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

Are you on the hunt for the next great read for your tween? Look no further than the world of BookTok! Our latest blog delves into the trendiest "Booktok Books for 12-Year-Olds," offering a curated selection that's sure to captivate young readers. Whether they're into magical adventures or tales of friendship and discovery, we've got something that will keep them hooked. Keep reading to explore our various lists of must-read BookTok recommendations for 12-year-olds!

Fun Booktok Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie strives to convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite his appearance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy, kindness, and the importance of accepting differences, making it a transformative read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating school dynamics and learning about kindness and acceptance.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods like him. He soon embarks on a thrilling adventure to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and mythology, which makes reading fun and engaging, while also subtly educating about Greek myths.
  • Perfect for: Adventure lovers and mythology enthusiasts who enjoy fast-paced stories.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Harry Potter learns that he is a wizard on his 11th birthday. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he makes friends and discovers his own important role in the magical world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical universe full of wonder and adventure, encouraging imagination and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and magic, and anyone new to the fantasy genre.

• 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's full of puzzles and mysteries that keep readers engaged and encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers who enjoy stories that challenge their minds.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: A girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby, must figure out how to handle the magical powers she was given as she grows up in a world filled with gentle witches, tiny dragons, and swamp monsters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written and filled with magical elements that highlight the power of love and the importance of questioning the world around us.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex characters and magical, whimsical tales.

Educational Booktok Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a mall and hardly ever misses his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild. Ivan starts seeing his surroundings through new eyes and finds a new mission in life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy for animals, understanding of animal rights, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that combines compassion, friendship, and the fight for justice, helping readers understand the importance of seeing life from someone else's perspective.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in environmental conservation and animal welfare.

• The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during WWII, this story follows Ada, a young girl born with a clubfoot who is kept isolated by her mother. When she sneaks away to join her brother sent to the countryside to escape the bombings of London, she discovers a new world of freedom and belonging.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, emotional resilience, understanding of physical disabilities
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping, emotional plot that also educates about the impacts of war and the power of self-transformation.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical narratives and stories about overcoming adversity.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Poetry
  • Synopsis: In vivid poems, Woodson shares her memories of 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 of civil rights, poetic techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written memoir that enhances understanding of social issues through personal reflection and poetic expression.
  • Perfect for: Young poets and readers interested in memoirs, history, and social justice.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his quest for happiness and his journey to save a princess.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding narrative structure, development of themes like bravery and love
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating fairy tale that encourages bravery and compassion, wrapped in a beautifully illustrated package.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love classic fairy tales with a modern twist and vibrant characters.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Melody, a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy, cannot speak or write. When she discovers something that will allow her to communicate for the first time, she is determined to let everyone know what she's thinking.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of disabilities, communication skills, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep, empathetic insight into the life of someone living with severe physical limitations but a vibrant mind.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about triumph over physical challenges and finding one's voice.

Challenging Booktok Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: After the gruesome murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of life, death, and identity, intertwined with rich language and dark, atmospheric descriptions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on growth and survival through imaginative storytelling and captivating characters, all while exploring deep, existential questions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a heart and philosophical depth.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 1970s, this novel follows sixth-grader Miranda as she receives mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and unlock secrets about her life and the people around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure includes time travel and complex plot twists that require careful attention and critical thinking to fully appreciate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly blends elements of science fiction with a coming-of-age story, encouraging readers to think about time, friendship, and fate.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and stories that make them think.

• 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 across dimensions to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of theoretical physics within a complex narrative that challenges conventional perceptions of time and space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that combines science and fantasy, promoting courage, love, and the fight against darkness.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who enjoy stories about heroic quests and family bonds.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Narrated by Death, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany, who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's unique narration by Death explores deep themes of mortality, war, and the power of words, with a sophisticated narrative style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look at the horrors of war through the eyes of a child, emphasizing the impact of literature and human kindness in the darkest times.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate powerful storytelling and are interested in historical perspectives.

• 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, and he uncovers the dark truths about his society.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a complex dystopian world that explores themes of conformity, control, and the loss of individuality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking novel that questions the meaning of freedom and the importance of human emotions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in dystopian societies and philosophical questions about life and society.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of BookTok books recommended for 12-year-olds, developing good reading habits is key to enhancing your experience and enjoyment. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help you get the most out of your reading journey.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading and progress through books.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable goal and adjust as you become a more confident reader.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading time special and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Join or Start a Book Club
  • What it is: Gather a group of friends who read the same book and discuss it regularly.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and enhances understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: Meet regularly, whether in person or online, and ensure everyone gets a chance to speak.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize an app that tracks reading progress, provides book suggestions, or offers reading challenges.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and introduces you to new books that you might not have considered.
  • Tips: Explore apps like Goodreads or Libby for a start.

• Read Aloud or Listen to Audiobooks
  • What it is: Alternate reading silently with reading aloud or listening to audiobooks.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and comprehension, and adds variety to your reading routine.
  • Tips: Try listening to the audiobook version of the book you're reading to reinforce understanding and retention.

• Keep a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new and interesting words you encounter while reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and improves communication skills.
  • Tips: Use the new words in your daily conversations or writing to better assimilate them.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your BookTok finds more but also develop lifelong reading habits that will serve you well. Happy reading!