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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect Audible books for 12-year-olds that will keep your tweens engaged and entertained? Finding age-appropriate audiobooks that capture their imagination and interest can be a game-changer for their reading habits. Whether they're into thrilling adventures, mysterious tales, or something entirely different, Audible has a treasure trove of options. Keep reading to discover our top picks of Audible books for 12-year-olds that are sure to be a hit!

Fun Audible Books for 12-Year-Olds

• 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, uncovers mysteries, and begins his journey as a key figure in the magical world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gateway to the world of magic and fantasy, sparking imagination and encouraging a love for reading through its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• 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 thrust into a world of Greek gods and monsters. He embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action-packed adventure with Greek mythology, making it both educational and extremely fun to read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fast-paced stories and learning about mythology.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends public school for the first time and strives for acceptance and kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, regardless of appearances, through a touching and accessible story.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about friendship and overcoming challenges.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where ghosts raise him. As he grows, he encounters various creatures and must face the man who killed his family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that mixes suspense and the supernatural with a coming-of-age story, ideal for expanding the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a city built to sustain humanity in total darkness for centuries, two children discover clues that could lead them to the outside world they've never seen.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling adventure and encourages problem-solving and critical thinking, as the protagonists decipher clues to save their city.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mystery and science fiction, and those who enjoy stories about young heroes.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude family. She develops telekinetic powers and uses them to deal with her unpleasant parents and tyrannical school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It champions the value of intelligence and kindness over brute strength and cruelty, all wrapped up in Dahl's signature humorous style.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph and possess a quirky sense of humor.

Educational Audible Books for 12-Year-Olds

• 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 crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and logic
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling series of brain teasers and mysteries that keep the mind engaged and encourage creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig large holes every day. He uncovers the truth behind the holes and the history of his family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, cause and effect, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an intriguing plot with strong themes of friendship, justice, and fate, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in a unique adventure that teaches important life lessons.

• 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 from the Nazis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive and appropriate introduction to the horrors of WWII for younger readers, highlighting themes of courage and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of heroism.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored young Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses of Rhyme and Reason.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a whimsical adventure filled with puns and wordplay that enhance linguistic skills while entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy clever humor and imaginative tales.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Through poetry, Woodson shares her experiences growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, poetic techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written memoir that teaches important historical lessons through personal narrative and poetic form.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate poetry and are interested in personal stories about diversity and history.

Challenging Audible 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: It deals with complex themes like good versus evil and the power of love, intertwined with elements of theoretical physics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also introduces young readers to the concept of tesseracts and the importance of individuality and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are interested in science and fantasy, and those who love stories about family and courage.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this story is narrated by Death and follows Liesel Meminger as she finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others, including the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a unique narrative perspective and tackles heavy themes such as mortality, war, and the power of words.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique look at a well-trodden period of history through the eyes of a young girl, emphasizing the impact of literacy and compassion in a time of brutality.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in history and stories that explore the depth of human emotions and resilience.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a journey through a world where all humans have animal companions called daemons, to uncover a sinister plot involving stolen children and a mysterious substance called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with richly developed characters and themes of freedom and betrayal.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is part of a trilogy that combines magical adventures with deep philosophical questions, ideal for fostering imagination and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic narratives and exploring philosophical and ethical questions.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, sixth-grader Miranda begins to see her life in new ways and discovers the truth about the people around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel weaves together an intricate plot with elements of mystery and time travel.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking read that combines elements of a coming-of-age story with puzzles to solve, which can enhance deductive reasoning and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love mysteries and stories that make them think about time and space in new ways.

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a future society where books are banned and "firemen" burn any that are found, fireman Guy Montag begins to question his role and the values of the society he lives in.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes of censorship, the role of technology in society, and the conflict between conformity and individuality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking about freedom of expression and the importance of dissent in a healthy society.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who are interested in politics and philosophy, and those who appreciate a strong narrative that challenges societal norms.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking for ways to get the most out of your Audible books, especially for the fantastic 12-year-olds in your life, you're in the right place. Audiobooks can be a great tool to improve reading and listening skills, but like any tool, they work best when used properly. Here are some exercises that can help develop good reading habits:

• Set Listening Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how much time to spend listening each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and discipline in reading habits.
  • Tips: Start with short, manageable times and gradually increase.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write or record a brief summary of each chapter after listening.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep summaries brief and highlight key points.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map of characters and their relationships.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the story and character development.
  • Tips: Use a large piece of paper and add to it as the story progresses.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about the story before and during listening.
  • How it helps: Engages critical thinking and active listening.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions with friends or family to make it more fun.

• Connect to Personal Experiences
  • What it is: Relate events or characters in the book to personal life.
  • How it helps: Deepens connection to the material and enhances empathy.
  • Tips: Keep a list of personal connections in a notebook or digital document.

• Listening and Art
  • What it is: Draw or create art inspired by the story.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and provides a visual representation of listening.
  • Tips: Use different mediums like pencils, markers, or digital tools.

These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to becoming a better reader and a keener listener. Encourage your 12-year-old to try a couple of these with their next Audible book, and watch as they not only enjoy their books more but also improve their comprehension and critical thinking skills. Happy listening!