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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your tween? Look no further! Our roundup of Scholastic Books for 11-Year-Olds offers a treasure trove of options that are just right for their age and interests. Whether your child is a voracious reader or just getting into the habit, these picks will surely captivate and inspire. Keep reading to explore our varied lists of Scholastic Books tailored specifically for 11-year-olds, and find the perfect match to keep your young reader hooked!

Fun Scholastic Books for 11-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 famous Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about magic.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a magical world that is complex, fun, and directly tackles themes of friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure, and anyone new to the Harry Potter universe.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Auggie Pullman, a boy born with facial differences that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid, then you know how hard that can be.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that promotes understanding and kindness. It can help readers develop empathy and recognize the importance of accepting differences.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about overcoming challenges and the importance of kindness.

• The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: The first book in "A Series of Unfortunate Events," this story follows the Baudelaire siblings, who are orphaned and sent to live with the dreadful Count Olaf, who is after their inheritance.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its dark humor and mysterious plot make it engaging and different from typical children's books, which can be particularly appealing to this age group.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with a bit of a darker twist and quirky characters.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, this novel is about 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gentle look at the importance of animal care and friendship, told from a unique perspective that captivates and educates.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who enjoy touching, thought-provoking stories.

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Memoir
  • Synopsis: This autobiographical graphic novel provides a detailed account of the author's traumatic orthodontic experience as well as her dealing with other challenges that come with being in middle school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and reassuring, particularly for those going through their own growing pains. The visual format makes it an easy and engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love graphic novels and stories about personal growth and resilience.

Educational Scholastic Books for 11-Year-Olds

• 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 thwart a nefarious plot.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with adventure, encouraging readers to think outside the box and collaborate with others.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting tale, a young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with unexpected consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, understanding of narrative structure and character development
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that explores themes of love, growth, and the power of magic in a unique setting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by magic and fantasy worlds.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid game fan, especially of the game creator Luigi Lemoncello. When Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first to enter an amazing new library designed by Lemoncello, he finds out that getting out will require solving puzzles and understanding clues.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logic, problem-solving, library skills, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and interactive adventure that promotes critical thinking and appreciation for libraries.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and fans of games and libraries.

• Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story, War
  • Synopsis: After being forced to return his pet fox Pax to the wild, Peter decides to leave home and trek hundreds of miles to find his beloved friend. Parallel stories of the boy and the fox unfold, exploring the devastating effects of war on both human and animal lives.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of conflict and peace, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It tells a touching story of loyalty and the impacts of war, providing emotional depth and a chance to develop empathy.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers interested in emotional, thought-provoking stories.

• The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Ellie's scientist grandfather has found a way to reverse aging, and suddenly, he's thirteen years old again! Now living with Ellie and her mom, he's back to middle school where he teaches Ellie about the wonders of science.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific curiosity, understanding of the scientific method, intergenerational relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with science, making complex scientific ideas accessible and fun.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and anyone who enjoys humorous takes on family dynamics and science.

Challenging Scholastic Books for 11-Year-Olds

• 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 this book is challenging: It features complex themes of life, death, and belonging, woven through sophisticated narrative layers that require deeper comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of suspense and whimsical horror, encouraging readers to think about the concept of family and community in new ways.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a heart and those interested in supernatural tales.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: As sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, she begins to unravel the clues around her in the hopes of preventing a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure includes elements of time travel, complex plot twists, and sophisticated themes that challenge young readers to think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling blend of science fiction and mystery that keeps readers engaged while enhancing their problem-solving and predictive reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Fans of puzzles and time-travel stories who appreciate a good mystery.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his adventures from being banished from his mouse colony to rescuing a princess.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses rich, descriptive language and explores themes of darkness, redemption, and bravery that are complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about courage and forgiveness and is beautifully written to keep young readers captivated.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with deep moral lessons and engaging characters.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In an underground city designed as a last refuge for the human race, two young residents find a mysterious message that may lead them to the outside world they never knew existed.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts about society, sustainability, and the consequences of human actions in an accessible way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also serves as an introduction to deeper questions about civilization and our role in preserving the world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by dystopian worlds and stories of adventure and discovery.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The story of brilliant and witty Melody, who, unable to speak, walk, or write due to cerebral palsy, discovers a way to communicate with the world for the first time using a computer.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles heavy themes of disability, inclusion, and fighting against societal expectations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a profound perspective on the challenges and triumphs of a disabled girl, fostering empathy and understanding in readers.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate stories of overcoming adversity and readers interested in diverse life experiences.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows young orphan Hugo as he tries to solve the mystery of a broken automaton and a missing key, intertwined with the history of cinema.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's unique blend of text and intricate illustrations requires readers to interpret visual elements as part of the storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning book that combines the art of storytelling with the history of film, engaging readers' imaginations on multiple levels.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and fans of historical mysteries and the early days of cinema.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to boost your reading habits and make the most out of your Scholastic books, I've got some fun and useful exercises for you. These are designed especially for 11-year-olds to help you dive deeper into your books and enjoy your reading time even more. Let's get started!

• Set 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: Helps you stay focused and build a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration by associating the space with reading.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• 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: Encourages you to read more and share your ideas and thoughts.
  • Tips: Meet regularly and let everyone have a chance to suggest books.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and to the point.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book out loud.
  • How it helps: Enhances pronunciation and helps you understand the text better.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Visualize as You Read
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read through the book.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more engaging and memorable.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to vividly picture what you’ve just read.

• Connect with the Author
  • What it is: Learn about the author of the book you are reading.
  • How it helps: Provides deeper insights into the book’s context and themes.
  • Tips: Check if the author has a website or interviews online.

These exercises are not just about improving how much you read, but also enhancing how well you read and how much you enjoy the process. By incorporating these activities into your routine, you'll find that reading becomes more of an adventure and less of a chore. Give them a try and see which ones you like the most. Happy reading!