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

Searching for the perfect read to uplift and motivate your preteen? Look no further! Our curated list of inspirational books for 12-year-olds is packed with stories that are sure to ignite their imagination and boost their confidence. Whether your young reader is into adventures, mysteries, or something entirely unique, these books are designed to inspire and entertain. Keep reading to discover our top picks for inspirational books that will capture the hearts and minds of 12-year-olds everywhere.

Fun Inspirational Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Young Adult, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie strives to be treated as an ordinary kid, but his extraordinary journey teaches everyone around him about compassion and acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that promotes understanding and kindness, perfect for helping young readers develop empathy.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are facing their own challenges or who want to understand what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the famous Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends and foes alike, and discovers his own brave and loyal nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a magical world that enhances creativity and imagination, while also emphasizing the importance of friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic and adventure, and anyone new to the fantasy genre.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also makes Greek mythology accessible and exciting, encouraging interest in ancient stories and cultures.
  • Perfect for: Fans of action-packed tales and those curious about mythology.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, suffering, differences, or choice, a boy named Jonas is selected to be the Receiver of Memories and he learns about the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the importance of emotions and individuality in a thought-provoking way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy science fiction and are interested in exploring complex ideas about society and humanity.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, who crafts words into her web to save her friend from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of friendship, creativity, and the cycle of life, instilling a sense of wonder and respect for nature.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any child who appreciates stories about friendship and loyalty.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig large holes every day. He realizes they are looking for something buried and the story unfolds revealing a family curse and a mysterious history that changes his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with a unique narrative structure, engaging readers while encouraging them to piece together the puzzle-like plot.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a twist of humor.

Educational Inspirational Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This inspiring true story follows William Kamkwamba, a boy from Malawi, who builds a wind turbine to save his village from drought and famine using scraps and old textbooks.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science, technology, engineering, resilience, and problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful testament to how ingenuity and determination can overcome the most daunting challenges.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring engineers and young innovators interested in sustainability and technology.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting story, a young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and must learn to control her powers while uncovering the hidden truths of her world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, and understanding complex narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magic with deep emotional themes, creating a compelling narrative that encourages empathy and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magical tales and exploring rich, imaginative worlds.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Melody, an eleven-year-old with cerebral palsy who cannot speak or write but is incredibly smart. Her journey for acceptance and her fight to have her voice heard is both moving and inspiring.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of disabilities, communication.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful perspective on the challenges and triumphs of someone living with a significant disability.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in realistic stories that highlight diverse experiences and resilience.

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Ally has always had trouble with reading, leading her to believe she's dumb. A new teacher helps her see that she's actually dyslexic and not alone, changing her self-perception and her school experience.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of learning disabilities, self-esteem, and educational motivation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an uplifting story that encourages readers to embrace their differences and understand that everyone has unique strengths.
  • Perfect for: Students who struggle academically and anyone looking for a story about overcoming educational hurdles.

• 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure filled with complex puzzles and clever twists that keep readers engaged and thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths and puzzle lovers who enjoy fast-paced stories and brain teasers.

Challenging Inspirational Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The story follows 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 advanced scientific and philosophical concepts, including tesseracts and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think deeply about complex themes while enjoying an exciting, otherworldly adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and complex narrative structures.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and discontented, young Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and wisdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge linguistic and mathematical understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that promotes a love of learning and the discovery of the excitement hidden in knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Readers who delight in language, humor, and intellectual challenges.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in the fictional town of Avonlea.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style uses a rich, descriptive vocabulary and explores themes of identity, belonging, and transformation.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's resilience and her capacity to find beauty and joy in every situation are inspiring, making it a timeless tale of personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring emotional and social growth.

• 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 steals books and learns about life and death from the Jewish man hidden in her foster parents' basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of morality, death, and war, presented through a unique narrative perspective—that of Death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the horrors of war and the power of words and friendship to provide comfort and hope.
  • Perfect for: Mature young readers who are interested in history and philosophical questions about humanity.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War-era America and navigate the challenges of poverty, societal expectations, and personal aspirations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores various complex themes such as gender roles, morality, and the passage from childhood to womanhood.
  • Why we recommend this book: The story encourages readers to be true to themselves while emphasizing the importance of family, hard work, and integrity.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate stories about strong familial bonds and individual growth.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some inspirational books, why not amp up the experience with some awesome reading exercises? These are designed specifically for 12-year-olds to help develop strong and enjoyable reading habits. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading consistent and builds a strong reading discipline.
  • 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 focus and makes reading time something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Make it cozy with pillows, good lighting, and maybe even a 'Do Not Disturb' sign.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud, either to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more fun and engaging.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology by using an app that encourages reading through games and rewards.
  • How it helps: Makes reading interactive and exciting.
  • Tips: Choose apps that are age-appropriate and have educational value.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a book club where you can read and discuss books with peers.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and provides motivation to read more.
  • Tips: If there isn’t a club at school, consider starting one or look for online groups.

• Book Pairing
  • What it is: Pair your reading with a related activity, like watching a movie based on the book or visiting a related exhibit.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and makes connections beyond the text.
  • Tips: Plan your pairing activity in advance to look forward to it as a reward for finishing the book.

• Reflect and Predict
  • What it is: After each reading session, write down a summary of what happened and predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Keep your predictions and check how accurate they were after finishing the book.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the books but also develop habits that can benefit your overall academic and personal growth. So, grab your favorite inspirational book, pick an exercise, and start building those stellar reading habits today! Happy reading!