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

Navigating the tween years can be quite the adventure, and finding the right resources to guide and support your 12-year-old is crucial. That's where self help books for 12-year-olds come into play. These books are tailored to help them tackle the unique challenges they face during this pivotal time. Curious about which books made our list? Keep reading to discover a variety of self help books for 12-year-olds that can empower and inspire your young reader.

Fun Self Help Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book provides a step-by-step framework for personal development that is tailored specifically for teenagers. It covers everything from handling peer pressure to achieving goals.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex life skills into manageable, clear habits that can help teens navigate their challenging years with confidence.
  • Perfect for: Teenagers looking for guidance on personal growth and effective habits.

• Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day by Jennie Marie Battistin
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Mindfulness, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book offers practical mindfulness exercises that fit easily into daily routines, helping teens reduce stress and enhance focus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces mindfulness in bite-sized chunks, making it easy and fun for teens to improve their emotional and mental well-being.
  • Perfect for: Teens who want to learn how to manage stress and anxiety effectively.

• The Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book tackles the complexities of girlhood and encourages girls to take risks, make mistakes, and cultivate confidence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers young girls to embrace their abilities and fosters a resilient self-image.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who are looking to boost their self-confidence and self-esteem.

• Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It by JoAnn Deak, illustrated by Sarah Ackerley
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book explains how the brain works and grows, teaching kids about the importance of challenging themselves and embracing mistakes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes neuroscience accessible and engaging, encouraging a growth mindset in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in science and self-improvement, who are curious about how their brains develop.

• The Boy's Body Book: Fourth Edition by Kelli Dunham
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Health, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book offers a friendly guide through the changes boys face during puberty, providing advice on physical health, emotional changes, and more.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses common questions and concerns in a straightforward and reassuring manner.
  • Perfect for: Preteen boys looking for a reliable source of information about growing up.

Educational Self Help Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Girls' Guide to Growing Up Great by Sophie Elkan, Laura Chaisty, and Maddy Podichetty
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Health, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book covers a wide range of topics relevant to growing up as a girl, from body changes and emotional health to friendships and school life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, health awareness, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive and empathetic guide that addresses the physical and emotional transitions girls face during pre-adolescence.
  • Perfect for: Tween girls seeking guidance and support through their formative years.

• You Are Awesome: Find Your Confidence and Dare to be Brilliant at (Almost) Anything by Matthew Syed
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivation, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: The book encourages kids to build resilience, embrace failure, and unleash their potential through a growth mindset.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resilience, motivation, self-esteem
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inspiring and packed with engaging stories and practical tips that motivate kids to strive for greatness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who need a boost in confidence and a push to realize their inherent talents.

• Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Leadership, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: Originally a commencement speech, this book outlines the author's life lessons learned from Navy SEAL training and how they can apply to everyday life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Discipline, leadership, personal responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers practical and straightforward advice that can help young readers make positive changes in their lives and the lives of others.
  • Perfect for: Tweens and teens interested in leadership and personal development.

• The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make: A Guide for Teens by Sean Covey
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Decision-making, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book guides teenagers through the key decisions they face, which can have a lasting impact on their lives.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, decision-making, life planning
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insightful advice and real-life examples that help teens make smart choices about the crucial aspects of their lives.
  • Perfect for: Teenagers who are facing or will soon face significant life choices.

• Big Life Journal: A Growth Mindset Journal for Kids by Alexandra Eidens
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Journaling, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This interactive journal is designed to help kids develop a positive, growth-oriented mindset through writing and reflection activities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-reflection, growth mindset, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages continuous personal growth and self-discovery through engaging and thought-provoking activities.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy writing and those who benefit from structured activities to foster personal growth.

Challenging Self Help Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the two systems of thought that drive our decisions: the fast, intuitive, and emotional system, and the slower, more deliberative, and logical system.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex psychological theories and requires the reader to reflect on their own thinking processes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides deep insights into how decisions are made and how thinking can be improved, which is beneficial for developing critical thinking skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in psychology and improving their decision-making skills.

• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book explores the concept of grit as a predictor of success. It argues that passion and perseverance are key to achieving long-term goals.
  • Why this book is challenging: It challenges the conventional wisdom that talent alone leads to success, instead highlighting the role of hard work and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It motivates readers to cultivate perseverance and passion, attributes that are essential for personal and academic success.
  • Perfect for: Ambitious youngsters who are determined to achieve their long-term goals.

• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book examines the science behind why habits exist and how they can be changed, offering insight into how habits work and how they can be transformed.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves a deep dive into the neurological loops that govern habits, requiring readers to engage with complex concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a practical framework for understanding and changing habits, which can help in personal development and self-regulation.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in understanding and improving their habits to enhance their lifestyle and productivity.

• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Business, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book rethinks traditional motivation theory, arguing that autonomy, mastery, and purpose, rather than rewards and punishments, are the true drivers of human behavior.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a new perspective on motivation that goes against common beliefs, requiring readers to rethink how they motivate themselves and others.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers innovative ideas on how to cultivate motivation in ways that lead to more fulfilling and productive personal and academic lives.
  • Perfect for: Students and young leaders looking to discover what truly motivates them and how to harness that knowledge.

• The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults by Frances E. Jensen with Amy Ellis Nutt
  • Genre(s): Neuroscience, Psychology, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book provides insights into the adolescent brain, offering explanations for teens' emotional instability, decision-making processes, and susceptibilities.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers advanced neuroscience in a way that is applicable to everyday life, challenging readers to understand and apply scientific concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps young readers appreciate and understand their own brain development, leading to better self-awareness and decision-making.
  • Perfect for: Teens curious about the science behind their physical and emotional changes during adolescence.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 12 and looking to dive into the world of self-help books, that’s awesome! To make the most out of your reading adventure, it’s great to develop some solid reading habits early on. Here are a few exercises that can help you do just that. Not only will these habits enhance your understanding, but they'll also make reading more fun and engaging.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and on track with your reading.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Use a Bookmark to Jot Notes
  • What it is: Keep a small notebook or a piece of paper as a bookmark to write down thoughts or questions.
  • How it helps: Helps you reflect on what you read and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Write down any idea that pops into your head, no matter how small.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves your understanding and gives you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to express what you felt about the book and why.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in or start a book club with peers who enjoy reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to various genres.
  • Tips: Be active in discussions and share your opinions.

• Read at the Same Time Every Day
  • What it is: Choose a specific time each day dedicated solely to reading.
  • How it helps: Develops a routine that can improve your reading consistency.
  • Tips: Whether it’s right after school or before bed, make sure it’s a time when you’re not too tired.

• Challenge Yourself With Different Genres
  • What it is: Occasionally pick books from genres outside your usual favorites.
  • How it helps: Broadens your perspective and enhances your analytical skills.
  • Tips: Rotate genres to keep your reading experience exciting and diverse.

Alright, now that you’ve got some handy exercises to try out, why not start today? Remember, the goal is to make reading a fun and integral part of your daily life. These habits will not only help you enjoy your self-help books more but also help you grow and learn from them. Happy reading!