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

Are you on the hunt for appropriate books for 12-year-olds that will keep your tween engaged and excited about reading? Finding the right books can be a game-changer at this pivotal age, striking a perfect balance between fun and challenge. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to discover a variety of carefully selected appropriate books for 12-year-olds that cater to their growing interests and reading skills.

Fun Appropriate Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story centers around August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. "Wonder" explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and the struggle to fit in.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of being kind, which are crucial lessons for children at this developmental stage.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories about overcoming adversity and young readers looking for a hero they can relate to.

• 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 swept into a world of Greek mythology where he must find 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: Action lovers and mythology buffs who enjoy fast-paced stories.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends and enemies and uncovers his magical heritage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world of imagination and adventure, encouraging readers to believe in the impossible.
  • Perfect for: Fantasy enthusiasts and anyone who loves a good magical adventure.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: Residents of the underground city of Ember have lived for generations with no knowledge of the outside world. When the city's lights begin to flicker, two young residents, Lina and Doon, search for a way out.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping story that also touches on important themes like resource management and the quest for knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and problem-solving.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig large holes every day. Stanley realizes they are looking for something buried under the dried-up lake.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with a unique narrative structure and memorable characters, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good mystery and stories about justice and friendship.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Jesse Aarons and Leslie Burke, two friends who create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia, which they rule as king and queen. It deals with themes of friendship, imagination, and the experience of loss.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to use their imagination and confronts real-life issues in a sensitive and impactful way.
  • Perfect for: Those who love stories of friendship and imaginative play, and can handle sensitive topics.

Educational Appropriate Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Nobody Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he encounters various adventures and dangers within and beyond the graveyard.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of narrative structures, cultural awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the elements of supernatural and mystery in a child-friendly narrative that also explores themes of growing up and finding one’s identity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy spooky stories with a heart and lessons about personal growth.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, 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 stop a global disaster.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving skills, teamwork, logical reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think creatively and work with others to overcome obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid and her younger brother Jamie run away from home to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they become involved in a mystery involving a statue possibly sculpted by Michelangelo.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, critical thinking, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of adventure and art history, encouraging readers to explore museums and appreciate art.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding art historians.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disengaged Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, a fantastical world filled with strange characters and bizarre adventures that teach him the value of learning and curiosity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary building, appreciation for language and mathematics, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and math concepts in a way that makes learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Children who find traditional subjects dull and need a spark to ignite their interest in learning.

• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Survival
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of a young Native American girl, Karana, who spends 18 years isolated on an island off the California coast, surviving through her resourcefulness and connection with nature.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, environmental awareness, survival skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of resilience and survival that also highlights the importance of caring for the environment and understanding history.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, nature, and stories of survival against the odds.

Challenging Appropriate Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through time and space to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel integrates concepts of theoretical physics and tackles complex themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a love for science and exploration while promoting the importance of bravery and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and adventure, and those who enjoy stories about family and courage.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with serious themes such as war, death, and the power of literature, all presented through a unique narrative voice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a new perspective on the Holocaust and emphasizes the impact of kindness and resistance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in history and stories that explore the human spirit under difficult circumstances.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War-era America.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text is rich in historical context and explores complex themes such as poverty, gender roles, and personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that encourages resilience and finding one's own path in life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven novels and stories about familial bonds and personal development.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without suffering, choice, or difference, a young boy named Jonas is selected to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes about society, freedom, and the importance of memory and emotion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the value of their experiences and the ethics of societal control.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers and anyone intrigued by the concept of a perfect society and the implications of its flaws.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle Novel
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing dies and leaves his fortune to be divided among 16 heirs who must solve the secret of his death by clues given in his will.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with intricate puzzles and a large cast of characters, requiring careful thought and deduction to follow.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and mystery enthusiasts who enjoy solving riddles and uncovering secrets.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Finding the right books for 12-year-olds can be a fun adventure, especially when you incorporate engaging reading exercises that not only enhance their reading skills but also make the process enjoyable. Here are some great exercises to help young readers develop good habits and deepen their love for reading.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Establish a specific number of books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a special area in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading a special part of the day.
  • Tips: Make the space cozy and inviting, with good lighting and minimal distractions.

• 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: Promotes critical thinking and improves communication skills.
  • Tips: Choose books that interest all members and encourage open, respectful discussions.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read stories aloud, either with a parent or a sibling.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in speaking.
  • Tips: Take turns reading and use expressive voices to make the story come alive.

• Visual Reading Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story’s events and characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use drawings or diagrams to make the connections clearer and more fun.

• Reading Challenge Lists
  • What it is: Make a list of books from different genres to read over a certain period.
  • How it helps: Broadens reading interests and exposes readers to diverse narratives and ideas.
  • Tips: Include a variety of lengths and difficulty levels to keep the challenge engaging.

Incorporating these exercises into a 12-year-old's reading routine can make reading a more dynamic and enriching experience. Whether it's through setting goals, engaging in discussions, or getting creative with reading strategies, each activity offers unique benefits that foster a lifelong love for reading. So, why not pick an exercise today and start a new chapter in your reading adventures?