10+ Best Children's Books for 11-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect children's books for 11-12-year-olds? Whether you're looking to spark their imagination or keep them engaged with captivating stories, finding the right book can be a game changer. In this blog post, we've rounded up a variety of must-read children's books for 11-12-year-olds that are sure to capture their interest and keep them turning pages. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to be instant hits with your young readers!

Fun Children's Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie strives to show his classmates that, beyond his appearance, he's just like them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy, kindness, and acceptance, crucial qualities for children at this developmental stage.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a moving story that teaches the importance of inner beauty and bravery.

• 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 thrust into a world of Greek mythology. He embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus' stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting introduction to Greek mythology, woven into a fast-paced, modern adventure that keeps readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and mythology enthusiasts who enjoy dynamic characters and thrilling plots.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
  • Synopsis: Harry Potter learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to hone his craft.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical universe of imagination and adventure, encouraging a lifelong love of reading.
  • Perfect for: Fantasy lovers and anyone who dreams of adventure and magic.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In an underground city that is running out of power and resources, two young friends, Lina and Doon, discover clues that could lead the city's inhabitants back to the surface.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure, engaging readers while encouraging critical thinking about our world and its resources.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles and problem-solving in a futuristic setting.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys are forced to dig large holes daily. The story reveals the reason behind the digging and how it connects to Stanley's family curse.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of historical mystery and contemporary social issues, with a strong message about the importance of friendship and fate.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a good mystery and stories about justice and redemption.

• 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 small mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his adventures in a world where he does not quite fit in.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about courage, forgiveness, and the power of stories, all wrapped in a beautifully told narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories of unlikely heroes with big hearts.

Educational Children's Books for 11-12-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 thwart a global crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, logic
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with puzzles and mysteries that keep readers engaged while promoting critical thinking and cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with potentially disastrous results.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of narrative structure, development of empathy, imaginative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends magic, adventure, and emotion, teaching important lessons about love and responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical stories and learning about the consequences of one's actions.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This memoir in verse tells the story of the author's childhood, spent between South Carolina and New York during the 1960s and 70s, exploring her awareness of race and her development as a writer.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, poetic techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at the African American experience through lyrical poetry, making historical events deeply personal and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in memoirs, poetry, and social history.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows young orphan Hugo as he tries to solve the mystery of a broken automaton and a missing key, all while keeping his own secrets hidden.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, problem-solving, appreciation of art and design
  • Why we recommend this book: The unique combination of text and intricate illustrations provides a captivating reading experience that stimulates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and fans of historical adventures.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this story is narrated by Ivan, a gorilla who lives in a 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, animal rights awareness, creative storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a touching tale that encourages compassion for animals and consideration of their natural habitats.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in animal welfare and storytelling from a unique perspective.

Challenging Children's Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This classic 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 novel introduces complex concepts of physics, space, and time, intertwined with deeper themes of good versus evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think beyond the ordinary and explore the complexities of science and human nature.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and thinkers who relish mind-bending plots and rich, speculative storytelling.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disinterested in learning, young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and moral lessons.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively promotes a love for language and learning, showing how knowledge can be an exciting adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever humor and linguistic twists, along with a fantastical journey.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Drama
  • 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 complex themes of death, war, and the power of words, written from the unique perspective of Death as the narrator.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human nature and history, encouraging empathy and understanding through a gripping narrative.
  • Perfect for: Mature readers interested in history, deep emotional stories, and the transformative power of reading.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without suffering, choices, or true emotions, a young boy named Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories, and he learns the painful truths of the real world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores dystopian themes and philosophical questions about society and individuality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to consider the value of emotions and the importance of memory in shaping human experience.
  • Perfect for: Thinkers and readers who appreciate stories that question societal norms and values.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: As Miranda begins receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, she must unlock the clues before something terrible happens. The story is influenced heavily by elements of time travel and human connection.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex narrative structures and the concept of time travel, requiring readers to pay close attention to detail and think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a compelling blend of mystery and speculative fiction that keeps readers engaged and guessing.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and sci-fi enthusiasts who love puzzles and time-twisting tales.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 11-12-year-olds develop solid reading habits, incorporating some fun and engaging exercises can really make a difference. Here’s a list of exercises designed specifically for this age group that are not only enjoyable but also beneficial for boosting their reading skills. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Designate a special area in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by creating a cozy and inviting environment.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with comfy seating and their favorite books.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where your child and their friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives them an opportunity to share insights and opinions.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings and rotate who gets to pick the book.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Help your child set specific, measurable reading goals, like a number of books per month.
  • How it helps: Promotes a sense of achievement and motivates them to read more.
  • Tips: Use a visual progress chart or tracker to make the goals clear and exciting.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read aloud together from a chosen book.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and listening skills, and makes reading a shared, social activity.
  • Tips: Take turns reading and use different voices for characters to make it fun.

• Explore Different Genres
  • What it is: Encourage your child to read books from various genres.
  • How it helps: Broadens their understanding and appreciation of different literary styles and topics.
  • Tips: Help them pick a new genre every month, starting with topics they’re interested in.

• Reading Challenges
  • What it is: Participate in or create a reading challenge with different themes or prompts.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading exciting and challenging, pushing them to read more diversely.
  • Tips: Check online for existing challenges or create your own with fun and interesting prompts.

• Visual Reading Aids
  • What it is: Use bookmarks, highlighters, and notes to mark important passages or unfamiliar words.
  • How it helps: Enhances retention and makes it easier to review key points.
  • Tips: Encourage creative bookmark making or have special highlighters for reading time.

These exercises are not just tasks; they're stepping stones to building a lifelong love for reading. By integrating these activities into your child’s routine, you'll help them not only improve their reading skills but also find joy and excitement in the pages of a book. Happy reading!