| Maybe a craft (Sewing or cookbook?) or drawing book? |
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+1 my low reading 11 year old could not put this down. |
All of these including the recommendation for A Mighty Girl or Brightly.com for book ideas. Shine is another lovely book I’d recommend for that age. Does she like to cook? There is a fun three book series called Next Best Junior Chef that my DD loved. |
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Graphic novels are great for reluctant readers. Here's a good list: https://childhood101.com/graphic-novels-tweens/
The Babysitters Club has been turned into graphic novels as well. This isn't a graphic novel but it's a huge hit with the kids I know: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. I also highly recommend Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper and Fish in a Tree. |
| Thank you for the the wonderful suggestions! I've got a lot on my future gift list now. The 11 Before 12 looks perfect for her right now. She LOVES all of those Raina T and babysitter club graphic novels. |
No, there isn't. But I'm with the PP. If you want to encourage literacy, buy her a book because you love her. Get her something else for her birthday. |
Sorry to hear that about your son, but the advice is being given to OP whose niece. OP said while she’s at a lower reading level, she is drawn to realistic fiction. A book is an excellent gift, and people have given great suggestions. ☺️ |
| Diary of Anne Frank. |
Front Desk is amazing! I have so many reluctant readers who devoured it! Also recommend, all new realistic fiction: Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee Chirp by Kate Messner Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley So Done by Paula Chase Genesis Begins Again by Alicia Williams If she can be coaxed to try historical fiction, The War That Saved My Life is phenomenal. A lot of my lower readers hung into it even though it is challenging because it is so riveting. Great as an audiobook, too. You could consider getting we an Audible subscription...sometime audiobooks can spark a love of reading by those who had felt unsuccessful with decoding.. |
| Another vote for Audible. |
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Toulane.
Historical fiction books in a graphic novel format by Marcia Williams. |
Meant non fiction. |
The Edward Toulane book looks amazing! Thanks for the suggestion. |
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Just to echo those who suggest giving a book as a casual thing;; "I heard this was good; I hope you like it" and something non-bookish for her birthday. Or if you HAVE to give a book, then find a book of crafts, cooking ("Cook Without a Book" is fun), art, or photography.
My mom, a teacher, insists on giving a book to my dyslexic child. It's like giving her a workbook of long division. Finally, my Mom got the message when my daughter burst into tears upon opening the gift. |
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The War that Saved my Life and it’s sequel are books that made my daughter love historical fiction. She read them @9 but she’s 11 now and still they’re two of her favorite books.
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