Char from Weary Parent had a great idea – building a massive summer reading list for ages 8 to 18 by having everyone who loves to read suggest 3 or so favorites. Here are mine:

Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery – Yes, she wrote about more than the fabulous Anne of Green Gables. Emily is a loveable, spunky character with a passion for writing. The first book in the series is perfect for girls ages 9 to 12. Emily grows up in the next two books of the trilogy. The series is not as “sweet” as the Anne series, but I really enjoyed reading all three books.
(Amazon currently has this book listed as a part of their four for three special.)

I’m not a fan of vampires, but this book is really well done. Older reluctant readers who like vampires and other spooky stuff will love Twilight. This young adult book was a huge hit with our older teens AND their moms.

Along with the vampires, you have good and evil, romance and plenty of danger. A school setting and a girl who just doesn’t quite fit in help teens relate to the story.

13 Little Blue Envelopes is another book for older teens that had the girls and their moms fighting over who got it first. A great story about a girl who finds herself while she travels through Europe, following the instructions in the 13 envelopes her beloved Aunt left her.

Seriously, this book is excellent. (and if your daughter loved the Traveling Pants series, she should love 13 Little Blue Envelopes.) Great for ages 13 and up.