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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect adventure that'll whisk your 12-year-old away through time? Look no further! Our curated list of time travel books for 12-year-olds is packed with thrilling journeys that are just a page turn away. Whether they're exploring ancient civilizations or futuristic worlds, these books promise to ignite the imagination of any young reader. Keep reading to discover our top picks for time travel tales that are sure to captivate and inspire!

Fun Time Travel Books for 12-Year-Olds

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: As Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, she also navigates the complex world of friendships and family in 1970s New York.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly combines elements of mystery and science fiction with relatable themes of growing up and changing relationships, making it a compelling read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles and mysteries, as well as stories about friendship.

• The Time Garden by Edward Eager, illustrated by N.M. Bodecker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four children discover a magical thyme garden where a time-traveling turtle offers them adventures through time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and imaginative tale that encourages creativity and curiosity about history.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love adventure and fantasy, and those interested in historical settings.

• 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 save Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why we recommend this book: This classic novel blends scientific concepts with thrilling adventure, making complex ideas accessible and exciting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and adventurers, and anyone who enjoys stories about courage and family bonds.

• The Time Warp Trio: Knights of the Kitchen Table by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three friends use a magical book to travel back to the time of King Arthur, where they must use their wits to survive and return home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a hilarious and fast-paced adventure that introduces history in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love humor and history, and readers looking for a light-hearted adventure.

• Charlotte Sometimes by Penelope Farmer
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Charlotte Makepeace wakes up at her boarding school and finds she has traveled back in time to 1918, swapping places with a girl named Clare.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant exploration of identity and time, providing a thoughtful and engaging reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and stories that explore deeper emotional themes.

Educational Time Travel Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Time Traveling with a Hamster by Ross Welford
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: On his twelfth birthday, Al Chaudhury receives a letter from his late father that sends him on a mission to 1984 with a hamster named Alan Shearer and a time machine to prevent a go-kart accident.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, understanding of physics and family dynamics, historical context of the 1980s
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and thrilling ride that combines the complexities of time travel with touching moments of family connections.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy science fiction with emotional depth and quirky adventures.

• The Glass Sentence by S.E. Grove
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a world where different eras exist concurrently after the Great Disruption of 1799, Sophia Tims embarks on a journey through these uncharted Ages to rescue her kidnapped uncle.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geographic knowledge, historical understanding, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a unique and imaginative take on history and geography, wrapped in an enthralling adventure.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love exploring new worlds and complex, thought-provoking plots.

• The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward picks up what he thinks is a rock, but it turns out to be a Time Fetch—a magical object that bends time and space—unleashing consequences that he and his friends must correct.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of scientific concepts like time, teamwork, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively mixes science with fantasy, offering a gripping story that teaches about the consequences of tampering with time.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling adventures with a mix of real-world science and magical elements.

• Nick of Time by Ted Bell
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Nick McIver uses a time machine to fight pirates in the past and Nazis in the future, all while trying to change history for the better.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, particularly of World War II and the Age of Sail, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: This action-packed novel provides a lively mix of history and time travel adventure, making it both educational and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of history, especially maritime and military history, and thrilling time travel tales.

Challenging Time Travel Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Momo by Michael Ende
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Momo embarks on a quest to save her city from the Time-Thieves who literally steal time, leaving its residents lifeless and rushed.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores complex themes such as time management, consumerism, and the importance of human interaction, which are profound and thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique narrative that encourages readers to think critically about how they use their time and the value of slowing down to enjoy life.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in deep themes and those who enjoy stories that make them think about the modern world.

• The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Dick Young is given a drug that allows him to time-travel to the 14th century where he becomes so entangled in past events that it affects his real life in disturbing ways.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a dual narrative that intertwines events from two vastly different time periods, requiring readers to keep track of complex plots and characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book blends historical intrigue with the psychological depth, providing a gripping and intellectually stimulating experience.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy historical depth and psychological thrillers.

• Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Rigg possesses an unusual ability to trace the path of living beings, which leads him on a journey that reveals shocking truths about his world and its history.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story involves intricate plot lines and sophisticated scientific and philosophical concepts, including quantum mechanics and the nature of time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a richly crafted world filled with intrigue and complex ideas that challenge the intellect and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love science fiction and are ready for a more demanding narrative that challenges their understanding of time and reality.

• The Sterkarm Handshake by Susan Price
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Through a time-travel tube to the 16th century Scottish borderlands, a 21st-century anthropological team encounters the fierce Sterkarm clan, leading to conflicts of interest and morality.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents an ethical dilemma involving cultural collision and exploitation, requiring readers to consider the moral implications of time travel and historical interaction.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a deep dive into historical cultures and the consequences of tampering with time, providing both thrilling adventure and a moral quandary.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by history and ethical challenges in stories.

• Larklight by Philip Reeve
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternate Victorian universe where the British Empire spans the solar system, siblings Arthur and Myrtle embark on a daring adventure when their home, Larklight, is invaded by giant spiders.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book combines advanced scientific concepts with Victorian-era language and social customs, creating a complex and richly detailed world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastical romp through space with engaging characters and a vivid setting that stimulates the imagination while educating about an alternative historical perspective.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a penchant for science fiction and alternate histories, who enjoy detailed world-building and quirky adventures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of time travel books, you're in for a thrilling ride through different eras and adventures. To enhance your reading experience and develop good habits, here are some fun exercises tailored for 12-year-olds. These activities will not only make your reading journey more engaging but also help you retain and understand the content better.

• Create a Timeline
  • What it is: Draw a timeline based on the events in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the sequence of events and the time periods visited.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different eras or significant events to make the timeline clearer and more fun.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of different characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of characters' motivations and emotions.
  • Tips: Try to write in the voice of the character, using the style and language they might use.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what will happen next after a few chapters.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions with friends or family members who are also reading the book.

• Map the Journeys
  • What it is: Create a map that shows the locations the characters travel to throughout the book.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding the geographical context and the adventure aspect of the story.
  • Tips: Use online tools or a simple piece of paper and markers to draw your map.

• Discussion Group
  • What it is: Form a group with friends to discuss the book once everyone has finished reading.
  • How it helps: Allows sharing of different perspectives and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Prepare some questions in advance to guide the discussion.

• Research the Era
  • What it is: Look up information about the time periods the characters travel to.
  • How it helps: Provides historical context that can enrich the reading experience.
  • Tips: Use reliable sources and maybe compile a fun fact sheet about each era.

Wrapping up, these exercises will not only make your journey through time travel books more immersive but also help you build strong reading habits. So, grab your book, pick an exercise, and let the adventure begin! Happy reading!