I know, I know “best books for tween girls” — really? Of course, these books can be read by tween (and adults) of any gender, but I wanted to make another list of stories about tween girls (I already have a list of 50 other books with female protagonists) figuring life out. Many of these books focus on girls dealing with self-love, identity, friendship, middle school drama, and much more. The books on this list are some of my absolute favorite stories, some new and others classics/backlist titles.
If you’ve been looking for more middle grade books for tween girls (i.e. centering girls), this list is for you!
Get the printable! Pop your email into the box below and it’ll come right to your inbox.
35+ Best Books for Tween Girls
Here are 25 great books for tween girls:
For the Graphic Novel Fan
Twins
Published: October 6, 2020
Twins Maureen and Francine Carter have always done everything together, but things have changed as they’re starting sixth grade. For one, they have nearly all their classes apart from each other, and Francine is dressing differently, trying to stand out from her twin Maureen. Maureen has always been the quieter, introverted one — her parents call her the thinker, and Francine, the talker. So she feels a bit lost when Francine joins different clubs and extra-curricular activities, while she joins cadet training.The girls are still figuring out their new dynamic when Francine decides to run for student council, and by some stroke of fate, her shy, terrified-of-public-speaking sister is also running for president. Despite the ground rules laid by their parents, things get a bit messy as both girls try to establish their personal identities while fighting to reconcile their relationship as twins and sisters. This graphic novel is simply a delight! I loved following Maureen and Francine — and am really hoping we get a few more books about them. Good for ages 8+
Swim Team
Published: May 17, 2022
After she and her dad move from Brooklyn to Florida, Bree is excited for her first day in middle school. But also, she’s super anxious about whether she’ll make friends and fit in. Thankfully, she makes a new friend in the housing complex where they live. Unfortunately, when Bree goes to choose her math club elective, it’s fully booked. As a math lover who can’t swim, she’s crushed to hear that the only elective left is swim 101. At first, Bree avoids getting in the water, but after a near-drowning in her housing complex, an elderly neighbor (who used to be part of her swim team) decides to coach Bree. Bree gets so good that she joins her swim team, but can the team get past the drama and win? This is a highly engaging graphic novel about swimming, Black history (and why many Blacks don’t swim), and friendship. For ages 8+
Curlfriends: New in Town
Published: October 10, 2023
Curlfriends: New In Town is the cute first book in a new graphic novel series about Black hair, girlfriends, fashion, and adjusting to change. Charlie is the new kid for the umpteenth time, but this time things will be different. Her dad is no longer in the military, and this is a more permanent home, so she feels more pressure to find and impress some new friends. When she meets a cool group of Black girls with varying interests, she decides to hide her “babyish” style and hobbies to befriend them. But she soon learns that with true friends, you can be your whole self. Good for ages 8+
Duel
Published: November 7, 2023
Sisters Gigi and Lucy haven’t seen eye to eye since their father died. Their mother is worn out by her grief and her demanding job and doesn’t have the capacity to deal with their constant bickering. Now Lucy is a new 6th grader at the school where Gigi is the 8th grade Queen Bee and on Lucy’s first day, the girls get into an altercation that ends with Lucy challenging her sister (and school fencing champion) to a duel. What follows are chapters alternating between each girl’s first-person narration as they go between the past and present, exploring their relationship and where it went wrong and planning their fencing duel. There’s sports, friendship, sisterhood, family, grief, and even a grandparent relationship in this story, lending it some major kid and adult appeal! It’s truly a spectacular debut and perfect for readers ages 9 and up.
If She Likes Historical Fiction
Farewell Cuba, Mi Isla
Published: September 5, 2023
1960, Cuba. Cousins Victoria and Jackie love living in their island country with their large family. When when Fidel Castro’s communist government takes hold, things change swiftly, leading Victoria’s father to relocate his family to Miami, leaving Jackie and her family behind. As Victoria adapts to life in the US, Jackie and her family struggle in Cuba—until the family decides to send Jackie over to the States with Operation Peter Pan. But will Jackie ever see her family again? Both girls band together to bring the rest of their family to America. Farewell Cuba Mi Isla is a moving, authentic book chronicling the impact of Fidel Castro’s communist regime in Cuba. Great for ages 9+
Enemies in the Orchard
Published: September 12, 2023
Set in the 1940s, this debut historical verse novel delves into the lesser-known history of (prisoner-of-war) German soldiers brought to work in the United States during WWII. Claire’s brother Danny is off fighting the war while she’s working in their family’s Midwestern apple orchard, where her father has hired a bunch of POW soldiers, including one named Karl. Over time, Claire and Karl begin a tentative friendship, even as the presence of enemies in their orchard causes tensions in their community. Told from Karl and Claire’s perspective, this story, the history behind it, and the important themes it highlights will appeal to older middle schoolers ages 11 and up.
