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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for a young reader? Dive into our handpicked selection of fiction books for 12-year-olds, crafted to captivate their growing minds and adventurous spirits. Whether they're into thrilling quests or heartwarming tales, our comprehensive guide has something that will whisk them away into new worlds. Keep reading to discover our top picks of fiction books for 12-year-olds that promise to be instant favorites!

Fun Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the beloved Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his magical heritage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a magical world that is rich in detail and filled with imaginative twists. The story promotes values such as friendship, courage, and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure, and anyone new to the Harry Potter universe.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest across the United States to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fast-paced adventure that mixes exciting elements of Greek mythology with modern life. It's great for improving reading engagement through fun and educational content.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy mythology, adventure, and stories with humorous and relatable characters.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference who goes to a mainstream school for the first time. Through multiple perspectives, the book explores themes of kindness, friendship, and acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, regardless of physical appearance. The story is heartwarming and encourages readers to be kinder in their daily lives.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about overcoming challenges and personal growth.

• 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 as one of their own.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating tale of growth and survival with a touch of spooky elements, ideal for expanding the imagination and engaging reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like ghost stories and adventures, and those who enjoy stories about unconventional families and friendships.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention camp, for a crime he didn't commit. There, he and the other boys are forced to dig large holes every day in the hot sun, supposedly to build character — but there’s more beneath the surface.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an intriguing story with complex plots and rich characters that explores themes of justice and destiny. It keeps readers guessing and connects various storylines ingeniously.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy solving mysteries and those interested in stories where characters grow and learn from their experiences.

Educational Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, eleven-year-old Calpurnia Tate explores the natural world with her cantankerous grandfather, a naturalist. As she navigates the challenges of society's expectations for girls, she develops a deep love for science and nature.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, historical context, gender roles, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines historical context with a spirited protagonist's quest for scientific knowledge and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and history, and those who enjoy stories about breaking societal norms.

• 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 disaster.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure full of puzzles and mysteries that will keep readers engaged while promoting critical thinking and cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1970s New York, sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future and must piece together the clues to prevent a tragic death.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, critical thinking, understanding of time travel and its implications
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of mystery and science fiction in a way that challenges young readers to think about time and its possibilities.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex narratives and mind-bending plots.

• The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: During World War II, ten-year-old Ada escapes her abusive mother by evacuating London with her younger brother to the English countryside, where she discovers a new world of freedom and belonging.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, emotional resilience, understanding of disabilities
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful view of war through the eyes of a resilient young girl, highlighting themes of personal growth and triumph over adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical events and stories of personal courage and transformation.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In an underground city that's running out of light and power, two young friends, Lina and Doon, discover clues that could lead all citizens to the surface.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, understanding dystopian settings
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping tale that explores themes of perseverance and hope in a setting that challenges the characters to think critically about their world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy adventures and mysteries set in unique, thought-provoking worlds.

Challenging Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they 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: The narrative incorporates advanced scientific and philosophical concepts, including tesseracts and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends science fiction with real human concerns and emotions, providing a profound experience that encourages young readers to think deeply about the universe and their place in it.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and are curious about complex concepts like space and time.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua, a young girl, embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other stolen children from terrible experiments in a parallel universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich, complex themes including theology, philosophy, and criticism of religion, intertwined with advanced vocabulary and political intrigue.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers an adventurous plot with intellectual depth, challenging young readers to question and think critically about the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who appreciate deep, thought-provoking narratives and strong female protagonists.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Narrated by Death, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger from the time she is taken at age nine to live with a foster family in Nazi Germany. Liesel steals books and shares them with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of mortality, war, and the power of words, all presented through a unique narrative perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides historical insights and moral questions that are relevant to young readers, encouraging empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and those who are looking for stories that offer both emotional and intellectual growth.

• 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 is selected to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts such as dystopia, utopia, and individuality versus conformity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the importance of memory, feeling, and individuality in a thought-provoking and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy speculative fiction and are ready to explore more serious themes.

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found, fireman Guy Montag begins to question his role in society and becomes an outcast as he seeks freedom through books.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes of censorship, the role of government, and resistance against conformity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling read that encourages critical thinking about freedom, knowledge, and the role of authority in society.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in politics, philosophy, and challenging societal norms.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 12 years old and diving into the world of fiction books, you're in for a treat! Reading can be one of the most magical and enriching experiences, and to help you get the most out of it, I’ve got some great exercises. These will not only enhance your reading skills but also make your reading sessions more enjoyable and effective. Let’s check them out!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and motivated to read regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances your reading experience by making it cozy and inviting.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe even some personal touches like posters or plants.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you read with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Join a book club or start one with your friends to make this a regular activity.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Look up words you don’t understand while reading.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and improves understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Keep a dictionary handy or use a dictionary app on your device.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read books out loud, either to yourself or to an audience.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try changing your tone and pitch for different characters to make it more fun.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your head as you read.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and helps you remember the story better.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to vividly picture what you just read.

• 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.

These exercises are designed to make your reading habit stronger and more enjoyable. You’ll not only improve your skills but also have a lot of fun along the way. So, grab your favorite fiction book, try out these exercises, and let your imagination soar! Happy reading!