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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect YA books for 12-year-olds? Whether you're looking to dive into exciting new worlds or meet characters who might just become your new best friends, we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll explore a variety of YA books that are just right for 12-year-olds, each promising to spark imagination and keep those pages turning. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists that are sure to captivate young readers!

Fun Ya Books for 12-Year-Olds

• 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' lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest across the United States to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling introduction to Greek mythology, wrapped in modern adventure, making ancient stories accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic
  • Synopsis: The story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time and faces challenges and triumphs.
  • Why we recommend this book: Teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, providing young readers with valuable life lessons in kindness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories about friendship and overcoming adversity.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves on opposite sides of a battle when they are taken to an enchanted school where heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between Good and Evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It flips traditional fairy tale conventions on their heads and explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and what it means to be a hero or a villain.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and exploring complex themes of good versus evil.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where they dig holes daily in the desert, supposedly to build character — but there is more beneath the surface.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines mystery with a unique setting and memorable characters, making for a captivating and thought-provoking read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with a mix of humor, adventure, and a bit of mystery.

• City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a city built to survive a long-ago disaster and now dimming with age, two teens discover clues that could lead everyone out of the city before the lights go out forever.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging adventure that also touches on themes of sustainability and the importance of questioning the status quo.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and solving puzzles.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: Offers timeless lessons on friendship, love, and the cycle of life, wrapped in simple yet profound storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love animals and classic stories with heartwarming narratives.

Educational Ya Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Jonas lives in a seemingly ideal world of conformity and contentment. When he begins to spend time with The Giver, who is the sole keeper of the community's memories, Jonas discovers the dark and deadly truths of his community's secret past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, understanding of dystopian literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the importance of memory, individuality, and freedom in society.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and exploring complex social themes.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend, Ellen, escape the Nazis and flee to safety in Sweden.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, understanding of the Holocaust
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a moving and educational portrayal of bravery and friendship during a dire time in history.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of courage and resilience.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin are transported through time and space on a mission to save Meg's father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific concepts, problem-solving, literary analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction with a compelling adventure story, encouraging imagination and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love science and adventure, and those who enjoy stories about family and perseverance.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of a fifth-grader named Jess Aarons who befriends Leslie Burke, a new girl at school. Together they create the magical kingdom of Terabithia, where they rule as king and queen until tragedy strikes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, creativity, coping with loss
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written exploration of friendship, imagination, and the experience of loss.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are dealing with or curious about complex emotions and those who appreciate deeply moving stories.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid, a precocious 12-year-old, and her younger brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. There, they become involved in solving the mystery of a statue that may be one of Michelangelo’s sculptures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, problem-solving, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique adventure that combines mystery with a deep dive into art and history.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers, or any reader who dreams of adventure in a big city.

Challenging Ya Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist—books.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is unique with Death as the narrator, and it deals with complex themes like mortality, war, and the power of words.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of the human condition under extreme circumstances, and the power of books to feed the soul during bleak times.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in history and looking for a deeply moving story.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. The arrival of her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, sets off a chain of events that will take her to the icy wastes of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes including theology, philosophy, and physics, intertwined with a dense and intricate plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: Offers a thrilling adventure combined with a thoughtful examination of profound themes, ideal for fostering critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy complex narratives and are curious about science and philosophy.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children, led by the brilliant Reynie Muldoon, are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is filled with puzzles, riddles, and complex problems that challenge the intellect and deductive reasoning skills of both characters and readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cerebral and engaging series that promotes critical thinking and problem-solving in a fun and mysterious context.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and young strategists, as well as readers who enjoy stories about teamwork and adventure.

• His Dark Materials: Northern Lights (known as The Golden Compass in the US) by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the His Dark Materials series, where young Lyra Belacqua journeys to the Arctic in search of her missing friend and her imprisoned uncle, only to uncover a sinister plot involving stolen children.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pullman incorporates advanced concepts from physics, philosophy, and theology, which require a higher level of comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterful blend of adventure and intellectual challenge, set in a richly imagined world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a strong, intelligent female protagonist and those interested in science and speculative fiction.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why this book is challenging: Gaiman weaves a narrative that plays with concepts of life, death, and identity in ways that are both intriguing and complex.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of horror, fantasy, and a coming-of-age story in a unique setting that challenges and entertains.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy spooky stories with a heart and those interested in a novel about growing up and finding one's identity.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 12 and diving into the exciting world of YA books, enhancing your reading habits can make your experience even more enriching. Here are some simple exercises designed to boost your reading skills and make your literary journey unforgettable.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a specific number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: This helps create a consistent reading habit and builds discipline.
  • Tips: Start with a small, manageable goal and gradually increase it as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Having a dedicated space can increase your focus and make reading time something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s cozy, well-lit, and stocked with all your current reads.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a book club either at school, your local library, or online.
  • How it helps: Discussing books with others can deepen your understanding and enhance your critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Don't be shy! Share your thoughts and listen to what others think about the book.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy while reading to look up new words.
  • How it helps: This expands your vocabulary and improves comprehension.
  • Tips: If a physical dictionary feels cumbersome, try a dictionary app on your phone or tablet.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book out loud instead of just in your head.
  • How it helps: Reading aloud improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more fun and engaging.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: After finishing a chapter, take a few minutes to summarize it in your own words.
  • How it helps: This reinforces what you’ve read, improving retention and understanding.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and focus on the main points.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter or book, try to predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: This stimulates your imagination and keeps you engaged with the story.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how close you were once you finish the chapter or book.

So, there you have it! With these exercises, you're not just reading a book; you're stepping into a broader world of learning and enjoyment. Remember, the more you read, the better you get at it. So grab your next YA book, and let's get started on making reading a pivotal part of your daily routine! Happy reading!