10+ Best Audible Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect listen for your tween? Discovering the right Audible books for 11-year-olds can be a game changer, especially when it comes to fostering a love for stories without the need for screens or pages. Whether they're into thrilling adventures, hilarious escapades, or magical tales, we've compiled a variety of picks that will surely capture their imagination. Keep reading to explore our curated lists of Audible books that are just right for 11-year-olds!

Fun Audible Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the beloved Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns that he is not just an ordinary boy but a wizard with a place at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Adventures and mysteries await as he makes new friends and discovers his magical heritage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gateway to the magical world of reading, with its engaging plot and relatable characters that spark the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and a good underdog story.

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is no ordinary boy but a demigod, the son of Poseidon. He is thrust into an adventure to prevent a war among the gods by retrieving Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it both educational and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fast-paced stories and learning about mythology.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the peculiar and untimely death of his family, a young boy named Nobody Owens is raised by the ghostly inhabitants of a graveyard. As he grows up, he encounters creatures from the living and the dead who teach him about the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale of growth and survival that mixes spookiness with warmth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like ghost stories and tales of supernatural happenings with a heart.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Auggie Pullman, a boy born with facial differences as he attends school for the first time in fifth grade. Through his experiences, readers learn about kindness, friendship, and the challenges of being different.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, providing young readers with a perspective on diversity and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Children who are navigating school and social dynamics, and those who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted kids are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with puzzles, mysteries, and smart, resourceful characters, making it intellectually stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love solving puzzles and cracking codes.

Educational Audible Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest, hoping this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch, Xan, is kind and rescues the children, feeding them starlight on the journey to find them new homes. One child, however, receives moonlight instead, granting her magical powers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding of narrative structure and elements of fantasy
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating and beautifully written tale that intertwines magic, adventure, and emotion, teaching about the consequences of actions and the power of love.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy complex characters and magical, mysterious settings.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Roz the robot is washed ashore on a wild island, she must learn to survive in her new surroundings. She adapts to the wilderness and even begins to befriend the island's animal inhabitants, forming unexpected bonds.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, problem-solving, adaptation, and understanding technology's interaction with nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of technology and nature in a unique way, offering lessons on friendship, survival, and the blending of natural and artificial worlds.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in technology, nature, and stories about survival and friendship.

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ally has always had trouble reading and feels out of place in school, but her new teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the troublemaker. With his help, Ally starts to see that her dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of and learns to appreciate her own talents.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of dyslexia, self-esteem, resilience, and empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an inspiring story that encourages readers to embrace their differences and understand that everyone has unique strengths.
  • Perfect for: Students who face learning challenges and those looking to understand and support their peers.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ivan is a captive gorilla who has spent 27 years of his life in a shopping mall. When he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he starts seeing his surroundings and his art through new eyes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, artistic expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a touching narrative that speaks to the importance of seeing the world through others' eyes and the power of hope and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories of friendship and redemption.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a bright and precocious child, unappreciated by her dimwitted family. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to overcome obstacles, including her tyrannical school principal, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and a love for reading
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions the idea that anyone, regardless of age, can take a stand against unfairness and cruelty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph and children overcoming adversity with wit and intelligence.

Challenging Audible Books for 11-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts of physics, space-time travel, and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that stimulates the imagination and introduces complex scientific ideas in an accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who love stories about heroic quests.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in learning, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge conventional thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and creativity, making learning fun and engaging through its clever use of language and humor.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, discovers a neglected garden after moving to her uncle's remote country estate. She, along with her cousin Colin and new friend Dickon, brings the garden back to life, transforming themselves in the process.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of loss, rebirth, and the healing power of nature, requiring readers to consider deeper emotional and physical connections.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that teaches about the restorative powers of nature, friendship, and self-growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal transformation and the magic of nature.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who wanted to adopt a boy to help with farm work.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich vocabulary and explores themes of identity, belonging, and transformation as Anne grows from childhood to adolescence.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach valuable lessons about perseverance, acceptance, and love.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate character-driven narratives and stories about growing up.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels from planet to planet, learning about the bizarre behavior of adults and discovering the truths about life and human nature.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into profound philosophical questions about loneliness, friendship, love, and loss, presented through allegorical elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep reflections on life and relationships that can resonate with readers of all ages, encouraging them to think about what truly matters.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy stories that explore deep philosophical themes and the innocence of childhood.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable and unambitious life, is whisked away on an adventure by Gandalf the wizard and a group of dwarves who seek to reclaim their stolen treasure from the dragon Smaug.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces readers to a complex fantasy world with its own races, languages, and histories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating prelude to the Lord of the Rings saga that offers excitement, humor, and a dose of bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic tales and the richly detailed worlds of fantasy.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking for ways to help your 11-year-old develop good reading habits with Audible books, you've come to the right place. Audio books are a fantastic resource, and with these simple exercises, you can make listening an even more enriching experience for your child. Let's dive in!

• Set a Daily Listening Goal
  • What it is: Choose a specific amount of time to listen each day.
  • How it helps: Establishes a routine and ensures consistent engagement with books.
  • Tips: Start with short periods, like 15 minutes, and gradually increase as your child gets more comfortable.

• Create a Listening Corner
  • What it is: Designate a special place in your home where your child can listen to Audible books.
  • How it helps: Creates a distraction-free environment that can enhance concentration and enjoyment.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with comfy seating and perhaps a poster of their favorite book covers.

• Discuss What You've Listened
  • What it is: Have a discussion about the book after listening to a chapter or section.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think critically and express their opinions.

• Pair the Audio with the Text
  • What it is: Follow along in a physical book or e-book while listening to the Audible version.
  • How it helps: Improves reading skills and helps with word recognition.
  • Tips: Highlight or note down new vocabulary words as they come up in the text.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw or write out a map that outlines the story's main events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding plot structure and character development.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark significant events or turning points in the story.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Before starting the next chapter, have your child predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and anticipatory skills.
  • Tips: Discuss why they think their prediction might happen, using evidence from the story.

Incorporating these exercises into your child's routine can make listening to Audible books not only more fun but also more educational. Each activity is designed to build and reinforce good reading habits, ensuring that your 11-year-old gets the most out of their auditory literary adventures. Happy listening!