For a 16-year-old who just finished
by Tui T. Sutherland
Pick 1 of 3
by Rick Riordan
Age fit: 9–12 · 740L (~4th grade) · Right at their current reading level · 208 pages · Middle grade · 2008
The gold standard entry point for myths, quests, and kids who love witty protagonists — the ADHD/dyslexia angle feels earned, not decorative, and Riordan's voice carries slow readers through.
Pick 2 of 3
by Kwame Mbalia
Age fit: 8–12 · 780L (~4th grade) · Right at their current reading level · Middle grade · 2019
A genuinely moving adventure that teaches Black history through myth and folklore rather than lecture; Tristan's arc is believable and the supporting cast of tricksters and ancestors is unforgettable.
Pick 3 of 3
by J.R.R. Tolkien
Age fit: 10–14 · 740L (~4th grade) · Right at their current reading level · 319 pages · Middle grade · 1979
The foundational adventure fantasy that actually earns its reputation—Bilbo's voice is funny and human, the pacing is confident, and the stakes feel real without ever tipping into darkness.
We were reading the hobbit together, and one night she came out of her room crying that "Thorin died!"
My daughter really loves the Bravepaw series of illustrated novels with age appropriate peril and good language.
Want picks for a different book?
