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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your tween? Dive into the vibrant world of Indian Books for 12-Year-olds, where each page turns into an adventure! Whether your young reader is into thrilling tales or heartwarming stories, our curated lists are packed with choices that will captivate and inspire. Keep reading to discover our top picks of Indian Books for 12-Year-Olds that promise to be a hit!

Fun Indian Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: A charming tale about Binya, a young girl in a small village of Himachal Pradesh, who comes into possession of a beautiful blue silk umbrella. The story unfolds as the umbrella becomes the envy of the village, particularly affecting the shopkeeper, Ram Bharosa.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a simple yet profound narrative that teaches important lessons about materialism and the joy of simple things. It's written in an easy-to-understand language that keeps young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy heartwarming stories and learning about different cultures.

• Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Haroun Khalifa embarks on an adventure to restore his father Rashid's gift of storytelling. He travels to the Sea of Stories to fight against the dark forces that threaten to silence the sea's voice.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is a fantastical, imaginative journey that champions the importance of storytelling and freedom of speech. It's engaging and thought-provoking, perfect for expanding young minds.
  • Perfect for: Children who love fantasy and adventures, and those interested in stories about the power of words.

• Grandma's Bag of Stories by Sudha Murty, illustrated by Priya Kuriyan
  • Genre(s): Folktales, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: A collection of stories told by a grandmother to her grandchildren during their summer vacation. Each story is filled with morals and lessons, often featuring gods, kings, animals, and magic.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful collection that captures the essence of Indian storytelling traditions. These stories not only entertain but also impart wisdom.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy short stories and those interested in traditional tales with moral lessons.

• The Adventures of Toto the Auto by Ruta Vyas
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of Toto, an auto-rickshaw in a bustling Indian city, and his driver, Pattu, as they navigate daily challenges and exciting adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging series that introduces young readers to everyday life in India through the eyes of a quirky auto-rickshaw. The stories are lighthearted and filled with action.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love vehicles and adventures, and those looking to learn about different cultures through lively stories.

• Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani
  • Genre(s): Graphic novel, Young adult fiction
  • Synopsis: Priyanka discovers her mother's pashmina shawl, which leads her on a fantastical journey to India where she explores her heritage and discovers the reason behind her family's estrangement.
  • Why we recommend this book: This graphic novel combines vibrant artwork with a compelling story that addresses complex themes like identity and belonging. It's visually appealing and culturally enriching.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy visual storytelling and those interested in exploring themes of self-discovery and cultural heritage.

Educational Indian Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Royal Bengal Mystery by Shweta Taneja
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A thrilling adventure where young Ankit and his friends join his uncle, a wildlife researcher, on a trip to the Sundarbans. They stumble upon a poaching operation and decide to solve the mystery of the missing tigers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, problem-solving, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting mystery that also educates readers about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and nature lovers.

• The Serpent's Revenge: Unusual Tales from the Mahabharata by Sudha Murty
  • Genre(s): Mythology, Short Stories
  • Synopsis: A collection of lesser-known stories from the Mahabharata, retold by Sudha Murty in a simple and engaging manner.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural knowledge, moral reasoning, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fresh perspective on traditional tales, making ancient wisdom accessible and relevant to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in Indian mythology and fans of epic tales.

• When the Earth Lost its Shapes by Shobha Viswanath, illustrated by Christine Kastl
  • Genre(s): Picture book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A whimsical story about a world where shapes start to lose their distinct boundaries, causing confusion and chaos, until a little girl finds a way to restore order.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, geometry, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning book that encourages thinking outside the box and introduces basic geometric concepts in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and budding mathematicians.

• A Dollop of Ghee and a Pot of Wisdom by Chitra Soundar
  • Genre(s): Folktales, Humor
  • Synopsis: Tales of the clever minister Tenali Raman who solves puzzles, outwits rogues, and uses his wit to get out of tricky situations at King Krishnadevaraya's court.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, cultural history, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with humor and wisdom, showcasing the cleverness and resourcefulness of one of India's most beloved folk heroes.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love trickster tales and clever comebacks.

