10+ Best Popular Books for 12-14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your tween? Whether they're an avid reader or just getting into the habit, finding the right book can be a game changer. Our carefully curated list of popular books for 12-14-year-olds is packed with choices that are sure to capture their imagination and keep them hooked. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to be instant hits with young readers!

Fun Popular Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the renowned 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 enemies and uncovers a dark secret tied to his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a magical gateway into a richly imagined world that emphasizes the value of friendship and courage. It hooks readers with its enchanting story and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• 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 sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology in a modern setting, making it an exciting and educational read.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mythology and action-packed stories.

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to replace her sister in the Hunger Games, a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping story with strong themes of survival, totalitarianism, and resilience that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intense, thought-provoking narratives and strong female protagonists.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time and faces challenges and triumphs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting differences, providing young readers with a perspective on kindness and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate heartwarming stories and learning about diverse life experiences.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique coming-of-age story that combines elements of horror, fantasy, and mystery in a gentle, captivating way.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure and heart.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is wrongly accused of theft and sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig large holes every day. Stanley soon realizes there's more to the activities than punishment and starts uncovering the truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an inventive and engaging story that explores themes of fate, justice, and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like stories that are both humorous and thought-provoking with a bit of mystery.

Educational Popular Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this dual narrative book follows the lives of two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The boy becomes one of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan, and the girl's daily walk to fetch water is a struggle for survival.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical events, empathy, geographical awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look into the struggles of survival and the impact of war on children, offering readers a deep emotional and educational experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in real-world issues and historical perspectives.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel follows twelve-year-old Jonas in a seemingly perfect, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Upon receiving his life assignment as the Receiver of Memories, he begins to uncover the dark truths that underlie his fragile community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, understanding of dystopian literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the importance of memory, individuality, and freedom, making it a thought-provoking read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy science fiction and are beginning to explore more complex social themes.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Poetry
  • Synopsis: In vivid free verse, Woodson shares her personal story of growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, poetic techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written memoir that enhances understanding of historical and social issues through personal narrative and poetry.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate poetry and are interested in personal histories and social justice.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This is the inspiring story of a young boy in Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to create electricity for his village, transforming his life and community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Innovation, problem-solving, environmental science
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the power of determination and ingenuity, and encourages young readers to think about how they can use science to change the world.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and scientists, as well as any reader interested in real-life tales of ingenuity and impact.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Melody, an eleven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who is unable to speak or write. Her world changes when she discovers something that will allow her to communicate for the first time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of disabilities, communication
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a profound insight into the challenges and triumphs of a girl with severe physical disabilities, promoting understanding and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a powerful, uplifting story that champions diversity and resilience.

Challenging Popular Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Set in the racially charged South during the 1930s, the novel follows young Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus, a lawyer who defends a black man unjustly accused of rape.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with profound themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and ethical dilemmas in a complex societal framework.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful narrative that encourages critical thinking about prejudice, justice, and human rights.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in American history and social justice.

• 1984 by George Orwell
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel presents a dystopian future where totalitarian government oversees all activities, including thoughts, under the watchful eye of Big Brother.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its complex themes of surveillance, government control, and individuality under authoritarian rule are intellectually demanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a critical look at the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of personal freedom and truth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in politics and philosophy.

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows young scientist Victor Frankenstein, who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep philosophical questions about creation, responsibility, and the consequences of scientific discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a foundational science fiction text that also delves into complex emotional and ethical issues.
  • Perfect for: Students of literature and science, and those intrigued by ethical questions in technological advancements.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Jane Eyre, an orphaned girl who overcomes a troubled upbringing to become a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the mysterious Mr. Rochester.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its sophisticated language, intricate plot, and themes of social class, sexuality, religion, and feminism make it a complex read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling narrative of a strong, independent woman who faces life's adversities with resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex characters and themes of personal growth and romantic intrigue.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Narrated by Death, this novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany, who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the horrors of the Holocaust seen through the eyes of a young girl, using a unique narrative perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides historical insight while celebrating the power of words and resilience in the face of devastating adversity.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in history and the transformative power of literature.

• Moby Dick by Herman Melville
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: This epic tale recounts the voyage of the whaling ship Pequod, commanded by the obsessively vengeful Captain Ahab, who is determined to kill the giant white whale, Moby Dick.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its dense narrative structure, detailed descriptions, and philosophical digressions pose a considerable challenge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of obsession, revenge, and humanity’s struggle against nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate detailed narrative and philosophical reflection on human nature and fate.

• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The novel follows a few days in the life of Holden Caulfield, a depressed and disillusioned teenager who has just been expelled from prep school.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of identity, belonging, loss, and connection, conveyed through the distinctive and colloquial voice of its protagonist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of teenage angst and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Teenagers navigating their own path to adulthood and those who enjoy introspective narratives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're between 12 and 14 years old and diving into some popular books, it's a great idea to develop good reading habits early on. Not only will these habits help you enjoy your books more, but they'll also improve your comprehension and retention skills. Here are a few exercises that can help you get the most out of your reading time:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps build a steady reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Establish a specific area in your home where you go to read.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances your ability to concentrate.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you read with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or join one that already exists.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy to look up words you don’t know.
  • How it helps: Improves your vocabulary and comprehension of the material.
  • Tips: There are plenty of free dictionary apps that you can use on your phone or tablet.

• Take Breaks
  • What it is: Allow yourself short breaks while reading, especially during longer sessions.
  • How it helps: Prevents fatigue and maintains high levels of concentration.
  • Tips: Use a timer to remind yourself to take a 5-10 minute break every hour.

• Reflect After Reading
  • What it is: Spend a few minutes thinking about what you read after each session.
  • How it helps: Helps you internalize the story and understand its themes better.
  • Tips: Write down any insights or questions that come to mind during this reflection time.

Remember, the key to developing good reading habits is consistency. Try incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, and you'll likely find that reading becomes even more enjoyable and rewarding. Happy reading!