10+ Best Books for 10-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 10-12-year-olds that will keep them hooked and help expand their horizons? You've landed in the right place! Whether you're looking to gift a young reader or simply want to encourage a budding bookworm, finding the right reads can be a game changer. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists of books that are sure to captivate and inspire kids in this age group. Let's dive in and find the perfect picks for your young reader!
Table of Contents
Fun Books for 10-12-Year-Olds
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: The first book in the Harry Potter series introduces Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a gateway to the magical world of wizards and spells, which not only captivates the imagination but also teaches important life lessons about friendship, bravery, and the importance of choices.
- 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 sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines Greek mythology with modern adventure, making it an exciting read that also educates about classical myths in a fun and engaging way.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy action-packed stories and learning about mythology.
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music and stories, and his adventures from the darkness of his dungeon to the light of a princess's love.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that celebrates the power of bravery and forgiveness. The book's rich language and charming illustrations enhance its appeal.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of unlikely heroes and quests for redemption.
- Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
- Genre(s): Fiction, Classics
- Synopsis: This beloved book tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that explores themes of friendship, love, and the cycle of life, resonating with readers on many emotional levels.
- Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendships that defy odds.
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to public school for the first time in fifth grade and strives to be treated as an ordinary kid.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, providing young readers with perspectives on differences and kindness.
- Perfect for: Kids who are navigating school and social dynamics, and those looking to understand and embrace diversity.
- 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 to infiltrate a mysterious school to stop a global disaster.
- Why we recommend this book: It's full of puzzles, mysteries, and clever twists that keep readers engaged while celebrating the power of intelligence, teamwork, and perseverance.
- Perfect for: Young detectives and puzzle lovers who enjoy solving mysteries and cracking codes.
Educational Books for 10-12-Year-Olds
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic
- Synopsis: This enchanting story revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally infused with moon magic and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge, with unforeseen consequences.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, understanding of narrative structure and character development
- Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends elements of magic, adventure, and emotion, making it a captivating read that encourages imagination and empathy.
- Perfect for: Readers who love magical stories and exploring complex characters and themes.
- The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
- Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Stories
- Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever misses his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare awareness, storytelling
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on friendship and freedom through the eyes of an unforgettable protagonist.
- Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in animal rights and conservation.
- Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
- Genre(s): Biography, Poetry
- Synopsis: In vivid poems, Jacqueline Woodson shares her childhood memories and reveals the growth of a writer, touching on moments from her life in South Carolina and New York.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, poetic techniques
- Why we recommend this book: It's a profound and beautiful memoir that enhances understanding of historical contexts and the power of writing.
- Perfect for: Young poets and anyone interested in memoirs or stories about growing up during the Civil Rights Movement.
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: Roz, a robot, finds herself alone on a remote, wild island. She must learn to survive and navigate the wilderness, making unlikely friendships with the island's animal inhabitants.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, technology, problem-solving
- Why we recommend this book: It combines technology and nature in a story that explores themes of adaptation, survival, and community.
- Perfect for: Fans of technology and nature, and readers who enjoy stories about survival and friendship.
- Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
- Synopsis: Kyle Keeley, an avid game fan, wins a coveted spot to be one of the first to enter an exciting new library created by game maker Luigi Lemoncello. What starts as fun turns into a thrilling escape challenge.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Logic, critical thinking, knowledge of literature
- Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging and interactive adventure that celebrates libraries and literature in a fun and innovative way.
- Perfect for: Puzzle solvers and mystery lovers, as well as anyone who enjoys a good, playful challenge.
Challenging Books for 10-12-Year-Olds
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
- Synopsis: The 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: It deals with complex themes such as good versus evil, the power of love, and the concept of time travel, all wrapped in scientific and philosophical questions.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think deeply about the universe and their place in it, while also promoting the importance of bravery and family.
- Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and thinkers who enjoy exploring complex ideas and imaginative worlds.
- The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: This novel features Milo, a bored young boy who unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth and drives through it in his toy car, entering a whimsical world where he embarks on a quest that requires solving riddles and rescuing princesses.
- Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and mathematics in a way that requires readers to engage in critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and clever journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the importance of curiosity.
- Perfect for: Kids who love wordplay, puzzles, and whimsical adventures.
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of 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 addresses the horrors of the Holocaust through the eyes of a young girl and includes complex themes of death, war, and the power of words.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the impact of war and tyranny, fostering empathy and historical understanding.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in history and those who appreciate powerful, emotionally charged stories.
- The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua, a young girl, embarks on a dangerous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other abducted children from terrible experiments in a mysterious phenomenon called Dust.
- Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes including theology, philosophy, and science, intertwined with a richly developed fantasy world.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking about freedom, authority, and the nature of the universe.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy deep stories filled with adventure and intellectual challenge.
- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
- Synopsis: After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
- Why this book is challenging: This book explores dark themes and complex concepts about life, death, and identity in a unique setting.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating and heartwarming story that combines elements of horror, fantasy, and mystery to explore what it means to grow up.
- Perfect for: Readers who like spooky stories with a strong sense of heart and character development.
- When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
- Synopsis: As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1970s television game show, The $20,000 Pyramid, a young girl named Miranda receives a series of mysterious notes that predict the future and ultimately lead her to prevent a tragic death.
- Why this book is challenging: It combines elements of science fiction with a complex mystery, intricate plot twists, and references to Madeleine L'Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time.
- Why we recommend this book: This novel provides a compelling mix of a real-life setting with science fiction elements, encouraging readers to ponder the possibilities of time travel and the impact of small actions.
- Perfect for: Fans of puzzles and mysteries with a twist of science fiction.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're between 10 and 12 years old and love diving into new books, you might be looking for ways to make your reading habit even more enjoyable and effective. Here are some fun exercises designed just for you to help develop good reading habits. Each of these can be a game-changer in how you explore and understand the world of books!
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how many books you want to read in a month or how many pages you want to read each day.
- How it helps: Helps you stay focused and motivated to read regularly.
- Tips: Keep your goals realistic and adjust them as you go to keep them challenging yet achievable.
- Create a Reading Nook
- What it is: Designate a special corner in your home as your reading spot.
- How it helps: Creates a personalized space that can enhance concentration and make reading a special part of your day.
- Tips: Make it cozy with a comfy chair, good lighting, and maybe even a small shelf for your books.
- Book Club with Friends
- What it is: Start a book club where you and your friends read the same book and discuss it.
- How it helps: Encourages reading and gives you a chance to explore different perspectives on the same story.
- Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep the selections diverse and interesting.
- Map the Story
- What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the story as you read.
- How it helps: Helps with understanding the plot and retaining the sequence of events.
- Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark significant events or turning points in the story.
- Character Diary
- What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
- How it helps: Enhances understanding of characters and their motivations.
- Tips: Choose a character you either relate to or find intriguing to make the exercise more engaging.
- Summarize Chapters
- What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
- How it helps: Improves comprehension and memory of what you’ve read.
- Tips: Keep your summaries short and to the point; aim for three to four sentences.
- Read Out Loud
- What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud, either to yourself or to an audience.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
- Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more fun and dynamic.
By trying out these exercises, you'll not only improve your reading skills but also make reading a more integral and enjoyable part of your daily life. Remember, the key to becoming a better reader is consistency, so pick the exercises that excite you the most and stick with them. Happy reading!