10+ Best Books for 11-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 11-12-year-olds that will keep them hooked? You've landed in the right place! Whether your young reader is looking for adventure, mystery, or something entirely different, we've got a collection that promises to spark their imagination and keep those pages turning. Keep reading to discover our top picks of books for 11-12-year-olds that are sure to be a hit!

Fun Books for 11-12-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 on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He is summoned from his life as an unwanted child to become a student at Hogwarts, an English boarding school for wizards.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world full of excitement and adventure, captivating the imagination of young readers and encouraging a love for reading through its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure, and anyone new to the fantasy genre.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest across the United States to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines Greek mythology with modern adventure, making it both educational and thrilling. This book is great for enhancing imaginative thinking and introducing readers to classical myths in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology, as well as readers who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed plots.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity who attends public school for the first time and strives to be treated as an ordinary kid. The novel explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, regardless of their physical appearance. It’s a heartwarming read that promotes understanding and tolerance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about overcoming challenges and the importance of kindness.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It tells of his adventures, which include being banished from his mouse community because of his unusual behaviors.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully written fairy tale that celebrates bravery and the power of being different. Its engaging narrative and memorable characters encourage deep thinking and compassion.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales, heroic quests, and stories of underdogs.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig large holes every day. Stanley realizes they are looking for something buried under the dried-up lake and the story unfolds with an intricate plot linking past and present.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an inventive book with a unique narrative structure that captivates and keeps readers guessing. It also explores themes of justice and destiny.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like stories that are both funny and poignant, with a mix of mystery and adventure.

Educational Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This enchanting story revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally imbued with moon magic as a baby. Raised by a witch named Xan, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, Luna must learn to control her powers as she grows up.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding of complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends magic with complex emotions and themes, offering a deep narrative that encourages young readers to think about love, growth, and responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Young fantasy lovers and those interested in stories about magic and personal growth.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Told through poignant and powerful poems, this book is Jacqueline Woodson’s autobiographical account of growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her awakening to her writing talent.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, poetic techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique narrative form that enhances understanding of historical contexts and personal development through lyrical poetry.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy poetry and are interested in autobiographies and historical perspectives.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict after passing a series of mind-bending tests. They are sent on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must stop a plot that could have global consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling adventure filled with puzzles and mysteries that keep readers engaged and thinking critically.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• 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 environment. She adapts to the wilderness and befriends the island's animal inhabitants, learning about community and the natural world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, adaptation skills, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines technology with the natural world in a story that teaches about adaptation, survival, and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in technology, nature, and stories about survival and friendship.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Hugo, an orphan, clock keeper, and thief, lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth, Hugo's undercover life and his most precious secret are put in jeopardy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, problem-solving, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a visually stunning graphic novel that combines text and art to tell a captivating mystery set in a rich historical backdrop.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and fans of historical mysteries and intricate storytelling.

Challenging Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows young Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a dangerous journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates advanced scientific concepts and philosophical questions that challenge conventional thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to explore complex themes of good versus evil and the power of love and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi lovers and thinkers interested in exploring deep and challenging themes.

• 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 package that transports him to the Land of Wisdom. Here, he embarks on a quest that teaches him the value of knowledge and excitement for life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and mathematics in a way that requires creative and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that celebrates learning and the importance of asking questions.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy puzzles, word play, and whimsical adventures.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this story is narrated by Death and follows a young girl named Liesel Meminger who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others, including the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of mortality, war, and the power of words, all presented through a unique narrative perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound look at human resilience and the impact of literature on life during a tumultuous time.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and those who appreciate powerful, thought-provoking stories.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, suffering, differences, or choice, a young boy named Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories. He learns about pain and pleasure of the "real" world outside of his community.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts about society, individuality, and freedom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the importance of emotions and choices in their lives.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to explore deeper social issues and ethical questions.

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a future society where books are banned and "firemen" burn any that are found, fireman Guy Montag begins to question his role in society and the values it upholds.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores weighty themes of censorship, the role of government, and the impact of technology on society.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling warning about the dangers of censorship and the importance of intellectual freedom.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in politics, philosophy, and dystopian themes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're between 11 and 12 years old, diving into books can be an exciting adventure. To make the most of your reading time, here are some handy exercises that can help develop your reading habits. These activities are not only fun but will also enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the books you choose. Let's check them out!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read over a certain period.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and motivated to read regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes reading a special part of your day.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read books out loud, either to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology by using apps designed for reading or organizing books.
  • How it helps: Provides convenient access to books and helps track your reading habits.
  • Tips: Explore apps that offer features like bookmarks, highlights, and notes.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a book club where members read and discuss books.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read regularly and exposes you to different genres and ideas.
  • Tips: Participate actively in discussions to get the most out of the experience.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from your readings.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Read Different Genres
  • What it is: Challenge yourself to read books from various genres.
  • How it helps: Broadens your understanding and appreciation of different literary styles.
  • Tips: Pick a new genre every month or alternate between genres.

By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you'll not only improve your reading skills but also discover more about your personal interests and the vast world of literature. Remember, the key to becoming a great reader is consistency and curiosity. Happy reading!