A Place to Hang the Moon
Published: February 2, 2021
A Place to Hang the Moon follows three orphaned kids in England during the WWII evacuation. Orphans William, Edmund, and Anna (aged 12, 11, and 9) are evacuated after their (not nice) grandmother dies. The kids are instructed not to disclose how well off their family is until they’re placed with a new family that feels like a forever family. In their new countryside dwelling, the kids are placed with several poorly matched families. The first family has twin boys that are just horrid and the second family is too poor (and could care less about them besides the money she’s paid to look after them). Through it all, the children take solace in each other, stories from William about their parents, and their love of books and the town library. This is a heartwarming, immersive middle-grade debut, perfect for ages 8+.
For the Starry-Eyed Romantic
The Davenports
Published: January 31, 2023
I’ll be upfront: This is a full-on historical romance for teens, BUT it’s squeaky clean in terms of language and features four Black sisters who stumble into love in different ways. It’s also about the Davenport family business and features side characters who are dealing with compelling issues, like a maid trying to start a business and a best friend whose parents are forcing her to form a relationship with the Daveport’s only son. The Davenports is a swoony romance that manages to still be appropriate for older tweens ages 12+
Bubble Trouble
Published: July 18, 2023
Since her mom died during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been just Chloe and her dad. She worries about their finances, so when she has the chance to go on a school trip to Broadway, she’s hesitant to tell him. On a good note, there’s a boy she maybe likes? He works at a boba tea place in her neighborhood, and things are going well until an altercation at the shop ends with Chloe being banned from the boba tea place. What unfolds is a string of chaotic, surprising, and satisfying events, including a boba-making business, two lost lovers reuniting, and a new furry family member. Bubble Trouble is a lighthearted, feel-good middle grade romance — the exact kind constantly sought out by kids in this age group.
Keep It Together, Keiko Carter
Published: May 5, 2020
Keiko is thrilled that her two BFFs, Jenna and Audrey, are reuniting with her after their first ever summer apart. But when Jenna returns from Texas, she’s doesn’t seem to fit back in seamlessly anymore — probably because they stopped texting each other after a while. It doesn’t help that Audrey seems boy-crazy and has never really gotten on too well with Jenna anyway. As Jenna and Audrey’s friendship deteriorates over the fall, Keiko feels torn between both girls. She also rekindles some old friendships that threaten her relationship with Audrey. As a result, confrontation-averse, peace-making Keiko is forced to decide whether or not she will stand up for herself in her friendship with Audrey. On top of everything else, Keiko’s family seems to be changing: her mom is working later and later, and seems to be avoiding coming home — and her little sister seems to keeping a secret. Will Keiko keep it all together? This is a strong middle-grade debut, perfect for anyone who enjoys middle-grade books about friendships, great for ages 10+.
For the Nonfiction Buff
Big Apple Diaries
Published: August 17, 2021
Big Apple Diaries is Alyssa Bermudez’s graphic memoir detailing her life experiences in New York City between the 7th and 8th grades. Her middle school years also coincide with the attack on 9/11 and the book documents the impact on her and her circle. Prior to that, though, Alyssa is an average tween who attends a Catholic co-ed school, likes doodling, and has a crush on a schoolmate named Alejandro. Her parents are also divorced, so she spends time between each of their apartments in New York. This is an relatable and enjoyable coming-of-age graphic memoir suitable for ages 9+.
Chinese Menu
Published: September 12, 2023
Author Grace Lin has put together a comprehensive, delicious, and delightful feast for the eyes, mind, and soul. From the questions you’ve always asked when reading an American Chinese restaurant menu (Who exactly is General Tso? Why did Buddha jump over the wall?) to the questions you might not have thought to ask (what are chopstick taboos?), this beautiful, bestselling book will provide foodie readers with all the answers. Just note: one side effect of reading this book is that it will make you VERY hungry! Great for ages 8+
For Fans of Friendship Stories
The Hurricane Girls
Published: August 29, 2023
Greer, Joya, and Kiki are three best friends born just after Hurricane Katrina. Now 12 years after the catastrophe, they’re dealing with personal life struggles. Greer feels responsible for an accident that left her sister paralyzed from the waist down and has stopped running track–something she loved dearly before the accident, Kiki is grappling with an absentee father, and Joya is trying to help her financially strained family. Kiki decides that the three girls will sign up for a triathlon to get Greer back into running, but the plan ends up changing all three girls’ lives. The Hurricane Girls is a warm, stirring, and sparkling middle grade book about female friendships, body image, sports, and self-forgiveness, perfect for ages 9+.