• Mystery of the Secret Hair Oil Formula by Asha Nehemiah
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Veena and her friend Priya stumble upon an ancient secret formula for a hair oil. They embark on a quest to find the ingredients, but they're not the only ones interested in the formula.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, teamwork, historical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with a bit of science and history, making it a fun and educational read.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and history buffs who love a good adventure.

Challenging Indian Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Conch Bearer by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting story, a young boy named Anand is entrusted with a magical conch shell and must journey to the Himalayas to return it to its rightful place. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and discovers his own potential and the power of loyalty and friendship.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates complex themes of morality, duty, and sacrifice, woven into a rich tapestry of Indian mythology and culture.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a magical adventure that also imparts valuable life lessons about courage, responsibility, and the importance of following one's heart.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and are interested in stories that blend magic with deep moral questions.

• Wings of Fire: An Autobiography by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam with Arun Tiwari
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This autobiography of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India and a renowned scientist, chronicles his rise from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of scientific research and leadership, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex scientific concepts and the intricacies of space research, as well as the perseverance required to overcome personal and professional obstacles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly motivating, showing how dedication and hard work can help achieve one's dreams, and it provides a fascinating look into the life of one of India's most respected figures.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and leaders, and any young reader looking for a real-life hero story.

• The Village by the Sea by Anita Desai
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Hari and Lila, two siblings living in a small coastal village in India, struggling to keep their family together amid economic hardships and personal trials.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes such as poverty, resilience, and the impact of environmental change on small communities, presented through a deeply emotional narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at the struggles and hopes of children in a developing world setting, encouraging empathy and a deeper understanding of different social issues.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate realistic stories that inspire resilience and hope.

• Tales of Historic Delhi by Subhadra Sen Gupta, illustrated by Tapas Guha
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: An exciting journey through Delhi's history, this book follows a group of friends who discover a mysterious time portal that takes them back to significant events in Delhi's past.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book requires understanding historical contexts and the significance of various historical figures and events, woven into engaging storylines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling way to learn about history, combining factual content with time-travel adventures that keep readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Young history buffs and adventure seekers who enjoy time-travel narratives.

• Younguncle Comes to Town by Vandana Singh
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: In this delightful series of linked stories, Younguncle, an eccentric and lovable character, arrives in a small town in India and brings with him a whirlwind of adventures and laughter, much to the delight of the children he befriends.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style interweaves whimsy with subtle social critiques, requiring readers to think critically about the issues presented.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a critique of societal norms, all through the eyes of an irresistibly quirky protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories that are both fun and thought-provoking, with a touch of whimsy.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're diving into the vibrant world of Indian books, there's no better time than now, especially if you're around 12 years old! Indian literature is a treasure trove of stories, myths, and modern tales that can transport you to a whole new world. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to help you develop good reading habits:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books or pages you want to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can motivate you to read more regularly and track your progress.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that challenge you without being overwhelming.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Having a special place for reading can help you focus and enhance your reading experience.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a book club that reads and discusses Indian books.
  • How it helps: Discussing what you read deepens your understanding and enhances your enjoyment.
  • Tips: If there isn’t a book club at your school or library, consider starting one with friends!

• Read Aloud to Others
  • What it is: Share a story by reading it aloud to family or friends.
  • How it helps: Reading aloud improves your fluency and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the characters through your voice to make the story come alive.

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

• Explore Different Genres
  • What it is: Make a point to read a variety of genres within Indian literature.
  • How it helps: Expanding your reading material can broaden your perspective and increase your appreciation for literature.
  • Tips: Alternate between fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and other genres to keep things interesting.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your skills but also deepen your connection with the rich narratives found in Indian books. So, grab your next book, find your cozy corner, and let your literary journey begin! Happy reading!