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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect story books for 10-12-year-olds that will keep your tween engaged and excited about reading? You've come to the right place! Whether your young reader is into thrilling adventures, mysterious tales, or heartwarming stories, we’ve compiled a diverse list that promises to capture their imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks of story books for 10-12-year-olds that are sure to be a hit!

Fun Story Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the 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 mystery tied to his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a magical world full of possibilities, which can ignite a love for reading through its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Fans of 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 accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He embarks on a quest across the United States to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of modern adventure and ancient mythology, perfect for sparking interest in historical myths while keeping readers entertained.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fast-paced stories and learning about Greek mythology.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. It's a tale about kindness, friendship, and acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, regardless of appearance, in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a heartwarming story that promotes understanding and compassion.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills among its readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and using their brains to solve complex problems.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his adventures from the darkness of his mousehole to the light of the royal palace.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique characters and heartfelt narrative impart lessons about bravery, forgiveness, and the power of stories.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and characters that defy the odds.

Educational Story Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna who is accidentally infused with moon magic and must learn to control her powers while uncovering the dark secrets of her town.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding of narrative structure and symbolism
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines magic, adventure, and emotion, teaching important lessons about love and power.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical stories and strong female protagonists.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she finds herself all alone on a remote, wild island. She must learn to survive and navigate the wilderness from the island's hostile animal inhabitants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptation to new challenges, problem-solving, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that blends technology with nature, encouraging readers to think about how they interact with the environment.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in technology, nature, and survival stories.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows a young orphan, Hugo, who lives in the walls of a train station and is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mechanical understanding, storytelling through visuals
  • Why we recommend this book: The novel's unique format and rich illustrations provide a captivating reading experience, blending visuals and text in an engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy visually stimulating stories and historical adventures.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This novel is told from the perspective of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a mall and rarely 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, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that promotes understanding and compassion for animals.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are passionate about animal rights and conservation.

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding dyslexia, resilience, self-acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic look into the struggles of dyslexia through a relatable protagonist, encouraging readers to never give up on themselves.
  • Perfect for: Students who face learning challenges and those looking to understand diverse learning experiences.

Challenging Story Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows young Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through space and time to rescue their father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex concepts of physics, space, and time, intertwined with more profound themes of love and good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, while also exploring deep emotional and ethical questions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction and complex narratives that challenge their understanding of the universe and human relationships.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in learning, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest full of puns, wordplay, and wisdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and allegories, requiring a higher level of reading comprehension and an appreciation for nuanced language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively promotes the love of learning and the importance of curiosity through a whimsical and engaging adventure.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, word games, and exploring new, imaginative worlds.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others, including the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as war, death, and the power of words, all narrated by Death, which presents a unique and sophisticated perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound look at human kindness and brutality through a gripping, beautifully written narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and philosophical questions about humanity and morality.

• His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic, unraveling a sinister plot and encountering a series of extraordinary beings.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series introduces complex themes including theology, philosophy, and physics, woven into a multi-layered narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also encourages readers to question and think deeply about the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are not only looking for action and adventure but also a story that makes them think critically about profound topics.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: This timeless novel follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions from the early 20th century present a distinct reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's vibrant personality and the rich descriptions of Prince Edward Island make it a delightful read that also offers insights into personal growth and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring themes of belonging and identity.

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 storybooks, here are some engaging exercises tailored just for 10-12-year-olds. These activities are designed not only to enhance your reading skills but also to make reading a fun and integral part of your daily routine. Let's dive in!

• 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 motivated to read regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration by associating the space with reading and relaxation.
  • 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 reading and improves comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep it exciting and inclusive.

• Visual Reading Map
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding and remembering the plot and characters.
  • Tips: Use drawings or symbols to represent different parts of the story.

• Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of characters and plot.
  • Tips: Use props or costumes to make the role-play more engaging.

• Reading Challenges
  • What it is: Participate in or create reading challenges with different themes or genres.
  • How it helps: Broadens reading interests and introduces new authors and books.
  • Tips: Check online for existing challenges or create your own with friends.

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

• Question and Answer Diary
  • What it is: Write down questions and answers about the book as you read.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and curiosity.
  • Tips: Review your questions and answers after finishing the book to see how well you understood it.

These exercises are not just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading an adventure that you look forward to every day. Whether you're exploring new worlds, meeting fascinating characters, or solving intriguing mysteries, these activities will help you dive deeper and enjoy every moment of your reading journey. So, pick a book, grab your creativity, and let's get reading!