10+ Best Popular Books for 8-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for popular books for 8-12-year-olds that will keep your young reader hooked? You've come to the right place! Whether you're looking for a birthday gift or just a new addition to their growing library, finding the perfect book can be a game changer. Keep reading as we dive into various lists of popular books for 8-12-year-olds, each packed with titles that are sure to captivate and inspire young minds. Let's get started!

Fun Popular Books for 8-12-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Harry Potter, an eleven-year-old boy who discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends, learns about magic, and uncovers the truth about his parents' mysterious deaths.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical gateway into the world of reading, sparking imagination and encouraging themes 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, 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 by finding the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it both educational and extremely entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy action-packed stories and learning about mythology.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This story follows a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered by writing messages in her web.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values like friendship, love, and the reality of death in a gentle manner.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendship and loyalty.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book tells the story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to public school for the first time in fifth grade and strives to be treated as an ordinary kid.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy, kindness, and acceptance, which are crucial values for children to learn and embrace.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are looking for an uplifting story that deals with real-life challenges.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie, are evacuated to the countryside during the Blitz and discover the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that explores themes of bravery, redemption, and the battle between good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with rich, imaginative settings and epic battles between good and evil.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, dealing with bullies, family dynamics, and friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on everyday middle school problems makes reading fun and relatable for kids.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy laughing and seeing the lighter side of common challenges in school life.

Educational Popular Books for 8-12-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • 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. Despereaux faces a series of challenges in a quest that leads him to a dark dungeon.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, courage, and understanding of narrative structures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is a beautifully written story that combines adventure with lessons about bravery and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows Hugo Cabret, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station. He becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, and appreciation for the art of storytelling through visuals.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique combination of text and art offers a captivating reading experience that stimulates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and fans of historical adventures.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Nick Allen invents a new word, "frindle," for what is commonly known as a pen, sparking a series of events that highlights the power of words and creativity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary building, creativity, and understanding of linguistic concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think about language and creativity in new and exciting ways.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love words and have a creative streak.

• 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: Critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and logical reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of mind-bending puzzles and mysteries that keep readers engaged and thinking critically.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle enthusiasts.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever misses his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, and creative expression.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches compassion and the importance of seeing the world from others' perspectives, wrapped in a touching story.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in animal rights.

Challenging Popular Books for 8-12-Year-Olds

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Milo, a bored young boy who receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond. In this strange world, he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical puzzles.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge young readers to think critically and creatively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration of language and critical thinking, making it an engaging and intellectually stimulating read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles and word games, and those who appreciate a good adventure.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex scientific and philosophical ideas, including concepts of space and time, which are advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: The novel blends science fiction with real emotional depth, encouraging readers to think deeply about love, family, and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and readers interested in science and adventure.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and ill-tempered girl, is sent to live with her uncle in England after her parents' death. There, she discovers a neglected garden and, along with her cousin Colin, begins to bring it back to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and historical setting may be complex for young readers, along with themes of loss and rebirth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of healing and friendship through the transformative power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about nature, healing, and personal growth.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia and her brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where they become embroiled in a mystery involving a statue that may be the work of Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves complex problem-solving and historical references that require a higher level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a deep appreciation for art and history, offering both excitement and educational value.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding art historians.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: A group of heirs who are strangers to each other are brought together to solve the puzzle of Sam Westing's death and compete for his fortune.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with numerous characters and a puzzle that intertwines their fates and secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that encourages critical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and mystery enthusiasts who enjoy twisting plots and clever resolutions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're between the ages of 8 and 12, or know someone who is, diving into books can be an exciting adventure. But how do you make the most out of your reading time? Here are some fun and effective exercises designed to boost your reading habits and make your journey through pages even more thrilling.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read over a certain period.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can keep you motivated and excited about reading.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Having a personal reading space can make reading a more enjoyable and regular activity.
  • Tips: Make it cozy with pillows, good lighting, and all your books within reach.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club where you and your friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Discussing books with friends can enhance your understanding and make reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Choose books that all members are interested in and set regular meeting times.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Participate in or create a reading challenge with different genres or themes.
  • How it helps: Challenges can introduce you to new books and genres you might not pick up otherwise.
  • Tips: Use a printable reading challenge chart to keep track of your progress.

• Read Aloud to Others
  • What it is: Read books aloud to family members or pets.
  • How it helps: Reading aloud improves fluency and comprehension.
  • Tips: Choose exciting stories that you enjoy, as your enthusiasm will make the experience better for your listeners.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw your favorite scene from a book you're reading.
  • How it helps: This helps with comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfect artwork; focus on capturing the essence of the scene.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from books.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Use a Bookmark Craft Session
  • What it is: Create your own bookmarks using craft supplies.
  • How it helps: Making your own bookmarks can make reading more personal and fun.
  • Tips: Use materials like cardstock, stickers, and markers to decorate your bookmarks.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make reading more engaging but also help develop strong reading habits that can last a lifetime. So grab your books, get set, and let's make reading an adventure!