K. Rowling (1998)
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BOOK

May B.

age 8+

Riveting and moving account of girl's struggle for survival.

By: Caroline Starr Rose (2012)
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BOOK

The Parker Inheritance

age 8+

Kids investigate past racist incident in thrilling mystery.

By: Varian Johnson (2018)
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Stef Soto, Taco Queen

age 8+

Warm, funny tale of family, tacos, and middle school.

By: Jennifer Torres (2017)
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BOOK

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread

age 8+

Brave mouse adventure a modern classic; great read-aloud.

By: Kate DiCamillo (2004)
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BOOK

Wishtree

age 8+

Moving, gentle friendship story tackles anti-Muslim bigotry.

By: Katherine Applegate (2017)
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BOOK

Anne of Green Gables

age 9+

Beloved classic features lovable, imaginative heroine.

By: L.M. Montgomery (1908)
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Bridge to Terabithia

age 9+

Honest, moving story of friendship and loss.

By: Katherine Paterson (1977)
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Front Desk, Book 1

age 9+

Immigrant kid tackles racism, bullying in powerful tale.

By: Kelly Yang (2018)
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BOOK

Merci Suárez Changes Gears: Merci Suárez, Book 1

age 9+

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

By: Meg Medina (2018)
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BOOK

The Mighty Miss Malone

age 9+

Unforgettable 12-year-old girl battles the Great Depression.

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BOOK

The Secret Garden

age 9+

Classic novel inspires love of nature.

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Stella by Starlight

age 9+

Compelling, nuanced tale of loving family under segregation.

By: Sharon M. Draper (2015)
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The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

age 10+

Newbery Honor book about a smart Southern tomboy in 1899.

By: Jacqueline Kelly (2009)
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BOOK

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World

age 10+

Inspiring memoir of teen Nobel laureate shot by Taliban.

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BOOK

Inside Out and Back Again

age 10+

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

By: Thanhha Lai (2011)