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Clean Books to Give Your Middle School Girl This Summer
*Affiliate links included, because writers gotta pay for plot twists somehow!
I love watching my kids stretch out on a sun-warmed blanket, a book in hand, their imaginations off on an adventure. Summer holds that kind of space—the kind where a girl can slip into a story and come out a little braver, a little more sure of who she is.
And if you have daughters (or granddaughters), you know this: not all books are created equal. Some uplift. Some unravel. And in this world of noise and pressure, our girls need stories that give them truth without preaching, hope without fluff, and characters they can root for.
So I’ve gathered a list—books that are clean, meaningful, and full of heart. Some are recent releases, some are well-loved classics, but each offers something lasting.
Books to Fill Her Summer with Courage, Wonder, and Truth
This Dreamer by Sara Watterson
A beautifully written YA fantasy that dives into themes of calling, courage, and identity. Clean and deeply engaging, this story invites young readers to think beyond what they see and consider what they’re meant for. Perfect for girls who love imagination and meaning woven together. This was a huge hit with my 8th grader this year.
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
The five lively Vanderbeeker siblings love their old brownstone in Harlem, but just before Christmas, their grumpy landlord decides not to renew their lease. Determined to save their home, the kids launch a series of heartfelt (and often hilarious) plans to win him over.Full of warmth, mischief, and charm, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is a clean, family-centered story celebrating community, creativity, and the power of working together.
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
In a city built deep underground to preserve humanity after a catastrophe, the lights are beginning to flicker and supplies are running dangerously low. Twelve-year-olds Lina and Doon suspect their home is on the brink of collapse. When they discover a mysterious message, they must work together to decipher it and find a way to save the people of Ember before it’s too late.A suspenseful and imaginative dystopian adventure, The City of Ember is clean, fast-paced, and full of courage, problem-solving, and hope.
The Penderwicks A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
The four spirited Penderwick sisters—Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty—spend their summer vacation at a charming cottage on the grounds of a grand estate. There, they meet a lonely boy named Jeffrey and embark on a season full of outdoor adventures, mischief, heartfelt conversations, and lasting friendship.
Wholesome, witty, and warm, The Penderwicks is a clean, modern classic with the feel of old-fashioned family storytelling—perfect for middle-grade girls who love books filled with heart and humor.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker
Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have been inseparable since Peter rescued him as a kit. But when Peter’s father goes off to war, Peter is forced to release Pax into the wild and move in with his grandfather. Haunted by the separation, Peter sets out on a journey to find his fox, while Pax faces challenges of his own in a world he’s never truly known.Told in alternating perspectives, Pax is a tender, beautifully written story about loyalty, love, and the pain of growing up—all wrapped in clean, poignant prose that lingers long after the final page.
Cloak of the Light (Wars of the Realm, Book 1) by Chuck Black
After a tragic accident leaves him with unusual vision, high school student Drew Carter begins to see powerful beings invisible to everyone else—warriors of light and shadow locked in battle. As he tries to make sense of what he’s witnessing, Drew is drawn into a supernatural conflict far greater than he imagined.Action-packed and thought-provoking, Cloak of the Light combines suspense, faith, and spiritual warfare in a clean, high-stakes adventure for teen readers. This is another favorite from one of my middle school girls!
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Jesse Aarons is a quiet, artistic boy who feels out of place—until he meets Leslie Burke, a spirited new girl at school. Together, they create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia in the woods, where they rule as king and queen and escape the pressures of real life. But when tragedy strikes, Jesse must face grief and discover the lasting power of friendship and imagination.Poignant and beautifully written, Bridge to Terabithia is a clean, heartfelt story that gently explores loss, courage, and the strength we find in those we love.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza Ortega lives a privileged life on her family’s ranch in Mexico, surrounded by love, wealth, and tradition. But when tragedy strikes, she and her mother are forced to flee to California during the Great Depression, becoming farm laborers. As Esperanza struggles with poverty, prejudice, and hard work, she must learn to rise above her circumstances, redefine her identity, and find hope in unexpected places.This beautifully written novel weaves history, culture, and resilience into a powerful coming-of-age story that’s both clean and deeply moving. I personally love this story! It’s also a great read aloud.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
This beloved fantasy novel is a fresh and empowering retelling of Cinderella. Ella of Frell is cursed with the “gift” of obedience—she must follow any direct order, no matter how dangerous or unfair. Determined to break the curse, Ella sets out on a brave journey full of ogres, fairies, and unexpected friendships. Along the way, she discovers her own strength and voice, proving that real courage means standing up for what’s right—even when it’s hardest.More Than Just Books
If you’re feeling a little behind this summer (I usually am), let this be simple: pick a few titles, leave them on her nightstand, maybe read the first chapter together. Not every book has to be a deep dive. Sometimes one sentence, one character, one moment is enough to plant a seed.
