10+ Best Age Appropriate Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your tween? Discovering age-appropriate books for 12-year-olds that capture their imagination and cater to their growing minds can be a bit of a challenge. Luckily, you've come to the right place! Whether your child is a voracious reader or a bit more reluctant, our curated lists are packed with options that will engage and inspire. Keep reading to explore a variety of age-appropriate books for 12-year-olds that are sure to be a hit!
Table of Contents
Fun Age Appropriate Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: The story centers around August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie strives to be treated as an ordinary kid but his extraordinary journey proves otherwise.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy, kindness, and the importance of accepting differences, making it a valuable read for young readers developing their social skills.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy uplifting stories about friendship and overcoming challenges.
- 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 sent to a camp for demigods like him. He soon embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also educates about Greek mythology in a fun and engaging way.
- Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love epic quests and learning about mythology.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
- Synopsis: Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to hone his skills.
- Why we recommend this book: It introduces the magical world and the importance of friendship and courage, captivating young readers' imaginations.
- Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and magic, and anyone new to the fantasy genre.
- The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
- Synopsis: In an underground city with a failing power supply, two children, Lina and Doon, discover clues that could lead the city's inhabitants back to the surface.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping story that promotes problem-solving and perseverance in the face of adversity.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy mysteries and stories about post-apocalyptic survival.
- Holes by Louis Sachar
- Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
- Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center where boys are made to dig large holes every day. He realizes they might be looking for something buried under the dried-up lake.
- Why we recommend this book: It cleverly weaves historical narratives with a modern-day story, teaching about the consequences of actions and the importance of family history.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that combine adventure with a touch of mystery and historical elements.
- Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Jess Aarons befriends new girl Leslie Burke, and together they create the magical kingdom of Terabithia in the woods where they rule as king and queen. This friendship transforms Jess's life in ways he never imagined.
- Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship, imagination, and the experience of loss through a deeply moving narrative.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotionally rich stories and the power of imagination.
Educational Age Appropriate Books for 12-Year-Olds
- The Giver by Lois Lowry
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
- Synopsis: In a seemingly utopian society where everyone conforms and no one experiences pain or emotional depth, a young boy named Jonas is selected to be the Receiver of Memories. He learns the dark secrets behind his fragile community.
- 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 emotions and individuality in a conformist world.
- Perfect for: Young readers interested in thought-provoking narratives and exploring complex social themes.
- Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
- Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents mistreat her and her school's headmistress is a tyrant. She discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to stand up to her bullies and change her destiny.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, empowerment and resilience
- Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it's filled with humor and memorable characters.
- Perfect for: Kids who love stories about triumph over adversity and those who enjoy a good laugh.
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this story follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis. The book beautifully illustrates the bravery required to fight injustice.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of World War II, empathy, bravery
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive and appropriate introduction to the Holocaust for younger readers.
- Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of courage and friendship during challenging times.
- Frindle by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: When fifth-grader Nick Allen invents a new word for what is commonly known as a pen, calling it a "frindle," it sets off a series of unexpected events in his school and community.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary, understanding of language and its evolution
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun exploration of words and ideas, inspiring creativity and innovation in young readers.
- Perfect for: Kids who are curious about language and those who enjoy school-based stories with a twist.
- The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Bored and disengaged, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and wisdom.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, critical thinking, appreciation of language
- Why we recommend this book: It's an imaginative journey that teaches about the joys of learning and the richness of language.
- Perfect for: Readers who delight in clever wordplay and whimsical adventures.
Challenging Age Appropriate Books for 12-Year-Olds
- 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 the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex concepts of physics, space, and time, blended with sophisticated themes of good versus evil.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages scientific curiosity and critical thinking, while also exploring deep themes of love and family.
- Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who enjoy stories about heroic quests and family bonds.
- 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: It deals with complex themes of morality, death, and the power of words during a tumultuous period in history, narrated uniquely by Death.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a new perspective on the Holocaust, emphasizing the power of words and resilience in the face of immense hardship.
- Perfect for: Readers who are interested in historical narratives and deep, thought-provoking themes.
- The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
- Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
- Synopsis: A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger—and a possible murderer—to inherit his vast fortune, one thing's for sure: Sam Westing may be dead... but that won't stop him from playing one last game!
- Why this book is challenging: The intricate plot and clever puzzle-solving aspects challenge readers to think critically and pay attention to detail.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that encourages problem-solving and deduction skills.
- Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader who loves puzzles and twists.
- The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua, a young girl living in a world where human souls manifest as animal companions called daemons, embarks on a dangerous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other children from terrible experiments.
- Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes including theology, philosophy, and physics, woven into an expansive narrative.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly imaginative world with complex characters and moral questions that provoke deep thought.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy epic tales and exploring philosophical and ethical questions.
- The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
- Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, 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 thwart a nefarious plot.
- Why this book is challenging: The intricate puzzles and riddles require logical thinking and creativity to solve.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that promotes teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance.
- Perfect for: Young strategists and thinkers who love solving mysteries and cracking codes.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're looking to help your 12-year-old develop stellar reading habits, I've got some fun and effective exercises that can really make a difference. These will not only enhance their reading skills but also make the process enjoyable. Let's dive in!
- Set a Daily Reading Goal
- What it is: Choose a specific number of pages or chapters to read each day.
- How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps build stamina.
- Tips: Start with a manageable goal and gradually increase it.
- Create a Reading Nook
- What it is: Designate a comfortable and quiet space dedicated to reading.
- How it helps: Provides a special place that can increase a child’s desire to read.
- Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions or posters.
- Join a Book Club
- What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
- How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives exposure to diverse opinions.
- Tips: Choose a club that reads age-appropriate books and meets regularly.
- Read Aloud
- What it is: Spend time reading books aloud together.
- How it helps: Improves vocabulary and reading fluency.
- Tips: Alternate who reads each page to keep it interactive.
- Use a Reading App
- What it is: Utilize technology by incorporating reading apps that track progress.
- How it helps: Integrates reading with tech skills and often includes motivating rewards.
- Tips: Select apps that offer a variety of age-appropriate books and learning activities.
- Challenge with a Book List
- What it is: Create or find a list of books to read over a certain period.
- How it helps: Encourages reading different genres and broadening interests.
- Tips: Include a mix of both challenging books and those purely for enjoyment.
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Have regular discussions about the books your child is reading.
- How it helps: Improves comprehension and analytical thinking skills.
- Tips: Ask open-ended questions that go beyond just the plot.
Implementing these exercises can transform reading from a mere activity into a dynamic and enriching habit for your 12-year-old. Not only will these strategies boost their reading abilities, but they'll also foster a lifelong love for books. Happy reading!