These are books our children 12 years and up (generally) have enjoyed. It includes some classics. This is a growing index of the books I have so far reviewed on my blog, so check back for more titles.
Anne of Green Gables (series) by L.M. Montgomery
Crunch by Leslie Connor
Daddy Long Legs and its sequel, Dear Enemy by Jean Webster
The Harvester by Gene Stratton Porter
Her Father’s Daughter by Gene Stratton Porter
A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter
Little Britches/Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Lives of Service by Mary R. Parkman (an antique book)
A Long Way from Chicago; A Year Down Yonder; On the Wings of Heroes; A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck
Edward’s Eyes; Sarah, Plain and Tall, et al. (or any of the books by Patricia MacLachlan). (Note: Her books are all written for children, but the language and style is not condescending and touches on topics that are true matters of the heart, so teens would enjoy these, particularly if they are learning to love reading.)
The Wednesday Wars; Okay for Now; Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls