Book Recommendations from Real-Life Teens
Quick Book Notes #8: Three young people each recommend a book for tween and young teen girls
Dear Friends,
Interest in good books for young people ages 10-15 is very high, if the commentary of The Hollow’s readership is any indication. I, for one, could talk about such books all day long — but then, I’m 40. What about the actual first-time readers of these books, the tweens and teens themselves? What books do they recommend for their peers?
Fortunately, three of my young friends, aged 12, 13, and 15, respectively, are here today to help answer this question by giving us a taste of some of their favorite books for this age range. Two of the books are particularly geared toward girls, and one is written for both girls and boys.
Take it away, ladies!
A Story of Lifelong Friends…and Nemeses
By Bethany, age 13
The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow, by Katherine Woodfine, is the first book in a four-book series. Young lady detectives investigate the mysterious disappearance of the
priceless Clockwork Sparrow in a 1909 London department store. Sophie Taylor and Lillian Rose take on an intrepid mission to recover the famous bejeweled songbird. Along the way, they make lifelong friends and nemeses.
I would recommend this book to mystery-loving girls aged eleven through fifteen. It is a suspenseful mystery with delightful pops of humor to brighten the mood. The main characters are funny, charming, and smart with extremely likeable personalities. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and captivating yet puzzling and tricky mystery.
I liked this book a lot for its characters, plot, style, and setting. I found that the characters interested me and I felt like I got to know them. The plot and style led me through the story, keeping me always wanting to read more. And finally, the setting was perfect. It made everything make sense, from the characters’ personalities right down to the dialogue they used.
The book was all very well written, and I hope other girls like it as much as I do. If you do like it, be sure to read the other books in the series, too!
Where Will You Go on Your Saturday?
By Mary, age 12
The Saturdays, by Elizabeth Enright, is an engaging story of siblings who pool their resources.
Mona, Rush, Randy, and Oliver are bored one Saturday afternoon, until Randy suggests they form a club. According to the rules, each Saturday the children pool their allowance so they can do new, independent things that day.
Randy spends her Saturday at an art gallery, and Rush spends his at the opera house. What a commotion Mona causes when she returns from her excursion! Oliver, the youngest, simply gets his money that he puts in back so he can buy things on his turn, but the rest go on adventures. The four often make a mess of things, but their father knows that independence will help them grow.
However, Oliver is too young to be out by himself, so if he goes out on Saturday, it is always with an older child or adult. It was smart for the father to take precautions, but not helicopter over the kids. Clearly the author believes that children should be safe, but not let caution stop them from learning.
Both girls and boys ages 8-13 will enjoy this book, but girls will like it better, as the main protagonist is a girl. The Saturdays is accessible to many types of kids, and is a great read-aloud.
In this book, children use creativity to help them find something to do. Many readers will agree with the father of the kids that child independence can cause problems, but it’s worth it.
Who Am I Meant to Be?
By Claire, age 15
Emily of Deep Valley, by Maud Hart Lovelace, is a fantastic novel that combines historical fiction with the themes of love, coming to a better understanding of oneself, and the pursuit of true happiness. The story is set in the 1910’s and takes place in the quaint town of Deep Valley. Emily Webster, an orphan and high school graduate, navigates her own future while always being connected to the past, especially to her mother, who died before Emily could remember anything. Adventures both great and small lead Emily into an understanding of the questions she most wants to answer: What do I need to do to become? Who I am meant to be?
Emily of Deep Valley is a wonderful book for girls ages 12 and up who want help in seeing what God wants them to do, no matter who they are. This novel provides great examples of how to cope with situations that are becoming more and more common, such as despair and rejection. Also, this book is a great story to read while curled up with tea, and will have you cheering Emily on through all of her adventures. Overall, it’s an excellent read and will find a place in any girl’s (or woman’s) heart.
Thanks very much to Bethany, Mary, and Claire for their excellent short reviews!
Now, your turn!
Have you read any of these books?
What other books would you recommend?
What is your favorite book for boys in this age range?
One final note: I want to let you know that going forward, book links at the Hollow will be Bookshop.com affiliate links when possible. When you purchase a book from my affiliate shop, you help support my work. Thank you!
Happy reading!
I'm so excited about your bookshop link! What a delight! I've been adding things to a wishlist on Thriftbooks, but this is so much better -- I LOVE the user interface on bookshop, and it's great to see this collection in one place!
Also, it was a delight to read the thoughts of these teens.
Thanks for sharing these! I had only heard of The Saturdays before, so I’m looking forward to reading and sharing the other two. Please thank these girls for me, as it’s fun to give a book rec where I can say, “I heard about this from someone your own age!”