Must Read Books Ages 9-12

Bilbo Baggins was a respectable hobbit, who never had any adventures-or didn't, until Gandalf persuaded him to go along with Thorin Oakenshield and his company of Dwarves to retrieve the Arkenstone treasure. During his journey, Bilbo finds a magic ring, helps the dwarves to escape from giants and wood-elves, and plays an increasingly important role in the relations between the five armies that gather in order to attempt to take their fair share of Smaug the Dragon's horde, returning to the Shire with plenty of stories to tell. 255 pages, hardcover, with color original dust-jacket illustrated by Tolkien.

Case for Faith for Kids by Lee Strobel, Why does God allow bad things to happen? Written with Tweens in mind, kids will be able to explore their own beliefs, and decide for themselves why believing in Christianity makes good sense. Packed full of well-researched, reliable, and eye-opening investigations that Lee conducted to test why people believe in Jesus, and the truths that support those beliefs. Paperback, 144 pages. Ages 8 to 12 years old.

The Secret of the Swamp King by Jonathan Rogers and illustrator, Joe Hox, This is book 2 of the 20th-anniversary edition of the Wilderking Trilogy. Aidan Errolson is now living in the court of King Darrow, but the king is spiraling into suspicion and paranoia. His insecurity causes him to hate the young man who once saved his kingdom.When the king sends Aidan on an impossible adventure into the recesses of Feechiefen Swamp, he hopes he is sending Aidan to his death. After all, no Corenwalder has ever returned from Feechiefen alive. But Aidan's fate is not yet sealed, for he has allies among the Feechiefolk, who know him as the hero Pantherbane. Hardcover, 256 pages. Recommended for ages 9 to 12 years old.

Vincent, determined to leave art behind, is forced to confront his family's secret when his sister, Lili, vanishes into a famous painting. He discovers that his family belongs to The Restorationists, a secret society with the ability to travel through paintings and protect them from evil forces. To save Lili, Vincent must team up with his cousin Georgia, face his past, and embrace his unexpected role in a world where art holds the key to adventure and danger.

Green Ember Lost Tales: The Lost Key reunites Picket, Heather, Jo, and Helmer for another thrilling adventure in the days following their arrival at Halfwind Citadel. As an internal conspiracy threatens to undermine the resistance's growing strength, these brave rabbits must navigate danger and intrigue to protect their cause. Packed with themes of courage, loyalty, and the fight against tyranny, this engaging tale continues the captivating saga of “The Green Ember” series, enchanting readers of all ages with its richly imagined world and heroic characters. 208 pages, softcover. Ages 8 and up.

This collectible boxed set includes all four The Wingfeather Saga hardcover novels beloved by fans. This adventurous story about gifted children who are well-loved by their mother and ex-pirate grandfather. They need all their gifts and all they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous monster that crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. Both children and adults alike will enjoy these adventures!

It's the 10th century BC and Jonathan's on his way to an assembly of all Israel, where God will choose a king! He hopes it'll be someone from their tribe---but Jonathan's in for a shock. Morgan's dramatic retelling follows the intertwined stories of Saul, Jonathan, David, and Michal from 1 and 2 Samuel. 288 pages, softcover from The Good Book.

Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike. Includes discussion questions. 320 pages, softcover. Ages 9 and up.

When fourteen-year-old Eva Joyce unexpectedly finds herself spending the summer at the mysterious manor house of the English grandmother she’s never met.
After strange things start happening in the gardens at night, Eva turns to the elderly housekeeper, gardener, and the gardener’s great-grandson, Frankie, for answers. Astonishingly, they all seem to believe the fairy tales are true—that portals to other worlds still exist. They suspect that Eva’s grandmother was once a queen in one of those worlds. 
But Eva's grandmother denies it all. After a horrific family tragedy when she was young, her heart is closed to the beauty and pain of her past. It’s up to Eva, with Frankie's help, to discover what really happened, whether family relationships can be restored, and if the portals are closed forever. 

Don't leave your kids at the mercy of toxic input and negative thoughts! Drawing primarily on insights from her bestseller Get Out of Your Head, Allen teaches 8- to 12-year-olds how to control what they take in, cultivate affirming self-talk, handle anxiety, and create healthy habits that lead to peace, joy, and love. 208 pages, softcover from Waterbrook.