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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect psychology books for 12-year-olds that will captivate and educate? You've come to the right place! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or a young reader yourself, understanding the basics of psychology can be both fascinating and beneficial. Keep reading as we explore a variety of engaging psychology books designed specifically for 12-year-olds, each offering unique insights into the human mind. Let’s dive in and find the perfect read to spark curiosity and learning!

Fun Psychology Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, illustrated by Nan Lawson
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book takes girls on a journey to understand confidence, how to build it, and how to use it in everyday life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging guide that empowers young readers to embrace their abilities and boost their self-confidence.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who are looking to build self-esteem and confidence.

• Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak, illustrated by Sarah Ackerley
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book explains how the brain works, how it can stretch to learn new things, and why making mistakes is a crucial part of learning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies the brain's functions in a fun, engaging way that encourages kids to embrace learning and growth.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who have an interest in science and how their own minds work.

• What Do You Really Want? How to Set a Goal and Go for It! by Beverly K. Bachel
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: A step-by-step guide for setting goals, making plans, and achieving desired outcomes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important life skills like goal-setting and planning in a way that is relatable and easy to understand.
  • Perfect for: Motivated tweens who are eager to set and achieve their own goals.

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: Adapted from Stephen Covey’s original book, this version provides teens with a step-by-step guide to improve their self-image, build friendships, resist peer pressure, and achieve their goals.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless advice through relatable anecdotes and engaging exercises, focusing on forming good habits early in life.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking to develop strong personal and interpersonal skills.

• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book introduces the concept of "fixed" vs. "growth" mindsets and how they impact our success and personal development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explains complex psychological theories in simple terms and encourages young readers to adopt a growth mindset for lifelong learning.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in personal development and understanding how their mind works.

Educational Psychology Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Owner's Manual for Driving Your Adolescent Brain by JoAnn Deak and Terrence Deak, illustrated by Freya Harrison
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the workings of the adolescent brain, explaining its development and how to best utilize its capabilities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of neuroscience, decision-making skills, self-awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers clear, engaging explanations about brain development during the critical teenage years, making complex scientific concepts accessible and practical.
  • Perfect for: Teens and pre-teens interested in science and understanding their own cognitive development.

• How to Be a Person by Catherine Newman
  • Genre(s): Life Skills, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This guide covers essential life skills from manners and empathy to money management and self-care.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, personal responsibility, practical life skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive toolkit that prepares young readers for many of the social and personal challenges they will face growing up.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens looking to navigate the complexities of growing up with confidence and self-sufficiency.

• The Stress Reduction Workbook for Teens by Gina M. Biegel
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Health
  • Synopsis: This workbook provides practical mindfulness-based strategies to help teens reduce stress and handle difficult emotions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Stress management, emotional regulation, mindfulness
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches effective, evidence-based techniques to manage stress in a format that is easy for teens to engage with and understand.
  • Perfect for: Teens experiencing stress or anxiety who need practical tools to improve their emotional well-being.

• Stick Up for Yourself: Every Kid's Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem by Gershen Kaufman, Lev Raphael, and Pamela Espeland
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers advice and exercises to help kids build self-esteem, set goals, and deal assertively with criticism.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, assertiveness, personal empowerment
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides practical advice and exercises that empower children to express themselves confidently and positively.
  • Perfect for: Children who need a boost in confidence and assertiveness to navigate their social environments effectively.

Challenging Psychology Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book explores various stories of children who have faced incredible challenges and traumas, and how therapeutic methods can aid their recovery.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex psychological issues and real cases of trauma, requiring mature understanding from readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compassionate look at the effects of trauma on child development and the power of healing through relationships and therapy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in psychology and the impact of environment on mental health.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Economics
  • Synopsis: Kahneman explains the two systems that drive the way we think, where System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex psychological and economic theories that require deep thinking and introspection.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers insights into human behavior and decision-making that can help young readers understand themselves and others better.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy challenges and are curious about the workings of the human mind.

• Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind by V.S. Ramachandran and Sandra Blakeslee
  • Genre(s): Neuroscience, Psychology
  • Synopsis: This book explores neurological disorders and their implications for our understanding of the human mind.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex neurological concepts and case studies that are typically studied at higher education levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fascinating exploration of the brain that provides a window into how our minds work, especially when they don't function typically.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a strong interest in science and medicine, particularly neurology.

• The Gardener and the Carpenter: What the New Science of Child Development Tells Us About the Relationship Between Parents and Children by Alison Gopnik
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Parenting
  • Synopsis: Gopnik uses the metaphors of the gardener and the carpenter to describe different approaches to parenting, advocating for a more flexible, supportive role rather than a controlling one.
  • Why this book is challenging: It challenges traditional views on parenting with new psychological research, requiring readers to think critically about societal norms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh perspective on child development that encourages creativity and learning through discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in psychology and education, and those questioning the nature of learning and development.

• The Invisible Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us by Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Cognitive Science
  • Synopsis: This book discusses the ways our intuitions can lead us astray and the importance of knowing the limits of our mind.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents counterintuitive findings about human perception and memory, challenging readers to question their assumptions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides valuable lessons in critical thinking and skepticism, essential skills for academic and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in psychology and cognitive science, especially those who enjoy learning about the quirks of human perception.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of psychology books and you're around 12 years old, you're on an exciting path to understanding human behavior and the mind. To make the most out of your reading, here are some exercises that can help you develop good reading habits. These aren't just useful, but they're also pretty fun to do!

• 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 to turn reading into a regular habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in your home where you go to read.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and creates a pleasant, comfortable environment that can enhance your reading experience.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and quiet, and maybe add a cozy chair or some pillows.

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

• Use Active Reading Strategies
  • What it is: Engage with the text by asking questions, making predictions, and summarizing what you read.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Keep a pencil handy to jot down thoughts or questions in the margins.

• Reflect on Your Reading
  • What it is: Take a few minutes after reading to think about what you’ve learned and how it applies to everyday life.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and helps connect theory with real-world situations.
  • Tips: Write a brief summary or record your thoughts in a journal.

• Read Aloud Sometimes
  • What it is: Read some sections of your psychology books out loud.
  • How it helps: Improves focus, memory retention, and pronunciation skills.
  • Tips: Try reading aloud to a pet or even to yourself in front of a mirror.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your psychology books more, but you'll also retain more of what you learn. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to make these exercises a regular part of your reading habit. Happy reading!