Summer Reading List: Top Books for Preteen Girls

Author: Judy Blume

This book is about the rites of passages that all girls go through. I highly recommend any of Judy Blume's  books for preteen and teen girls who are looking for answers to their growing questions. This book in particular was a lifesaver for me, personally, when I was going through puberty without the explanations from parents. This book deals with issues that young girls face and stands the test of time. For me, it will always be relevant.

Author: Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Kimberly Kirberger

Though, not an actual book to read, this journal was a wonderful help during my own preteen and teenage years. I went so far as to buy two. One when I was in middle school and then another when I went to high school. It gives you a place to express yourself. It asks questions that make you think. It is filled with quotes and poems, as well as short stories from other teens. For a place to relate to other teens, this book is a perfect companion to any of the Chicken Soup For the Teenage Soul books.

Author: Scott Westerfeld

I am actually reading this book right now. I admit, it was not around when I was a teenage girl. However, it would be an excellent book for young girls to sit down and read. Set in a future far from our own days, it holds the truth that the issues are still the same. Bringing to light the difficult nature of a girls psyche, it talks about issues like body image, peer pressure, and confidence in yourself. There are four actual books in the series: Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras - and a companion book: Bogus to Bubbly.

Author: Harper Lee

A classic book, that most kids will read in school. However, I found it to be a wonderful book for me growing up. It taught me about prejudice and justice. It taught me about inequality and pulled at my heartstrings. As a teenager, this was a book, I never wanted to put down. When you don't have ready resources available to teach these ideas and morals, this book will do the trick.

Author: Dave Pelzer

I picked this book up from the library as something that looked interesting. I was about 15 at the time. I recommend this book, because the haunting tale has always stuck with me and it is shaped the kind of person I am today. The book is the real-life account of a boy who endures physical and emotional pain from his mother. His struggles and hardships will pull on anyone's heart and the journey is inspirational. There are two other books in the series: The Lost Boy, and A Man Called Dave.

Author: Rebecca Wells

This is a two book series. Little Altars Everywhere and Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood are tales of the Walker family's dysfunction. For any young girl who has a dysfunctional family or a perfect one - this book is considered to be a tragic book peppered with comedy throughout. I found it to be a great book about the bonds between mother and daughter in relation to the bonds between friends through the times. It has since been turned into a movie.

Author: Ann Brashares

This series has since been turned into a set of movies, but the books are always better. That's true with any series. In this series, four girls find a pair of pants that magically fit them all. They take these pants on travels around the world, trading them back and forth. The books go through the journey of young friends seeing through the good and the bad times together. A book about magic, friendship, and possibilities.

Author: Meg Cabot

A large series of books, starting with the day that a young girl finds out that her ordinary life is anything but. The books follow her on her journey to learning how to cope with being the heir to a small country. It deals with issues all girls face; from passing an Algebra Test, crushes on boys, and fights with best friends. A modern day rags to riches story that is sure to relate to all girls.

Author: Francine Pascal

Growing up, my mother actually wouldn't allow me to read this until I was in high school. She had never read them, but said they were too old for me. So I would read them in secret. They are not that bad for younger girls. This large series of books is based on a set of very different identical twin sisters and their tales of life, love, relationships in high school. Set in California, the series is full of heartbreaks and fun in the sun.

Author: Anonymous

This will probably and forever be my all time favorite book. I was thirteen when I read it and it has stuck with me since. About a girl who moves to a new town and gets in with the wrong crowd. Through a game of 'whose got the button' she accidentally takes drugs and becomes addicted. This is a book in journal form and I like the raw and emotional feel to it. It deals with drugs and addiction, running away and finding your way.