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

Navigating the choppy waters of adolescence can be a bit easier with the right resources, especially when it comes to dealing with anxiety. If you're searching for ways to help your 12-year-old manage their feelings, diving into some well-chosen anxiety books can be a great start. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of anxiety books for 12-year-olds, each offering unique insights and strategies to help your child cope with anxiety. Keep reading to discover how these books can provide comfort and guidance during those tricky pre-teen years.

Fun Anxiety Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This novel introduces us to Audrey, a 14-year-old who struggles with anxiety disorder. Her life changes with the arrival of Linus, a friend of her brother, who helps her embark on a journey of recovery through a blend of friendship and love.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted yet earnest approach to serious issues like anxiety and recovery, presented in a way that's accessible and relatable for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a mix of humor and heartfelt storytelling.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Melody, an eleven-year-old with cerebral palsy. Despite being unable to speak and walk, Melody refuses to be defined by her disability and finds a way to share her voice with the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages empathy and understanding, showing that everyone has unique challenges and strengths. It's particularly impactful for fostering a sense of resilience and self-worth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity and those interested in diverse protagonists.

• The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: Coyote Sunrise, a 12-year-old girl, travels across the country in an old school bus with her dad. As they pick up a diverse group of strangers along the way, Coyote learns about loss, friendship, and how to confront her past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming adventure that tackles themes of grief and healing through a cast of quirky characters and meaningful encounters.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous spirits and anyone who loves road trip stories filled with emotional depth.

• A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: Conor, a boy dealing with his mother’s terminal illness, is visited by a monster who tells him tales with complex morals. Through these stories, Conor confronts his fears and learns how to deal with his reality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends fantasy with real-life issues, providing a cathartic outlet for readers dealing with their own fears and challenges.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate dark, fantastical tales that also offer deep emotional insight.

• The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller
  • Genre(s): Middle Grade, Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: Natalie's mother is struggling with depression, and through her middle school science class, Natalie decides to use the scientific method to bring her back. The story is told through Natalie’s eyes, combining humor, science, and heartbreak.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an educational and emotional journey that shows how science can relate to personal growth and dealing with life's tougher moments.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who are interested in science and how it applies to everyday life and personal challenges.

Educational Anxiety Books for 12-Year-Olds

• What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner, illustrated by Bonnie Matthews
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology, Children’s Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This interactive self-help book is designed to guide 6-12 year-olds and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques most often used in the treatment of generalized anxiety.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Coping strategies for anxiety, understanding of personal feelings, problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear, concise, and engaging explanations and activities that help children understand and manage their anxiety.
  • Perfect for: Children who experience anxiety and parents looking to support them in practical, engaging ways.

• The Anxiety Survival Guide for Teens: CBT Skills to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Panic by Jennifer Shannon, illustrated by Doug Shannon
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology, Teen Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This book offers teens simple and actionable cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies to help them overcome anxiety and live a life of freedom and happiness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, stress management, emotional regulation
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses evidence-based CBT strategies in a format that is accessible and directly applicable for teens.
  • Perfect for: Teens seeking effective tools to tackle anxiety, worry, and panic.

• Don't Feed the WorryBug by Andi Green
  • Genre(s): Children’s Fiction, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: The story follows Wince, one of the WorryWoos, as he struggles with his constant worrying that eventually leads to the WorryBug growing bigger and more bothersome.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional awareness, strategies to manage worry, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively shows how feeding your worries can make them grow, teaching children to acknowledge and face their fears rather than avoid them.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who need a fun and relatable way to understand and manage their worries.

• Hey Warrior by Karen Young, illustrated by Norvile Dovidonyte
  • Genre(s): Children’s Nonfiction, Health
  • Synopsis: This book empowers children by explaining how anxiety is an essential part of their body’s natural response to stress, focusing on the positive aspects of anxiety and how they can harness it as their superpower.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of anxiety, self-empowerment, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a positive and empowering perspective on anxiety, helping children understand and appreciate their inner strengths.
  • Perfect for: Kids who need to understand their anxiety better and learn to see it as a manageable and even beneficial part of their lives.

