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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect geography books for 12-year-olds that will keep them engaged and eager to learn more about the world? You've landed in the right place! Whether your young explorer is a budding cartographer or just curious about different cultures and landscapes, we’ve rounded up a selection of must-reads that are perfectly suited for their age. Keep reading to discover our top picks of geography books for 12-year-olds that promise to expand their horizons and deepen their understanding of the planet we call home.

Fun Geography Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The 50 States by Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sol Linero
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explores the USA state by state, with each spread dedicated to a different state, packed with facts about the state's history, famous people, and interesting trivia.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's visually engaging and packed with fun facts that make learning about the U.S. geography enjoyable and easy to remember.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love trivia and those interested in learning more about different parts of the United States.

• Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Atlas
  • Synopsis: This book features maps of 52 countries and regions, filled with hand-drawn illustrations that highlight famous landmarks, cultural icons, and more.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique and artistic take on a traditional atlas, making it a captivating read that encourages curiosity about the world.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who enjoy visual storytelling and learning about different cultures.

• National Geographic Kids World Atlas by National Geographic Kids
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Atlas, Educational
  • Synopsis: This atlas includes detailed maps, engaging infographics, and photographs that cover the geography, climate, and importance of each region.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive resource that helps young readers develop a global perspective and better understand the world's geography.
  • Perfect for: Students who need a reliable reference for school projects or anyone who enjoys discovering new facts about the world.

• Where on Earth? Atlas by DK
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Atlas, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on a tour of the world's continents, highlighting natural wonders, bustling cities, and everything in between.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines clear, detailed mapping with fascinating geographical information and statistics, making it both informative and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that thrive on a detailed visual exploration of the world around them.

• The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World by Lonely Planet Kids
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Travel, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book covers every country in the world, providing insights into culture, wildlife, and how kids live and play in different parts of the globe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands readers' horizons by introducing them to the vast diversity of our planet in a colorful and easy-to-understand manner.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers eager to learn about different cultures and the unique aspects of each country.

Educational Geography Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Geography: A Children's Encyclopedia by DK
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational, Encyclopedia
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive encyclopedia covers every aspect of geography including climates, formation of the earth, ecological zones, and the water cycle, with detailed visuals and easy-to-understand text.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Earth science, environmental awareness, understanding of global systems
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides in-depth knowledge in a format that is accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Students who are visual learners and those who have a keen interest in the natural world and its phenomena.

• Children's Illustrated Atlas by Andrew Brooks, illustrated by Qingya Wang
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Atlas, Educational
  • Synopsis: This atlas brings the world to life with colorful illustrations, detailed maps, and engaging text, covering various countries and their cultures, landmarks, and wildlife.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geographic literacy, cultural awareness, map reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's visually appealing and packed with information that makes learning about different places exciting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy colorful illustrations and those curious about the world's diversity.

• Everything & Everywhere: A Fact-Filled Adventure for Curious Globe-Trotters by Marc Martin
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Travel, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on a global tour, exploring unique aspects of various cultures and the distinctive elements of different cities around the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural literacy, curiosity about the world, observational skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages exploration and appreciation of the vast variety of global cultures in a vibrant and artistic manner.
  • Perfect for: Curious children who dream of traveling and learning about new places.

• The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding Our World and Its Ecosystems by Rachel Ignotofsky
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Environmental Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book explains how Earth's systems interconnect to support life, covering topics from ecosystems and biodiversity to environmental preservation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, understanding of ecosystems, conservation efforts
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific concepts accessible and fascinating to young minds.
  • Perfect for: Environmentally conscious kids and those interested in science and nature.

• Atlas of Adventures: A collection of natural wonders, exciting experiences and fun festivities from the four corners of the globe by Rachel Williams, illustrated by Lucy Letherland
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Travel, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a series of adventures across the globe, showcasing exciting activities and festivals in different cultures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural understanding, sense of adventure, geographical diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging and playful way to learn about the world through the lens of fun and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who enjoy stories of adventure and cultural festivals.

Challenging Geography Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary by Jack Knowlton, illustrated by Harriet Barton
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This glossary explains geographical terms from archipelago to zenith with clear illustrations and definitions.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced geographical vocabulary and concepts that are typically not covered in depth at this age level.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps build a solid foundation in geographical literacy, enhancing both vocabulary and understanding of complex physical geography terms.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy science and nature, and those looking to expand their academic vocabulary.

• The Ancient World in 100 Words by Clive Gifford, illustrated by Gosia Herba
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History, Geography
  • Synopsis: This book explores the ancient world through 100 key words, each explaining a different aspect of historical geography.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into historical contexts and their geographical impacts using concise explanations that require careful thought and understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique intersection of history and geography, providing insights into how geographical features influenced ancient civilizations.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and geography enthusiasts who are keen to understand the past's influence on modern landscapes.

• Blue Planet II by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, based on the original television series by BBC
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Environmental Science, Geography
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on a journey into Earth's oceans, exploring underwater ecosystems and their geographical features.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers complex scientific and geographical content related to marine biology and oceanography.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances understanding of Earth's water systems and promotes awareness of environmental issues affecting our oceans.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and any reader fascinated by marine life and the vast, unexplored territories of our planet.

• World Atlas of Coffee: From Beans to Brewing by James Hoffmann
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Geography, Culinary
  • Synopsis: This book covers the journey of coffee beans around the world, exploring the geographical aspects of coffee growing.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of agriculture, trade, and economics through the lens of geography.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on how a popular global commodity like coffee connects cultures and economies.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring geographers and young economists, as well as coffee lovers interested in the origins of their favorite brew.

• The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently...and Why by Richard E. Nisbett
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Psychology, Cultural Geography
  • Synopsis: This book explores how the physical geography of a region influences the cultural psychology of its inhabitants.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses complex psychological theories and cultural differences shaped by geographical factors.
  • Why we recommend this book: It broadens readers’ understanding of how geography can shape thought processes and cultural norms.
  • Perfect for: Students interested in psychology, cultural studies, and geography, looking to explore the intersection of these fields.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of geography books, here are some fun exercises to enhance your reading experience and develop good habits. These are perfect for 12-year-olds eager to explore the globe through the pages of a book.

• Create a World Map Pinboard
  • What it is: Assemble a pinboard to mark locations you read about.
  • How it helps: Visualizes the places you learn about, enhancing memory and understanding.
  • Tips: Use different colored pins for different continents or types of geographical features.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of every chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what you've learned and improves retention.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and use bullet points to highlight key information.

• Discuss with Friends or Family
  • What it is: Talk about what you've read with others.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows you to view concepts from different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to explain the geographical concepts in your own words during the discussion.

• Draw Geographic Features
  • What it is: Sketch maps or landscapes described in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops a deeper understanding of physical geography and spatial awareness.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic perfection; focus on the geographical accuracy.

• Research More Online
  • What it is: Look up additional information on the Internet about the places you read about.
  • How it helps: Expands your knowledge and satisfies curiosity beyond the book's content.
  • Tips: Make sure to use reputable sources and compare the information with what's in your book.

• Make Flashcards of Key Terms
  • What it is: Create flashcards for important geographical terms and concepts.
  • How it helps: Aids in memorizing definitions and important facts.
  • Tips: Use these flashcards regularly to keep the information fresh in your mind.

These exercises aren't just about making reading more interactive—they're about making it more effective and enjoyable. By integrating these activities into your reading routine, you'll not only understand geography better but also develop a love for learning about the world. So grab your geography book, pick an exercise, and start exploring!