10+ Best Books for 9-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect books for 9-12-year-olds? You're in the right spot! Whether you're searching for a birthday gift or just want to refresh your tween's reading list, we've got a variety of picks that are sure to captivate and challenge young readers. Keep reading to discover our top book recommendations that will keep those 9 to 12-year-olds turning pages!

Fun Books for 9-12-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, introducing 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 magical entrance into the world of reading with its engaging plot, relatable characters, and the universal theme of good versus evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods where he embarks on a quest across the United States to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it not only fun but also educational.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This tender story follows 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 teaches important values like friendship, love, and the reality of death through simple, yet profound narrative.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and stories about friendship.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time and facing the challenges that come with being different.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy and understanding for others' differences, which is a crucial lesson at any age.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are learning about kindness and acceptance.

• 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of puzzles and mysteries that will keep readers engaged while encouraging critical thinking and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and problem solvers.

• 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, stories, and a princess named Pea. It follows his adventures as he navigates a world filled with danger and darkness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that celebrates bravery and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a journal of Greg Heffley as he navigates his way through middle school, detailing his attempts to fit in and become popular.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's extremely relatable and laugh-out-loud funny, making it a great pick for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and the trials of growing up.

Educational Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting novel, a young girl named Luna is accidentally infused with moon magic and must learn to control her powers while uncovering the secrets of her past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, and understanding complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with complex characters and a captivating plot that intertwines magic with emotional depth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical stories and strong female protagonists.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy for animals, understanding of animal welfare, and creative storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at the lives of animals in captivity, told from an interesting perspective that is both gentle and powerful.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows Hugo, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station. He becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, and appreciation for art and mechanics
  • Why we recommend this book: The unique mix of text and full-page illustrations provides a visually engaging reading experience that captures the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy art, history, and solving mysteries.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This memoir in verse shares the author's experiences growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her awakening to writing and self-expression.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context of civil rights, poetic techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful and accessible piece of literature that beautifully blends personal history with poetry, offering insightful reflections on race, identity, and growing up.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in memoirs, poetry, and social history.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid game fan, especially of the creations by game maker Luigi Lemoncello. When Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first to enter an amazing new library, he finds out that getting out will require solving puzzles and riddles with both new friends and rivals.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, teamwork, and knowledge of literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of classic literature with a modern puzzle-solving adventure, making it both educational and thrilling.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and lovers of fast-paced adventure stories.

Challenging Books for 9-12-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 O'Keefe as they embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates concepts of theoretical physics and tackles complex themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think critically about science and philosophy while offering a thrilling adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and thinkers who enjoy exploring complex ideas.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disillusioned, young Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the Princesses Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and mathematics in a sophisticated way that requires creative and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative tale that promotes a love for learning and the importance of perspective.
  • Perfect for: Kids who delight in puns, wordplay, and clever twists on logic.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story details the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables.
  • Why this book is challenging: The rich vocabulary and descriptive passages enhance literary skills and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures offer timeless themes of friendship, ambition, and the search for belonging.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring emotional growth.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sour-faced and sullen girl, transforms as she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate, which becomes a place of healing for her and her new friend Colin.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features thematic depth, including dealing with loss and rejuvenation, which requires introspection from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about the healing power of nature and the importance of nurturing friendships and family.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories of transformation and the beauty of nature.

• 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 entangled in a mystery involving a statue possibly sculpted by Michelangelo.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot involves complex problem-solving and understanding historical and artistic references.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the imagination with adventure and mystery while educating about art and history.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring detectives and art lovers who enjoy a good mystery.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. The story explores themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative's abstract ideas and philosophical undertones challenge readers to think deeply about life's big questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human nature and relationships, wrapped in a simple yet captivating story.
  • Perfect for: Deep thinkers and young philosophers, as well as readers who appreciate allegorical storytelling.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a precocious child with neglectful parents and a cruel headmistress, who discovers she has extraordinary telekinetic powers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of rebellion and individuality, and the language playfully engages with the reader's understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging readers to stand up against unfairness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underestimated and enjoy stories of triumph and justice.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're between 9 and 12 years old, or know someone who is, developing strong reading habits can be both fun and rewarding. Here are some simple exercises that can help young readers like you dive deeper into the world of books. These activities are designed not just to improve your reading skills, but also to make reading a more engaging and enjoyable part of your daily life. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read each month.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and motivated to read regularly.
  • Tips: Start with a realistic goal, then challenge yourself as you go!

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a special spot at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes reading a special activity.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• 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 discussion and deeper understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep it exciting!

• Read Aloud to Others
  • What it is: Read books aloud to family members or pets.
  • How it helps: Improves fluency and expression in reading.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Use technology to read e-books or listen to audiobooks.
  • How it helps: Makes reading accessible anywhere and anytime.
  • Tips: Many libraries offer free access to digital books and audiobooks.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from books.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of reading progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day after reading.

• Participate in Library Challenges
  • What it is: Join reading challenges or contests often held by libraries.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation through rewards and recognition.
  • Tips: Check your local library’s calendar for upcoming events and challenges.

• Read Different Genres
  • What it is: Explore books from various genres to find what interests you most.
  • How it helps: Broadens your understanding and appreciation of different types of stories.
  • Tips: Alternate between genres to keep your reading experiences diverse and exciting.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily or weekly routine can transform reading from a solo activity into a dynamic and enriching part of your life. Remember, the key to building lasting reading habits is consistency and enjoyment. So, pick a couple of these exercises that sound fun to you, and start shaping your own unique reading adventure. Happy reading!