10+ Best Coming Of Age Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect coming-of-age books for 12-year-olds? You're in the right place! This transformative time in a child's life is beautifully explored through stories that resonate, inspire, and teach. Whether your young reader is into adventures, mysteries, or heartwarming tales, we've compiled a diverse list of must-reads that perfectly capture the essence of growing up. Keep reading to discover our top picks for coming-of-age books that are sure to engage and delight any 12-year-old reader.

Fun Coming Of Age Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, 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, August and those around him learn lessons about acceptance, courage, and kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and inspiring story that promotes empathy and understanding, crucial traits for young readers to develop.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating school and social dynamics, and any reader who loves stories that celebrate differences.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes. However, there is more to these holes than meets the eye, and Stanley must dig up the truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: This unique blend of adventure and mystery provides both fun and a thoughtful message about fate and justice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with a mix of humor, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural.

• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel follows 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis and his gang of friends and brothers as they navigate life as outsiders in a tough world. It explores themes of brotherhood, conflict, and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a raw and compelling look at the struggles of adolescence and the bonds that form through shared experiences.
  • Perfect for: Teens dealing with issues of identity, belonging, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama
  • Synopsis: Jesse Aarons befriends his new neighbor Leslie Burke, and together they create the magical world of Terabithia in the woods near their homes as a sanctuary from the challenges of their lives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the power of friendship and imagination while dealing with real-life tragedies.
  • Perfect for: Children who are imaginative and any young reader dealing with loss or looking for escapism through fantasy.

• 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 finds himself on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that mixes Greek mythology with modern adventure, making it both educational and highly entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love mythology, adventure, and stories with a lot of action and humor.

Educational Coming Of Age Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel 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 persuade the farmer to let him live.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of life cycles, vocabulary expansion
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that teaches about friendship, the cycle of life, and the power of words.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories about friendships.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her adventures and misadventures in the small town of Avonlea are both humorous and heartwarming.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, social skills, historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's zest for life and her ability to find joy in every situation is infectious, making it a great read for inspiring positivity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy vivid characters and stories about growing up and finding one's place in the world.

• Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Esperanza Ortega, a young girl from a wealthy family in Mexico who suddenly finds herself in a challenging new life in the labor camps of California during the Great Depression.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep look into the struggles of immigrants and the strength required to start anew in a foreign land.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of perseverance and courage.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid, a precocious girl, decides to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, taking her younger brother Jamie with her. There, they become involved in a mystery involving a statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical art knowledge, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an adventurous and intellectually stimulating story that encourages curiosity and self-reliance.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any child who dreams of adventure in a big city.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, suffering, differences, or choice, a boy named Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories. He learns about the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, understanding of dystopian literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the importance of emotions and choices in life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and exploring complex themes.

Challenging Coming Of Age Books for 12-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 space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts like quantum physics and the battle between good and evil, which can be intellectually stimulating for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, and it presents strong messages about the power of love and individuality.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy science fiction and stories about adventure and courage.

• 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 explores the harsh realities of war and the power of words and compassion in a stylistically unique and profound way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust, emphasizing human resilience and the impact of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in history and deep, emotionally moving narratives.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua, a young girl, embarks on a journey through a world where all humans have animal companions called daemons, to uncover a dangerous secret that involves kidnapped children and a mysterious substance called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates complex themes such as theology, philosophy, and science.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also encourages readers to question and think deeply about the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fantasy worlds with rich, intricate plots and big questions about life and existence.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Classic, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel is a profound and stirring look at justice and racism in America, seen through the eyes of the young narrator, Scout Finch, as her father, Atticus Finch, defends a black man accused of raping a white woman in the 1930s South.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of racial injustice and moral growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides valuable lessons about empathy, justice, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
  • Perfect for: Young readers ready to explore significant historical and ethical issues through a compelling story.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—and their passage from childhood to womanhood in post-Civil War America.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses themes of gender roles, individuality, and morality in a historical context, requiring readers to consider both the time period and the timeless issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the bonds of sisterhood and personal growth, offering inspiration and a sense of empowerment.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about family dynamics and self-discovery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of coming-of-age books, you're in for a treat. These stories not only entertain but also offer valuable life lessons. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits, especially tailored for 12-year-olds. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read in a month or year.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can motivate you to read regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and increase them as you go.

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Allocate specific times of the day or week for reading.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading time, making it a habit.
  • Tips: Choose a time when you are relaxed and won’t be interrupted.

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

• Discuss Books with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the books you read with your friends or a book club.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Try to express what you felt about the story and why.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud, either to yourself or others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in understanding the text better.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match the narrative to make it more fun.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in the book as if they were a movie in your mind.
  • How it helps: Increases immersion and makes the reading experience more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pay attention to descriptive passages to help form vivid images.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and comprehension of what you read.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and to the point.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down any questions that arise while you're reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Look for answers in the text itself or discuss them with others.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment of coming-of-age books but also boost your reading skills significantly. Happy reading, and remember, every book has a story to tell and a lesson to teach. Enjoy discovering them!