{"id":43591,"date":"2024-12-04T05:56:19","date_gmt":"2024-12-04T09:56:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/?p=43591"},"modified":"2025-02-25T15:31:59","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T19:31:59","slug":"books-for-11-year-old-boys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/books-for-11-year-old-boys\/","title":{"rendered":"Enjoyable Books for 11 Year Old Boys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Although middle grade books are targeted toward kids between ages 8-12, most 11 year olds have different interests from their 8-year-old counterparts. I’ve tried to reflect this in this list of books for 11-year-old boys. You’ll find a variety of stories about kind boys dealing with family drama, navigating complex friendship issues, going on adventures, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n

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20 Lovely Books for 11-Year-Old Boys<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are 20 great books I recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If He Likes Mysteries<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some great male-led books for fans of mysteries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Perfect Mistake<\/h2><\/div>
By Melanie Conklin<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: July 12, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Max and his community are reeling from a night out gone wrong. Max and his friends Joey and Will went out with two older boys, but Will ended up unconscious and in a coma, and Joey won\u2019t speak to Max anymore. Max also has ADHD and is over six feet tall at 11, which means he stands out in his class. Frustrated that he can\u2019t figure out what happened to Will, Max teams up with an inquisitive classmate, but the truths he unravels aren\u2019t pretty. Can Max get to the bottom of this mystery? A Perfect Mistake<\/em> is a pitch-perfect middle grade mystery<\/a> about honesty, peer pressure, and standing up for what\u2019s right.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Sherlock Society<\/h2><\/div>
By James Ponti<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: September 3, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a last name like Sherlock, siblings Alex and Zoe decide that the best summer job for them is starting a detective agency. With the help of their best friends, Yadi and Lina, and their former investigative journalist grandfather, the kids are set to find Al Capone\u2019s treasure and learn more about Miami, a sunny city with shady people. But things do not quite go to plan, and instead, they find themselves thrust into an unexpected mystery. The Sherlock Society<\/em> is a clever mystery \u2014 strongly reminiscent of Nancy Drew<\/em> \u2014 with a surprising environmental bent. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Framed <\/h2><\/div>
By James Ponti<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: August 23, 2016<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

12-year-old Florian hones his excellent observational skills using a technique he calls the TOAST, (Theory of All Small Things<\/em>), which helps him in social situations and other life areas. But after teaching it to a new genius friend, they end up solving an art mystery, which puts them on the FBI\u2019s radar \u2014 but also in the line of fire of a notorious crime syndicate. I love Ponti\u2019s City Spies<\/em> series, and while this one isn\u2019t as good, it\u2019s a fantastic escapist read with lots of intellectual mystery-solving\/detective work. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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More mystery books for tweens<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If He Likes Sports<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hand these books to the sports fans in your life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ghost <\/h2><\/div>
By Jason Reynolds<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: August 30, 2016<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This book is about Castle Crenshaw (aka Ghost), who has PTSD from a dad who tried to fire a gun at him as a child. When he meets Coach and the rest of the team, he can finally harness his talent as a sprinter and stop running away from his problems. I love how powerful these kids\u2019 stories are (in the Track<\/em> series) and that they\u2019re super short \u2014 this one is only 185 pages long. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Academy <\/h2><\/div>
By T. Z. Layton<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: July 13, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I enjoyed this book about a boy from Ohio named Leo who loves to play soccer and gets scouted to go to a football academy in England. This is a serious sports story, meaning that much of the plot and action is on the pitch. The author squeezes in a little drama in the form of bullying, romance in the lives of the teens in Leo\u2019s life, and some emotional stuff with Leo\u2019s dad who\u2019s a widower strapped for cash. I tend to prefer my sports stories with a huge helping of the real stories of the sports court\/pitch, but I was invested in this one and definitely see the appeal. If you have kids who love stories by Mike Lupica, they will enjoy this series. Did I mention it\u2019s the first in a series? It is! Grades 5+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ten Thousand Tries<\/h2><\/div>
By Amy Makechnie<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: July 13, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golden Maroni is having a tough year. First, he really wants to get bigger and become the captain of his middle school soccer team. As a dedicated Messi fan, he\u2019s working on putting in ten thousand hours of soccer practice so that he can become as good as Messi. His former-soccer-star father has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). His best friend, Lucy Littlehouse is also moving away from her home next door to Golden\u2019s. Despite his dad\u2019s obvious deterioration, Golden stubbornly believes that his dad will get better. How will he cope with everything on his plate \u2014 and the heartbreaking challenges ahead of his family? Ten Thousand Tries<\/em> is a moving, heartwarming story about family<\/a>, friendship, community<\/a>, soccer, and the love of a father. Grades 5+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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More sports books for tweens<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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If He Likes Action and Adventure<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Heroes <\/h2><\/div>
