10+ Best Anime Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect anime books for 12-year-olds? Whether your tween is a seasoned manga enthusiast or just dipping their toes into the vibrant world of anime, finding the right books can be a game-changer. Dive into our curated lists of anime books tailored specifically for 12-year-olds, packed with adventures that captivate and inspire. Keep reading to discover the titles that will keep your young reader hooked!
Table of Contents
Fun Anime Books for 12-Year-Olds
- My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi
- Genre(s): Superhero, Action, Adventure
- Synopsis: This manga series follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where they are common, but who still dreams of becoming a great hero.
- Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and inspiring messages about perseverance and courage, making it both entertaining and motivational for young readers.
- Perfect for: Aspiring heroes and fans of superhero tales.
- Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto
- Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
- Synopsis: Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest leader in his village, faces various trials and battles to prove his worth.
- Why we recommend this book: Naruto’s journey instills values like resilience, loyalty, and the importance of friendship, which are great lessons for tweens.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic adventures and character-driven stories.
- Pokémon Adventures by Hidenori Kusaka, illustrated by Mato and Satoshi Yamamoto
- Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
- Synopsis: This series dives into the exciting world of Pokémon through the adventures of Red and his quest to become a Pokémon Master.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines fun and strategic thinking with a universe familiar to many kids, enhancing both their reading skills and their love for the Pokémon world.
- Perfect for: Pokémon enthusiasts and young adventurers.
- Yotsuba&! by Kiyohiko Azuma
- Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
- Synopsis: The manga chronicles the everyday adventures of a green-haired and cheerful young girl named Yotsuba as she explores the world around her with childlike wonder.
- Why we recommend this book: Its light-hearted nature and humorous stories are perfect for encouraging a love of reading through laughter and joy.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy funny and heartwarming stories.
- Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
- Synopsis: Sakura Kinomoto accidentally unleashes a set of magical cards and must retrieve them to prevent catastrophe. Each card offers a new challenge and adventure.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a magical series with a strong female lead, blending action, adventure, and lessons about responsibility and friendship.
- Perfect for: Young readers who like magical girls and mystical adventures.
Educational Anime Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Science Ninja Team Gatchaman by Tatsuo Yoshida
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Action
- Synopsis: This series features a five-member superhero team that fights against the technologically advanced villain, Berg Katse, to save the earth from destruction.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, problem-solving, understanding of scientific concepts
- Why we recommend this book: It showcases the importance of collaboration and the use of science and technology for good.
- Perfect for: Young science enthusiasts and fans of classic superhero teams.
- Silver Spoon by Hiromu Arakawa
- Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life, Educational
- Synopsis: The story follows Yuugo Hachiken, an academically talented student who enrolls in an agricultural school, learning about farm life and where food comes from.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Agricultural knowledge, personal responsibility, food production
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a humorous yet insightful look into agricultural practices and challenges, promoting both education and entertainment.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in farming, food science, and sustainable living.
- Haikyu!! by Haruichi Furudate
- Genre(s): Sports, Drama
- Synopsis: This manga follows Shoyo Hinata, a boy determined to become a great volleyball player despite his small stature.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Team sports, strategic thinking, perseverance
- Why we recommend this book: It's an exhilarating story that teaches the values of teamwork and persistence in sports.
- Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and those who love underdog stories.
- Hikaru no Go by Yumi Hotta, illustrated by Takeshi Obata
- Genre(s): Supernatural, Strategy Games
- Synopsis: Hikaru Shindo discovers an old Go board haunted by the spirit of a Go master from the Heian era, which sparks his journey into the world of competitive Go.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, historical knowledge, focus and concentration
- Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of a ghost story with the intellectual challenge of Go, making it both fun and educational.
- Perfect for: Kids interested in board games and history.
Challenging Anime Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama
- Genre(s): Action, Dark Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic
- Synopsis: In a world where humanity resides within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from the Titans, gigantic humanoid creatures, the story follows Eren Yeager and his friends who join the military to fight the Titans after their city is invaded.
- Why this book is challenging: Features complex themes of survival, morality, and freedom, coupled with a dense, layered narrative that may challenge younger readers to think critically about the world and the choices people make.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience in the face of overwhelming odds and encourages readers to question societal norms and values.
- Perfect for: Fans of intense action and complex storytelling.
- Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
- Synopsis: This series follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in their quest to search for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life using alchemy.
- Why this book is challenging: It delves into heavy philosophical questions about life, death, and what it means to be human, presenting moral dilemmas that require mature thinking.
- Why we recommend this book: Offers a gripping mix of adventure, science, and moral inquiry, providing a rich reading experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and philosophy.
- Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba, illustrated by Takeshi Obata
- Genre(s): Supernatural, Thriller
- Synopsis: A high school student, Light Yagami, discovers a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. As he uses the notebook to rid the world of criminals, he is pursued by a brilliant detective known only as L.
- Why this book is challenging: Contains complex concepts of justice and morality, and involves high-level reasoning and strategic thinking that can challenge advanced readers.
- Why we recommend this book: Stimulates critical thinking and debate over ethics, justice, and the consequences of one's actions.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and moral dilemmas.
- The Promised Neverland by Kaiu Shirai, illustrated by Posuka Demizu
- Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction
- Synopsis: Children at the Grace Field House orphanage live a comfortable life under the care of "Mom," but their idyllic existence is shattered when they discover a dark and cruel truth about their purpose.
- Why this book is challenging: Features a complex plot with numerous twists and a deep exploration of themes like freedom, sacrifice, and betrayal.
- Why we recommend this book: Engages readers with its suspenseful storyline and encourages them to think about the concept of freedom and the cost of safety.
- Perfect for: Those who love mysteries and stories that challenge perceptions.
- Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura
- Genre(s): Historical, Adventure, Drama
- Synopsis: Set in the Viking era, this manga follows Thorfinn, a young warrior caught up in the chaos of war as he seeks revenge against the man who killed his father.
- Why this book is challenging: Incorporates detailed historical contexts and complex character developments, providing a deep dive into themes of war, peace, and the quest for a meaningful life.
- Why we recommend this book: Offers a blend of historical learning and high-stakes adventure, encouraging readers to reflect on history and personal values.
- Perfect for: History buffs and those interested in epic tales of adventure and self-discovery.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the colorful world of anime books, it’s a fantastic way to explore vibrant stories and complex characters. To make the most out of your reading experience, especially if you're around 12 years old, here are some great exercises to develop solid reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make reading more fun!
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
- How it helps: Helps you stay focused and build a consistent reading habit.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.
- Create a Reading Space
- What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
- How it helps: Minimizes distractions and creates a comfortable environment for reading.
- Tips: Make sure it's well-lit and cozy, perhaps with a comfy chair and your favorite snacks.
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Talk about the books with friends or family members who are also into anime.
- How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
- Tips: Try forming a small book club or join online forums where anime books are discussed.
- Visualize the Story
- What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
- How it helps: Increases engagement and makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
- Tips: Pay close attention to the descriptive parts of the book to help form clearer images.
- Keep a Reading Journal
- What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books.
- How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
- Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day after your reading session.
- Read Out Loud
- What it is: Read the book aloud to yourself or to someone else.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you understand the story better.
- Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun.
- Use a Dictionary
- What it is: Look up words you don’t understand in a dictionary.
- How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the book.
- Tips: Keep a dictionary handy or use a dictionary app while reading.
By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only improve your skills but also deepen your appreciation for anime books. Remember, the key to becoming a better reader is consistency and enjoyment. So, pick up your next anime book, and let's get started on this exciting journey! Happy reading!