10+ Best Girly Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect girly books for 11-year-olds? Whether you're looking to gift a young reader or encourage a tween's budding love for literature, finding books that captivate and inspire can be a delightful challenge. You're in luck because we've curated a variety of must-read girly books that are just right for 11-year-olds. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to spark joy and imagination in any young reader!

Fun Girly Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Never Girls: In a Blink by Kiki Thorpe, illustrated by Jana Christy
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four friends find themselves whisked away to Never Land, home of fairies and adventures. They must navigate this magical world and figure out how to return home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to fantasy for young readers, filled with excitement and the joys of discovering a new world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventures and magical worlds.

• Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Sleepover Sleuths by Carolyn Keene
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Nancy Drew and her friends form the Clue Crew to solve their very first case: a missing movie camera during a sleepover party.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces problem-solving and deductive reasoning in a fun and engaging way, perfect for budding detectives.
  • Perfect for: Girls who love mysteries and enjoy playing detective.

• The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Kristy Thomas comes up with the idea to create a babysitters club with her friends, launching an adventure in entrepreneurship and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes themes of friendship, responsibility, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in starting their own ventures or who enjoy stories about friendship and teamwork.

• Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: When seven-year-old Bean meets her new neighbor Ivy, they form an unlikely friendship and embark on many misadventures together.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and charming book that celebrates the joy of new friendships and the thrill of childhood escapades.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about friendship and playful mischief.

• Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renée Russell
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Nikki Maxwell navigates the ups and downs of middle school, dealing with mean girls, crushes, and her secret desire to be popular.
  • Why we recommend this book: It deals with common middle school challenges using humor and relatable diary entries, encouraging readers to embrace their true selves.
  • Perfect for: Preteens who are facing or will soon face the social dynamics of middle school.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her dim-witted family. She discovers she has magical powers and decides to use them to right the wrongs in her world, especially against the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story about using one's inner strength and intelligence to overcome obstacles and unfair treatment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate a mix of humor, justice, and a touch of magic in their stories.

Educational Girly Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler, illustrated by Sarah Gibb
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily Windsnap discovers she is half-mermaid and embarks on an underwater adventure to explore her newfound identity and uncover family secrets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of identity, marine biology basics, family relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a magical setting with relatable themes of self-discovery and family, making it both enchanting and meaningful.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and are curious about self-discovery and the mysteries of the sea.

• The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Mia Thermopolis learns she is the princess of a small European country and must juggle her ordinary life with her duties as a royal.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, personal responsibility, understanding of governance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's funny and heartwarming, providing a unique twist on the classic "Cinderella" story with plenty of life lessons about responsibility and self-acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Girls who enjoy humorous stories mixed with life lessons and a touch of royalty.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: An imaginative and talkative girl, Anne Shirley, is accidentally adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert and grows up in the picturesque town of Avonlea.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, historical context, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless themes of growth, friendship, and belonging, all wrapped up in the beautiful prose of L.M. Montgomery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love classic tales with strong, memorable characters and picturesque settings.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a reluctant heroine when she's transported to a distant planet and embarks on a quest to save her abducted friend.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an action-packed graphic novel that promotes bravery and loyalty in the face of unfamiliar challenges.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who enjoy science fiction and graphic novels.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha are taken to an enchanted school where young heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between Good and Evil.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of morality, friendship, and the consequences of one's actions
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively explores themes of friendship and the nature of good and evil through a captivating fantasy lens.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like exploring complex themes through magical and adventurous narratives.

Challenging Girly Books for 11-Year-Olds

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy and intelligent girl, faces drastic changes in fortune and must rely on her imagination and kindness to survive in a strict boarding school.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative introduces complex themes of social injustice, resilience, and the impact of socio-economic status on human relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about maintaining one's dignity and compassion in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and overcoming hardships through inner strength.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
  • Synopsis: Cursed with obedience, Ella of Frell must navigate her world without the freedom to make her own choices, leading her on a quest to break the curse.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of autonomy, consent, and the fight for one's rights, wrapped in a rich, fairy-tale context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever twist on the Cinderella story that empowers young readers to think about the importance of independence and self-determination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales with strong female protagonists and a message of empowerment.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon must unravel the truth about her magical powers and the outside world’s misconceptions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel weaves complex narratives involving magic, societal expectations, and the power of misunderstanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautifully written tale that challenges perceptions and highlights the power of love and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intricate storytelling and magical realism.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: As Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, she must piece together the clues before a tragic event occurs.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves intricate timelines and the concept of time travel, requiring readers to think critically about cause and effect.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping mystery that combines elements of science fiction with real-life issues, fostering both imagination and analytical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love puzzles and mysteries intertwined with realistic life lessons.

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, Calpurnia Tate is a curious 11-year-old girl who navigates family expectations and her passion for science with the help of her cantankerous grandfather.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses the historical context of women in science and the challenge of pursuing one's passion against societal norms.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book encourages scientific inquiry and perseverance, making it inspirational for young girls interested in science and history.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and history buffs who appreciate strong, curious characters and learning about the past.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of girly books, it's not just about what you read, but how you read. Here are some fun exercises designed for 11-year-olds to help develop awesome reading habits. These will make your reading experience even more enjoyable and enriching!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Helps to maintain a consistent reading habit and fosters a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable number and increase it as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special place at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading time something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Make it cozy with pillows, good lighting, and maybe a small shelf for your books.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club where you and your friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and improves communication skills.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep it exciting and inclusive.

• Read Aloud to Someone
  • What it is: Read a book aloud to a family member, friend, or even a pet.
  • How it helps: Improves reading fluency and expression.
  • Tips: Choose a fun and engaging book that you think the listener will enjoy.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw or paint a scene from the book you're reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps you remember the story better.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic perfection; focus on how the scene makes you feel.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

These exercises are not just about reading more; they're about making reading a fundamental and enjoyable part of your life. Give them a try, mix them up, and see which ones you enjoy the most. Happy reading!