Books can be a wonderful way for kids to explore their hobbies and interests. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, there’s a book out there for every child. If your kid struggles with reading or doesn’t seem to enjoy it, they might just not have discovered the right kind of book yet. Sometimes, finding that one story or topic they connect with can make all the difference.Here are a few of our Favorite Tween Book Series.
Both my tween and teen really started enjoying reading once they found a few series that caught their interest. Sometimes it just takes the right story to get them hooked! Below is a list of popular book series for this age group that we have read, along with a brief description of what each one is about.
The Warrior Cats (often just called Warriors) series by Erin Hunter is a fantasy adventure series about clans of wild cats living in the forest. These cats have their own territories, laws, and social structures, and the stories follow their battles, friendships, and struggles to survive while honoring their warrior code. The main characters are usually young cats who grow into leaders or heroes, and themes like loyalty, bravery, and identity are woven throughout. One great thing about the Warrior Cats series is that many of the books are also available as graphic novels—perfect for kids who aren’t big on reading. My tween wasn’t really into chapter books at first, but she got hooked on the graphic novels and loved them so much, she ended up diving into the full series (which includes over 90 books)!
Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
This fantasy series follows young dragons from different tribes who are part of a prophecy meant to bring peace to their war-torn world. Each book dives into the story of a different dragon, full of adventure, mystery, and strong themes of friendship and identity. There’s also a graphic novel version, which is a great option for reluctant readers! This series is also a popular one for tweens and there are 15+ books in the series. This series was another that really helped my tween get into reading books.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is another great series to get excited about (that also sneaks in a good dose of learning). This five-book series follows Percy, a 12-year-old kid with ADHD and dyslexia, who finds out he’s the son of Poseidon and suddenly gets pulled into a world full of Greek gods, monsters, and epic quests. It’s fast-paced, funny, and packed with heart, all while weaving in tons of Greek mythology in a way that doesn’t feel like school. It’s perfect for sparking interest in history, literature, geography, and even creative writing. Beyond the adventure, the books hit on themes like identity, friendship, loyalty, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard. This series has been amazing for the whole family to read.
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket is another great series with a mix of mystery, dark humor, clever wordplay, and a touch of the absurd,. This 13-book series follows the three Baudelaire orphans—Violet, Klaus, and Sunny—after their parents die in a mysterious fire. Each sibling brings a unique skill to the table: Violet is an inventor, Klaus is a reader and researcher, and baby Sunny has a sharp bite (and mind). Together, they’re constantly outsmarting the evil Count Olaf, who’s after their family fortune, all while trying to uncover the truth about a secret organization tied to their parents’ past.
Even though the stories are a bit dark, each book was a quick read!
Harry Potter is a seven-book series that follows an ordinary boy who discovers he’s a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As Harry learns magic and uncovers the truth about his past, he and his friends face dark forces, stand up for what’s right, and discover the power of love, loyalty, and courage. The books start light and magical but grow deeper and more complex as the characters mature—making them a great long-term read for tweens and teens.
Maybe a great series for moms to read too 😉
The Minecraft book series is a collection of official and fan-favorite stories and guides set in the world of the popular video game. These books range from survival handbooks and redstone guides to action-packed fiction series that follow brave characters navigating Minecraft’s blocky world. Whether your child loves building, battling mobs, or just getting lost in an adventure, there’s a Minecraft book that brings the game to life through reading.
I am a firm believer that all kids can enjoy reading—they just need the right books that spark their interest. Whether it’s cats, dragons, magic, wizards, or video games, there’s a book out there that speaks their language. If you’re still figuring out what clicks, take a little time to visit the library together. We used to go once or twice a week and just browse the shelves in their age range. I’d let them pick out five or so books that looked interesting—no pressure to read them all cover to cover, just explore.
Some weeks we found a new favorite, other times we returned most of them unread—but the process helped them learn what they liked, and it kept reading low-pressure and fun. Don’t be afraid to ask the librarian for help, either—they’re amazing at guiding you toward books based on your child’s interests and reading level. The goal isn’t to force reading—it’s to create space for curiosity and discovery.
I’d love to hear what are some of your favorite tween book series.