Although I personally wasn't a big reader when I was growing up, I always reached into my older sister's book collection and picked out one of these classics. The following are some of the books that taught me about life, love, and all of those embarrassing questions I had growing up.

1. "A Smart Girl's Guide to..."

The American Girl Library did such great things for us when we were growing up. Some of the best books that truly prepared us for preteen life were the "Smart Girl's Guide to..." books. From "A Smart Girl's Guide to Starting Middle School" to "A Smart Girl's Guide to Boys," they truly prepared us for any situation.

2. "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret"

I remember how awkward I felt when my mom first handed me this book telling me to read it, but it truly changed my life. From the title I just thought it was a book about religion, but it ended up teaching me a lot about myself that I just didn't know yet. Thanks Margaret, for answering all the questions I was too embarrassed to ask myself.

3. Anything by Sarah Dessen

It was hard to walk into any preteen girl's room without seeing one of these books on her bedside table. I am pretty sure there is an endless amount of these, and I still don't understand how she wrote them all.

4. "Chicken Soup for the Soul" Series

I remember seeing these books in the library in my middle school, and I definitely skimmed through them a couple of times. "Chicken Soup for the Preteen's Soul" and "Chicken Soup for the Girl's Soul" were the two books that helped me the most through my preteen years. From advice to personal stories from girls just like us, these books truly helped us grow up into the people we are today.

5. "The Clique" Series

These books were basically a junior version of "Gossip Girl." I was always so excited to finish one so I could move on to another book filled with drama, boys, and backstabbing.

6. "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" Series

These books taught me about friendship, love, and sisterhood. I will never forget the day the movie came out and how excited I was to see my favorite fictional friends on the big screen.

7. "The Babysitters Club" Series

These books actually made me want to become a babysitter. I thought these kids were so cool, plus they were making bank by being the best babysitters around. Although I never really broke through in the babysitting business, these books made me want to start a club of my own.

8. "The Care and Keeping of You"

This book was found on not only my bookshelf, but so many of my friends' as well. This book truly taught me the most about preteen life. It answered all questions I had, and helped me become more educated about my body. Thanks American Girl, you truly helped raised me right.