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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to entertain and educate your tween? Look no further than audio books! Audio books for 10-12-year-olds offer a fantastic blend of adventure, mystery, and fun, all while fostering a love for storytelling. Keep reading to discover our top picks of audio books that will capture the imagination of any 10 to 12-year-old listener. Whether they're into thrilling tales or heartwarming narratives, there's something in our lists for everyone!

Fun Audio Books for 10-12-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 beloved 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 a dark mystery tied to his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a magical world filled with wonder and excitement, encouraging imagination and a love for reading.
  • 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, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of modern adventure and ancient Greek mythology, making historical tales accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy action-packed stories and learning about mythology.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the peculiar and untimely death of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where ghosts and other supernatural beings raise him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique story with a mix of suspense, tenderness, and whimsical elements, enhancing creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like spooky stories with a heart.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to a mainstream school for the first time and strives to be accepted by his peers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy, kindness, and the importance of accepting others, crucial lessons for children in this age group.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning about personal and social values.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe where they encounter talking animals, mythical beasts, and an evil witch.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that highlights themes of courage, friendship, and the battle between good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic tales and magical journeys.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child neglected by her family. At school, she meets a kind teacher and uses her telekinetic powers to overcome difficulties.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, creativity, and the power of kindness, inspiring children to believe in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel different and anyone who loves a good underdog story.

Educational Audio Books for 10-12-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 combines mystery with adventure, encouraging readers to think creatively and work cooperatively.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, who crafts words into her web to save her friend from being slaughtered.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, friendship, and the cycle of life
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about the value of friendship and the impact of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers who appreciate touching narratives.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms as she discovers a neglected garden and begins to bring it back to life, alongside her cousin Colin and new friend Dickon.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional growth, nature appreciation, and resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and personal growth through the nurturing of a garden, paralleling the characters' development.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and the healing power of nature.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center, where boys are forced to dig large holes every day. He discovers the real reason behind the digging and unravels a family curse.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of justice and perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of adventure and mystery with strong messages about justice and destiny.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like stories with layers of plot and meaningful themes.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl, is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her adventures and misadventures in the small town of Avonlea endear her to all.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, social relationships, and emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's vibrant personality and her ability to find joy in every situation make this a delightful and inspiring read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring themes of belonging and identity.

Challenging Audio Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This story follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel through space and time to rescue their father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates complex scientific and philosophical concepts, including tesseracts and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration of deep and abstract ideas while presenting a thrilling adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy.

• 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 learns about life and death from the residents of her street and the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of morality, mortality, and the power of words, all set against the backdrop of the Holocaust.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the era and emphasizes the impact of kindness and courage.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in history and complex narratives.

• His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a journey to the Arctic in search of her kidnapped friend and discovers a series of kidnappings and a mysterious substance called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: This series introduces sophisticated themes including theology, philosophy, and physics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking adventure that challenges perceptions about our world.
  • Perfect for: Intellectual young readers who enjoy rich, complex worlds.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, or choice, a boy named Jonas uncovers the dark secrets behind his society after he is chosen to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores profound themes about society, autonomy, and the importance of memory.
  • Why we recommend this book: It prompts critical thinking about personal freedoms and societal norms.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate deep, thought-provoking narratives.

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found, fireman Guy Montag begins to question his role and the values of the society.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with censorship, the role of government, and the consequences of a society disengaged from critical thought.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful advocate for the importance of literature and free thought.
  • Perfect for: Young readers passionate about rights and individual thinking.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to spice up your reading routine, audiobooks for 10-12-year-olds can be a fantastic way. Not only are they entertaining, but they can also help develop good reading habits. Here are some fun exercises to make the most out of your audiobook experience:

• Create a Listening Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times and days for listening to audiobooks.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and discipline in reading habits.
  • Tips: Start with short, manageable times and gradually increase as you get more comfortable.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes or dialogues from the audiobook.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the story and characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes for more fun and engagement.

• Audio Book Club
  • What it is: Form a group with friends to listen and discuss the same audiobook.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and discussion skills.
  • Tips: Choose a regular meeting time to discuss chapters or exciting plot twists.

• Draw the Story
  • What it is: Create drawings or storyboards based on the scenes described in the audiobook.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like markers, colored pencils, or digital drawing tools.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write or record brief summaries of each chapter after listening.
  • How it helps: Helps with remembering key details and understanding the plot.
  • Tips: Keep summaries short and highlight major events or character developments.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and anticipatory skills.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions with others or jot them down in a notebook.

Incorporating these exercises into your audiobook listening can turn passive listening into an active and enriching experience. Not only will these activities keep you engaged, but they'll also help you develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the stories you hear. So, grab your headphones, pick a favorite audiobook, and let the fun and learning begin!