Finding books for tween and teens that match their growing intellect and uphold family-friendly values can be a challenge. At this age, students crave deeper stories and more complex characters—but not every book marketed to them is appropriate in terms of language, content, or themes.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of clean, wholesome books that offer powerful stories, age-appropriate struggles, and important life lessons—without coarse language, inappropriate content, or unnecessary violence.
Spy School (Series)
Author: Stuart Gibbs
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Summary: Ben Ripley, a 12-year-old recruited into a secret CIA training program, navigates missions, mishaps, and middle school mayhem.
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Character Values: Loyalty, cleverness, courage, resilience.
The Ascendance Trilogy (series)
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Summary: A clever orphan named Sage is forced into a dangerous game of royal impersonation that becomes much more than he ever expected.
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Character Values: Leadership, cleverness, integrity, sacrifice.
Anne of Green Gables (series)
Author: L.M. Montgomery

Summary: Spirited, imaginative Anne Shirley wins over the people of Avonlea after being adopted—and learns important lessons along the way.
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Character Values: Optimism, forgiveness, creativity, perseverance.
Ranger’s Apprentice (Series)
Author: John Flanagan

Summary: Will, a young orphan, is chosen to train as a Ranger—learning the skills of archery, stealth, and wisdom to protect the kingdom.
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Character Values: Humility, discipline, bravery, service.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Author: Mildred D. Taylor

Summary: A powerful story about an African American family facing racism and injustice in the 1930s South, through the eyes of a brave young girl.
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Character Values: Integrity, courage, family strength, justice.
FunJungle (Series)
Author: Stuart Gibbs

Summary: When strange things happen at the world’s largest zoo, middle schooler Teddy Fitzroy turns into a kid detective with a knack for solving mysteries.
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Character Values: Determination, curiosity, critical thinking, justice.
Bud, Not Buddy
Author: Christopher Paul Curtis

Summary: During the Great Depression, 10-year-old Bud runs away from foster care to find the man he believes is his father.
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Character Values: Hope, perseverance, independence, dignity.
 Little Women (series)
Author: Louisa May Alcott

Summary: The March sisters navigate growing up, loss, love, and self-discovery during the Civil War era.
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Character Values: Generosity, family, hard work, moral integrity.
My Side of the Mountain (series)
Author: Jean Craighead George

Summary: Sam Gribley leaves the city to live alone in the Catskill Mountains, learning to survive and thrive in nature.
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Character Values: Independence, responsibility, resourcefulness, courage.

💡 Christian Book Spotlight 💡

Chosen (The Lost Books #1)
by Ted Dekker

Ages: 13–17

Summary: In a fantastical realm under siege, four teens are chosen to carry out a divine mission to save their people from evil.

Values: Obedience to God, spiritual warfare, sacrifice, and transformation.​

-- VIEW MORE CHRISTIAN BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS --

​Just Finished 6th Grade?

Here is a great summer workbook to keep your skills sharp before entering 7th grade! 

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