From 3rd-6th grade, my kids ate these books UP. We have many well-loved copies on the bookshelves from multiple re-reads. If you're looking for books for your 9-12 year old, these are a great place to start.
My older kiddo absolutely ADORES this series. The books are long, but each new installment gets devoured within a day or two of purchase.
Keeper of the Lost Cities Collection Books 1-5
Both kids enjoyed this series, both in the novel and graphic novel formats. And we had to get multiple sets, because they would fight over them otherwise (lol).
Wings of Fire Boxset, Books 1-5 (Wings of Fire)
The book, the show, all things Heartstopper are a hit around here.
Heartstopper #1: A Graphic Novel (1)
These were a HUGE hit with my younger kiddo--big time into mythology and fairy tales and reimaginings of classic stories. As an added bonus, we've gotten to meet Sarah Mlynowski a couple of times, and she is so so so nice.
NEW RELEASE !! Whatever After 15 Book Series
The Netflix series was great, we were thrilled when books came out, too!
Through the Moon: A Dragon Prince Graphic Novel
I know we haven't read everything in the Riordan ecosystem (there is SO MUCH), but they've devoured everything they've gotten their hands on so far!
Percy Jackson 5 Book Paperback Boxed Set
A meaningful book that has left a big impression on my older kiddo.
The Hate U Give: A Printz Honor Winner
One of the first “official” YA books that got read around here--and subsequently, obsessed over.
Kisses and Croissants
A fun kids-only romp through the zombie apocalypse… what's not to love??
The Last Kids on Earth: Monster Box (1-3)
A classic that has always been a beloved favorite for my kiddos.
The Hobbit Illustrated by the Author
And for extra fun, be sure to watch the Rankin Bass animated films, too!
J.R.R. Tolkien 4-Book Set: The Hobbit & LOTR
Emotional and powerful, this story really moved my older child.
Starfish
This series is so prolific it makes Riordan seem like a slouch. If you want a universe with eleventy billion installments to keep the kids entertained, this is it.
Warriors Box Set: Volumes 1-6 (The Prophecies Begin)
This is a fun story that both of my kids thoroughly enjoyed.
The Dark Lord Clementine
This is one of both kids' all-time favorite favorite faves. These poor books look like they're in a fight club with how well loved they've been.
Hooky (Hooky, 1)
Cute and funny packaging/edition of this manga series, the first one of my kids got super into. The cat is definitely out of THAT bag!
