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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your tween? Look no further! Usborne Books for 12-year-olds offers a diverse range of engaging and educational titles that are just right for curious young minds. Whether your child loves mysteries, adventures, or anything in between, you'll find books that not only entertain but also inspire. Keep reading to discover our top picks from Usborne Books for 12-year-olds that are sure to captivate and educate in equal measure!

Fun Usborne Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Secret of the Night Train by Sylvia Bishop
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Max takes a thrilling train journey across Europe to visit her great aunt and unwittingly gets entangled in a mysterious jewel theft.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, globe-trotting adventure that keeps readers guessing. It encourages problem-solving and attention to detail.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and adventure seekers who love a good mystery.

• The Usborne Science Encyclopedia by Kirsteen Robson
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Reference
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive encyclopedia covers a wide range of scientific topics, explaining complex ideas in an accessible way with lots of illustrations and diagrams.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks curiosity about the natural world and encourages a deeper understanding of science, making it fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who have a thirst for knowledge and an interest in how the world works.

• The Unworry Book by Alice James
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This interactive book is designed to help children understand and manage their worries through activities, writing prompts, and information.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides useful tools and strategies to cope with anxiety, fostering emotional resilience.
  • Perfect for: Kids who experience stress or anxiety and could benefit from learning coping mechanisms in a fun, engaging way.

• Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers About Our World by Katie Daynes, illustrated by Marie-Eve Tremblay
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Interactive
  • Synopsis: An interactive book with flaps to lift that answers common and curious questions kids might have about the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and learning through an interactive format that makes discovering facts about the world exciting.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive young readers who enjoy interactive elements and learning about different cultures and places.

• Write Your Own Story Book by Louie Stowell
  • Genre(s): Educational, Creative Writing
  • Synopsis: This book guides young writers through the process of writing their own stories, with tips on developing characters, settings, and plots.
  • Why we recommend this book: It nurtures creativity and helps improve writing skills while making the process fun and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young authors and creative thinkers who want to craft their own tales.

Educational Usborne Books for 12-Year-Olds

• See Inside How Things Work by Conrad Mason, illustrated by Colin King
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This interactive book explores the inner workings of everyday machines and technology, using detailed illustrations and lift-the-flap features.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of mechanical and technological principles, curiosity about engineering
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies complex machines and technology in a fun, engaging way that is perfect for visual learners.
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts and budding engineers.

• The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Math by Tori Large
  • Genre(s): Educational, Reference
  • Synopsis: An essential guide and reference book that explains mathematical terms and concepts clearly and concisely with helpful diagrams and illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mathematical vocabulary, understanding of key concepts and problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes math accessible and less intimidating, providing a solid foundation for further learning.
  • Perfect for: Students who need a little extra help with math or anyone looking to strengthen their mathematical skills.

• Illustrated Stories from Shakespeare by Rosie Dickins
  • Genre(s): Classics, Adapted Literature
  • Synopsis: A collection of Shakespeare's plays, beautifully illustrated and rewritten in a way that's accessible to younger readers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of classical literature, vocabulary expansion, appreciation for drama and storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the world of Shakespeare in a digestible format, fostering an early appreciation for classic literature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers new to Shakespeare or those looking for an engaging introduction to classic plays.

• Lift-the-Flap General Knowledge by Alex Frith, illustrated by James Maclaine
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Interactive
  • Synopsis: An engaging book filled with flaps to lift that covers a wide range of topics from history and science to culture and the natural world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, curiosity about the world, interactive learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents facts in a fun, interactive way that encourages children to explore and learn about various subjects.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love to learn about different aspects of the world through hands-on interaction.

• The World Wars by Ruth Brocklehurst and Henry Brook
  • Genre(s): History, Educational
  • Synopsis: This detailed book provides an insightful overview of both World War I and World War II, explaining the causes, major events, and consequences of each conflict.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of global impacts, critical thinking about war and peace
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive look at the significant events of the 20th century in an accessible and engaging manner.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and anyone interested in understanding more about the major global conflicts of the recent past.

Challenging Usborne Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Usborne Complete Book of Chess by Elizabeth Dalby
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, Strategy
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide covers everything from the basics of chess piece movements to advanced strategies and tactics used by professionals.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex strategic concepts and requires cognitive skills like foresight and planning.
  • Why we recommend this book: Chess boosts critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and this book provides a thorough, step-by-step approach to mastering the game.
  • Perfect for: Budding chess enthusiasts and strategic thinkers.

• The Usborne Book of Greek Myths by Anna Milbourne, illustrated by Elena Temporin
  • Genre(s): Mythology, History
  • Synopsis: A rich collection of thrilling stories from Greek mythology, including tales of gods, goddesses, heroes, and monstrous creatures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text includes a range of complex language and themes, and it introduces readers to the sophisticated world of ancient myths.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating introduction to classical literature, enhancing cultural literacy and understanding of historical narratives.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and mythology.

• The Usborne Introduction to Art by Rosie Dickins
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Art, History
  • Synopsis: This book provides an overview of art history from ancient times to the present, discussing major artists and movements with beautiful illustrations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of historical periods and artistic styles, requiring readers to engage with both visual analysis and historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages appreciation for art and teaches how to analyze and interpret different forms of visual expression.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring artists and young historians.

• The Usborne Encyclopedia of World Religions by Susan Meredith and Clare Hickman
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, Religion
  • Synopsis: An informative guide to the world’s major religions, exploring their histories, beliefs, practices, and cultural impacts.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents complex and abstract concepts related to faith and spirituality, requiring thoughtful reflection and understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters a greater understanding and respect for diverse cultures and religious beliefs.
  • Perfect for: Young scholars interested in cultural studies and religious education.

• The Usborne Book of Advanced Maths Puzzles by Sarah Khan
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: A collection of challenging puzzles and problems designed to test mathematical skills and logical reasoning.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes high-level mathematical concepts and requires advanced problem-solving abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sharpens math skills and logical thinking, providing a fun and engaging way to challenge the intellect.
  • Perfect for: Keen mathematicians and puzzle solvers looking for a challenge.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the colorful world of Usborne books at the age of 12, you're in for a treat. To make the most out of your reading adventure, here are some fun and practical exercises designed to help you develop great reading habits. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read in a month or a year.
  • How it helps: Sets a clear target and motivates you to read regularly.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable goal and increase it gradually as you go.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading a special part of your day.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where you and your friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep it exciting and inclusive.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Challenge yourself to read a book from a different genre each month.
  • How it helps: Broadens your horizons and exposes you to a variety of writing styles and topics.
  • Tips: Keep a list of genres and tick them off as you go to keep track.

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

• Visual Reading Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story’s events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story better and aids in memory.
  • Tips: Use drawings or diagrams to make the mapping engaging and fun.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Spend some time reading out loud from your favorite Usborne book.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more entertaining.

So, there you have it—fun and effective ways to boost your reading habits while enjoying your Usborne books. Remember, the goal is to make reading a regular and enjoyable part of your life. Happy reading!