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

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect farming books for 12-year-olds? Whether you're looking to inspire a young green thumb or simply feed a curiosity about farm life, we've got you covered. Dive into our carefully curated selections and discover the fascinating world of agriculture through these engaging reads. Keep reading to explore our lists of farming books tailored just for 12-year-olds!

Fun Farming Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all set against a charming farm backdrop.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories about friendships.

• Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Genre(s): Historical fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This book is about the early life of Almanzo Wilder, Laura Ingalls Wilder's husband, growing up as a young boy on a farm in New York State in the 1860s.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an engaging look at rural and farming life in the 19th century, filled with details about farming techniques and self-sufficiency that are both educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in history and understanding how children lived in the past.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Novel, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, is sent to live at her uncle's estate where she discovers a neglected garden. She begins restoring the garden with the help of a few friends, transforming both the garden and their lives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of rejuvenation and healing through nature, encouraging young readers to find beauty and solace in the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories of transformation and the healing power of nature.

• Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Genre(s): Historical fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the adventures of the Ingalls family as they travel across the American Midwest and settle on the prairie, facing challenges and joys of pioneer life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a vivid portrayal of the pioneering spirit, with detailed insights into farm life and the resilience required to thrive on the frontier.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by American history and the pioneer era.

• The Year At Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Provensen
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers through a year on a farm, describing the activities and changes that occur with each season, from the animals' behaviors to farming tasks.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to the rhythms of life on a farm and the natural cycle of seasons, presented in a way that's accessible and engaging for children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about farm life and nature's patterns.

Educational Farming Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Multicultural
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a vacant lot in Cleveland, Ohio, that transforms into a thriving community garden. Each chapter is from the perspective of a different character, each with their unique background and reasons for participating in the garden.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Community building, multicultural awareness, environmental science
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how a single positive action can transform an entire community, promoting themes of cooperation and cultural diversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories about community and gardening.

• Weslandia by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Wesley, a nonconformist boy, creates his own civilization and ecosystem in his backyard after deciding to grow a staple crop that turns out to be extraordinary.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, botany
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages innovation and self-reliance, showing how unique interests can lead to remarkable projects and learning experiences.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who love to imagine and build their own worlds.

• The Omnivore's Dilemma: Young Readers Edition by Michael Pollan
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This adaptation of Pollan’s famous book explores the complexities of the food chains that sustain us, from industrial to organic to foraged food, all through an accessible and engaging narrative.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, nutrition, environmental science
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a clear, informative look at how food reaches our plates and the impact of our food choices on the environment and our health.
  • Perfect for: Young readers curious about science, nutrition, and the environment.

• Gardening Lab for Kids by Renata Fossen Brown
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Activity book
  • Synopsis: This interactive book provides 52 fun and inventive gardening activities, each designed to teach gardening skills and encourage outdoor play and exploration.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Gardening techniques, scientific observation, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hands-on and educational, perfect for getting kids outside and involved in growing their own plants and understanding the basics of botany.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy hands-on activities and are interested in learning how to garden.

• Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life by Julia Rothman
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Reference
  • Synopsis: This illustrated guide offers a fascinating visual exploration of farm life, including machinery, buildings, animals, crops, and more.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Visual learning, agricultural knowledge, technical vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It's visually engaging and packed with information, making complex topics about farm life accessible and interesting.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and any young reader with an interest in how things work on a farm.

Challenging Farming Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Memoir
  • Synopsis: This book chronicles a year in which the author and her family only ate food they grew themselves or obtained locally, aiming to show the environmental and health benefits of home-grown food.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts about sustainability, local economies, and the global impact of food choices.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thoughtful reflection on the connection between what we eat and where it comes from, encouraging readers to think critically about their food.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and budding gardeners interested in sustainable living.

• The Good Garden: How One Family Went from Hunger to Having Enough by Katie Smith Milway, illustrated by Sylvie Daigneault
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This story is based on the true story of how Honduran farmer María Luz Duarte learned sustainable farming techniques that transformed her family's life and community.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with serious themes like poverty, hunger, and international development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inspiring and educational, showing how knowledge and innovation in farming can make a huge difference.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in global issues and how agriculture can solve real-world problems.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This is the true story of a Malawian teenager who builds a windmill from scraps to generate electricity for his village, transforming his community.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed explanations of mechanical and engineering concepts used in building the windmill.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful tale of ingenuity and perseverance that highlights the impact of sustainable practices and renewable energy.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and scientists interested in sustainability and engineering.

• Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Nature
  • Synopsis: This book blends botany with Native American storytelling to explore how plants and people can live together in mutual harmony.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text weaves complex scientific information with philosophical insights about nature's interconnections.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on ecology that respects both scientific and indigenous knowledge, encouraging a deeper respect for the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in botany, ecology, and cultural heritage.

• The Vertical Farm: Feeding the World in the 21st Century by Dr. Dickson Despommier
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book proposes a revolutionary approach to farming by growing food in vertically stacked layers, which could help solve the world's food crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced agricultural technologies and concepts in urban planning and sustainability.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination about the future of farming and the potential of urban agriculture to address food security.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and urban planners interested in cutting-edge agricultural technologies and sustainable solutions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of farming through books, it's a great way to learn while having fun. To make the most out of your reading adventures, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits, especially tailored for 12-year-olds. Let's get started!

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times each day dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading time, which can improve focus and comprehension.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time of day when you're less likely to be interrupted.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and to the point; try to capture the main ideas only.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves critical thinking and provides different perspectives on the same topic.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books on farming you want to read in a month or year.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and gives a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Make your goals realistic and adjust them based on your other activities and schoolwork.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Picture the scenes described in the book as vividly as you can.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more enjoyable and memorable.
  • Tips: Use your imagination freely; the more details you visualize, the better.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down any questions that arise while reading and find the answers.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and engages more with the content.
  • Tips: Don't hesitate to use external resources like the internet or ask a teacher if you're stuck.

• Link to Personal Experiences
  • What it is: Relate events or information in the book to your own life.
  • How it helps: Increases personal connection to the reading material and makes it more relatable.
  • Tips: Think about similar experiences you've had or lessons learned that remind you of the story.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your understanding and enjoyment of farming books but also develop habits that will benefit your overall education. Happy reading!