Read Around the World Middle Grade Reading Challenge for Tweens
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Open a book, pack your imaginary bags, and travel the world in this Read Around the World Middle Grade Book Reading Challenge for tweens ages 9 to 12.
I have lists of curated book recommendations created especially for tweens ages 9 to 12 or incredible middle grade books set in locations around the globe, including cities, countries, and continents.
Your young readers will journey to new places, explore different cultures, and dive into different genres—from informative historical fiction stories to exciting, realistic adventures.
Reading is the perfect way to travel without leaving your home.
Every story offers a window into another person’s life, which builds empathy and understanding. It shrinks the world so we feel more connected to each other’s humanity. Reading book set in places other than where you live helps teach kids about different cultures and places in the world. Stories break down stereotypes and develop tolerance.
Ready to dive in?
Use the book lists to find your next book.
After you finish reading, color in the printable world map.
Then, write down the book titles on the printable individual continent map pages.
Finally, try one of the book-related activities on the handout, also listed below.
15 printable pages include:
1 World Map to Color
5 Continent Maps to Color with Spaces for Book Titles
6 Printable Book Lists (Africa, UK, Europe, Asia, SE Asia, Mexico)
8 Activity Ideas
Read Around the World Middle Grade Book Lists
I started these book lists for my daughter with Asia and southeast Asia and then more recently added New York City, London, continental Europe, Africa, and Mexico.
I am still looking for enough books I can recommend for South America so I don’t have a book list for that. Should I make one for Canada, do you think?
Click on the location name to see the book list for that setting.
Book-Related After Reading Activities
- Taste the Culture Snack
Make or buy a snack that comes from the book’s location. Did the main character eat something specific in the book? Try that food first. - Make a Cultural Craft
Make a craft tied to the culture—e.g., origami from Japan, worry dolls from Guatemala, paper kente cloth patterns from Ghana. Look on Pinterest for ideas. - Create a Book-Inspired Travel Poster
Research places to visit and things to do in the location of your book. Then, design a poster to encourage people to visit. - Start a Book Club
Invite your friends to meet for a book club to discuss one of the global books. More about starting a book club here. - Write a Book Review
Write a short review of the book to tell other kids about the story and why you liked or didn’t like it. - Learn a New Language
Do the characters in your book speak another language than you do? Learn how to say hello, good-bye, thank you, and yes in that language. Keep learning as much as you can! - Compare Your Life with the Main Character’s
Make a Venn Diagram. One circle is for you and the other side is the main character. What do you have in common? Put it in the overlapping circle. What’s different? Put the differences in each individual circle. - Draw the Book’s Setting as a Map or Illustration
Draw the map or an illustration of the story location.
Expand your worlds by reading stories about kids living in other countries, cities, and continents. Stories stick in our memories more than any fact book, so middle grade books like these will help kids remember the places they’ve read about!
Another benefit of reading these multicultural books is they will help your reader learn geography!
Happy reading!
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