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

Are you on the hunt for inspiring books for 12-year-olds that will captivate their imagination and fuel their love for reading? You've come to the right place! Whether your young reader is into thrilling adventures, heartwarming stories, or life-changing journeys, our curated lists of inspiring books for 12-year-olds have something that will keep them hooked. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to be both engaging and enriching!

Fun Inspiring Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The story centers around August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. As he strives to be treated as an ordinary kid, the community struggles with acceptance and kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy, courage, and the importance of accepting others, making it a powerful read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating school and social dynamics, and those who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity.

• 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' lightning bolt. He embarks on a thrilling adventure across the United States to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, exciting tale that introduces Greek mythology in a fun, accessible way, encouraging a love for reading and history.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy fantasy and mythology, and anyone who loves a good hero’s journey.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his past and his destiny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world full of possibilities, promoting imagination and the idea that anyone can achieve great things.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magic, mystery, and a sense of wonder, and those starting their journey into longer, more complex stories.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This enchanting story follows a young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, who must unlock her true magical powers to save her family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with complex characters and a captivating plot that emphasizes the power of love and the importance of questioning the world around us.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy beautifully crafted fantasy worlds and stories about finding one's own strength.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where they are made to dig holes every day. He realizes they might not just be digging to build character, but that there is something more mysterious going on.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a unique mystery and a bit of historical fiction, making it engaging and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like stories with a mix of humor, adventure, and a bit of a puzzle to solve.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Illustrator: Brian Selznick
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows a young orphan, Hugo, who lives in the walls of a train station. He becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
  • Why we recommend this book: The unique combination of text and illustrations pulls readers into a visually stimulating adventure, fostering both reading and visual interpretation skills.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and readers who enjoy historical settings, mysteries, and stories that blend words and art seamlessly.

Educational Inspiring 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 mystery and adventure with puzzles that challenge the mind, making it both fun and intellectually stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Illustrator: Peter Brown
  • Synopsis: When Roz the robot washes up on the shore of a wild island, she must learn to survive in her new environment and makes friends with the island's animal inhabitants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptability, environmental awareness, empathy, and technology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about the harmony between technology and nature, and the importance of friendship and community.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in technology and nature, and those who enjoy stories about unlikely friendships.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Through poetry, Woodson shares the story of her childhood as an African American growing up in the 1960s in South Carolina and New York.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, poetic techniques, and memoir writing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look into the African American experience through lyrical poetry, encouraging understanding and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young poets and readers interested in autobiographical works and historical perspectives.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Illustrator: Patricia Castelao
  • Synopsis: This novel is told from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal rights awareness, creative thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that speaks to the importance of empathy and compassion for all living beings.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists, and readers who enjoy stories told from unique perspectives.

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ally has always had trouble reading, but her new teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the troublemaker exterior and helps her understand that she has dyslexia.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of learning disabilities, empathy, self-confidence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases how understanding and support can help overcome learning challenges, inspiring readers to seek help and appreciate their unique strengths.
  • Perfect for: Kids who face their own learning challenges and those who want to understand what peers might be experiencing.

Challenging Inspiring 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 as they travel through space and time to rescue their father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex concepts of physics, space, and time, intertwined with deep philosophical questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and imagination, and it presents strong messages about the power of love and the importance of fighting against conformity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and those who enjoy stories that challenge their understanding of the universe.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Illustrator: Jules Feiffer
  • Synopsis: Bored young Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest full of puns, wordplay, and wisdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and presents many puns, metaphors, and allegories that require a higher level of reading comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative adventure that celebrates the joys of learning and the richness of language.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love word games, puzzles, and creative adventures with a philosophical twist.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this story is narrated by Death and follows a young girl named Liesel who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of mortality, war, and the power of words, all narrated from Death’s perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique narrative voice and a new perspective on the tragic history of World War II, encouraging deeper understanding and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Mature young readers who are interested in history and looking for a profound, thought-provoking story.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without suffering, choices, or differences, a boy named Jonas is selected to be the Receiver of Memories and learns the dark secrets behind his fragile community.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces themes of dystopia, societal control, and the ethical dilemmas of a conformist world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about individuality, freedom, and the importance of human emotions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy dystopian novels and stories that explore complex social issues.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This timeless story follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with a pair of siblings on Prince Edward Island.
  • Why this book is challenging: The rich vocabulary and descriptive passages provide a more complex reading experience, along with its themes of growth and identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of imagination and the impact of nurturing relationships on a young person's development.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate character-driven stories and exploring themes of belonging and self-discovery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some inspiring books and want to make the most of your reading experience, here are some fun and effective exercises to help you along the way. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make reading a habit you'll look forward to every day.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in achieving consistent reading progress.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes your reading time special and interruption-free.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match the narrative to make it more fun.

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

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes as you read.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to picture the story in your mind.

• Book Summary
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of the book once you are done reading.
  • How it helps: Helps consolidate what you have read and remember the plot and characters.
  • Tips: Keep it short and focus on main events and character developments.

These exercises are not just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of your life. So, grab your next inspiring book, and let's get started on making reading a delightful habit!