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

Are you on the lookout for ways to spark deep thinking and curiosity in your pre-teen? Philosophy books for 12-year-olds can be a fantastic gateway to exploring big ideas and intriguing questions about the world. Whether you're a parent, educator, or young reader yourself, join us as we dive into some thought-provoking reads that are perfect for curious minds. Keep reading to discover our various lists of philosophy books tailored just for 12-year-olds!

Fun Philosophy Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Sophie Amundsen, a 14-year-old girl who receives mysterious letters that take her on a journey through the history of philosophy. Along the way, Sophie learns about the fundamental questions and theories that have shaped human thought.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex philosophical ideas in an accessible and engaging way, sparking curiosity about deep questions and the world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that combine mystery with learning, and those curious about life’s big questions.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, illustrated by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, learning about the bizarre behavior of grown-ups and discovering the universal truths about love and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple yet profound narrative helps young readers understand and reflect on the values of human relationships and the essence of life.
  • Perfect for: Children and preteens looking for a story that combines adventure with life lessons and those who appreciate whimsical illustrations.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This book follows Milo, a bored young boy who receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to a land where he encounters a watchdog named Tock and embarks on a quest that requires him to think differently about the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and ideas, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the journey of learning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and word play, and anyone who needs a reminder of the joys to be found in learning and thinking.

• Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children’s, Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This book encourages young readers to explore the limits of their imagination with its playful verses and whimsical illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates creativity and the power of the imagination, showing kids that thinking can be as exciting as it is important.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and any child who is just beginning to discover the power of their own thoughts and ideas.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Philosophy
  • 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 their father from an evil force. Along the way, they confront questions of good versus evil and the nature of humanity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends scientific concepts with philosophical questions, making it a thrilling adventure as well as a profound inquiry into the nature of love and evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy science fiction and are intrigued by the deeper questions about the universe and our place in it.

Educational Philosophy Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Philosophy Files by Stephen Law
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book tackles some of the great philosophical questions with humor and engaging examples that are relatable to a younger audience.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, basic philosophical concepts, argument analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex philosophical ideas into digestible, intriguing discussions that are perfect for young inquisitive minds.
  • Perfect for: Tweens interested in exploring deep questions in an accessible and fun way.

• Children's Book of Philosophy by Sarah Tomley and Marcus Weeks
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Reference
  • Synopsis: An illustrated introduction to philosophy that explores the ideas and questions posed by some of the world’s greatest philosophers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Philosophical thinking, historical knowledge of philosophy, comprehension of diverse viewpoints
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear, engaging explanations and is beautifully illustrated to help young readers visualize complex ideas.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about the ideas that have shaped the world and enjoy visual learning.

• What Do You Think? by Oscar Brenifier, illustrated by Jacques Després
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This book presents a series of philosophical questions that encourage children to think about their own views on various topics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-reflection, ethical reasoning, debate skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It engages young readers in a direct dialogue and encourages them to articulate and defend their own views.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers who like to question the 'why' of things and enjoy engaging in discussions or debates.

• Big Ideas for Curious Minds: An Introduction to Philosophy by The School of Life
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces key concepts in philosophy aligned with the challenges young minds face in everyday life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, resilience, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects philosophical ideas to real-life situations, helping children navigate their emotional and social worlds.
  • Perfect for: Preteens who are beginning to face more complex social and personal situations and can benefit from philosophical insights.

Challenging Philosophy Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Pig That Wants to Be Eaten: 100 Experiments for the Armchair Philosopher by Julian Baggini
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Thought Experiments
  • Synopsis: This book presents 100 philosophical puzzles that challenge readers to think deeply about ethical dilemmas and philosophical problems.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex philosophical scenarios that require critical thinking and ethical decision-making, which are advanced for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the mind through engaging and thought-provoking puzzles that encourage readers to question and analyze different perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Young philosophers who enjoy puzzles and ethical challenges.

• The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained by Will Buckingham, Douglas Burnham, Peter J. King, Clive Hill, Marcus Weeks, and John Marenbon
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explains complex philosophical theories and ideas in simple, easy-to-understand language, accompanied by visual illustrations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of philosophical concepts from ancient to modern times, which can be complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes philosophy accessible and engaging through clear explanations and helps simplify complex ideas.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds interested in a comprehensive overview of philosophical ideas throughout history.

• Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy by Simon Blackburn
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Introduction
  • Synopsis: This introduction to philosophy covers the major topics of philosophical inquiry and encourages readers to engage with philosophical arguments.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses abstract philosophical ideas and theories that require a higher level of abstract thinking and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a solid foundation in philosophy, encouraging analytical thinking and engagement with profound questions.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who are ready to explore deeper philosophical concepts and enjoy critical thinking.

• Philosophy for Kids: 40 Fun Questions That Help You Wonder About Everything! by David White
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This book offers a series of questions and activities designed to introduce philosophical thinking to children through interactive dialogue and critical thinking exercises.
  • Why this book is challenging: It encourages kids to think about and respond to complex philosophical questions that adults might find challenging.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes critical thinking and philosophical inquiry in a fun, accessible way, making it ideal for engaging young minds.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy interactive learning and those who are beginning to question the world around them.

• 50 Philosophy Ideas You Really Need to Know by Ben Dupré
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book introduces fifty of the most important philosophy ideas, from ethics to metaphysics, in a clear and concise manner.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into significant philosophical concepts that are typically addressed in higher education.
  • Why we recommend this book: It distills complex ideas into manageable pieces, providing a broad understanding of essential philosophical thoughts.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are eager to grasp fundamental philosophical concepts in a straightforward format.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into philosophy books at a young age can be both exciting and a bit daunting, right? But don't worry, with the right reading habits, you'll not only understand the concepts better but also enjoy the journey. Here are a few exercises specifically designed for 12-year-olds to help you get the most out of your philosophy books. Let's make reading more engaging and insightful!

• Set Specific 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 completing the book systematically.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Discuss with Friends or Family
  • What it is: Talk about the book's ideas with others after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to explain the concepts in your own words during the discussion.

• Create a Concept Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that connects different ideas from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing and better remembering the relationships between concepts.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the map more interesting and easier to understand.

• Question and Answer Sessions
  • What it is: Write down questions about the text and try to answer them.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the material.
  • Tips: Don’t hesitate to look up answers or ask someone if you’re stuck.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what you’ve read and aids in retention.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on the main points.

• Apply the Ideas
  • What it is: Think of how the philosophical ideas relate to your own life or current events.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading more relevant and interesting.
  • Tips: Write down any real-life situations where you think the ideas could apply.

These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to becoming a thoughtful and insightful reader. By setting goals, discussing, and actively engaging with the text, you'll find yourself not just reading but thinking philosophically. Remember, the aim is to enjoy the process as much as the knowledge you gain. Happy reading!