Half Moon Summer
Published: June 6, 2023
Drew and Mia were born on the same day in Half Moon Bay, California, but their lives have taken different paths. When Mia returns to Half Moon Bay where Drew still lives, both kids form a friendship and start training for a half-marathon together for different reasons. Mia wants to solve her family’s housing issues while Drew is doing it for his dad, who’s received a crushing diagnosis of ALS. Half Moon Summer is a moving, insightful, and hopeful book about dealing with devastating life changes with the aid of strong friendships and a supportive community. Good for ages 9+
The Braid Girls
Published: June 13, 2023
In The Braid Girls, Maggie’s summer is off to a rocky start when her parents announce that she has a half-sister—a daughter her father never knew about until now. Callie’s presence throws off soft-spoken Maggie’s dynamic with her outspoken best friend Daija, even more when Callie joins their hair-braiding business. This is a sweet, relatable middle grade book about sisterhood, entrepreneurship, and finding your voice. Great for ages 9+
If Verse Novels Are Her Thing
Golden Girl
Published: February 22, 2022
Golden Girl is Reem Faruqi’s sophomore middle grade novel. I liked her debut, Unsettled, but I loved this one. Afiyah has a problem with taking things (seemed like kleptomania) even when she tries really hard not to. Fortunately, she’s often remorseful and returns the stolen items. She’s shaken when her father is wrongfully arrested for embezzlement at the airport during a family trip. The situation puts a strain on her family and moves Afiyah to strongly examine her tendency to steal — especially after she gets caught in the act. Golden Girl is a touching, realistic coming-of-age story about trying to break bad habits and dealing with a family crisis. Good for ages 9+
Starfish
Published: March 9, 2021
Starfish features Ellie, a fat girl who has been bullied for her weight since she wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash in the pool. Even her older brother and sister make fun of her weight. Her mom controls her diet, monitoring her portions and choosing lackluster “healthy” alternatives. Ellie is feeling more disheartened because her friend Viv who is also plus-sized is moving away. Thankfully, after Viv moves, Ellie finds a friend in her new neighbor Catalina and her family. The family loves food and welcome Ellie with open arms, never judging her for her weight. At school, bullying intensifies when a chair breaks after Ellie sits on it. Her mom is also pushing for gastric bypass surgery for Ellie. Eventually, her father gets her mother to ease off by taking Ellie to a therapist who helps her accept her body and defend herself against bullies. This is a powerful, fat-positive middle grade verse novel about a girl who is learning that she deserves to take up space. Good for ages 8+
Good Different
Published: April 4, 2023
Selah knows there’s something different about her. She’s uncomfortable with overstimulation and can’t seem to instinctively figure out social cues, so she follows the rules; does what others do/expect her to do in those situations. But when she’s home, she practically crashes, needing to recover from shapeshifting all day. She’s doing okay, until one day she hits a fellow student who keeps trying to braid Selah’s hair. This leads to a series of events ending in an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis and the realization that although she’s different, it’s good different. Good Different is a powerful verse exploration of life on the autism spectrum and the illuminating experience of finally understanding oneself. Great for ages 8+
Wave
Published: March 29, 2022
Thirteen-year-old Ava lives in 80s California and loves to catch a wave with her best friend, Phoenix, whom she’s beginning to crush on. Her mom is a single mother and her dad lives in Iran with his new family and rarely contacts them. Ava likes to write poetry and sing (she’s getting to sing in the school choir soon) but her mom who’s a doctor wants Ava to consider that career path. She persuades her to volunteer at the hospital but Ava would rather be surfing or engaging in her other hobbies. She gets even more upset when she breaks her leg while volunteering. Amidst all the drama, Phoenix’s lymphoma returns aggressively and he doesn’t want to pursue treatment anymore. Can Ava convince him to keep trying? Wave by Diana Farid is a lyrical, captivating, and heartwrenching middle grade verse novel about first crushes, surfing, and the grief of losing a friend. Good for ages 9+
Rain Rising
Published: September 27, 2022
In Rain Rising, 13-year-old Rain is dealing with several issues. First, her best friend has been acting like a frenemy lately. Then, she’s just so sad all the time and can’t stop feeling negative about her body — thinking she’s ugly and too big. Her single source of solace is her family. When the thoughts become too tough to handle, her mother and brother Xander, especially, bring light to her day, even without knowing her challenges. But when Xander gets beaten up in a racially motivated attack during a potential college visit, Rain feels the walls closing in on her. Can she and her family find their way back to normalcy? This is a powerful debut middle grade verse novel about mental health, body image, family, and healing. Because of the heavy themes explored, I’d hand it to readers ages 10+
