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

Looking for the perfect read for your tween? Dive into our curated selection of award-winning books for 12-year-olds that promise to captivate, challenge, and inspire young minds. From thrilling adventures to heartwarming tales, we've gathered the best of the best just for you. Keep reading to explore our top picks in award-winning books for 12-year-olds that are sure to become new favorites!

Fun Award Winning Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Nobody Owens, a boy who is raised in a graveyard by ghosts after his family is mysteriously murdered.
  • 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, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 1970s, this story revolves around Miranda, a young girl who starts receiving strange notes that predict the future and unlock a mystery that involves her closest friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly blends elements of science fiction with a deep, personal story, making it engaging and thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of puzzles and mysteries, as well as readers who like their stories with a touch of the fantastical.

• Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by K.G. Campbell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This humorous and eccentric novel follows Flora Belle Buckman and a superhero squirrel named Ulysses as they embark on adventures that explore friendship, hope, and the discovery of one's potential.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and quirky read that combines adventure with laugh-out-loud moments, ideal for encouraging a love of reading.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any reader who appreciates a good laugh mixed with a bit of the extraordinary.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Drama
  • 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 until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that speaks to the importance of empathy, friendship, and the power of hope.
  • Perfect for: Animal enthusiasts and readers who are moved by stories of friendship and redemption.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where they are made to dig holes every day. He realizes they might not just be digging to build character, but that there is something more that the warden is searching for.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an inventive and engaging story that combines historical narrative with a modern-day mystery, making it both entertaining and enlightening.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone who loves a story that's both funny and mysterious.

Educational Award Winning Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and inspiring story that promotes acceptance and understanding, perfect for fostering empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a moving story about overcoming challenges and making friends.

• The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during WWII, this novel tells the story of Ada, a young girl with a clubfoot who escapes her abusive mother to evacuate London during the war, discovering a new world of freedom and possibilities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, resilience, self-esteem
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling look at the impacts of war on children and highlights the power of perseverance and courage.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and those who appreciate stories of personal growth and resilience.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Through poetry, Woodson shares her experiences growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, poetic techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: Its lyrical form enhances its deeply personal and powerful narrative, making history accessible and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Young poets and readers interested in memoirs or stories about social issues.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This fantasy tale revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with dangerous consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, understanding of complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines magic, adventure, and emotion, offering readers a captivating escape with meaningful themes.
  • Perfect for: Fans of magical stories and those who enjoy rich, imaginative worlds.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Melody, an eleven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak or write but is incredibly intelligent. Her journey shows her struggles and triumphs as she proves her capabilities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of disabilities, communication, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a profound perspective on challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, promoting empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in realistic stories that provide insight into different life experiences and challenges.

Challenging Award Winning Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel follows twelve-year-old Jonas in a seemingly utopian society that has eliminated pain and strife by converting to "Sameness," a plan that has also eradicated emotional depth from their lives.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of conformity, control, and the loss of individuality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that encourages critical thinking about freedom, society, and personal rights.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thought-provoking stories and exploring philosophical questions.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a journey through space and time to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex scientific and mathematical concepts, blended with themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science fiction with a deep emotional core, challenging young readers to think beyond the ordinary.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and anyone interested in stories that mix adventure with deep moral questions.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this novel tells the story of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her efforts to save her Jewish friend from the Holocaust.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses the horrors of war and the concept of bravery and sacrifice in a way that is suitable for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive and educational approach to understanding a significant historical event.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of courage and friendship during challenging times.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: This intricate novel involves sixteen unlikely people gathered for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will, which propels them into a challenging game that promises a fortune to the winner.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story presents a complex puzzle filled with twists and a wide cast of characters, each with their own secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterfully constructed puzzle that offers readers the chance to solve the mystery alongside the characters.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader who loves a good brain teaser.

• Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the life of Winnie Foster as she discovers the Tuck family’s secret of immortality and faces profound choices about life, death, and living forever.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex themes of immortality, the natural order of life, and the moral dilemmas associated with living forever.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages deep thinking about life and death, presented in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy philosophical questions and exploring the implications of fantasy scenarios in real life.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of award-winning books for 12-year-olds, you're in for a treat! These books can not only entertain but also inspire and challenge young minds. To make the most out of this enriching experience, here are some exercises designed to develop excellent reading habits. 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 on track with your reading.
  • 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: Enhances focus and makes reading time special and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and well-lit.

• Read Aloud or Share
  • What it is: Read books aloud to family or discuss the book with friends.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of what you read.
  • Tips: Try to express different characters with distinct voices or tones.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy to look up new words.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and comprehension of the book.
  • Tips: Write down the new words and their meanings in a notebook.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and understanding of the plot and characters.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on main events.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in or start a book club with peers who read similar books.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper analysis of the text.
  • Tips: Be active in discussions and respect others' opinions.

• Create a Book Timeline
  • What it is: Make a timeline of the book’s events as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps in keeping track of the story’s progression.
  • Tips: Use drawings or diagrams to make the timeline more engaging.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your books more but also enhance your reading skills significantly. Remember, the key is consistency and enjoyment. So, pick up that award-winning book and let the adventure begin! Happy reading!