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

Looking for the perfect chapter books for 10-12-year-olds that will keep your young reader hooked? You're in the right place! Whether your child is a voracious reader or just getting into the rhythm of reading longer stories, finding the right book can be a game changer. Keep reading as we dive into various lists of engaging and age-appropriate chapter books that are sure to captivate the imagination of any tween reader.

Fun Chapter Books for 10-12-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 internationally beloved Harry Potter series. It introduces Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gateway to a magical world that promotes imagination and friendship. The story is engaging and introduces themes of bravery and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and a good underdog story.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes ancient Greek mythology with modern adventure, making it educational yet extremely fun to read.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting those who appear different from us.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories about overcoming adversity and making friends.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children pass a series of very unusual and challenging tests, and are then sent on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of puzzles, mysteries, and clever twists that will keep readers engaged and thinking critically.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains in fun and challenging ways.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved book tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to help save his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life, and is written in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships.

• 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. He realizes they are looking for something buried under the dried-up lake.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique story that combines an intriguing mystery with a complex plot and richly drawn characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that are both funny and poignant, with a bit of a mystery to solve.

Educational Chapter Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna who is accidentally infused with moon magic as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with potentially disastrous results.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, understanding of themes such as sacrifice and love, development of empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written, combining magic, adventure, and deep emotional themes that resonate with readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magical stories and complex characters.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is told from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. Ivan begins to see his surroundings through a new lens after the arrival of a baby elephant named Ruby.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at the way animals are treated and encourages readers to think about the feelings and lives of other creatures.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve children win an overnight stay at the newly built library by the famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello. The catch? They must solve puzzles and find their way out by morning.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, library skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, fast-paced adventure that cleverly promotes the importance of libraries and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and future librarians.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Through poetry, Woodson shares the story of her childhood as an African American growing up in the 1960s in South Carolina and New York.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context of the Civil Rights Movement, poetic techniques, personal reflection
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep, personal look into a significant time in American history through beautiful and accessible poems.
  • Perfect for: Young poets and history buffs.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Roz the robot is stranded on a remote, wild island and must learn to survive and navigate the challenges of the natural environment.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, adaptation, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines technology with the natural world in a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Fans of robotics and nature.

Challenging Chapter Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex concepts such as tesseracts and confronts deep philosophical questions about good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and imagination, offering a thrilling adventure that blends scientific concepts with profound moral questions.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and thinkers who enjoy exploring complex ideas and otherworldly challenges.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored young Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he encounters a range of peculiar characters and embarks on a quest to save the princesses Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is filled with puns, wordplay, and complex ideas that challenge readers to think about the meanings of words and the importance of learning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and imaginative journey that promotes creativity and the love of language through its clever narrative and playful use of words.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love language, puzzles, and whimsical adventures.

• 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 steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of death, war, and the power of words, all narrated by Death itself, which introduces a unique and sophisticated narrative perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look at the horrors of the Holocaust from an unusual perspective, highlighting the profound impact of literature and human kindness in the darkest times.
  • Perfect for: Mature readers interested in history and deep, emotionally resonant stories.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing dies and leaves his vast fortune to a seemingly random group of heirs who must solve the mystery of his death by clues given in his will.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is complex with a large cast of characters and intertwining subplots that require careful attention and analytical thinking to unravel.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brilliantly woven puzzle that keeps readers guessing until the very end, providing a satisfying intellectual challenge.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and anyone who loves a good brain teaser.

• 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 stolen children who are victims of a terrible experiment.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel introduces complex themes including theology, philosophy, and science, wrapped in a richly detailed fantasy world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling adventure combined with deep, thought-provoking questions about freedom and human nature.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy stories that make them think deeply about the world and their place in it.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're between 10 and 12 years old, diving into chapter books can be an exciting adventure. To make the most of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help you develop strong reading habits. These are not just fun but will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the books you choose to read.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can keep you motivated and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Having a dedicated space can help you focus and enhance your reading experience.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable, well-lit, and stocked with all your favorite books.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you read with friends, family, or a book club.
  • How it helps: Discussing a book can deepen your understanding and make reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Try to express what you liked, what you didn’t, and any questions you had while reading.

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

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud, either to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Reading aloud improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the characters with your voice, which can make it more fun and lively.

• Use a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new words you encounter and look up their meanings.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and improves your understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Use the new words in your daily conversations to better retain them.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to guess what might happen next in the story before you read on.
  • How it helps: This keeps you engaged and thinking critically about the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions in your reading journal and check how many of them were right as you progress.

These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to becoming a better reader and enjoying every book even more. So, grab your next chapter book, dive in, and try out these strategies. Happy reading!