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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect work books for 12-year-olds that will keep your pre-teen engaged and learning? You’ve landed in the right place! Whether it's to supplement their school learning or fuel their curiosity, finding the right workbooks can be a game-changer. Keep reading as we dive into various lists of work books for 12-year-olds that cater to their growing needs and interests. Let’s get started and find the perfect fit for your young learner!

Fun Work Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie faces challenges and triumphs as he navigates the often-turbulent waters of school culture.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy, resilience, and the importance of being kind, all crucial lessons for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are transitioning into new social environments and those who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity.

• 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 beloved Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends, faces adversaries, and uncovers his destiny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and introduces themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of choices.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical adventures and stories about friendship and courage.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He embarks on a quest across the United States to catch the real thief and resolve a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also educates about Greek mythology in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure and mythology, or anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, action-packed story.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Illustrator: Brian Selznick
  • 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 we recommend this book: The unique combination of text and illustrations makes it a captivating read, encouraging an interest in art and history.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and young readers who love puzzles and mysteries.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys are forced to dig holes every day. Through his labor, Stanley uncovers the secret behind the holes and his family's curse.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of historical fiction and mystery that keeps readers engaged while subtly teaching about perseverance and justice.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good mystery and stories with interwoven plots and rich backstories.

Educational Work Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Math Riddles For Smart Kids by M. Prefontaine
  • Genre(s): Education, Mathematics
  • Synopsis: This book is packed with challenging riddles and brain teasers designed specifically to enhance the mathematical skills of children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts like arithmetic, geometry, and basic algebra.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning math fun and engaging through puzzles that challenge the mind and encourage critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles and games and are eager to improve their math skills.

• The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids by Joan D'Amico, Karen Eich Drummond
  • Genre(s): Science, Cookbook
  • Synopsis: This book combines cooking with scientific principles, offering kids the chance to learn science through easy and enjoyable cooking activities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific concepts, cooking skills, understanding of chemical reactions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a practical application of science in everyday life, making complex concepts accessible and fun.
  • Perfect for: Young chefs and science enthusiasts who love experimenting and learning in the kitchen.

• The Kid's Awesome Activity Book by Mike Lowery
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Creativity
  • Synopsis: Filled with games, puzzles, and doodles, this activity book offers a wide range of fun and creative tasks for children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and artistic expression.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with a variety of activities that keep children entertained while stimulating their creativity and cognitive skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love drawing, coloring, and solving puzzles, and those who need a creative outlet.

• National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything by Crispin Boyer
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Reference, Science
  • Synopsis: This book from National Geographic answers over a thousand questions on topics ranging from biology to space.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge, curiosity about the world, reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It satisfies the curious minds of children who are always asking "Why?" and helps them understand complex concepts in an easy-to-digest format.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who have lots of questions about how the world works and why things are the way they are.

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides easy and accessible experiments that can be done with common household items, teaching kids fundamental scientific principles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific method, analytical thinking, and hands-on learning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages active participation in learning and helps children understand scientific concepts through real-world applications.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who enjoy conducting experiments and learning by doing.

Challenging Work Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Young Adult
  • 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 disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex puzzles and codes that require critical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think creatively and work as a team, fostering both intellectual and social skills.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle enthusiasts who love a challenging and engaging story.

• 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 rescue Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as good versus evil, the power of love, and the concept of tesseracts (a fifth dimension).
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science fiction with real emotional depth, encouraging readers to think beyond the physical world and explore profound philosophical questions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and deep, thought-provoking themes.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in his everyday life, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical puzzles.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with wordplay, puns, and allegorical content, requiring a higher level of reading comprehension and appreciation for language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with the English language and introduces children to a whimsical world that celebrates learning and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love language, humor, and imaginative adventures that challenge their minds.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: In a town that sacrifices a baby each year to the witch in the forest, one child, Luna, is accidentally enmagicked and raised by the witch herself. As Luna grows, so does her magic, leading to unforeseen consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes such as sacrifice, power, and coming-of-age with rich, poetic language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that explores deep emotional and ethical dilemmas, encouraging readers to think critically about morality and human nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy beautifully crafted fantasy stories with deep, meaningful themes.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing dies and leaves his fortune to sixteen heirs who must solve the puzzle of his death. Through clues and a series of events, they unravel the secret behind his fortune.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is intricate with a complex puzzle that requires logical reasoning and deduction to solve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping mystery that keeps readers engaged and thinking critically, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths and any reader who loves a good mystery with an intellectual twist.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a 12-year-old at home or know someone who does, encouraging good reading habits is a fantastic way to boost their learning and creativity. Here are some engaging exercises that can help young readers develop these habits effectively. Each exercise is designed to be fun, manageable, and super beneficial!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to keep motivation high.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner of the house as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and quiet environment that can enhance concentration.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with comfy seating and their favorite decorations.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Promotes social interaction and deeper understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep the selection diverse and engaging.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Set aside time when your child reads aloud to you or siblings.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in speaking skills.
  • Tips: Choose books that are fun and exciting to keep the sessions lively.

• Theme-Based Reading
  • What it is: Pick a theme for each month and read books related to that theme.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more engaging and allows exploration of different subjects.
  • Tips: Themes can be anything from science fiction to historical events, depending on what interests your child.

• Reading Challenge with Rewards
  • What it is: Implement a reward system for meeting certain reading milestones.
  • How it helps: Provides extra motivation to reach reading goals.
  • Tips: Keep rewards simple and meaningful, like extra screen time or a small treat.

• Use Technology
  • What it is: Incorporate reading apps or eBooks into your child’s reading habits.
  • How it helps: Makes reading accessible anywhere and can be more engaging for tech-savvy kids.
  • Tips: Ensure the content is age-appropriate and combine digital reading with physical books.

By integrating these exercises into your 12-year-old's routine, you'll help them develop a lifelong love for reading. These activities are not only beneficial for their academic growth but also for their personal development. Happy reading!