Challenging Anxiety Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Matthew Corbin suffers from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. He spends most of his time in a sanitized sanctuary, obsessively recording the movements of his neighbors. When a toddler staying next door goes missing, Matthew finds himself at the center of the mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel deals with complex themes such as mental illness, isolation, and the intricacies of human relationships, presented through a sophisticated narrative that challenges young readers to think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an intriguing mystery with a compassionate look at mental health, encouraging empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good mystery and are interested in understanding more about mental health challenges.

• The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: A lightning strike gave Lucy Callahan numerical genius, but she also developed OCD. Now, at twelve, she's ready to enter college, but her grandmother insists she pass one more test: middle school!
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores neurodiversity and social challenges through the lens of a math genius, which includes complex mathematical concepts and themes of acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a story of overcoming personal and social challenges, showcasing the importance of finding your place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about unique talents and overcoming adversity.

• Nest by Esther Ehrlich
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: In 1972, Chirp, a spirited eleven-year-old, loves watching birds near her home on Cape Cod. But when Chirp's mother is diagnosed with a life-changing illness, her family struggles with unexpected changes and Chirp must navigate a world that feels frightening and uncertain.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative tackles difficult topics such as mental illness, family dynamics, and loss, all while maintaining a poetic and layered prose that demands thoughtful engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a touching, realistic portrayal of coping with family illness and loss, wrapped in a beautifully written narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotional depth and historical settings.

• Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Willow Chance is a twelve-year-old genius, obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions, who finds it comforting to count by 7s. Her world is tragically changed when her adoptive parents die in a car crash, forcing her to find a new place in the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The protagonist's journey through grief is intertwined with themes of belonging and identity, challenging readers with its emotional depth and complex narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a compelling tale of resilience and the unexpected ways new families can form around us in times of need.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for stories about overcoming adversity and finding community.

• All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In 1981 SoHo, New York, twelve-year-old Olympia is an artist like her parents. When her father disappears and her mother becomes bedridden, Olympia begins to unravel the mystery, all while dealing with her own anxiety and isolation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines a historical setting with complex themes of mental health, art, and family secrets, requiring readers to engage with both the emotional and intellectual aspects of the story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the intersection of personal and artistic growth during challenging times, offering a unique perspective on resilience and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and anyone interested in a mystery that delves deep into family dynamics and personal struggles.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into anxiety books geared for 12-year-olds, it's crucial to develop effective reading habits to fully benefit from these resources. Here are some exercises that can help cultivate those habits while ensuring the reading experience is both enjoyable and beneficial.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set amount of time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Creates a consistent routine and builds the habit of reading regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Comfortable Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special spot in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading a special part of your day.
  • Tips: Add cushions, good lighting, and perhaps even a small shelf for your books to make it inviting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention, and can offer new insights into the material.
  • Tips: Try to relate the discussion to personal experiences, which can deepen understanding and connection to the material.

• Use a Bookmark to Jot Down Thoughts
  • What it is: Keep a small notebook or a piece of paper as a bookmark to write down thoughts or questions that arise while reading.
  • How it helps: Helps you engage more deeply with the material and remember key points.
  • Tips: Review these notes after finishing a reading session to reinforce what you've learned.

• Take Breaks When Needed
  • What it is: Allow yourself short breaks if you start feeling overwhelmed or lose concentration.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading enjoyable and prevents burnout.
  • Tips: Use a timer to remind yourself to take a 5-minute break every 30 minutes or so.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes as you read them, like watching a movie in your mind.
  • How it helps: Enhances imagination and can make the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Try to detail each scene in your mind, including the settings, characters, and emotions.

• Reflect After Finishing a Book
  • What it is: Spend some time thinking about the book after you've finished it.
  • How it helps: Helps consolidate what you've learned and reflect on how it applies to your life.
  • Tips: Write a brief summary or record a video talking about what you took away from the book.

Reading can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety, especially with books tailored for your age group. These exercises are designed to enhance your reading experience, making it more engaging and effective. So, grab your favorite book on anxiety, find a cozy corner, and let's make reading a rewarding part of your daily routine!