I love giving book subscription boxes for tweens as gifts for birthdays, holidays, and “just because you’re amazing” days. They really are the literacy gift that keeps on giving. Keep reading to check out some of my favorites!
Best Book Subscription Boxes for Middle School Tweens
There are dozens- if not hundreds- of book subscription boxes out there for young kids, older teenagers, and adults, but finding options for middle school kids is a bit trickier. These 10 below may not be the ONLY ones out there, but they’re definitely the best.
Just a few quick notes, then we’ll jump in:
- I summarized the must-know info in bullet points below each description for those of you who just like to skim. Hey, you’re busy, I get it!
- For CrateJoy subscriptions, make sure you check the little minty-green box above the Subscribe Now button for deals and discounts. The coupon codes vary every month, so I’m not including them below.
- This post uses affiliate links for the recommendations. If you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Amazon Book Box
Before you complete your order, you’ll get a sneak peek at the first two books that your child will receive. If you don’t like them, just click “swap” to see which other selections are available. For future boxes, you’ll get an email preview and a 5-day swap window. If your kids don’t love their books, Amazon will give you a refund as long as you return them within 30 days.
- Age Range: 9-12
- Cost: Under $20 (Amazon doesn’t allow affiliates to post actual prices since they fluctuate)
- Frequency: Every 1, 2, or 3 months
- What’s in the box: 2 hardcover books
2. Crate Expectations Subscription
Crate Expectations is a monthly adventure book subscription box designed for kids ages 8-12. Each monthly box comes with a new book (and an exclusive interview with the author) plus other goodies curated around that month’s theme (snacks, toys, and games).
For example, their Find Your Fortune box centered around Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and included goodies like magnetic lodestones, a Buddha Board, and Fortune Notes among other things.
Every box also includes a STEM activity, recipe, and discussion questions (making it an ideal pick for a kid’s book club).
- Age Range: 8-12
- Cost: $30.99+
- Frequency: Monthly
- What’s in the box: One new book, an adventure guide, a STEM activity, and other themed items.
3. beTWEEN the Bookends
One of the neatest things about BeTWEEN the Bookends Middle Grader book box (aside from the books themselves, of course) is the fact that it was created by a teenager who curates all of the books herself.
She offers 5 different options designed to fit all budgets, including full-size and mini boxes, a gender-neutral box, a box with JUST the books, and one with JUST the stuff. Aside from the “Just the…” options, each box comes with books and themed lifestyle goodies from small businesses.
- Age Range: 8-12
- Cost: Starts at $18.75 for Just the Books, $40 for the full-size box, $26.67 for the mini box
- Frequency: Monthly
- What’s in the full-size box: 2-3 Middle Grade reads and 6-8 lifestyle items
4. Happier Every Chapter
Happier Every Chapter was started by two sisters, ages 12 and 13 at the time, as a way to promote literacy. Along with two new bestsellers (with a strong focus on diverse books), each monthly box includes two new short stories, exclusive book swag from the authors, fun treats, and 4-6 lifestyle goodies for kids ages 8-14.
Your first box includes a bonus book, and you can either buy it as a one-off gift or subscribe for 3,6, or 12 months. Past boxes included themes like Diverse Mysteries, Fantastic Fantasies, Haunting Historicals, and Perilous Adventures.
- Age Range: 8-14
- Cost: $39.87+
- Frequency: Monthly
- What’s in the box: 2 books, 2 short stories, activity sheets, and 4-6 lifestyle items
5. Comic Mystery Box
Not all tweens enjoy sitting down with a chapter book, and that’s okay. The goal is to get them reading, period. Comic books are a great way to encourage literacy in reluctant readers, and this box is one of the highest-rated comic subscription boxes on CrateJoy (or anywhere else, for that matter).
Each box includes 15 different comics, including new issues, back issues, and even first issues, all in new condition! The total value comes out to at least $60 per box. Plus, if you message the seller with your tween’s favorite character, they’ll try to include them in a future box.
- Age Range: I’d say 10-12
- Cost: $28.95+
- Frequency: Monthly
- What’s in the box: 15 comics plus a newsletter
6. Kids Read Daily Book Club
If you want a book box that’s literally JUST a book box and you’re on a really tight budget, Kids Read Daily Book Club is a good option. Each box comes with three new books tailored towards your child’s age group (Level 4 for tweens ages 9-12).
You can change the age level at any time, too. So if you start out with the Level 4 for, say, your 9-year-old, but find the books a bit too challenging, just switch over to the Level 3 subscription for ages 7-9.
- Age Range: 9-12 (they have boxes for other age groups, too)
- Cost: $11+
- Frequency: Monthly
- What’s in the box: Three new chapter books
7. Reading Revolutionaries
Reading Revolutionaries is a diverse book club that curates stories based on the motto “visibility is a human right,” and that all kids deserve to see themselves in stories. Every three months, your tween will receive 2-3 books plus one or two items, a positive affirmation, and journal prompts. The extra items come for small BIPOC businesses.
- Age range: 8-12
- Cost: $20+
- Frequency: Every three months
- What’s in the box: 3 books, journal prompts, and other surprises
8. Reading Bug
Reading Bug promises to grow as your child grows, delivered perfect curated books that fit their age, reading level and interests. You’ll get 3-4 books along with some cute little gifts selected by the Reading Bug team in each box. They also have a box for two kids that’s roughly 10% less than buying two separate subscriptions.
Check out the video below to learn more:
- Age Range: 0-13
- Cost: $27+
- Frequency: Monthly or every other month (you choose)
- What’s in the box: 3-4 books plus extra gift items
9. Pop Roxy Girls – Glam Lits Subscription Box
This one isn’t specifically a books-only box, but worth considering. If your tween loves all things glitz and glam, Pop Roxy Girls makes a great gift idea. Each month, your tween receives a “glamour-themed” book along with 4-6 fashion goodies and a fun STEM project.
Past boxes have included books like Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, Unicorn Academy, and Ellie, Engineer: The Next Level. Looking at the books, I’d say this one is best for younger tweens, say around age 9ish.
- Cost: $19.95+
- Frequency: Monthly
- What’s in the box: One book, plus 4-6 other themed fashion and lifestyle goodies
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