Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we think of the back-to-school season like opening the first page of a brand-new book. That moment is filled with anticipation and hope that this year will be a happy and successful one, complete with new friendships, wonderful experiences, and lots of learning along the way. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love all that new stationery, freshly labelled, along with the bright new backpacks and lunchboxes? 

It’s the start of new routines and adventures, and we can’t think of a better way to kick it off than with a stack of incredible books that help tweens ease into learning, spark their imaginations, and hopefully rediscover their love of reading. 

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or librarian, having the right tween books ready and waiting can make all the difference. And lucky for you, our Tween Book Subscription Box brings carefully selected books and those famous surprise gifts that turn reading into a full-on adventure!

 

Why Reading Is Key to a Strong Start

Reading isn’t just a way to fill quiet time; it’s a foundational skill that builds confidence across every subject. Studies from the National Center for Education Statistics (2025) show a direct correlation between independent reading and academic achievement in grades 4–8. Reading boosts vocabulary, enhances empathy, improves focus, and expands imagination.

Plus, according to the National Council of Teachers of English (2019), independent reading creates lifelong learners who enjoy and seek out books beyond classroom assignments. So yes, letting your tween get lost in a great story is so much more than just fun; it’s one of the best school-year tools you can offer.

8 Tween Reads to Kick Off the School Year

Relax, we have done the work for you and found a selection of books that are both fun to read and tick all the right boxes!

Here are eight page-turners perfect for the new school year, filled with mystery, friendship, magic, and a whole lot of heart.

 

📚 An Adventure That Sparks Curiosity for Learning

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

When siblings Jakob and Lizzie move to WWII’s Bletchley Park, they’re swept into a web of riddles, codebreaking, and their mother’s mysterious disappearance. With Britain’s fate hanging in the balance, they must work together to solve a puzzle bigger than they ever imagined. 

Why it’s perfect: This historical adventure is ideal for inquisitive readers who love puzzles, history, and stories where siblings (eventually!) become a dream team.

💖 A Heartwarming Story About Friendship and Change

The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson

After Ryanna receives a letter from grandparents she’s never met, she spends a summer at a bustling family camp full of quirky cousins, hidden stories, and even a treasure map connected to her late mom.

Why it’s perfect: This touching story explores identity, grief, and family through an unforgettable summer. We featured it in our May 2025 Tween box, “A Summer To Remember,” complete with four gorgeous gifts to bring the magic to life.

🧙 A Fantasy Escape for Busy School Days

The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett

Grace runs away from an orphanage to become an apprentice to a grumpy forest witch, but first she must master 100½ spells, dodge danger, and discover what makes a real home. 

Why it’s perfect: A magical twist on Anne of Green Gables, this story is packed with humor, heart, and just the right amount of witchy fun to give your tween’s imagination a boost.

🐾 A Laugh-Out-Loud Tale to Break the Ice

Dog Squad by Chris Grabenstein

Fred is a totally average dog until he’s asked to impersonate the famous action star Duke from the show Dog Squad. But when real-life danger strikes, will Fred rise to the occasion? 

Why it’s perfect: Full of doggie mischief and fast-paced action, this is a great pick for reluctant readers or anyone who loves pets and a giggle.

🚂 A Mystery That Keeps Pages Turning After Homework

The Highland Falcon Thief by M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman

Hal expects a boring train ride with his travel-writer uncle until a priceless diamond necklace disappears and a mysterious stowaway girl becomes his unexpected ally. 

Why it’s perfect: Think Murder on the Orient Express meets middle grade adventure. It’s ideal for kids who love train rides, mystery, and a bit of detective work.

🌿 A Journey Through Family and Belonging

The Elephant’s Girl by Celesta Rimington

Lex uses her mysterious connection with an elephant at the zoo to uncover the truth about her past, her identity, and her place in the world. 

Why it’s perfect: Gentle and full of heart, this novel explores foster care, friendship, and finding where you belong, perfect for readers who love animals and emotional storytelling.

✨ A Graphic Novel for Creative Souls

All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson

Imogene is ready to leave her life as a Renaissance Faire kid behind when she starts public school. But middle school brings new challenges and her own storybook twist. 

Why it’s perfect: Great for readers who prefer visuals and want to feel seen during the awkward-but-awesome middle school years.

🎒 A Quick Read That Feels Like a Hug

The Year I Flew Away by Marie Arnold

Gabrielle moves from Haiti to Brooklyn and faces the ups and downs of a brand-new life with the help of a little magic, a lot of courage, and one very determined pigeon. 

Why it’s perfect: This short novel is full of hope, humor, and culture, ideal for back-to-school jitters and building reading confidence.

 

How to Keep the Momentum Going

Reading doesn't have to be a one-month wonder. It’s easy to keep the spark alive all school year long by creating a bedtime or after-school reading routine, joining (or starting!) a neighborhood or classroom book club, or using fun tools like the Tween Reading Passport to set and track reading goals. You can even reward progress with extra surprise gifts or let your tween pick a book-themed prize once a goal is hit!

We have an incredible selection of ready-to-ship tween book boxes just waiting for you! Here are a few of our favorites!

• “Chef Squad” Box featuring The Last Super Chef by Chris Negron, a signed bookplate from the author, and four incredible gifts that bring this tasty read to life!

• "Whimsical Wand School" Box featuring A Sky Full of Dragons by Tiffany McDaniel, plus a signed bookplate from the author and four magical gifts that bring the story to life as you read! 

• "Finding the Ringmaster" Box featuring The Circus at the End of the Sea by Lori R. Snyder, a signed bookplate from the author, plus FIVE stunning gifts that bring this exciting read to life!

Let the New Chapter Begin!

The right middle grade book can help tweens see the world, and themselves, in a whole new way. Starting the school year with powerful stories gives them confidence, curiosity, and that magical feeling that anything is possible. And with the Once Upon a Book Club Tween Book Subscription Box, you can keep that excitement going all year long. 

Each box includes a carefully-chosen tween book, 3-5 beautifully wrapped gifts to open at key moments, and a chance to turn any afternoon into an unforgettable reading adventure. It’s like back-to-school magic in a box, no school supplies required.

If you’re looking for some more inspiration, check out these blogs! 

• Why Book Subscription Boxes Are the Perfect Back-to-School Gift for Your Tween

• Middle Grade Literature - An Enchanting Journey That Shapes Young Minds

Wishing you a happy back-to-school season filled with adventures from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!

 

Sources

National Center for Education Statistics. (2025). NAEP Reading: Explore results for the 2024 NAEP reading assessment (Grades 4 & 8). In The Nation’s Report Card. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/reading/2024/g4_8/

National Council of Teachers of English. (2019, November 7). Statement on independent reading. NCTE. https://ncte.org/statement/independent-reading/