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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that combines adventure, emotion, and our furry (or scaly) friends? Look no further! Our curated list of Animal Books for 12-Year-Olds is packed with tales that will captivate and inspire young animal lovers. Whether your tween is into wild explorations or heartwarming friendships, we've got something that will tickle their fancy. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to be a hit!

Fun Animal Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved story follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches themes of friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle manner that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers looking for a heartwarming story.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, this novel is about Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. His perspective changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages empathy and awareness about animal welfare and the power of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories told from an animal's perspective and those interested in animal rights.

• Watership Down by Richard Adams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This adventurous tale follows a group of rabbits as they escape the destruction of their warren and seek a safe place to establish a new home, encountering various threats along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an epic tale that explores themes of survival, leadership, and community. It also introduces complex characters and ideas suitable for more mature young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed world-building and adventure stories.

• Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers on a boy named Peter and his pet fox, Pax. As war approaches, Peter's father forces him to release Pax into the wild and sends Peter to live with his grandfather. Both Peter and Pax journey back to each other amidst the backdrop of war.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully explores the themes of love, war, and the deep bonds between humans and animals.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like emotional stories and those interested in the themes of friendship and loyalty.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It’s also about a rat named Roscuro who lives in the darkness but craves a world filled with light, and Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl with a simple, impossible wish.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating adventure and addresses themes of bravery, forgiveness, and the importance of following one's heart.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with depth and complex characters.

Educational Animal Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story is set in Saskatchewan, Canada, and revolves around two owls, Wol and Weeps, adopted by a boy named Billy. The narrative explores their antics and the unique bond they share with their human family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of wildlife, empathy towards animals, family bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and heartwarming tale that highlights the joy and chaos animals can bring into our lives.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about wildlife and quirky animal characters.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Roz, a robot, finds herself on a remote, wild island, she must learn to survive and navigate the wilderness. The story unfolds as Roz adapts to her environment and befriends the island's animal inhabitants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, adaptation to change, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines technology and nature in a narrative that teaches about adaptation and the importance of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in technology, nature, and stories of survival.

• Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater and Florence Atwater, illustrated by Robert Lawson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This charming tale follows Mr. Popper, a house painter fascinated by the Antarctic, who unexpectedly receives a penguin in the mail. Soon, one penguin turns into a dozen, leading to many funny and heartwarming adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative problem-solving, basic knowledge about penguins, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful and whimsical story that encourages creativity and provides educational content about penguins in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and enjoy humorous stories.

• The Tarantula in My Purse: and 172 Other Wild Pets by Jean Craighead George
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Autobiography
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of true stories about the author's life with wild pets, ranging from tarantulas to owls. Each chapter tells a different story about these animals and the lessons they taught her family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of wildlife rehabilitation, empathy for animals, responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of a family that embraces living with a variety of wild creatures, offering insights into animal behavior and care.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by true animal stories and those interested in wildlife conservation.

• Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: The story centers on an eleven-year-old boy named Marty who rescues a beagle from its abusive owner in rural West Virginia. The narrative explores themes of morality, compassion, and the challenges of righting a wrong.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral reasoning, empathy, conflict resolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling and emotionally rich story that tackles complex ethical questions in a way that is accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and are ready to think deeply about right and wrong.

Challenging Animal Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Buck, a domestic dog who is kidnapped and sold into the brutal life of an Alaskan sled dog, where he must adapt to the harsh wilderness and fight to survive.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores complex themes such as survival and the clash between civilization and the wild, using a rich, descriptive narrative that demands a higher level of reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping adventure and a profound look at nature and instinct, which can be a powerful combination for enhancing critical thinking and emotional maturity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intense survival stories and exploring deep themes of nature versus nurture.

• The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows two dogs and a cat as they embark on a treacherous 300-mile journey across the Canadian wilderness to reunite with their owners.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex language and narrative structure that challenges readers to keep pace with the shifting perspectives and detailed descriptions of the animals' journey.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling survival tale that also teaches about loyalty, perseverance, and the instincts that drive us.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love adventure and stories of incredible animal endurance and loyalty.

• Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Young Adult Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel centers on Julie, a young Eskimo girl lost on the Alaskan tundra, who must rely on a pack of wolves for survival and find her place in the natural world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into detailed observations of wolf behavior, survival tactics, and the clash between traditional and modern lifestyles, which requires careful reading and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book not only provides an exciting survival story but also offers insights into cultural identity and environmental science.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in wildlife, survival stories, and cultural exploration.

• The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White, illustrated by Fred Marcellino
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Louis, a trumpeter swan born without a voice, who goes to great lengths to win the heart of his love, including learning to read, write, and play a trumpet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a sophisticated vocabulary and complex narrative elements to weave themes of overcoming disability, personal growth, and the pursuit of dreams.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an uplifting, beautifully written story that encourages creativity in solving personal challenges and promotes the importance of perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy unique animal characters and stories about overcoming adversity with ingenuity and courage.

• The Underneath by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by David Small
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This tale intertwines the stories of an abandoned cat and her kittens, a betrayed and vengeful hound, and a mystical shape-shifting alligator in the swamps of the Texas Bayou.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative's lyrical writing style and complex themes of love, betrayal, and redemption are woven through a non-linear storyline that challenges readers to piece together multiple character arcs and timelines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poetic and haunting story that beautifully blends naturalistic and fantastical elements, offering a deep emotional and moral exploration.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a multi-layered story that challenges them to think deeply about the connections between characters and themes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of animal books, you're in for a treat. Not only are these books fun and fascinating, but they also offer great ways to develop your reading habits. Here are some exercises tailored for 12-year-olds to enhance your reading experience:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your daily routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a special spot at home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances your concentration and makes reading time something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books with friends or family members who are interested in similar stories.
  • How it helps: Improves your understanding and retention of the book, and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where everyone reads the same book and discusses it.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
  • How it helps: Increases your engagement and enjoyment of the book.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to picture the setting and characters.

• Match Books with Background Music
  • What it is: Play some light music that fits the theme of the book while you read.
  • How it helps: Enhances the mood and can make reading more immersive.
  • Tips: Choose instrumental music to avoid getting distracted by lyrics.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of what you've read and learned.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day after reading.

These exercises aren't just about reading more; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your life. Give them a try, and see how they spice up your adventures through the animal kingdoms in your books. Happy reading!