For the Action/Adventure Fan
City Spies
Published: March 10, 2020
I decided to read City Spies #1 because I saw several rave reviews for City Spies #2 from other readers who had snagged ARCs. I tend to enjoy relationship-based stories, so strictly-mysteries can be tricky for me. Thankfully, this was a fun mix of both relationships and mystery (although definitely more mystery than relationships). Twelve-year old Sara Martinez is a hacker bouncing from foster home to foster home in Brooklyn, New York. After getting arrested for hacking into the NYC foster care system to expose her foster parents as criminals, she meets a man named Mother who is not a lawyer but convinces her to take on her case. Mother somehow wins and Sara gets released only to join a team of kid spies operating out of a base in Scotland. James Ponti’s City Spies #1 is an excellent start to an exciting mystery series that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Concealed
Published: October 19, 2021
In Concealed, 12-year-old Katrina has had a long line of names beginning with letters of the alphabet A-K so far. Her last two names were Ivette and then Joanna. Her whole life as she remembers, her parents have been moving her from city to city and changing their names after every move. When they move this time, Katrina finds a new friend named Parker and a slip-up on her part leads to both her parents being kidnapped, leaving her to fend for herself with Parker’s help. Things begin to unravel when she discovers that her parents are not in the Witness Protection Program like they claimed to be, but rather that they’re on the run. Concealed is a engaging middle grade spy book with a clever female protagonist trying to piece together her identity. Good for ages 9+
For the Advanced Reader
Tiger Daughter
Published: August 15, 2023
Wen is a first-gen daughter of Chinese immigrants living in Australia. Her dad is angry because he hasn’t been able to re-qualify as a medical professional in Australia, and he tries to control Wen and her mother’s lives. Wen plans to go to high school far away from their town — she and her best friend at school, another first gen immigrant kid. But when a tragedy occurs in Henry’s family, Wen and her mother must step up to support him if they want to achieve their dreams. Tiger Daughter is a brilliant new middle grade book about chasing dreams, unwavering friendships, and the value of community, especially in immigrant communities. Good for ages 10+
A Song Called Home
Published: March 15, 2022
A Song Called Home is YA author Sara Zarr’s middle grade debut. It follows Lou as her mom remarries a man named Steve. Lou and her sister Casey have to move from the city to the suburbs to live with Steve, leaving behind their old schools and Lou’s best friend Beth Tsai. Forming this new family is hard on Lou and Casey for different reasons. Lou feels like she’s leaving their alcoholic father behind and Casey worries that Steve is being too nice and the “real Steve” will show up soon. On the day before their move (which is also Lou’s birthday) Lou finds a guitar right outside their old apartment addressed to her. Convinced it’s from her dad, she starts learning to play guitar to maintain that bond with him. As they all navigate the blending of their families, Lou learns about herself and what family truly means. A Song Called Home is a realistic, heartrending depiction of the process of blending a family. Great for ages 9+
The Noh Family
Published: May 3, 2022
Chloe Chang lives a boring life in Oklahoma — with her busy single mom and her two best friends — where she loves watching K-dramas. But when her best friends gift her a 23-and-me test kit for her birthday, things take a dramatic turn. She finds out that her father was a son of the Noh family, a prestigious family in Seoul, South Korea and before she knows it, she’s off to meet them for the first time. Unfortunately, she’s thrust into a web of lies as she realizes that the family might have ulterior motives for reaching out to her. The Noh Family is a suspenseful, dramatic, and highly engaging YA book about Korean high society, family drama, and finding your voice. Perfect for ages 11+
If She Prefers Short Books
Ready, Set, Dough
Published: October 17, 2023
Ambitious sixth grader Zoe Sparks loves to write and enjoys brainstorming ideas for her journalism class. There’s only one problem: Her at-home computer is so unreliable that it just stops working one day. Fortunately, her school is organizing a cookie dough fundraiser, and guess what the top seller prize is? A WordPro laptop — and orange (her favorite color) at that! Zoe is determined to outsell everyone, especially her nemesis Amaya. But soon, her ambition begins to impact her balance and her friendship with her BFF Felix. I adored the voice in this one and finished it in one day. Good for ages 9+ and also UNDER 200 pages!
