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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 12-year-olds that will keep them hooked? Finding the right book can be a game changer at this age, sparking a lifelong love of reading. Whether your young reader is into thrilling adventures, mysterious plots, or stories that explore new worlds, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our handpicked lists of books for 12-year-olds that are sure to captivate and inspire!

Fun Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference who attends a mainstream school for the first time. Auggie faces challenges and triumphs as he navigates friendships and bullying.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy and understanding, showcasing the importance of accepting differences and being kind. It's a heartwarming read that encourages readers to look beyond appearances.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories about overcoming adversity and building friendships.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is thrust into a world of Greek gods and monsters. He embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that mixes exciting action with Greek mythology. This book helps to cultivate a love for reading through engaging storytelling and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love action-packed stories and learning about mythology.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
  • Synopsis: Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends and enemies and uncovers a dark mystery tied to his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world full of wonder and adventure, making it a captivating introduction to the fantasy genre. The themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery resonate with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy magical adventures and stories about growth and friendship.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After his family is murdered, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines mystery and fantasy with a touch of spooky atmosphere, perfect for readers who enjoy thrilling and imaginative tales.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like ghost stories and adventures that are both eerie and heartwarming.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys are forced to dig holes every day. Stanley realizes they are looking for something buried and the story unfolds revealing a family curse and hidden treasure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of adventure and mystery with strong themes of friendship, justice, and fate. The intriguing plot keeps readers engaged and eager to solve the puzzle.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with a mix of humor, mystery, and unusual settings.

Educational Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, 11-year-old Calpurnia Tate discovers her love for science and nature through her explorations with her grandfather. As she navigates societal expectations for girls, she dreams of becoming a scientist.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, historical context, critical thinking, gender roles
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends historical context with a spirited protagonist questioning the norms of her time. It’s both educational and inspiring.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and history, and those questioning societal norms.

• 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 stop a global crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling adventure filled with puzzles and mysteries that keep the mind engaged and guessing.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working in teams.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Autobiographical, Historical
  • Synopsis: Through vivid poems, Jacqueline Woodson shares her experiences growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s in both the North and the South, exploring her awareness of race and her discovery of writing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, poetic techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at the intersection of history and personal narrative, told through beautiful poetry.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in autobiographies, poetry, and social history.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a city built to survive a catastrophe and now crumbling, two children find clues that everyone has forgotten about the city’s origins. They must decipher the clues to save the city’s inhabitants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, critical thinking, understanding dystopian literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping story that challenges young readers to think about sustainability, leadership, and the importance of history.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and mystery in a futuristic setting.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Melody, a girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak, walk, or write, proves her intelligence and abilities while struggling with the limitations of her body and people’s perceptions of her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of disabilities, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep, empathetic insight into the life of someone living with significant physical disabilities but with a vibrant mind and spirit.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of triumph over physical and societal challenges.

Challenging Books for 12-Year-Olds

• 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 rescue Meg's father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex concepts of physics and metaphysics, intertwined with deep philosophical questions and advanced vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think critically about science and ethics while enjoying a thrilling cosmic adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi lovers and anyone interested in a story that combines adventure with a deep, thoughtful narrative.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist—books.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of death, war, and the power of words, written in a unique narrative style with a heavy emphasis on literary devices.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust, narrated by Death, and highlights the profound impact of literacy and friendship in dire times.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical narratives and profound themes, and those who appreciate innovative storytelling techniques.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic north to save her kidnapped friend and other abducted children from terrible experiments in a mysterious phenomenon called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book introduces sophisticated themes including theology, philosophy, and particle physics, wrapped in a complex, multi-layered plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also challenges readers to think about freedom, authority, and personal responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and are ready to think deeply about big questions.

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found, fireman Guy Montag begins to question his role and the values of the society he lives in.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes of censorship, the role of government, and the impact of technology on society.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful and provocative novel that encourages readers to consider the importance of knowledge and the consequences of conformity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in social issues and dystopian futures.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: In the racially charged atmosphere of a small Alabama town in the 1930s, lawyer Atticus Finch defends a black man accused of raping a white woman, and his children Scout and Jem learn about the complexities of human nature.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles profound themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and ethical dilemmas through complex characters and a rich narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a critical look at human behavior and prejudice, offering lessons in empathy and integrity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in American history, social justice, and ethical questions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 12 or have a 12-year-old at home, you know how crucial it is to develop good reading habits at this age. Not only does reading enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills, but it also opens up new worlds of imagination and understanding. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help build those habits:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can motivate and give a clear target to work towards.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable number and gradually increase as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Having a dedicated space can make reading time more enjoyable and something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and stock it with all your current books and some comfy seating.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
  • How it helps: Encourages reading regularly and enhances understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: If you can’t find a book club, consider starting one with friends or classmates.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology by using apps designed to promote reading and track progress.
  • How it helps: Apps can provide personalized book suggestions and help keep track of your reading habits.
  • Tips: Look for apps that allow you to set reminders and offer rewards for meeting goals.

• Read Aloud to Others
  • What it is: Read books aloud to family members or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading skills.
  • Tips: Choose books that interest both you and your listener to make it more engaging.

• Book Swap with Friends
  • What it is: Organize a book exchange event with friends to share and discover new books.
  • How it helps: Expands your reading selection and introduces you to genres you might not have selected yourself.
  • Tips: Make it a regular event, like every other month, to keep your bookshelf exciting and diverse.

• Challenge Yourself with Different Genres
  • What it is: Deliberately pick books from genres outside your usual preferences.
  • How it helps: Broadens your understanding and appreciation of different literary styles and topics.
  • Tips: Aim to read one book from a new genre every month.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily or weekly routines can make a big difference in how you view and enjoy reading. They're designed to be fun and flexible, so feel free to adapt them to your own pace and preferences. Happy reading!