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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your tween? Look no further! Our latest roundup features award-winning books for 10-12-year-olds, each brimming with adventures and stories that captivate and inspire young minds. Whether you're looking for a gift or just wanting to enrich your child's reading list, these top picks are sure to be a hit. Keep reading to discover our favorite award-winning books for 10-12-year-olds that promise to be page-turners!

Fun Award Winning Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Nobody Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he faces adventures and dangers from both the living and the dead.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating and imaginative tale that combines elements of horror and fantasy in a way that's accessible for younger readers. It teaches about growth, bravery, and finding one's identity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a heart and those interested in coming-of-age tales.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 1970s, this story follows sixth-grader Miranda as she navigates friendship, family, and unexpected mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and lead her to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends elements of mystery and science fiction with everyday life. It encourages critical thinking and the importance of compassion.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and mysteries, and readers who appreciate stories that make them think.

• Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by K.G. Campbell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Flora Belle Buckman and a superhero squirrel named Ulysses as they embark on adventures that include confronting villains, comic mishaps, and the quest to conquer evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and heartwarming story that promotes creativity and the belief in the impossible. The combination of text and comics appeals to diverse reading preferences.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who enjoy stories with a mix of humor and adventure.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this story is told from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a touching perspective on friendship, the treatment of animals, and the power of hope. The story is both educational and deeply moving.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are animal lovers and those interested in stories told from unique perspectives.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to public school for the first time in fifth grade and strives for acceptance and kindness from his new classmates.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling story that promotes empathy, resilience, and the understanding that true beauty is found within. It's a great conversation starter about bullying and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Kids facing their own challenges of fitting in and anyone who values stories about overcoming adversity with courage and kindness.

Educational Award Winning Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys build character by digging holes every day. He realizes they might actually be digging for something hidden beneath the dried-up lake.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of themes like justice and perseverance, historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of an intriguing mystery and a profound moral story that captures the importance of history, fate, and the power of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good mystery and stories that offer both adventure and thoughtful life lessons.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, the story follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape from the Nazis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an accessible introduction to the history of World War II and the Holocaust, teaching important lessons about courage and the impact of individual actions.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and any reader interested in stories of bravery and friendship in challenging times.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his adventures from being banished from his mouse colony to saving a human princess.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of themes such as bravery, forgiveness, and light vs. darkness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale with complex characters and themes that resonate with readers of all ages.
  • Perfect for: Fans of classic fairy tales and readers who appreciate stories with heroic quests and unlikely heroes.

• The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: The Watsons, an African American family from Flint, Michigan, travel to Birmingham, Alabama, during a turbulent time in the civil rights movement, which changes their perspectives profoundly.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, racial issues, family values
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with serious historical contexts, providing a poignant view of the civil rights era through the eyes of a relatable family.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in American history and stories that balance serious themes with humor and warmth.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the friendship between Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke who create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia, where they rule as king and queen until tragedy strikes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, understanding of friendship and loss, coping with grief
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a moving tale of friendship and loss that helps young readers deal with real-life challenges through the lens of a captivating fantasy world.
  • Perfect for: Children who are dealing with or curious about themes of loss and friendship, and those who enjoy stories that blend reality with fantasy.

Challenging Award Winning Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel follows twelve-year-old Jonas who lives in a seemingly utopian society where there is no pain, fear, or war. However, as he begins his training as the Receiver of Memories, he uncovers the dark truths about his community's past and struggles with the burden of this knowledge.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of conformity, control, and the loss of individuality, which are advanced concepts for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking about societal norms and the value of emotions and memories in defining our humanity.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful readers interested in science fiction and exploring profound social and ethical questions.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to save Meg's father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel blends complex scientific and philosophical ideas such as quantum physics and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also teaches about the power of love and the importance of fighting against conformity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy science fiction and are curious about complex scientific concepts and metaphysical questions.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing dies and leaves his fortune to sixteen seemingly random heirs who must solve the puzzle of his death to inherit his estate.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with intricate puzzles and a large cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that sharpens deductive reasoning and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young detectives who enjoy unraveling mysteries and deciphering codes.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disillusioned, young Milo receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason and restore order to the kingdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book plays with language and mathematics in a sophisticated way that requires a higher level of abstract thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the joys of learning and the power of curiosity, encouraging readers to see the world in new and exciting ways.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young philosophers, as well as anyone who loves a good pun or wordplay.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid and her brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they become entangled in a mystery involving a statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves complex themes of independence, self-discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of adventure and intellectual challenge, inspiring readers to explore the world of art and history.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous spirits and young art lovers who dream of a grand escapade.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Are you ready to dive into some amazing award-winning books for 10-12-year-olds? To make the most out of your reading adventure, I've got some fun exercises to help you develop great reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make reading a lot more enjoyable. Let’s get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books or pages you want to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your life.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and quiet environment that encourages reading.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and stock it with all your favorite books.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club with a few friends who also enjoy reading.
  • How it helps: Allows you to share ideas and discuss the stories you read.
  • Tips: Meet regularly and choose books that everyone is excited about.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read through the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Take your time with descriptive passages to build the world in your mind.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and focus on the main points.

• Read Out Loud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it fun.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down questions that come to mind while reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the material.
  • Tips: Discuss these questions with others or look for answers as you continue reading.

Well, that’s a wrap! By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your award-winning books more, but you'll also build strong reading habits that will last a lifetime. Happy reading!