Looking for the perfect snowy escape for your middle school reader? Whether it’s the heart-pounding adventure of surviving in the wilderness, a magical journey through a snow-covered kingdom, or a cozy winter mystery, these 50 middle grade books that take place in the snow have something for everyone.
Fun Tween Books That Take Place in Snowy Landscapes
From gripping survival stories to whimsical winter wonderlands, each of these reads will whisk you away to icy landscapes filled with excitement, danger, and a touch of magic. Enjoy!
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You may also love: 165+ Tween Books That You Can Read for Free on Kindle Unlimited
1. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Brian Robeson is just a regular kid—until his plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness and he has to figure out how to survive with nothing but his wits and a hatchet. This one’s a classic for a reason, offering heart-pounding moments and serious survival inspiration.
Check it out on Amazon. It’s also available for free as part of Amazon Kids.
2. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
When Miyax runs away from an arranged marriage, she finds herself alone on the Alaskan tundra. Luckily, she befriends a wolf pack that teaches her the art of survival. This beautiful story mixes adventure with a deep connection to nature.
Check it out on Amazon. It’s also currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
3. The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Ingalls family hunkers down for one of the harshest winters they’ve ever faced, barely scraping by with food and firewood. A true pioneer tale that’s all about resilience, grit, and family.
4. Frozen Stiff by Sherry Shahan
When two teens are stranded during a kayaking trip in Alaska, they’re forced to rely on each other and their survival instincts to make it through the freezing cold. Expect lots of tension and adventure!
5. The Winter Room by Gary Paulsen
In a remote Minnesota farmhouse, two brothers pass the long winter nights listening to their uncle’s stories. It’s a quiet, atmospheric book that will make you appreciate family and storytelling.
6. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Buck is a pampered pet dog until he’s sold to work as a sled dog in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. His transformation into a creature of the wild is gripping, especially if you love a good wilderness survival story.
Grab it on Amazon (it’s less than a buck right now, pun intended!)
7. Snowbound by Harry Mazer
What starts as a simple drive turns into a nightmare when Tony and his sister get trapped in their car during a blizzard. With limited food and no way to call for help, this is a race against time in a deadly snowstorm.
8. White Fang by Jack London
The flip side of The Call of the Wild, this one’s told from the perspective of White Fang, a wild wolf-dog. It’s a harsh, sometimes brutal look at survival in the icy wilderness.
9. Greenglass House by Kate Milford
A snowed-in inn, mysterious guests, and a whole lot of puzzles to solve—this book is a perfect wintery mystery with just the right amount of twists and turns to keep you hooked.
Grab it on Amazon (It’s also available on Amazon Kids)
10. Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
When Hazel’s best friend is taken by an evil Snow Queen, she braves a dangerous, snowy forest to rescue him. It’s a beautiful, magical retelling of The Snow Queen with heart and adventure in spades.
11. Ice Dogs by Terry Lynn Johnson
Dogsledding in Alaska takes a dangerous turn when Victoria and a boy named Chris get lost in the wilderness. With only her sled dogs to help, Victoria has to rely on her survival skills—and her bond with her dogs—to make it through.
12. Winterhouse by Ben Guterson
A magical hotel in the snowy mountains becomes the setting for a curious mystery. Elizabeth is drawn into solving puzzles and uncovering secrets about her family—and maybe even saving Winterhouse itself.
Grab it on Amazon. It’s also currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
13. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Enter a magical world where it’s always winter, thanks to the evil White Witch. This classic adventure follows four siblings as they try to free the land of Narnia—and it’s got plenty of snowy scenes to get you into the winter spirit.
Grab it on Amazon or read free with Amazon Kids.
14. Dogsong by Gary Paulsen
Russel is an Inuit boy who embarks on a traditional dogsled journey to connect with his heritage and figure out who he really is. This snowy adventure is both gripping and deeply introspective.
15. Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone
In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, Eska and Flint must stop an evil Ice Queen from stealing the voice of the sky. With magical creatures and daring feats, this is an enchanting read for anyone who loves a good wintery fantasy.
16. Shackleton’s Stowaway by Victoria McKernan
Based on the true story of Ernest Shackleton’s expedition to Antarctica, this book follows Perce, a teenage stowaway, on a journey to one of the coldest, most unforgiving places on Earth.
16.Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Lyra’s adventure takes her to the frozen North, where she encounters armored polar bears and witches. Part fantasy, part adventure, this one will take you deep into snowy landscapes and mysterious worlds. This is one of my all-time favorite middle grade reads!
17. Trapped by Michael Northrop
Seven kids are snowed in at their school when a massive storm hits, cutting them off from the world. With no heat, no power, and tensions rising, this is a tense survival thriller that’ll keep you turning pages.
18. Snow & Rose by Emily Winfield Martin
Two sisters, Snow and Rose, venture into an enchanted snowy forest to find their missing father. With fairy-tale elements and gorgeous storytelling, this is a sweet, magical read.
19. Winterfrost by Michelle Houts
When her parents leave for Christmas, Bettina is left to care for her baby sister—and deal with the magical nisse who live in her snowy Danish village. It’s a cozy, heartwarming winter adventure.
20. Frozen by Mary Casanova
Not to be confused with the Disney movie, this historical fiction takes place in 1920s Minnesota, where Sadie, a mute girl, unravels the mysteries of her past during a harsh, snowy winter. It’s both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
21. To the Edge of the World by Julia Green
Jamie and Mara embark on a dangerous winter journey to explore the hidden wonders of a remote Scottish island. This one is for the dreamers who love a snowy adventure with a hint of magic.
22. Winterkill by Kate A. Boorman
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where winter reigns, Emmeline must uncover the dark secrets of her isolated village while navigating the harsh, snowy landscape. This one is geared towards older tweens, ages 12 and up.
23. East by Edith Pattou
A sweeping retelling of East of the Sun and West of the Moon, this fantasy adventure follows Rose as she embarks on a snowy journey to save a cursed prince. It’s epic, magical, and full of wintry enchantment.
Grab it on Amazon. Also available on Kindle Unlimited.
24. Voyage of the Frostheart by Jamie Littler
In a frozen world, Ash embarks on a journey aboard a ship called the Frostheart, braving snow monsters and magical powers. It’s packed with action, adventure, and a lot of heart.
25. The Winter Pony by Iain Lawrence
This historical novel takes place during Robert Scott’s doomed expedition to the South Pole, told from the perspective of one of the ponies. It’s a unique, moving look at a well-known event in history.
From icy wilderness treks to magical snowstorms, each story brings its own unique charm to the table. So, bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and let the snow-filled adventures begin! There’s something on this list to inspire every young reader to explore the wonders (and dangers!) of the snow.