For ages 9-11:
* The Princess in Black series by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale: These fun fantasy books feature a princess who secretly fights monsters, with hints of budding romance woven into the adventure.
* The Bailey School Kids series by Debbie Dadey and Sharon Creech: These hilarious books feature a group of friends who get into all sorts of trouble, with some sweet moments of budding crushes.
* The Lemonade War series by Jacqueline Davies: This series follows two siblings who compete in a lemonade stand rivalry, with their friendship (and maybe something more) at stake.
* Clementine series by Sara Pennypacker: Clementine's adventures are full of heart and humor, featuring a sweet crush on her neighbor, a boy named Peter.
* The Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall: This heartwarming series follows four sisters who are full of adventure and have adorable crushes on their neighbor's son.
For ages 12-14:
* The Upside of Falling series by Alexandra Bracken: This story follows a girl who experiences a magical transformation after falling from a tree, with a sweet romance developing with the boy who saves her.
* The Dork Diaries series by Rachel Renée Russell: This series is a funny and relatable look at middle school life, with hints of first crushes and relationships.
* The Baby-Sitters Club series by Ann M. Martin: This classic series features a group of friends who run a babysitting service, and deals with first crushes and friendships in a realistic and age-appropriate way.
* The Wish List by E. Lockhart: This book is a bit more mature, but still deals with first crushes and relationships in a relatable way.
* The Summer I Turned Pretty series by Jenny Han: This series is perfect for tweens who are ready for a bit more depth in their romances, but still keeps it light and fun.
Remember:
* Talk to your preteen about what they're comfortable reading: Some preteens might be ready for more mature romance themes, while others might prefer stories with more focus on friendship.
* Look for books with positive relationships: Make sure the books you choose portray healthy and respectful relationships.
* Enjoy reading together! Reading aloud or discussing the books you're reading can be a great way to connect with your preteen.
Happy reading!