My kids are still very young, but I’m hoping to start curating a bigger library for them to pick from from around age 12/13. I don’t plan on letting them have evening phone-time so a wide selection of books will be critical, and I’m hoping they’ll have the same love of reading I did (here’s hoping). I’d like to have a good mix of fiction and non fiction. Nothing too heady but also some concepts that will make them think.
I realize enjoyable fiction for a 12 year old and 18 year old is a big span, so open to all options. Some things I already have/have in mind are Memoirs of a Geisha, Island Of The Blue Dolphins, Hunger Games, The Giver, etc.
As for non fiction, useful but interesting things like The Gift of Fear, The Power of Now, etc. I’m even open to books on money management and dating, which can be tricky terrain…I’d love to hear about books that were impactful but alluring, helpful and digestable for younger minds. Thanks!
by fromsaturnwithlove_
5 Comments
A great way would probably be allowing them to pick their own books. Take them to a used book store or a thrift store. A lot of kids won’t want to read if it’s not something they aren’t interested in. Any reading is better than no reading. It’s better to gear towards their interests. It feels a lot more forced if it’s picked out by your parents.
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow and it’s sequel
Let’s Talk About It by Erika Moen is the best book I’ve come across recently for sex and relationship education and hits the 12-18 range really nicely. Wonderful content around consent, sexting, and staying safe in an internet world.
Walk Two Moons, Absolutely Normal Chaos, Chasing Redbird, and Bloomability by Sharon Creech are great for the younger end of that age range.
The Uglies series by Scott Westerfield
Beartown by Fredrik Backman (TW for sexual assault)
Speak by Laurie Anderson (TW for sexual assault)
Gone with the Wind!!!