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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect coding books for 12-year-olds? Whether your child is just starting out or looking to sharpen their programming skills, finding the right resources is key. In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of coding books that are ideal for 12-year-olds, each packed with engaging content and exciting challenges. Keep reading to discover our top picks that could ignite a passion for coding in your young learner!

Fun Coding Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding by Linda Liukas
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Follow Ruby, a small girl with a big imagination, as she embarks on whimsical adventures to learn about technology and coding without even touching a computer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively introduces coding concepts through storytelling, making it less intimidating and more engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories and are curious about how things work.

• Coding Games in Scratch by Jon Woodcock
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This guide teaches children how to make their own games using Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming language. It covers everything from simple games to more complex projects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow, encouraging kids to learn coding by creating something fun and tangible.
  • Perfect for: Young gamers interested in making their own video games.

• Get Coding! Learn HTML, CSS & JavaScript & Build a Website, App & Game by Young Rewired State
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: Aimed at teaching web development basics, this book covers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through a series of exciting missions and projects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a practical introduction to web development that empowers kids to build their own digital projects from scratch.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring web developers and any kid interested in building websites or apps.

• Coding Projects in Python by DK
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: Using Python, a powerful yet beginner-friendly programming language, this book guides readers through various fun projects, from creating games to programming animations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses Python to teach coding, which is not only easy to understand but also widely used in the industry, giving young learners a head start.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are new to coding but eager to dive into more sophisticated projects.

• Scratch Programming Playground by Al Sweigart
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This interactive book teaches kids to program their own animations and games using Scratch, focusing on creative projects to keep the learning process fun and engaging.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of hands-on projects that help cement coding concepts in a playful and interactive manner.
  • Perfect for: Children who learn best through doing and love to see immediate results from their learning.

Educational Coding Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Super Scratch Programming Adventure! by The LEAD Project
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This colorful comic book takes readers on an adventure where they learn to program games and animations using Scratch. The narrative format helps simplify complex concepts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic programming concepts, problem-solving, logical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It turns learning into an adventure, making it fun and accessible for kids to pick up programming skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy comic books and storytelling.

• Python for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming by Jason R. Briggs
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Python programming in a way that is easy to understand and engaging for kids. It includes numerous examples and exercises that involve creating games and solving puzzles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Python programming, computational thinking, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a playful approach to teach a powerful programming language, ensuring that learning is both effective and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in learning to code through hands-on activities and games.

• Adventures in Minecraft by David Whale and Martin O'Hanlon
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This guide helps kids develop their programming skills by creating mods and automating tasks in Minecraft. It covers essential programming concepts within the context of the game.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Java programming, game design, creative problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects coding skills with Minecraft gameplay, a familiar and exciting environment for many kids.
  • Perfect for: Minecraft enthusiasts who want to enhance their gaming experience through coding.

• No Starch Press's Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World by Reshma Saujani
  • Genre(s): Educational, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Part of the Girls Who Code initiative, this book inspires and educates young girls about the possibilities of coding. It combines practical coding lessons with real stories of girls and women in technology.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic coding principles, empowerment, understanding of tech careers
  • Why we recommend this book: It's specifically designed to encourage girls to pursue technology, breaking down gender barriers and making coding approachable.
  • Perfect for: Young girls interested in technology and coding, looking for both inspiration and education.

• The Official ScratchJr Book: Help Your Kids Learn to Code by Marina Umaschi Bers and Mitchel Resnick
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: Tailored for younger children, this book teaches coding fundamentals using ScratchJr, a simplified version of Scratch designed specifically for ages 5 and up.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Early coding concepts, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an excellent introduction to coding for younger kids, using a platform that's both educational and highly accessible.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early elementary school students just starting with coding.

Challenging Coding Books for 12-Year-Olds

• JavaScript for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming by Nick Morgan
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book provides a fun and engaging way to learn JavaScript, one of the most widely used programming languages in the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex programming concepts and syntax that are fundamental to web development and software engineering.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down JavaScript into manageable, kid-friendly pieces, making a complex subject accessible and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Kids looking to step up their coding skills and dive into web development.

• Learn to Program with Minecraft by Craig Richardson
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: Harness the excitement of Minecraft to teach kids how to write Python programs that control their Minecraft game.
  • Why this book is challenging: It goes beyond basic coding by integrating Python with Minecraft, requiring kids to apply their coding skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a popular game to teach valuable programming skills, ensuring learning is fun and directly applicable.
  • Perfect for: Minecraft players who are interested in enhancing their gameplay through coding.

• Coding for Kids: Python by Adrienne Tacke
  • Genre(s): Educational, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book offers a structured and comprehensive introduction to Python for kids, complete with projects and exercises.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers advanced Python concepts and programming principles that are usually tackled in older age groups.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thorough foundation in Python, encouraging logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are serious about mastering a versatile and powerful programming language.

• Mission Python: Code a Space Adventure Game! by Sean McManus
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: Readers learn to build a space-themed adventure game using Python, covering game design and programming skills.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves game development concepts and Python programming, requiring readers to synthesize and apply their knowledge creatively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches coding through an exciting project, keeping learners engaged while they develop real-world programming skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have an interest in both gaming and coding, looking to build their own games.

• The Manga Guide to Microprocessors by Michio Shibuya and Takashi Tonagi (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Educational, Manga
  • Synopsis: This manga guide offers a unique introduction to the internal workings of computers and microprocessors through engaging storytelling and illustration.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the technical aspects of computer science that are typically not covered until higher education.
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents complex hardware concepts in an accessible manga format, making it easier and more fun to understand.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy visual learning and have an interest in understanding how computers work at a fundamental level.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of coding books, it's super important to develop strong reading habits early on. Here are some fun and effective exercises that can help you get the most out of your coding books. They're designed just for you, to make your reading experience more engaging and productive!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps you make steady progress.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries clear and concise; try to capture the main points.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book's content with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and gives you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to explain coding concepts in your own words to clarify your understanding.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Make a list of new words and technical terms you come across.
  • How it helps: Builds a solid coding vocabulary, making reading and understanding easier.
  • Tips: Use the new words in sentences to better grasp their meanings.

• Apply the Concepts
  • What it is: Try out the coding examples from the book in real life.
  • How it helps: Helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
  • Tips: Use online platforms like Scratch or Code.org to practice coding in a fun way.

• Teach Someone Else
  • What it is: Explain coding concepts you've learned to someone else.
  • How it helps: Teaching others is a great way to deepen your own understanding.
  • Tips: Use simple examples or analogies to make the concepts easier to understand.

• Join a Coding Club
  • What it is: Participate in a coding club at school or in your community.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation and feedback, and helps you learn from peers.
  • Tips: If there isn’t a club nearby, consider starting one or joining an online community.

Remember, the key to mastering any new skill, including coding, is consistency. By integrating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only improve your coding skills but also enjoy the learning process. Happy coding!