By Alan Gratz<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: February 6, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friends and army brats Frank and Stanley live in Pearl Harbor, where they deal with the usual challenges of bullying and creating comic books. Until December 7th, 1941, when everything changes during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Will the boys survive the attack? How will the war change them and their friendship? Master of middle grade historical fiction, Alan Gratz, explores these in his latest novel. Heroes<\/em> by Alan Gratz is an action-packed historical account about friendship and what it means to be a hero. Grades 6+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Unforgettable Logan Foster<\/h2><\/div>
By Shawn Peters (Author)
Published: January 18, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Unforgettable Logan Foster #1<\/em> is a fantasy middle grade debut by author Shawn Peters. Logan is a foster kid at a boys\u2019 foster home. He\u2019s on the autism spectrum, has a photographic memory, and isn\u2019t the best at picking up on social cues. But just when Logan is sure that he\u2019ll never be adopted, a new couple Margie and Gil show up. After a rocky start, Logan is settling in with his new foster parents when he starts noticing some weird things. Gil never seems to eat and are Margie\u2019s tears silver? He\u2019s only processing the fact that his new parents might be superheroes when they get kidnapped by a supervillain and it\u2019s up to Logan to save them. This is a superb, fast-paced superhero fantasy about identity, self-worth, and finding community.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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National Archive Hunters 1: Capitol Chase<\/h2><\/div>
By Matthew Landis<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: May 14, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twins Ike (Icarus) and Iris are gifted in different ways. Ike is a history nerd, while Iris is an athlete with a strong sense of direction (call her the human GPS). Their dad is ex-military and now runs a museum with their mom, who is an art curator. When Iris spots a girl stealing an artifact in their Americana museum, it begins a string of art heists by the same 10-year-old girl which gets the family roped into solving the crime to save their museum and clear their name. This is a fun romp of a story suffused with US history, especially the Revolutionary War period. Although it’s on the longer side, it is truly action-packed and told from the perspectives of both siblings. Ends in a gentle cliffhanger, and readers will be thrilled to know it’s going to be a series.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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If He Likes Graphic Novels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dog Trouble <\/h2><\/div>
By Kristin Varner<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: October 29, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Ash\u2019s mom ships him off to the island to spend the summer with his dad, he\u2019s forced to do community service at a dog shelter where he gets to know different dog breeds and personalities \u2014 as do readers. Varner includes a note about a different dog breed at the start of each chapter. As Ash makes new friends, becomes an asset to the shelter, and gets closer to his dad, stepmom, and sibling, he experiences a life-changing summer. Heads up for the death of one dog (not on the page!). I can see animal lovers ADORING this one! <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Gamerville<\/h2><\/div>
By Johnnie Christmas<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: July 16, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Max is a video-game-obsessed tween who\u2019s qualified for the Gamerville finals when his parents decide that he\u2019s too addicted to his devices and schlepp him over to Camp Reset, a technology-free camp where he\u2019ll be stuck during the week of his Gamerville finals. There, Max gets thrown in the mix with campers Ari, Dylan, and Zazzi, who are dealing with upheavals in their own lives. In all the mayhem, Max decides to break out of the camp for his finals. This was fun — though not as good as this author’s Swim Team<\/a><\/em> — and I loved the camp vibes and the adventure, the community, and the friendships. The illustrations are lovely! Ages 9+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Adventures of Invisible Boy<\/h2><\/div>
By Doogie Horner<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: January 30, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When his family moves in the middle of the school year, Stanley wishes he could be invisible because being the new kid is too hard. Then he’s caught in a spill during the science fair and his wish comes true: he’s invisible. There’s only one problem: the kid who made the potion is not pleased! Can Stanley escape his wrath? This is such a fun sci-fi graphic novel for kids who love funny books with plenty of hijinks. Ages 8+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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More tween graphic novels<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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If He Likes Fantasy & Sci-fi<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Boy 2.0<\/h2><\/div>
By Tracey Baptiste<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: October 1, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was skeptical (as I am of all superhero stories) of this book, especially because I thought it was more supernatural than sci-fi. But I\u2019m happy to report that I was hooked from the very first chapter of its audiobook. Coal is a foster kid taken in by the boisterous McKay family when his foster parent has a mental breakdown. Not long after, he realizes that his skin has camouflaging abilities, essentially making him invisible. This is more than a superhero origin story with plenty of family humor (for fans of The Vanderbeekers<\/em>), lots of male friendship banter, musings on the foster care system, and a heartwarming ode to Black history and culture. I can\u2019t wait for book two, and I expect young, hesitant readers to love this if they crack open the first couple of pages. Ages 11+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Glitch <\/h2><\/div>
