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

Are you on the hunt for fresh and exciting reads that will keep your 11-year-old hooked? Look no further than the world of BookTok! Our latest blog post dives into the best BookTok books for 11-year-olds, showcasing a variety of titles that have taken the internet by storm. Whether you're looking for a new bedtime story or something to challenge young minds, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our top picks and find the perfect next read for your tween!

Fun Booktok Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through his experiences, readers explore themes of kindness, acceptance, and the challenges of being different.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that encourages empathy and understanding, showing the importance of accepting others for who they are.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a moving story that teaches valuable life lessons about friendship and courage.

• 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 to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it an exciting and educational read that keeps young readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Adventure-seekers and mythology enthusiasts who enjoy fast-paced stories filled with magical encounters.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classics, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This beloved classic follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching tale that explores themes of friendship, loss, and redemption. The narrative provides gentle lessons about the cycle of life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories about friendships that defy odds.

• 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 the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his past and his abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world full of wonder and adventure, sparking imagination and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who dreams of magic and enjoys stories where characters grow into heroes.

• 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features brain-teasing puzzles and a captivating plot that promotes critical thinking and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers who relish mind-bending challenges and suspenseful storytelling.

Educational Booktok Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest, hoping to keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch, Xan, is kind and rescues the children, delivering them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest. One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding of complex narratives and moral questions
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, layered tale that combines magic with deep emotional truths, encouraging readers to question the nature of evil and the power of love.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical stories and those interested in exploring themes of sacrifice and personal growth.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She knows she must survive, so she adapts, learning from the island's hostile animal inhabitants and using her instincts and creativity to make a life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, adaptation to new environments, technology and nature interface
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of technology and nature, prompting readers to think about how they interact with the environment around them and the role of technology in our world.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy kids and nature lovers who dream of adventure and enjoy stories about survival and friendship.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Ivan, a gorilla who lives in a cage at a mall. Ivan has few memories of the jungle where he was captured, but when a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, he is moved to protect her from their grim surroundings and devises a plan to set her free.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that highlights the importance of empathy and the power of hope. The narrative voice of Ivan provides a fresh perspective on human-animal relationships.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists who are passionate about animal rights and conservation.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and a fan of all kinds of games—board games, word games, and particularly video games. His gaming skills are put to the ultimate test when he and other children must solve puzzles and riddles to find a way out of Mr. Lemoncello's futuristic library.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, teamwork, knowledge of literature and library skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of a video game with the intellectual challenge of solving puzzles, all while promoting the joys of reading and using library resources.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and readers who love games and challenges, as well as those who appreciate stories about libraries and books.

Challenging Booktok Books for 11-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The story follows young Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they travel through time and space to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts such as quantum physics and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, while also exploring deep themes of love and family.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and are curious about the universe.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and listless Milo finds a mysterious tollbooth in his room and drives through it in his toy car, entering a magical world where he embarks on a quest to rescue the Princesses of Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is rich in wordplay, puns, and philosophical ideas, which require a sophisticated level of understanding and appreciation of language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that promotes creativity and a deeper understanding of language and mathematics.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and thinking outside the box.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, learning about the bizarre behavior of adults and discovering the complexities of life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores profound philosophical questions about loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless wisdom through the simple yet profound observations of the little prince, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships.
  • Perfect for: Young philosophers and thinkers, as well as anyone who appreciates stories that delve into deep emotional and existential themes.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with a love of books and a distaste for her mean parents and the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. She discovers she has a special telekinetic power and decides to use it to stand up to the bullies in her life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich vocabulary and a number of darkly comedic scenes that deal with complex family dynamics and social issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, showing that it's okay to stand up for what is right.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories where kids triumph over adversity and those who enjoy a good laugh.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and unloved girl, transforms when she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle’s estate. As she revives the garden, she helps to heal herself and her ailing cousin, Colin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is descriptive and the themes of loss, healing, and transformation are deeply nuanced.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of how nurturing others can help us grow and heal ourselves. It also highlights the therapeutic power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and the healing power of nature.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of BookTok books for 11-year-olds, developing good reading habits is key to making the most out of your reading experience. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed to help young readers just like you get the most from their books!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read in a month or how many minutes you will read each day.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can keep you motivated and excited about reading.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually challenge yourself as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Having a special place for reading can help you focus and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting. Add some personal touches like cushions or posters!

• Book Talks with Friends
  • What it is: Discuss the books you are reading with your friends or family.
  • How it helps: Talking about books can enhance understanding and make reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Try to express what you liked about the book and listen to others’ opinions too.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize apps designed for young readers that track reading progress and recommend books.
  • How it helps: Apps can make reading more interactive and fun, and they help you discover new books similar to those you like.
  • Tips: Choose apps that are kid-friendly and have educational value.

• Participate in a Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Join challenges that encourage reading different types of books within a certain timeframe.
  • How it helps: Challenges can introduce you to new genres and authors, expanding your literary horizons.
  • Tips: Look for challenges that are age-appropriate and interest you.

• Read Aloud to Others
  • What it is: Read books aloud to your siblings, pets, or even to yourself.
  • How it helps: Reading aloud improves fluency and comprehension.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace based on the story to make it more engaging.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can transform your reading experience from just okay to absolutely amazing. Not only will these activities help you enjoy your BookTok books even more, but they'll also set you up with great habits that can last a lifetime. So, pick a couple to start with, and let the adventures begin! Happy reading!