I am a nanny and one of my charges is an 11 year old girl. We were having a discussion last week pertaining to a book report she was doing and she told me she doesn’t really like reading. She did read the Harry Potter series for school last year and liked those books, but said she wouldn’t have read them if she didn’t have to for school.
I grew up with a mom who was/is a very avid reader and I grew up myself loving to read. So while I know it’s not uncommon (and perhaps even becoming more common) for kids to not enjoying reading, I’m trying to think of a book to get her for Christmas that could maybe inspire at least a less aversion to reading for her.
I have some ideas based on what I liked reading at her age and some popular books now for her age group. But I was wondering if anyone else has any suggestions for books that they absolutely loved when they were around her age?
At the top of my considerations so far are a classic Nancy Drew book or Percy Jackson. But those are books that absolutely sucked me in when I was around her age, so I’m biased.
by im_presuccessful
14 Comments
I was a Nancy Drew girl too, so I really think you can’t go wrong with her. Others I loved at her age:
Anne of Green Gables
Little House In the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie
The Secret Garden
Harriet the Spy
Any of Lois Duncan’s or Joan Lowery Nixon’s books (although they might not be appropriate for all 11 yr olds)
Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
The Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (starts with Agony of Alice)
Maybe something non-fiction on a subject she’s interested in? I loved the American Girl doll books at that age, because I found that I enjoyed history.
Would she be open to graphic novels or comics? That’s a good gateway for kids who are reluctant to read. Raina Telgemeier adapted *The Babysitters Club* into graphic novels which is right in the sweet spot for an 11 year old. I think there are fifteen or so out now.
For traditional novels, Rick Riordan has an imprint called Rick Riordan Presents that is mostly adventure novels for kids; if she enjoyed HP, you might find something analogous there. If you go to his website, there is a link right on the homepage that has a list of all the books published under that imprint.
Try graphic novels.
Try a Rebel Girls book.
Try a Rebel Girls book.
Shorter bits might be more workable for her. And the Rebel Girls is something every little girl should have.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter
Pollyanna Grows Up by Eleanor H. Porter
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Honestly try a comic book. There a lot of great comic books out there for 11 year olds! Plus that way it doesn’t feel like heavy reading since it can feel like a lot to try to finish a book. Or take them to the book store so they can see what options there are out there
How about {{*Wee Free Men*}} by Terry Pratchett.
Seconding graphic novels! If she likes action, Wings of Fire or Warriors cats (novels and graphic novels are both great).
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
What about the Warriors Series by Erin Hunter my niece loved these books. There are stand alone Graphic novels.
The Amulet series is great. They are graphic novels.