By Laura Martin
Published: June 9, 2020<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cadets Regan Fitz and Elliot Mason are two \u201cGlitchers\u201d in an academy for learning how to time travel and stop \u201cButterflies\u201d\u2014rebels traveling through time to change history\u2014from successfully changing American history. Regan is the daughter of the school principal, and Elliot can\u2019t stand her because he thinks she\u2019s a snob. But when a letter from future Regan with a warning about the future threatens to disrupt his career plans, Elliot must team up with Regan to prevent a future disaster. Glitch<\/em> is a thrilling, sci-fi time travel romp anchored by two formidable protagonists, their burgeoning unlikely friendship, and the United States\u2019s turbulent history.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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If He Likes Historical Fiction<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Onyx and Beyond<\/h2><\/div>
By Amber McBride<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: October 1, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the 1970s, and 12-year-old Onyx\u2019s grandmother has just died. He\u2019s practically caring for himself alone and trying to hide the fact that his mother is grappling with the effects of early-onset dementia, worsened by the additional stress of her mother\u2019s death. Onyx believes that if he can learn to fly, he can fly to space and find a rock that can heal his mom. As he tries to make that dream happen, he realizes that he doesn\u2019t have to go it alone. This story is gorgeously written and heartrending but ends on a hopeful note. It is full of community love that lifts Onyx through hard times. It also includes some mentions of notable historical events like the murder of MLK, the introduction of desegregated schools, and other highlights of the Civil Rights era. The audiobook is excellent. A great verse novel for grades 5-7<\/strong>.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Westfallen<\/h2><\/div>
By Brashares Ann<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: September 17, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if Nazi Germany won WWII? That\u2019s the chilling question this time-travel thriller explores. Two set of a friendship trio \u2014 on in 2023 and the other in 1944 \u2014 discover that they can communicate over a radio device present in both timelines. As the two groups figure out the differences in their timelines while trying to avoid making any changes to history, they discover that they\u2019ve unwittingly made an enormously impactful change with shocking consequences. This is a middle grade book with a complex, cinematic plot and storytelling that wil appeal to younger and older middle schoolers alike.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A Single Shard<\/h2><\/div>
By Linda Sue Park
Published: April 23, 2001<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This classic story about an orphan whose life changes when he begins to work with a famed potter in his village is gentle with a dash of adventure. With important themes of bravery and perseverance, this would make for a fine family readaloud.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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More historical fiction<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If He Likes Funny Stories<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Team Park<\/h2><\/div>
By Angela Ahn<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: September 10, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evan Park lives in Vancouver with his sisters and parents. His mom is a SAHM, and his dad works in construction. The book opens with Evan recovering from a wrist injury when his physiotherapist mentions an obstacle course competition. Determined to have a summer of fun and find his own thing despite his overly critical dad, Evan throws himself into preparing for the contest, and soon, his family gets into it, too. I found this one hilarious, especially in its portrayals of Evan\u2019s relationships with his sisters, but also real, as we see his parents squabble over some serious issues. Overall, though, the tone is really entertaining, and readers who like books about sports, contests, and family will LOVE this one. Grades 4+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Stu Truly<\/h2><\/div>
By Dan Richards<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Published: July 3, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I LOVED this hilarious middle grade debut! Stu Truly<\/em> shines a light on that awkward transition between childhood to the pubescent years. In this story, meat loving Stuart Truly’s first crush is the new girl in his class who also happens to be a vegetarian. He lies about also being vegetarian but then throughout the story, continues to get himself in hilarious circumstances as a result. Ultimately a sweet, funny story about the importance of being oneself and co-existing happily with others who make choices different from ours. Grades 6+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Wink<\/h2><\/div>
By Rob Harrell
Published: March 31, 2020<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When Ross is diagnosed with a rare lacrimal gland cancer (in his eye), it\u2019s like a new trial for his seventh-grade existence. Add to that the fact that his mom died from cancer years before, he\u2019s going blind in one eye, his best friend is moving away soon, and mean kids at school are making terrible memes about his illness, and you have a dumpster fire of a year waiting to happen. Or is it? This is a brilliant, funny, and thoughtful middle grade book about navigating a cancer diagnosis in 7th grade.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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More Books for Boys<\/h2>\n\n\n\n