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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect comic books for 12-year-olds that will keep your tween engaged and entertained? You've come to the right place! Whether your young reader is a seasoned comic book enthusiast or just starting to explore this vibrant world, our curated lists are packed with top picks that are sure to captivate their imagination. Keep reading to discover our favorite comic books for 12-year-olds, each promising a thrilling adventure!

Fun Comic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Autobiography
  • Synopsis: This engaging graphic novel is based on the author's own experiences. It follows young Raina as she navigates the challenges of middle school, dental dramas, and discovering her true self.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly relatable and offers a comforting perspective on growing up and dealing with personal and physical challenges.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy real-life stories and anyone dealing with their own personal challenges.

• Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After moving to their great-grandfather's house following a family tragedy, Emily and her brother Navin discover a mysterious amulet. They're soon drawn into an otherworldly adventure to save their mother.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventure and fantasy elements that keep the pages turning. It’s great for sparking imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy worlds and epic quests.

• Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Action
  • Synopsis: Dog Man, a hero with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, fights crime and stands up to the city's most formidable villains.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilarious and creative, encouraging readers to enjoy the storytelling while engaging with its unique humor.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and laughter.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a stranger on a distant planet after she pushes a button that transports her into the universe. She embarks on a quest to save her friend and the alien world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of courage and friendship themes, perfect for inspiring young readers to be brave and help others.
  • Perfect for: Fans of outer space adventures and heroic tales.

• Bone by Jeff Smith
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: The story follows the Bone cousins, lost in a vast, uncharted desert after being run out of their hometown. Their adventures lead them into a mysterious valley filled with wonderful and terrifying creatures.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines humor with a richly built fantasy world, making it a captivating read that’s hard to put down.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of humor and fantasy in their stories.

• Drama by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Callie, a middle schooler and theater enthusiast, who navigates the dramas of staging a school production while also exploring friendships and crushes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses real-life issues of middle school and the complexities of relationships at that age, all within the engaging context of a school drama club.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with an interest in theater and those who appreciate stories about school life and friendship.

Educational Comic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• March: Book One by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell
  • Genre(s): Historical, Graphic Memoir
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel is a first-hand account of Congressman John Lewis' lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, civil rights education, political awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an essential and engaging narrative of a key period in American history, told by one of its most iconic figures.
  • Perfect for: Students interested in history and social justice.

• Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by Mike Holmes
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Educational
  • Synopsis: This series follows Hopper and her friend Eni as they uncover the secrets of their school, Stately Academy, using their coding skills to solve mysteries and challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, basic coding, logical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun way to introduce basic programming concepts and develop problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in computers and coding.

• Science Comics: Rockets by Anne Drozd and Jerzy Drozd
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This comic dives into the physics and history behind rockets, from the ancient Chinese military rockets to modern uses of rockets in space travel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific knowledge, history of technology, physics
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging through vivid illustrations and narratives.
  • Perfect for: Young science enthusiasts and aspiring astronauts.

• Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani and illustrated by Maris Wicks
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel tells the stories of three of the most important scientists of the 20th century—Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas—and their work with primates.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of primatology, conservation, and scientific research
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the groundbreaking work and challenges faced by three pioneering women in science.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in animal science and strong female role models in STEM fields.

• The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage by Sydney Padua
  • Genre(s): Historical, Humor
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel imagines an alternate universe where Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage build the Difference Engine and use it to fight crime, among other adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, computing fundamentals, creativity in science
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively mixes historical facts with whimsical fiction, making it a unique and entertaining way to learn about the pioneers of computing.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy history, science, and a good laugh.

Challenging Comic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 by David Petersen
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a world where mice struggle to live safely among all manner of threats, the Mouse Guard protects their civilization from predators, weather, and other dangers.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, and the themes of duty and sacrifice are explored in depth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly detailed world and beautifully illustrated pages that encourage both visual literacy and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate epic tales and detailed artwork.

• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Silent Graphic Novel, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This wordless narrative tells the story of an immigrant's journey to an unknown world, using surreal and beautiful imagery to convey the experience of being in a strange land.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lack of text requires the reader to interpret complex visual narratives, enhancing interpretive skills and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique storytelling and breathtaking art engage readers in a deep, emotional journey through themes of immigration and displacement.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy visual storytelling and exploring profound themes through art.

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by P. Craig Russell
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Coraline ventures into a parallel universe where residents have buttons instead of eyes. When her "Other Mother" tries to keep her there, Coraline must use her wits to escape and save her parents.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with dark themes and psychological horror, challenging younger readers to face their fears.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that teaches bravery and the importance of being resourceful.
  • Perfect for: Fans of spooky stories and young adventurers.

• Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, and Shannon Watters, illustrated by Brooke Allen
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: A group of girls at a summer camp encounter supernatural creatures and mysteries in the woods, which they tackle using both their individual skills and their friendship.
  • Why this book is challenging: The comic features an ensemble cast and interwoven plotlines that require attention to detail and critical thinking to fully appreciate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes themes of friendship, diversity, and empowerment through exciting adventures and humorous storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about teamwork and mystical adventures.

• The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
  • Genre(s): Historical, Romance
  • Synopsis: Set in Paris, this story follows Prince Sebastian, who hires a dressmaker, Frances, to create daring dresses for him to wear as Lady Crystallia, his secret alter ego.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes of identity, gender expression, and societal expectations in a nuanced way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that champions individuality and acceptance, with stunning artwork and a compelling narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in historical settings and stories that explore identity and self-expression.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the colorful world of comic books, it's a fantastic way to enhance your reading habits while having a blast with stories and illustrations. Here are some engaging exercises specifically designed for 12-year-olds to get the most out of their comic book adventures. These activities not only make reading fun but also help develop strong reading habits.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many comic books you want to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Helps in developing a consistent reading habit and achieving personal milestones.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Comic Swap with Friends
  • What it is: Exchange comic books with friends to read different series and genres.
  • How it helps: Expands your reading material and introduces you to new stories and characters.
  • Tips: Make sure to discuss what you liked about the comics with your friends.

• Create a Comic Book Club
  • What it is: Start a club with fellow comic book enthusiasts to read and discuss comics.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and discussion, enhancing comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings and pick a new comic to discuss each time.

• Illustrate Your Favorite Scene
  • What it is: Draw or paint a scene from a comic book you enjoyed.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding the story better and develops artistic skills.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfect artwork; focus on expressing what the scene means to you.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of your favorite comic book characters.
  • How it helps: Improves creative writing skills and helps in understanding characters' motivations and feelings.
  • Tips: Try to capture the voice of the character in your writing.

• Summarize the Story
  • What it is: Write a short summary of the comic book after you finish reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances retention and helps in understanding the main themes and plots.
  • Tips: Keep it brief and focus on the major events and character developments.

These exercises are not just about reading more; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your day. By engaging actively with the comics, you not only enjoy the stories more deeply but also boost your reading skills without even realizing it. So, grab your favorite comic, and let's get started!