10+ Best Common Sense Media Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your tween? Look no further than our roundup of Common Sense Media books for 12-year-olds! These picks are not only age-appropriate but also incredibly engaging, ensuring your young reader finds something that really captures their imagination. Keep reading to discover our various lists of Common Sense Media books for 12-year-olds that promise to be a hit!

Fun Common Sense Media Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through his experiences, readers explore themes of kindness, acceptance, and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that promotes empathy and understanding, helping readers see the importance of accepting everyone for who they are.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are transitioning to new social environments and those who appreciate stories about overcoming challenges.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is swept into a world of mythological adventures after being accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. This is the first book in an exciting series that mixes Greek mythology with modern adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and humor, making it an engaging read that also educates about Greek mythology.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy adventures and learning about mythology.

• 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 and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends, faces adversaries, and uncovers his magical heritage.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book introduces a magical world that captivates the imagination and emphasizes the value of friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Anyone looking for an escape into a magical world filled with wonder and excitement.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys dig holes daily in the hot sun, supposedly to build character — but there is more to the activity than meets the eye.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of an intriguing mystery and a survival story that also deals with historical events.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good mystery and stories about justice and redemption.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without suffering, choices, or differences, a young boy named Jonas uncovers the dark secrets behind his society's way of life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex themes about society, freedom, and individuality in a way that is accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful readers interested in exploring profound and sometimes challenging themes.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In an underground city that is running out of power and resources, two children discover clues that could lead all inhabitants to the surface.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also touches on themes of perseverance and hope.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and problem solvers who enjoy stories about overcoming adversity.

Educational Common Sense Media Books for 12-Year-Olds

• 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.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with intellectual challenges that engage young readers’ minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their intellect to solve problems.

• 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: Cultural awareness, historical context of the civil rights movement, poetic techniques, and memoir writing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written memoir that enhances understanding of historical and social issues through personal narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, poetry, and personal stories of overcoming adversity.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After his family is murdered, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, understanding of literary elements like metaphor and allegory, and dealing with themes of life and death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique setting and a captivating plot that explores themes of love, friendship, and courage in unusual circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy spooky stories with a heart and lessons about growing up.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Melody, an eleven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, cannot speak or write, but she refuses to be defined by her disability as she finds a way to share her voice with the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of disabilities, resilience, and communication.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that challenges perceptions of disability and showcases the protagonist's determination and intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for stories about triumph over physical limitations and finding one's voice.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: As she navigates life in New York City, sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future and must solve the puzzle before the predicted events unfold.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, understanding of narrative structure and time travel concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends elements of mystery and science fiction, providing a compelling and thought-provoking read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that make them think and piece together clues.

Challenging Common Sense Media Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin travel through space and time to rescue their father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as good versus evil and the power of love, intertwined with elements of theoretical physics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, presenting young readers with a mix of adventure and science that challenges their understanding of the universe.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and are curious about the universe and its mysteries.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who steals books and shares them with neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a unique narrative perspective, narrated by Death, and deals with heavy themes of mortality, war, and the power of words.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound, emotional exploration of human nature and the impact of war, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of history.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in history and complex narratives that provide a different perspective on well-known events.

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a future society where books are banned and "firemen" burn any that are found, fireman Guy Montag begins to question his role and the values of society.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of censorship, the role of technology in society, and the consequences of abandoning deep thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling warning about the importance of books and ideas, encouraging readers to think critically about the role of media and technology in their lives.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in technology, society, and the importance of literature.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic in search of a kidnapped friend and discovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and experimental technology.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes including theology, philosophy, and science, challenging young readers to think critically about religion, authority, and personal freedom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventure with deep philosophical questions, providing a rich narrative that respects the intelligence of its readers.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy stories that make them think about deeper existential questions.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In the racially charged atmosphere of a small Alabama town in the 1930s, lawyer Atticus Finch defends a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman, while his children, Scout and Jem, come to terms with the prejudice and injustice that pervade their community.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles profound themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and ethical dilemmas through the innocent eyes of children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful, thought-provoking book that addresses important social issues and the development of personal morality.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in American history and exploring complex social issues through rich, compelling storytelling.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 12 years old and diving into some awesome books recommended by Common Sense Media, why not boost your reading habits with these fun exercises? Not only will they make your reading sessions more engaging, but they'll also help you retain and understand the content better. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time or how many pages you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and turn reading into a consistent habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

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

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read books out loud, either to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you better understand the text.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who have read it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Ask each other questions about the plot, characters, and themes.

• 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.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a book club that focuses on the age group or interests you.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to a variety of books.
  • Tips: Participate actively in discussions and book choices.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy to look up words you don’t understand.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Write down the new words you learn in your reading journal.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more vivid and memorable.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to picture the story and characters.

These exercises are designed to make your reading experience more productive and enjoyable. By incorporating them into your daily routine, you'll not only improve your reading skills but also develop a lifelong love for books. Happy reading!