10+ Best Popular Books for 11-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your tween? Finding the right reads can be a game-changer for 11-12-year-olds, sparking imagination and a love for reading. Whether they're into thrilling adventures, heartwarming tales, or something entirely unique, our list of popular books for 11-12-year-olds is packed with top picks that are sure to captivate. Keep reading to discover our diverse selection of popular books for 11-12-year-olds that can't wait to jump off the shelf and into your young reader's hands!

Fun Popular Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Auggie Pullman, a young boy born with a facial deformity, as he attends a mainstream school for the first time. Auggie strives to convince his new classmates that beyond his appearance, he's just like them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and uplifting story that teaches empathy, courage, and the importance of acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are transitioning to middle school or facing their own personal challenges.

• 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 embarks on a quest across the United States to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology in a way that's accessible and exciting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy fast-paced stories and learning about mythology.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Harry Potter learns on his 11th 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 past and his destiny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's the first in a series that captivates with magic, friendship, and the battle between good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magical worlds and stories about friendship and courage.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the mysterious 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, wrapped up in an engaging and mysterious narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers who enjoy using their intellect to solve mysteries.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention camp, for a crime he didn't commit. There, he digs holes every day and soon discovers that they might be for more than just punishment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of historical narrative and modern-day fairy tale, promoting the idea that our fates are intertwined.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like stories that are both funny and moving, with a bit of a mystery to solve.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with dangerous consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully explores themes of love, growing up, and the power within us all.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales of magic, witches, and journeys of self-discovery.

Educational Popular Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This charming tale follows Despereaux Tilling, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It intertwines his story with that of a servant girl and a rat who yearns for a life filled with light.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, bravery, and understanding complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that combines adventure with heartfelt lessons about courage and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and rooting for the underdog.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Milo, a bored young boy, receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to save the princesses Rhyme and Reason.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, vocabulary, and appreciation for wordplay
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an imaginative journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the power of curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, word games, and whimsical adventures.

• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of a young Native American girl who lives alone for years on an island off the California coast.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Independence, resilience, and historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an inspiring tale of survival and determination, set against a richly described historical backdrop.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of survival against the odds.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Claudia and her brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they become embroiled in a mystery involving a statue possibly sculpted by Michelangelo.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, independence, and an appreciation for art
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that encourages exploration and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and art lovers who dream of adventure and mystery.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. His perspective changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare, and creative storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that teaches compassion and the importance of friendship and promises.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories told from unique perspectives.

Challenging Popular Books for 11-12-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 O'Keefe as they travel through space and time to rescue Meg's father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as good versus evil, and it incorporates advanced scientific concepts, including tesseracts and space-time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also teaches about the power of love and the importance of fighting against darkness.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and readers who enjoy stories about other worlds and dimensions.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and neglected child, is sent to live with her uncle in Yorkshire. There, she discovers a locked, neglected garden and, along with her cousin Colin and new friend Dickon, brings it back to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative uses rich, descriptive language and explores deep themes of loss, healing, and transformation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that encourages readers to find beauty in the world around them and to nurture the things they care about.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy transformation stories and nature.

• 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 ambition.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex issues such as gender roles, the pursuit of individual dreams versus familial duties, and the impact of war.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers insightful perspectives on family, hardship, and growing up, providing both historical context and timeless lessons.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about strong familial bonds and character development.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: An imaginative and talkative girl named Anne Shirley is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text features rich vocabulary and explores themes of identity, belonging, and transformation as Anne grows from a child into a young woman.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the joys and pitfalls of growing up, and Anne's vibrant imagination and emotional depth make her a compelling and endearing character.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love character-driven stories and exploring the complexities of growing up.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

When you're diving into the wonderful world of books, especially for 11-12-year-olds, developing good reading habits is just as important as picking the right book. Here are some engaging exercises designed to boost reading skills and make the journey through each book more enjoyable and enriching.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps complete books systematically.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and quiet environment that can enhance concentration and enjoyment of reading.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and perhaps a small shelf with favorite books.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who have read it or are interested in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention, and can introduce multiple perspectives on the same material.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where everyone reads the same book and discusses it regularly.

• Use a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words found in the books and look up their meanings.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and understanding of the text, which is crucial for academic success.
  • Tips: Use the new words in daily conversations or writing exercises to better assimilate them.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud either to oneself, a pet, or a family member.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and fluency, and can make reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make the reading session more fun and lively.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of reading progress and reflections.
  • Tips: Make it a habit to jot down thoughts right after reading to capture fresh insights and ideas.

By integrating these exercises into your daily routine, you not only enhance your reading skills but also make the process more enjoyable and fulfilling. Remember, the goal is to cultivate a lifelong love for reading, so keep it fun and engaging!