Maid for It
Published: September 5, 2023
After years of dealing with opioid addiction, Franny’s mom is finally sober and on the right track with a cleaning job and a cozy apartment upstairs from a laundromat. But then she gets in an accident and has to be prescribed opioids again, sending Franny into a frenzy. Franny starts doing her mom’s cleaning jobs behind her back — even blackmailing a school rival into working with her — to ensure they don’t run out of money. But she soon learns that worrying about adult problems isn’t her job. Maid for It is an informative, gripping, and accessible middle grade book about living with a parent recovering from addiction. Great for ages 9+
The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman
Published: November 14, 2023
Orthodox Jew Shaindy lives in a tight-knit Jewish community but feels invisible and socially inept. No one at school particularly dislikes her, but no one tries to befriend her or return her friendliness either. She envies her next-door neighbor Gayil who is beloved and excels academically, but she also wants to befriend and be Gayil. So when Gayil invites her to set up pranks on several students and teachers at their school, Shaindy is just happy to be in the inner circle. Unfortunately, the mischief quickly turns into something malicious as Shaindy realizes that Gayil’s pranks are designed to hurt her targets, and Shaindy is on the list of targets. This is an intricately plotted, strongly character-driven story about the inner lives of tween girls and the human emotions of envy. Although at times bogged down by detailed portrayals of Jewish tradition, this book is exceptionally engaging and truly unique. Good for ages 9+
If She Likes Sci-Fi, Dystopia, or Fantasy
Alone
Published: January 12, 2021
Alone is Megan E. Freeman’s debut survival middle-grade novel in verse. It follows 12-year-old Maddie, who gets abandoned by some twist of fate when her entire town is mysteriously evacuated. Left alone with no human in sight, she bonds with a Rottweiler named George, who is one of many abandoned pets. Soon after, they lose power and then water, and Maddie has to fend for herself using a variety of ingenious means and the town resources at her disposal, including an empty library, grocery store, neighbors’ homes — you get the picture. Maddie is alone for months and has to safeguard herself from wild animals, terrible weather, and dangerous intruders, on top of the fear and loneliness of being all by herself. This is a well-written middle-grade survival novel with a tenacious protagonist and engaging plot. I would definitely recommend this to fans of adventure and survival stories, as well as those who enjoy a good verse novel. Great for ages 10+
Ink Girls
Published: November 21, 2023
This stunning graphic novel follows Cinzia, an Avvisi’s/newswriter’s apprentice living in sunny Sianerra. Cinzia and her mestra write news stories/pamphlets to the city, but not everyone likes it when they tell the truth. After an edition exposing the ruling family for extortion, Cinzia and her Mestra are arrested at night, and she has to join forces with the princess to fight back against censorship. Ink Girls is a beautiful graphic novel about activism, speaking the truth, and speaking up despite censorship. Good for ages 9+
For the Classics Lover
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret
Published: March 21, 2012
Margaret Simon has just moved from New York City to Connecticut and is dealing with making new friends, puberty, and understanding religion. Margaret is such a heartwarming character and some readers will relate to her yearning for a relationship with God. Blume lovingly captures the desire to grow up (fast) and belong amongst one’s peers. I was quite surprised by the number of taboo topics this features in under 200 pages (from periods to first kisses to religious issues). It’s a classic that holds up wonderfully even after decades. For ages 9+
If She Likes Mystery Books
The Best Worst Summer
Published: May 4, 2021
The Best Worst Summer follows two sets of kids three decades apart. In the present, Peyton and her family have just moved from Minneapolis to a small town named Lake Springs, leaving her best friend and their summer soccer camp tradition behind. She’s having the worst summer! Her brother is always playing video games. Plus, her mom’s new job has her pretty occupied, just as her dad’s graphic design job. But her summer gains new life when she discovers a box of secrets: a cryptic note to a friend, half of a “best friends” necklace, a playlist and several other items. After making her first new friend in the library, Peyton is eager to get to the bottom of the time capsule mystery. Meanwhile, in 1989, best friends Jessica and Melissa are planning the best summer ever! They even plan to bury a time capsule. Jessica is an adopted Korean girl — one of the only Asians in her small town — and Melissa’s mom is hiding some deep secrets about their family. When the secret unravels, the girls’ lives are forever changed. That is until Peyton finds their time capsule in the present. The story alternates between past and present as we read Melissa and Peyton’s perspectives. This is a charming, engaging middle grade novel that manages to blend historical and contemporary fiction. Great for ages 9+
What Happened to Rachel Riley?
