Is there a Judy Moody fan in your house? Perhaps there’s a Judy Moody fan who doesn’t even know it yet! This first book in the Judy Moody series tells all about Judy Moody and her bad bad mood on the first day of third grade! Judy isn’t happy about her new transition to third grade and she isn’t happy about the great vacations that all her friends will surely have had but soon enough Judy turns that moody inside out she is ready to tackle her newest school project!

Is there a 9–12 year old in your house who just isn’t interested in reading? The Nick McIver books may just bring those little rebellious non-readers around! This book is the sequel to the Nick of Time book by Ted Bell that was published in 2008 and tells the story of 12 year old Nick whose sister has been kidnapped by a time traveling pirate and Nick is forced to travel through time at breakneck speed through multiple wild and crazy adventures in order to save his sister!

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead tells the story of sixth grader Miranda and her best friend Sal who have to part ways. Follow Miranda as she navigates through her world that has now been turned upside down with change. Miranda’s internal voice throughout the story is one that children can relate to and understand as they try to understand friendships and identity.

My One Hundred Adventures by Polly Horvath is just one of Horvath’s beautifully illustrated storybooks but by far it’s the best one yet! This adorable book tells the story of a twelve year old girl named Jane who wants nothing more than adventure in her life! Sure that her summer at the beach is doomed for boredom things start to get interesting for Jane when she meets up with new friends!

Is there a space lover in your house? Is there someone who just can’t get enough moon landing stories and someone who has far too many questions about what it’s like up on the moon? The Mission Control, This is Apollo: The Story of the First Voyages to the Moon book by Andrew Chaikin might just help to qwell that curiosity for a little while. Telling all about the first voyages to the moon this book provides a mini documentary for children in grades 5 – 8!

Are you looking for a book to keep your 9 – 12 year old’s imagination working? Take a gander on the Magic Tree House books, particularly number 43 “Leprechaun in Late Winter.” Set in Ireland this book follows the adventures of Jack and Annie as they go on a magical adventure and discover a leprechaun!

A Really Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson is one of my favorite stocking stuffer ideas for those tough to buy for pre-teens. This fact filled book is perfect for your little know it all  because now they really can know it all! From facts about dinosaurs to atoms just turn to this fun little book!

Not only is the Are We There Yet Backseat Book a steal for just $3.95 but it is made by one of the most trusted names in childrens books: Rand McNally! This activity book is made for 9–11 yr olds and is sure to keep them busy on any roadtrip with mini mysteries, cross words and brain teasers galore!

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly isn’t a book for everyone but it is sure to hit home with little girls who connect with their grandfathers! Calpurnia Tate is growing up in the late 1800’s and she doesn’t love needleworking like most girls, Calpurnia loves adventure!

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate Dicamillo comes highly recommended by kids and parents alike! This wonderfully illustrated book is recommended for children ages 9–12 and filled with quirky characters that even you will come to love if you choose this one as a bedtime story…yes even big kids like a story once in a while!