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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect English books for 12-year-olds that will keep them hooked and help expand their horizons? Whether you're a parent, teacher, or a young reader yourself, finding the right books can be a game changer. In this blog, we've curated a diverse selection of English books that are just right for 12-year-old readers. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to engage, entertain, and educate!

Fun English Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Harry Potter, an eleven-year-old boy who discovers that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends, enemies, and uncovers the truth about his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gateway to the magical world, sparking imagination and encouraging a love for reading through its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Family, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to public school for the first time and strives for acceptance and kindness from his classmates.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy, resilience, and the importance of being kind, making it a valuable read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating friendships and social dynamics, and those who appreciate stories about overcoming challenges.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is thrust into a world of Greek gods and monsters. He embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action-packed adventure with Greek mythology, making learning about ancient myths fun and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy fast-paced stories and learning about mythology.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that mixes suspense and whimsy, teaching about growth and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like a touch of the supernatural mixed with mystery and heartwarming lessons.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center where boys are made to dig holes every day. He realizes they are looking for something buried and seeks to uncover the truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of an intriguing mystery and a coming-of-age story that emphasizes the importance of friendship, justice, and fate.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that are both thought-provoking and entertaining.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl raised by a witch who must come to terms with her own magical powers, while a town nearby struggles with its own secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully explores themes of love, growth, and the power within us, all wrapped up in magical storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love enchanting tales with strong female protagonists and rich, imaginative settings.

Educational English 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 brain-teasing puzzles with thrilling adventures, making it a compelling read that encourages critical thinking and cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Bored young Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses of Rhyme and Reason, and along the way, he discovers the excitement of learning and adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, reading comprehension, and appreciation for wordplay and puns.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and presents a fun, whimsical adventure that highlights the importance of learning and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy clever wordplay and whimsical stories with a strong educational twist.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Claudia and her brother Jamie run away from home and take refuge in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where they become embroiled in a mystery involving a statue possibly sculpted by Michelangelo.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical knowledge, and problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating mystery and an intriguing look at art history, all while depicting the resourcefulness and ingenuity of young people.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of art, mystery, and adventure.

• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of a Native American girl, Karana, who spends eighteen years isolated on an island off the California coast, learning to survive and overcome countless challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Independence, resilience, and environmental awareness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping survival story that teaches about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of the environment.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in survival stories, history, and nature.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In a city built to survive a disaster now forgotten, two children, Lina and Doon, discover clues that could lead them to the outside world they've never seen.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking adventure that explores themes of perseverance, curiosity, and hope.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy dystopian settings and stories about discovery and solving mysteries.

Challenging English Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Follows the journey of 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: The novel incorporates complex concepts of physics and metaphysics, challenging young readers to think critically about science and the universe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction with the emotional journey of its characters, providing a compelling narrative that encourages both scientific curiosity and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and fans of epic 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 young girl who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others, including the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of morality, death, and the human capacity for both kindness and cruelty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust, narrated by Death, and highlights the power of words and books to provide comfort and change lives.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and thought-provoking narratives.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Chronicles the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up, face personal challenges, and pursue their dreams during the American Civil War.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores various themes of love, gender roles, and personal identity in a historical context, requiring readers to consider societal changes and character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story of familial bonds and personal growth, offering insights into the struggles and triumphs of young women.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy stories about family dynamics and strong female characters.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic, navigating a world filled with daemons, armored bears, and witches, in quest of a mysterious phenomenon called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex themes of theology and philosophy intertwined with a richly detailed fantasy world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also encourages readers to question and think deeply about the nature of freedom and human existence.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy stories that blend fantasy with thought-provoking themes.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms as she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's property and begins to bring it back to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of loss, healing, and transformation through the detailed development of characters and settings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the restorative power of nature and the positive changes that nurturing can bring to a person's life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of personal change and the beauty of nature.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 12 or have a 12-year-old at home, diving into books can be both fun and transformative. To make the most out of your reading adventures, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits. These simple activities will not only enhance your reading skills but also make the experience more enjoyable.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and discipline in reading.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that can enhance concentration.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and perhaps a small shelf for your books.

• Join or Start a Book Club
  • What it is: Gather a group of friends who read the same book and discuss it regularly.
  • How it helps: Stimulates deeper understanding and enhances analytical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Choose books that all participants will enjoy and encourage everyone to share their thoughts.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology by using apps that can track reading progress or suggest books.
  • How it helps: Keeps you engaged and can offer personalized reading suggestions.
  • Tips: Set reminders on the app to carve out time for reading every day.

• Read Aloud to Others
  • What it is: Share a book by reading it aloud to family or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in speaking skills.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the characters by changing your tone and pace.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and revisit them before continuing with the book.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes described in the book as vividly as possible.
  • How it helps: Increases engagement and enjoyment of the reading material.
  • Tips: Pause occasionally to picture the setting, characters, and events in your mind.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily reading routine can significantly boost your literacy skills and make reading a more dynamic part of your life. Remember, the key to becoming a better reader is consistency and enthusiasm, so pick the exercises that excite you the most and get started today! Happy reading!