Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we believe in the magic of books and how they bring us together. There is something about a shared story which stays with us forever. It is about taking time out from our busy schedules and spending it together. We can’t think of anything better on a chilly November evening than the smell of warm hot chocolate drifting through the house, while you all cuddle up somewhere warm and get lost in the pages of a great book.

Starting a family reading tradition isn’t about creating rules; it’s about creating memories. It’s a chance to slow down, laugh together, and rediscover the magic of storytelling as a family. Once Upon a Book Club’s Tween Book Box makes it easier than you think, and it’s packed with loads of fun for everyone. Each box comes with a carefully chosen book and surprise gifts that bring key moments to life, making every book a shared adventure.

Why Family Reading Traditions Matter

When families read together, they do more than share words; they share themselves. According to Scholastic’s Kids & Family Reading Report™, children who are read to frequently are not only more likely to enjoy books, but they also build stronger emotional connections with their parents. 

Reading with your child shows that you value your time with them, and gives you the perfect opportunity to discuss important topics and learn how they think in a fun environment. It’s the ideal way to stay close during these years when they’re testing the boundaries and discovering their independence, but at the same time, they still crave connection. The best part is that this tradition is timeless. It will grow with your children from middle grade adventures to young adult novels and eventually into book club discussions as adults. Reading is something you will always have in common if you start it now.

How to Start a Family Reading Tradition This November

Step 1: Set a Consistent Reading Routine

The secret to any great tradition is consistency and keeping it as simple and relaxed as possible. Start with just one or two nights a week where the family gathers for a 30-minute reading session. Yes, no phones, no distractions, just stories. 

You can even create a ritual around it. It’s time to get everyone’s favorite warm drink ready, and don’t forget the obligatory snack, and let everyone settle in their favorite spot. Think of it as your family’s “screen-free reset.” Maybe Wednesday nights become “Wonder Wednesdays” or Sundays are “Storytime Sundays.” The goal isn’t to make reading feel like a chore; it’s about making it something everyone looks forward to. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day and connect with your kids!

 

Step 2: Choose the Right Books for Tweens

Finding the right story is key. Tweens are at that wonderful stage where their imaginations are running wild. You will be amazed at their insights! Start off by choosing books that spark conversation, laughter, or curiosity. We definitely recommend mixing up genres; there is so much to choose from—adventure, mystery, fantasy, and realistic fiction—this way, you expose them to a variety of books. You can even make it a family activity: let each member choose one book that excites them, then discuss why they picked it. This gives kids ownership and keeps the experience exciting. 

If you’re unsure where to start, OUABC’s Tween Book Subscription Box takes the guesswork out. Each box features an engaging story paired with surprise gifts that tie into key moments!

Step 3: Create a Family Reading Space

Every tradition needs a setting, and your reading space should feel warm and inviting. You don’t need anything fancy, just a place with soft pillows, fluffy blankets, and maybe a few fairy lights for good measure. 

Make sure you have everything you need nearby, like snacks, bookmarks, and even a shared calendar to track reading nights. Think of it as a space that says, “This is our time together.”

Step 4: Make Reading Interactive

One of the easiest ways to keep tweens engaged is to make reading fun and interactive. Try alternating who reads aloud each night. Kids love hearing their parents’ dramatic voices (and you’ll love hearing their interpretations). You can even create discussion prompts like, “What would you have done differently?” or “Who’s your favorite character so far?” 

For those of you who want to take it to the next level, you can easily add a bit of dazzle. What about drawing your favorite scene, making a themed playlist, or acting out a dramatic chapter? Turning stories into activities helps kids' comprehension and their connection with the story. Our book boxes make this easy with gifts tied directly to story moments; every unwrapping becomes part of the story, and those surprise gifts are great conversation starters. You’re not just reading, you’re living the book together.

Step 5: Track Progress and Celebrate

Every great tradition deserves a little celebration. Kids love visual reminders, and we have just the thing, like our Reading Log Bookmark or our Tween Reading Passport, to track their progress. Celebrating small milestones is crucial: a movie night inspired by your current book, or their favorite snack for every book they complete. 

The goal isn’t to finish fast; it’s to make reading fun. Kids love seeing visual progress, and little celebrations reinforce that reading is rewarding. Consistency beats perfection every time. Even if your schedule slips, pick up where you left off. The most important part is coming back to it, together.

Family Reading Night Ideas for Busy Parents

We get it, schedules are hectic, and sometimes life doesn’t leave room for perfectly planned reading nights. But family reading can happen anywhere. You can have short morning read-alouds while everyone eats breakfast, or listen to an audiobook together during school runs. You can even read while cooking: simply assign a “reader of the night” to narrate aloud while the rest of the family preps dinner. Who knew peeling potatoes together could be fun?

 

Family Read-Alouds and Tween Book Picks for November

Here are a few family-friendly titles that are perfect to kick off your new tradition!

• Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

This fabulous fantasy is about a boy, a girl, and a baby griffin on a quest through a magical archipelago where myth and reality intertwine. It’s filled with adventure, danger, and the power of love and knowledge.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

We think you will love this heartwarming, action-packed story about Roz, a robot who must learn to survive and find belonging on a wild island. It’s a tale about friendship, resilience, and what it means to adapt. As a treat, once your family finishes reading it together, make it a movie night and see how Roz’s journey comes to life on screen—then chat about what was similar (and what surprised you!) between the book and the film.

• Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

Get ready for a spellbinding fantasy packed with magic, mystery, and courage. When Amari discovers her brother’s secret life and an invitation to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, her world changes forever.

We also have plenty of Ready-to-Ship Tween Boxes options just waiting for you!

 

The Stories That Bring Us Together

Family reading isn’t just about books; it’s about creating a space where everyone belongs. It’s laughter at a funny line, tears at a heartfelt moment, and the joy of creating something that’s yours as a family. These are the memories your kids will carry with them long after they’ve outgrown bedtime stories. 

So this November, make the decision to start small: one night, one story, one shared moment. Before long, it’ll become a tradition everyone looks forward to. Begin your family reading journey today with OUABC’s Tween Book Box, where every story becomes a shared adventure, and every page brings you a little closer together.

If you’re looking for some more fun ideas, check out our blog on Tween Reading Challenges for 2025: Fun Ways to Encourage Young Readers or our Year-Round Reading Challenges to Keep Kids Engaged!

 

Sources

Scholastic. (2019). Kids & Family Reading Report™: 7th edition – Key findings. Scholastic. https://www.scholastic.com/content/corp-home/kids-and-family-reading-report/key-findings.html