Top 10 Best Books for Preteens

Finding the right book for a preteen can feel like navigating a maze of endless options. At this age, kids are discovering who they are, developing their sense of independence, and starting to explore more complex ideas. Books are the perfect companions on this journey - they entertain, inspire, and even challenge readers to see the world in new ways.

This list brings together some of the most beloved and talked-about books for preteens, voted on by readers just like you. These stories span genres and styles, offering everything from thrilling adventures and magical worlds to heartfelt tales of friendship and personal growth.
The Top Ten
The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)

Truthfully, I read this story before the movie came out and loved it. I read almost every story on this list (and loved the Haddix books, by the way). But no book can compare to The Hunger Games series. It had such great suspense and such a sad ending. It showed that not every book is going to end happily, where everyone lives at the end.

The Hunger Games is a fantastic book for reading for fun and as a class book! It's a great class book with all of the symbolism and other elements, and it's also a great book to read for fun! The Hunger Games is a must-read, action-packed book that many readers enjoy!

The Lost Hero (Rick Riordan)

This was my favorite book in the whole series. I would highly recommend it.

I just love this book! The suspense and adventures are amazing. You should really read this!

Love it! Best adventure book ever.

Twilight (Stephenie Meyer)

Really good for teens that like romance.

Among the Hidden (Margaret Peterson Haddix)

I read the whole series, and I think this book perfectly demonstrates how harsh the world can be. It helps you understand that you have to be yourself and stand up for what you believe in.

This book gives me chills, it's that good! I wonder if we could live inside, outside, or maybe both...

I've read the whole series! I was introduced to it in the fifth grade by my teacher, who really loved it.

The Last Olympian (Rick Riordan)

I just love how everything is described in this book and all the adventures they went on together.

Double Identity (Margaret Peterson Haddix)

Thirteen-year-old Bethany has always had parents who were overprotective. But when they suddenly drop out of sight with no explanation, leaving her with an aunt she never knew, things change dramatically. A must-read! So good.

It is so awesome! I read it when I was 10 years old and could not put it down! I read it in a day, and I still think about it three years later!

The Lightning Thief (Rick Riordan)

I would highly recommend reading this at a younger age. I love all the adventures everyone goes on in this book.

Hatchet (Gary Paulsen)
New Moon (Stephenie Meyer)

Some people say that New Moon is boring, but I think it's really good.

The House on the Gulf (Margaret Peterson Haddix)

Really good for mystery lovers.

The Newcomers

? Mockingjay (Suzanne Collins)

This is my favorite book. I have not found a better book yet. I would highly recommend this book for readers.

? Catching Fire (Suzanne Collins)

When I read this book, my parents had a really hard time getting me away from it.

I would highly recommend this book.

The Contenders
Stormbreaker (Anthony Horowitz)

I think it is the best Alex Rider adventure - nothing but cliffhangers and climaxes. It is a book that kept me going to the library every week.

The Son of Neptune (Rick Riordan)
Evermore (Alyson Noël)
The Maze Runner (James Dashner)
Found (Margaret Peterson Haddix)
Life as We Knew It (Susan Beth Pfeffer)
The Tale of Despereaux (Kate DiCamillo)
The Fault in Our Stars (John Green)
Sent (Margaret Peterson Haddix)

I have read this book, and it is a really good book. That is why I have just finished the series.

The Recruit (Robert Muchamore)
Up a Road Slowly (Irene Hunt)
Lyddie (Katherine Paterson)
City of Bones (Cassandra Clare)
The Giver (Lois Lowry)
The Humming Room (Ellen Potter)
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