Let’s give our girls stories that don’t just entertain, but gently shape who they’re becoming.
Your Turn:
I’d love to know what clean books your daughter has loved. Let’s build a resource for other moms and grandmas who want to fill this season with good stories.Christina
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The Writer’s Wishlist: Creative and Practical Gifts
Let’s face it. Writers are unusual folks. We geek out about pens with a super-smooth flow and keyboards with just the right amount of key bounce. So, if you’re a normal, and you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your writerly loved one, here are a few items to consider.
Some of the best ideas happen in the shower. Unfortunately, some swirl down the drain when you shut off the water. No more losing those brilliant thoughts with a waterproof notepad hanging on the shower wall.
These are on my wish list! What a great way to break up the block. Dice include setting, point-of-view, time, theme, conflict, and four character dimensions.
This is a must for novelists. Just look up the emotion your character feels, and you find a list of ways that might be portrayed.
Troubleshooting Your Novel by Steven James
I should get a dollar for each one I sell because this is what I recommend to every novelist looking to better their skills. In my opinion, this book is a must-have.
This is a must-have for parent-writers who shuttle kiddos from one activity to another. Why not get a few more words in while you wait for soccer practice to end?
Add a little encouragement to a writer’s day with inspirational stickers. Here’s a link to one, but you can find a million others on Etsy.
And, here’s a big one, consider contributing to the cost of a writers conference. These are held all over the world, and there’s no better place for a budding writer to find their next steps on the journey.
I hope these suggestions help.
Christina
*Affiliate links are used on some of these products.
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Our Missing Piece — How Our First Grandbaby Filled in the Lost Year With Her Father
The moment my granddaughter was placed into my arms, missing pieces began shifting into long-vacant holes. I’d never given the empty spaces much thought. Her father’s first sixteen months were a loss that had grown dusty over the years busy raising him alongside his sibling. It wasn’t until she arrived that I felt the full grief of all that happened before Joshua became one of us.
Our second son entered into foster care only days after his birth, initially raised by a caring couple until we found our way to him. The first time I laid eyes on his chubby toddler self, he stood at the screen door of the only home he’d know. Dark eyelashes framed nearly black eyes, and precious curls sprouted straight from above and behind his ears. From the first toothy grin, I was in love.
Now years later, Joshua is a grown man with a wife perfectly designed for him. When they announced their pregnancy, we were overjoyed. My husband and I talked about what it would be like to be grandparents for the first time, what we would be called, and how we could help without interfering. Visions of toddler Joshua asleep in his crib, his dark eyelashes forming crescents visible in the moonlight filled my thoughts. I prayed that if nothing else, the baby would have those lashes.
Finally, she was here. It may sound silly, but I asked them not to text me any pictures. I wanted the first time I saw my granddaughter to be face-to-face. Looking back, I think this was the beginning of many reclaimed moments to come. The first image I’d seen of Joshua was in a grainy black and white photocopy, and though I wouldn’t change a thing, I found I needed to see her in person. My heart craved the connection without distance between us.
And when I saw her, the wait was worth every agonizing hour.
The sweet bundle in my arms was a delicate version of her father. Dark wisps of hair lay across her tiny head. Her olive skin was the perfect tone to accentuate her nearly black eyes. And when she slept, tiny crescents formed along her closed eyelids.
In the ten months that have followed, I’ve watched as her hair began to curl, the little waves making their way out from behind and above her perfect ears. She laughs easily like her father and has a peace about her that comes straight from her mother.
When she falls asleep on my chest, my heart connects to the baby I missed and the hours I wasn’t there to rock him as he slept. As she learned to crawl, I cheered her on, watching her come into the very first pieces of her independence. Every small moment provides another missing piece, and my heart overflows with the love I had waiting for a grandchild alongside the love I didn’t have the opportunity to give her father in those early days.
She was born into peace, not fear or loss or trauma. My sweet granddaughter is the completion of the picture that began the day we met her father.
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