10+ Best Airplane Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will soar through the clouds? If you've got a young flyer or an aviation enthusiast at home, our list of airplane books for 12-year-olds is just the ticket! From high-flying adventures to heartwarming tales set above the clouds, we've gathered a variety of captivating reads that are sure to keep young readers engaged. Keep reading to discover our top picks of airplane books for 12-year-olds that promise to take their imagination to new heights!

Fun Airplane Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Airman by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 19th century on the Saltee Islands off the Irish coast, this story follows Conor Broekhart, a boy who dreams of flying. When Conor is framed for a crime he didn't commit, he must use his knowledge of flying to escape from prison and clear his name.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling tale that mixes history with adventure and the dream of flight. It encourages problem-solving and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and aspiring aviators who love fast-paced stories.

• Skybreaker by Kenneth Oppel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: This sequel to "Airborn" takes place in an alternate universe where airships rule the skies. The protagonist, Matt Cruse, along with a new cast of characters, races to find a legendary ghost ship, the Hyperion, which is said to contain untold riches.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a high-flying adventure that combines elements of fantasy with nail-biting suspense and a bit of romance. Great for expanding the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fantastical worlds and tales of exploration and treasure hunting.

• The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows a young boy named Will Everett who is on a maiden voyage across the country on a gigantic train, the Boundless. The train carries not only passengers but also a circus, and Will ends up on a thrilling adventure involving a key to a train car full of treasures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of historical fiction with a touch of magic and endless excitement, perfect for keeping pages turning.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic journeys and mysteries mixed with historical elements.

• Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This prequel to Peter Pan tells the story of how Peter, an orphan, comes to the flying island of Neverland. Alongside the brave Molly, Peter fights pirates and uncovers the mystery of "starstuff," a magical substance that allows him to fly.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a new take on a beloved classic, filled with action and adventure that can spark a love for reading through well-known characters in a new light.
  • Perfect for: Fans of classic fantasy and anyone who's ever dreamed of flying and fighting pirates.

• The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this sequel to "Chasing Vermeer," Petra and Calder, along with Calder's old friend Tommy, find themselves drawn into another art mystery, this time involving the historic Robie House by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly mixes mystery with real historical and architectural information, encouraging readers to solve puzzles and think critically.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and those with an interest in architecture or art history.

Educational Airplane Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot by Alice Provensen and Martin Provensen
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Louis Bleriot's historic first flight across the English Channel in 1909.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, inspiration from pioneering achievements, understanding of early aviation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's not only a tale of a significant historical event, but it's also a celebration of determination and innovation. The illustrations add a charming layer to the storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and the early days of flight technology.

• Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Wendell Minor
  • Genre(s): Biography, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book captures the courage and determination of Amelia Earhart as she becomes the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, gender studies, courage in adversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping narrative of a landmark flight, emphasizing bravery and perseverance, especially in challenging conditions.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young aviators and readers interested in powerful female historical figures.

• Who Were the Wright Brothers? by James Buckley Jr., illustrated by Tim Foley
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This accessible biography explores the lives of the Wright brothers and their incredible journey to inventing the first successful airplane.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, scientific inquiry, engineering basics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a detailed yet easy-to-understand look at two of the most famous inventors in history, inspiring curiosity and innovation.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and historians, and anyone curious about how flying began.

• Flying Solo: How Ruth Elder Soared into America’s Heart by Julie Cummins, illustrated by Malene R. Laugesen
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Ruth Elder, an aviator and actress who attempted to become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic in 1927.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, resilience, understanding of early aviation challenges
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the lesser-known story of a pioneering woman in aviation, showcasing her bravery and the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of adventure and unsung heroes in history.

Challenging Airplane Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, this novel tells the story of a young British female spy captured by the Nazis in occupied France. As she writes her confessions, a complex tale of friendship and survival unfolds.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is intricate, with shifting perspectives and timelines that demand careful attention and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping, emotionally powerful read that highlights themes of courage, sacrifice, and the strength of human spirit.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and thrill-seekers who appreciate a story that challenges both the heart and mind.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In 1930s Paris, young orphan Hugo lives in the walls of a busy train station, where he becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's unique blend of text and intricate illustrations requires readers to interpret visual elements as part of the storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning work that combines the art of storytelling with magical illustrations, engaging the reader's imagination and sense of wonder.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and creative thinkers who love stories that blend reality with a touch of magic.

• Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: During World War II, a young African American woman, Ida Mae Jones, passes as white to join the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) and fulfill her dream of flying.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of identity, racism, and gender equality, woven through a narrative set in a pivotal era of history.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a compelling look at an often-overlooked aspect of American history, encouraging discussions on race, gender, and personal dreams.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and social justice, and those inspired by stories of overcoming adversity.

• The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage by Sydney Padua
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: A fantastical graphic novel that imagines the adventures of Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage as they develop the Analytical Engine, an early precursor to the modern computer.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book blends historical facts with complex mathematical and technological concepts, presented in a graphic novel format.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively introduces complex scientific ideas and historical figures in a fun and engaging way, sparking interest in STEM fields.
  • Perfect for: STEM enthusiasts and fans of graphic novels who enjoy history with a twist of fantasy.

• Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Ender Wiggin is recruited into an elite military school in space to prepare for a future alien invasion, facing challenges that test his leadership and moral convictions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores deep themes of strategy, leadership, and ethics in a complex interstellar setting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking read that examines the consequences of power and what it means to be a leader.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring leaders and strategists, and anyone who loves a gripping science fiction tale.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of airplane books for 12-year-olds, fostering good reading habits is key to making the most of these adventures in the sky. Here are some fun and simple exercises to help young readers soar through their books with ease and enjoyment.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Choose a specific number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and makes completing a book feel manageable.
  • Tips: Start with a small, achievable goal and gradually increase it as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and creates a pleasant, dedicated environment for reading.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit, quiet, and cozy, perhaps with a comfy chair and a small shelf for your books.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention, and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Try to relate the plot or characters to personal experiences to make discussions more engaging.

• Use a Bookmark to Track Themes
  • What it is: Use a bookmark to jot down recurring themes or interesting ideas as you read.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the book’s deeper meanings and messages.
  • Tips: Review your notes each time you pick up the book to read, helping you connect the dots throughout the story.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book out loud, either to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make the reading more fun and lively.

These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to becoming a more skilled and enthusiastic reader. By integrating these habits, you'll not only enhance your reading skills but also deepen your appreciation for the stories of high-flying adventures. So, grab your next airplane book, and let's get reading!