There’s a special kind of magic that happens when a tween falls in love with reading. One minute they’re flipping through pages, and the next, they’re trekking across Mars, solving mysteries in swamps, saving magical bookstores, or becoming the hero of their very own adventure.

At Once Upon a Book Club, we believe that books are the ultimate passports to imagination and for tweens, they can open doors to creativity, self-discovery, and a lifetime love of storytelling. Whether your tween dreams of space dragons, seaside circuses, or uncovering hidden secrets, there’s a story out there ready to spark their next big adventure. Which is exactly why we created our Tween Book Box!

We’ve curated a list of inspiring books filled with wonder, courage, and a whole lot of heart!

 

Why is Reading Important for Tween Creativity?

Books have the incredible power to stretch the imagination, especially during the tween years when kids are craving independence, discovery, and new ideas. According to research by the National Endowment for the Arts (2007), reading during childhood fosters empathy, improves cognitive skills, and encourages creative problem-solving skills that serve kids well far beyond the classroom.

Plus, getting lost in a story encourages tweens to dream bigger, think differently, and realize that the impossible might just be a few pages away. Whether they're navigating magical streets or deciphering ancient clues, each story they dive into becomes part of their own creative journey.

Curated List: Inspiring Books for Creative and Adventurous Tweens

 

The Circus at the End of the Sea by Lori R. Snyder

Perfect for fans of Kelly Barnhill and Rebecca Stead, this vibrant and magical debut novel shows readers the magic of following your heart and finding where you truly belong.

Maddy Adriana has always known that magic is real—she can feel it calling to her in the most unexpected places. When her heart leads her to a secret street circus hidden among the canals and boardwalks of Venice Beach, she finds the home she’s always dreamed of. But when the circus is threatened, Maddy must confront her own deepest fears to save it.

Why tweens will love it:

With vibrant imagery, a sense of wonder, and a message about finding your place in the world, The Circus at the End of the Sea invites readers to believe in magic—and themselves.

 

The Monster Hypothesis by Romily Bernard

Welcome to Bohring—home to 453 people, 2,053 alligators, and one very real, very spooky monster curse (or so the legend says).

Kick Winter is the new kid in town, living with her fake-psychic Grandma Missouri, and she’s determined to become popular—even if it means pretending she has psychic powers too. But when glowing creatures appear and kids start disappearing, Kick’s scientific brain literally kicks into high gear. Can she uncover the truth before the curse claims them all?

Why tweens will love it:

A perfect mix of mystery, humor, and science, The Monster Hypothesis is a fast-paced adventure that shows readers the power of curiosity—and a little bit of bravery.

 

The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen

Space. Survival. Dragons. The Last Dragon on Mars mashes up sci-fi and fantasy in a thrilling story set on the red planet itself.

Lunar Jones knows Mars wasn’t exactly built for humans, and life on the colony is tough. But when a salvaging run leads him to a hidden underground secret, Lunar discovers that dragons aren’t just the stuff of legends—they may be the last hope for saving a dying world.

Why tweens will love it:

Edgy, fast-paced, and filled with heart-pounding twists, The Last Dragon on Mars is perfect for readers who dream of adventures among the stars—and dragons.

The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams by Mindy Thompson

Imagine a bookstore where customers come not just from across the world—but from across time. That’s the magic of The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams.

Set during World War II, Poppy’s family owns Rhyme and Reason, a magical shop filled with secrets and rules—rules like never using the magic for personal gain. But when tragedy strikes and her brother is tempted to break the rules, Poppy faces a heart-wrenching choice that could change everything.

Why tweens will love it:

A beautiful exploration of family, loyalty, and the cost of choices, The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams shows readers that true magic lies in love, sacrifice, and doing what’s right.

The Adventure Is Now by Jess Redman

Milton P. Greene isn’t exactly a natural-born hero. (Especially not after the infamous Bird Brain Incident.) But when he’s sent to spend the summer on Lone Island, he gets the adventure he’s always dreamed of—and a chance to become the brave explorer he’s always wanted to be.

Alongside new friends, cryptic clues, and spectacular species, Milton learns that sometimes, living in the "now" leads to the greatest adventures of all.

Why tweens will love it: 

Full of humor, heart, and wild discoveries, The Adventure Is Now is a vibrant, feel-good story that encourages readers to protect what matters and believe in their own courage.

Tips for Encouraging Tween Creativity Through Reading

Want to help spark even more creativity? Here are a few easy ideas:

• Create a reading adventure: Let them map their reading journey with homemade “reading passports” or rewards. Each time you start one of our Tween Subscription Boxes, it comes with a reading passport!

• Mix genres: Fantasy, mystery, sci-fi, and realistic fiction all spark imagination in different ways.

• Ask open-ended questions: Encourage them to dream up “what happens next” after a story ends.

• Join a Book Club: Connecting with other readers makes reading feel like a shared adventure.

• Creative Writing: Encourage your tween to start writing, and if you’re looking for inspiration, our blog Unleashing Creativity: Fun Writing Prompts for Tweens is just what you need!

Books don’t just inspire kids to dream—they empower them to create their own stories, one page at a time.

 

Celebrate Every Adventure with Once Upon a Book Club

At Once Upon a Book Club, we believe that reading should feel like an adventure in itself. That’s why we’ve created Tween Subscription Boxes designed to bring books to life with page-timed surprises and interactive experiences that make every chapter even more magical.

Our tween boxes are perfect for adventurous readers ready to step into new worlds, discover hidden talents, and celebrate the joy of imagination. Plus, there’s nothing better than seeing the excitement when they open a new wrapped gift timed perfectly to their story.

Make sure to check out our blog Unboxing the Adventure: A Look Inside Our Middle Grade Book Boxes to find out more!

📦 Explore our ready-to-ship Tween Book Boxes here

Let Their Imagination Take Flight

Helping a tween fall in love with reading—or rekindling that love—is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Every story they experience is a stepping stone to creativity, confidence, and curiosity that will last a lifetime.

So whether they’re hunting for Martian dragons, uncovering swamp secrets, or saving magical bookstores, these inspiring reads are ready to whisk them off on unforgettable adventures. Let’s get reading—and let’s keep dreaming big.

📚✨ Adventure awaits in every book! Wishing you lots of adventures from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!