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.

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.

Anonymous wrote:The Miraculous Journey of Edward Toulane.

Historical fiction books in a graphic novel format by Marcia Williams.

The Edward Toulane book looks amazing! Thanks for the suggestion.

Anonymous wrote:The Miraculous Journey of Edward Toulane.

Historical fiction books in a graphic novel format by Marcia Williams.

Meant non fiction.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Toulane.

Historical fiction books in a graphic novel format by Marcia Williams.

Another vote for Audible.

Anonymous wrote:Front Desk is great.

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..

Diary of Anne Frank.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would like to get my niece a book for her birthday. She is not an avid reader and has always been on the lower side of reading levels for her grade. She is not much into fantasy; she seems more drawn to realistic fiction. Any recommendations?

Don't.

I have a kid who doesn't read well. Giving someone else's a child a gift that is chosen for the child you wish they were, instead of the child they are is a crappy thing to do. Give her what she wants for her birthday.

OP here. I have always given her a book and another gift for her birthday. It is kind of our thing. She does not dislike reading; she is just not reading at a high-level yet.

That person gave bad advice anyway. It sounds cute!

Lovely tradition, OP! Just responding to PP above - it actually was very good advice for most kids who struggle with reading (glad to hear not OP’s niece). My son is dyslexic and I cannot tell you how disheartening and sad it is for him to be given books for all holidays from family who think if he just TRIED HARDER or found the right book or something he’d like to read. It is a blow every time. It is like giving him math workbooks, or chore charts, or toothpaste. All good and necessary parts of his life, but they don’t make good gifts. For some kids, neither do books. I adore books, and there is no better gift for me. But I am not my son.

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. ☺️

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would like to get my niece a book for her birthday. She is not an avid reader and has always been on the lower side of reading levels for her grade. She is not much into fantasy; she seems more drawn to realistic fiction. Any recommendations?

Don't.

I have a kid who doesn't read well. Giving someone else's a child a gift that is chosen for the child you wish they were, instead of the child they are is a crappy thing to do. Give her what she wants for her birthday.

Nothing wrong in encouraging literacy.

Op, I like this booklist:
https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/graphic-novels-with-no-violence/

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.

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.

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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe books by Raina Telgemeier

Or there are a lot of graphic novels for thia age now, including babysitters club.

Agree with that. I know you said she doesn't like fantasy - but Keepers of the Lost Cities is a fantastic series for that age. Even I loved it

This is a good site for ideas: https://www.amightygirl.com/

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.

Anonymous wrote:This is perfect
https://www.amazon.com/Friendship-List-11-Before-12/dp/0062411748

+1 my low reading 11 year old could not put this down.

Maybe a craft (Sewing or cookbook?) or drawing book?