Diary of a Wimpy Kid & More

13 Great Series for Tween Readers

Fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney can now preorder Diper Överlöde, the newest installment in the series, coming out October 25. (And until October 24, you can get a FREE BOOK with your Pre-Order!) But in the meantime, here's a good opportunity to get your young reader hooked on one of these stellar series, perfect for tweens.

Plants vs Zombies by Paul Tobin

In this hilarious graphic novel series , a confusing-yet-brilliant inventor known only as Crazy Dave helps his niece, Patrice, and young adventurer Nate Timely fend off zany zombie attacks.

Dear Dumb Diary by Jim Benton

It's been around for a while, but kids will still find much to relate to in the hilarious, candid (sometimes mean) diaries of Jamie Kelly, who promises that everything in her diary is true . . . or at least as true as it needs to be.

Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan

This high fantasy series follows the adventures of Will, an orphan who is chosen as an apprentice to the Rangers, skilled trackers, archers, and warriors in service of the King of Araluen. Perfect for Harry Potter fans.

Diary of a Sixth Grade Ninja by Marcus Emerson

Described as a "funny thriller," this is the diary-style account of a scrawny sixth grader recruited to be a ninja. "It was a world of trouble I wasn't prepared for, which is why I kept this diary—to warn other kids."

Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland

Clay and his friends have grown up under a mountain, secretly raised by the Talons of Peace to fulfill a mysterious prophecy. The five young dragons are destined to end the war that's been raging between the tribes of Pyrrhia.

Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell

This series chronicles the experiences of fifteen-year-old Nikki Maxwell. Written in a diary format that includes drawings, doodles, and comic strips, Nikki shares stories about things like battles with mom, crushes, and mean girl clashes.

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Harry Potter fans will love this series. Protagonist Sophie struggles to fit in either at school or home, especially since she can read people's minds. When she learns she's actually from a magical world, things finally start to make sense.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

Can an undercover nerd become a superstar agent? Ben Ripley sure hopes so—and his life may depend on it. Follow the adventures of a tween after he gets recruited for the CIA's Academy of Espionage.

Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi

This award-winning fantasy graphic novel series follows Emily and her younger brother Navin as they travel into a fantastical world to try to save their mom. There they encounter giant robots, mysterious plants, and talking animals.

The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier and Douglas Holgate

Fun and spooky, this series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where foster kid Jack and his friends battle zombies and monsters, while always making sure they always have plenty of tasty snacks.

I Funny by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein

Middle schooler Jamie Grimm may be in a wheelchair, but he's not going to let that stop him from achieving his dream of becoming the world's greatest standup comedian. But first he has to overcome his own self-doubt.

Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce

Trouble always seems to find him, but Nate keeps his cool. He knows he's destined for greatness. A fortune cookie told him so. This humorous novel (and comic book) series is perfect for anyone who's ever been to middle school.

Let us know if we've missed any of your favorite series for tween readers. And follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with a community of readers like you and get daily book recommendations, literary tidbits, and more.

Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon