10+ Best Books for 12-Year-Old Who Don't Like to Read w/ Exercises (2024)

Struggling to find books for 12-year-olds who don't like to read? You're not alone! It can be a real challenge to pick titles that captivate those reluctant young readers. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll explore a variety of books that are perfect for kids who aren't too keen on reading. Whether they're into adventures, mysteries, or something totally unexpected, there's something here to spark their interest. Keep reading to discover our top picks for books for 12-year-olds who don't like to read!

Fun Books for 12-Year-Old Who Don't Like to Read

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures and misadventures of middle-schooler Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of school, family life, and friendships, all while trying to become popular.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday middle school life and the combination of text with comic-style illustrations make it highly engaging for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy humor and comics, and those looking for a light, entertaining read.

• 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 thrust into a world of Greek mythology where he must prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with action and adventure based on Greek mythology, making it a thrilling read that educates about ancient myths in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and mythology buffs who enjoy fast-paced stories.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig holes daily in the desert. The boys are told it builds character, but Stanley realizes they might be looking for something specific.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with a unique narrative structure, engaging readers through its intriguing plot twists and rich character development.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like stories that involve friendship, adventure, and a bit of a mystery.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (Illustrator: Brian Selznick)
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan boy named Hugo lives in the walls of a train station, tending to the clocks and trying to repair an automaton his father left behind.
  • Why we recommend this book: The novel’s visually stunning illustrations and captivating story blend seamlessly, offering a unique reading experience that combines the best of a novel and a picture book.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and fans of historical mysteries, as well as those who appreciate art and innovation in storytelling.

• Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Humor, Action, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Two fourth-graders, George and Harold, create a superhero named Captain Underpants, who accidentally becomes real when their principal is hypnotized into believing he’s the hero.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s full of humor and action, with creative pictures and storylines that are designed to catch the interest of even the most reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love to laugh and enjoy lively, imaginative stories.

Educational Books for 12-Year-Old Who Don't Like to Read

• Guinness World Records 2023 by Guinness World Records
  • Genre(s): Reference, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This annual publication lists world records both of human achievements and the extremes of the natural world. The 2023 edition features the latest records in sports, science, nature, and more.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, general knowledge, curiosity about the world
  • Why we recommend this book: It's visually engaging with full-color photos and fascinating facts that capture the attention of readers who might not typically enjoy reading.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy facts, trivia, and records about the world around them.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book answers over a thousand questions kids might ask, covering topics from science to history to culture.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, general knowledge, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides bite-sized information that's easy to digest, making learning fun and accessible for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have lots of questions about how the world works and why things are the way they are.

• The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: An updated guide to the workings of various machines and devices in our modern world, illustrated to explain complex ideas in an understandable way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of mechanics and technology, problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses clear, detailed illustrations and engaging text to explain complex ideas, making it ideal for visual learners.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in how things work, from simple gadgets to complex machinery.

• What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe
  • Genre(s): Science, Humor
  • Synopsis: The creator of the popular webcomic xkcd answers bizarre hypothetical questions using real scientific principles in a humorous and accessible way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends humor with science, making complex concepts both understandable and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy science, humor, and thinking outside the box.

• Ripley's Believe It or Not! Out of the Box by Ripley Entertainment Inc.
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Curiosities and Wonders
  • Synopsis: This book showcases bizarre and extraordinary facts, stories, and artifacts that will astonish and intrigue readers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading for information, increased general knowledge, enhanced curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: Its shocking and incredible real-life stories grab and hold the attention of readers, particularly those who might not typically pick up a book.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by the strange and unusual aspects of the world and human history.

Challenging Books for 12-Year-Old Who Don't Like to Read

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children 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 thwart a nefarious plot.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that challenge the reader's problem-solving and ethical reasoning skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and creativity, wrapped in a captivating adventure that keeps readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains in creative ways.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna who, as a baby, is accidentally enmagicked and raised by a witch. As Luna approaches her thirteenth birthday, her magic begins to emerge with dangerous consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as sacrifice, power, and coming-of-age, woven through beautifully intricate storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines elements of magic and mystery with deep emotional themes, encouraging readers to think deeply about love, responsibility, and the nature of evil.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy rich, imaginative narratives and magical realism.

• Airman by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Conor Broekhart is born to fly; a boy living in the 1890s on the Saltee Islands off the Irish coast, who dreams of building a flying machine. His life is turned upside down when he is framed for a crime and must escape from prison to clear his name.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex scientific and historical concepts, including elements of early aviation and intricate political intrigue.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is a thrilling adventure that combines history with a bit of science fiction, providing a riveting reading experience that also educates about the early era of aviation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by history, science, and thrilling plots.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1970s New York, this story follows Miranda as she receives mysterious notes that seem to predict the future. The notes lead her on a journey of understanding regarding time travel and her own life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving multiple timelines and subtle clues that require the reader to engage in significant reflection and analysis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a smart, thought-provoking puzzle of a book that combines elements of mystery and speculative fiction with real-life issues.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories that make them think and piece together clues.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Illustrator: Dave McKean)
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores dark themes and complex ideas about life, death, and growing up, all within a unique setting and narrative style.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a captivating exploration of fantastical elements while tackling deep questions about what it means to live and survive.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are not afraid of a darker tale and appreciate stories that mix reality with the supernatural.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're trying to encourage a 12-year-old who's not too keen on reading, here are some fun and engaging exercises to help them develop good reading habits. These activities are designed to make reading feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.

• Create a Book Club
  • What it is: Start a small book club with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Choose books that everyone is interested in to keep the group engaged.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read stories aloud together.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and makes reading a shared experience.
  • Tips: Take turns reading to each other to make it more interactive.

• Graphic Novel Exploration
  • What it is: Introduce graphic novels as an alternative to traditional books.
  • How it helps: Visual storytelling can be more engaging for reluctant readers.
  • Tips: Start with popular graphic novels that are age-appropriate.

• Theme-Based Reading
  • What it is: Choose books based on a theme of interest, like mysteries or adventures.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading exciting and relevant to the reader’s interests.
  • Tips: Allow the child to pick the theme to increase their investment in reading.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks reading progress and offers rewards.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation and a sense of achievement.
  • Tips: Set realistic goals and fun rewards to keep the excitement up.

• Interactive Reading Apps
  • What it is: Use apps that turn reading into an interactive experience.
  • How it helps: Combines technology with reading to engage the digital generation.
  • Tips: Choose apps that are educational and have positive reviews.

• Story Writing
  • What it is: Encourage writing short stories based on books read.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and creative expression.
  • Tips: Share these stories within the family or with friends to boost confidence.

By incorporating these exercises into a 12-year-old's routine, you can help transform reading from a daunting task into an enjoyable and rewarding habit. Remember, the key is to keep the activities fun and aligned with their interests. Happy reading!