Published: January 10, 2023
When Anna Hunt moves from Chicago to Wisconsin for her mother’s new job, she soon realizes that something’s off about her new eighth-grade class. One student, Rachel Riley, who was once popular is now treated as a social pariah. So when their English teacher assigns them an un-essay — which is an exploration of a topic in any other format besides an essay — Anna decides to investigate the question: What happened to Rachel Riley? Of course, the teacher rejects Anna’s topic despite her lawyer mom’s protests. But with some hesitant help from Rachel and some other schoolmates, Anna pieces together the mystery. What Happened to Rachel Riley? is a stellar middle grade mystery about sexual harassment, creativity, and standing up for something. Good for ages 9+
The Liars Society
Published: February 6, 2024
Weatherby is a new kid at a Boston private school. She’s at the school on a sailing scholarship and immediately is thrust into a world she knows nothing about. Old school phone booths, scrambled phone service at school, friends with kids who go to the country club, and a boy who seems to hate her guts. Jack is a rich kid at the school who is also on the sailing team and is constantly pressured by his father to be the best. When the money for a famed school trip is stolen, Jack, Weatherby, and some of their friends are invited to play a high-stakes secret game that leads to the revelation of shocking family secrets. This suspenseful mystery, told from Jack’s and Weatherby’s perspectives, is fast-paced and high-stakes, perfect for the upper middle-grade crowd. Good for ages 9+
For the Sporty Gal
Nikki on the Line
Published: March 5, 2019
In Nikki on the Line, 13-year-old Nikki Doyle feels one step closer to her pro basketball player dreams when she gets signed on to an elite-level club team. But her mother doesn’t have enough to pay for the club, and so Nikki offers to watch her little brother after school so they can save on daycare money. Unfortunately, playing for the club isn’t nearly as easy as Nikki expects. Shorter than her teammates and suddenly no longer point guard on the new team, she feels out of place. What’s more, her new busy schedule means she can’t hang out with the team as much as she’d like. On top of that, a new genetics project at school reminds Nikki that her biological father was a sperm donor. Between juggling all her responsibilities and proving herself a valuable member of the team, it feels like everything is on the line for Nikki. Nikki on the Line is a fantastic, dynamic, and highly relatable middle grade book about identity, the ways family can be different for everyone, and pursuing a love of basketball. Great for ages 9+
Match Point
Published: September 19, 2023
Rosie’s dad wants her to play racquetball even though she says she wants no part and has no interest. He used to love it when he was a kid and he pushes Rosie to improve by constantly critiquing her game. But Rosie has a bad attitude about the sport because of the pressure he puts on her. Blair is a new student with a warm family who are all into racquetball and Rosie wants her to compete in her behalf. But as Rosie hangs out with Blair’s family away from her father’s harsh supervision, she realizes what it means to play for fun. Match Point is a delightful graphic novel about racquetball, female friendship, and the value of true sportsmanship. Good for ages 8+
Free Throws, Friendship, and Other Things We Fouled Up
Published: October 24, 2023
When Rory moves to Cincinnati, Ohio, with her dad after her parents’ separation, she meets Abby, a tall fellow basketball lover, and the two become fast friends. Imagine their shock when they find out that their dads can’t stand each other — and not because they coach the city’s rival basketball teams but because of something that happened years ago when THEY were middle schoolers. Bishop takes us through the girls’ lives as they dig into what happened between their dads, telling the story from multiple perspectives: the girls’, their dads’, and a ball-playing nun in their lives. Free Throws, Friendship, and Other Things We Fouled Up is a fast-paced and compelling book about true friendships, family secrets, forgiveness, and basketball. Perfect for ages 9+
Get the printable! Pop your email into the box below and it’ll come right to your inbox.
There they are: 25 of the best books for tween girls, including graphic novels, verse novels, sports books, and a variety of stories about tween girls figuring it out.
Which of these books have you read? Which ones would you add?
More Book Lists
- 100+ books starring tween boys
- Books for 10 year old girls
- Books for 11 year old girls
- Books for teen girls
What do you think? Leave a comment