10+ Best Kindle Unlimited Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect reading list for your tween? Look no further! Our roundup of Kindle Unlimited books for 12-year-olds offers a treasure trove of exciting reads that are just a click away. Whether your young reader is into thrilling adventures, mysterious tales, or heartwarming stories, we've got something that will catch their eye. Keep reading to discover our diverse selection of Kindle Unlimited books for 12-year-olds, and find the perfect match to keep your child hooked on reading!
Table of Contents
Fun Kindle Unlimited Books for 12-Year-Olds
- 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 embarks on a thrilling adventure to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastic blend of modern adventure and ancient mythology, making Greek gods and legends accessible and exciting. It also deals with themes of friendship, courage, and identity.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and learning about mythology.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
- Synopsis: Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his magical heritage.
- Why we recommend this book: It introduces the magical world and its complexities in a way that captivates young minds. It's great for imagination and can help instill a love of reading through its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
- Perfect for: Readers new to fantasy novels and anyone who dreams of experiencing a magical world.
- The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Adventure
- Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves on opposite sides of a battle when they are taken to an enchanted school where young heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between Good and Evil.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fresh take on the themes of friendship and rivalry, set against a richly built world full of twists and turns. It challenges the traditional notions of good and evil.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and stories about friendship and self-discovery.
- Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja by Marcus Emerson
- Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
- Synopsis: A boy named Chase Cooper starts at a new school and is recruited into a ninja clan. As a sixth grader, he navigates school life and his secret life as a ninja.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with action-packed adventure, making it incredibly engaging for young readers. It also touches on issues like fitting in and standing up for oneself.
- Perfect for: Kids who love stories that mix school life with exciting adventures and secret missions.
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. It explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and the struggle to be understood.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of being kind to everyone, regardless of their appearance. It's a heartwarming read that encourages understanding and acceptance.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about overcoming challenges and building strong friendships.
Educational Kindle Unlimited Books for 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 and adventure with intellectual challenges that keep readers engaged and thinking critically.
- 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, Coming of Age
- Synopsis: A young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As she grows, her magic becomes both a danger and a gift, and she must learn to control her powers.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, understanding complex narratives
- Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that explores complex themes such as love, sacrifice, and the journey to self-discovery.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about magic and personal growth.
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: Roz the robot is stranded on a wild island, where she must learn to survive and navigate the wilderness. As she befriends the island's animal inhabitants, she begins to explore what it means to be alive.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, technology, adaptation, and friendship
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of technology and nature, encouraging readers to think about how they interact with the environment around them.
- Perfect for: Kids interested in technology, nature, and stories about survival and friendship.
- Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
- Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, School Life
- Synopsis: Ally has always had trouble reading, and school is a challenge for her until a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, recognizes her dyslexia and helps her understand that she's not alone.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding dyslexia, empathy, self-acceptance
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that promotes understanding and acceptance of learning differences.
- Perfect for: Students who face their own learning challenges or anyone who's ever felt out of place.
- The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
- Synopsis: Set in medieval France, it tells the story of three children with special powers and a dog who come together to perform miracles and save books from being burned.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, cultural understanding, critical thinking
- Why we recommend this book: It weaves historical facts with fantasy in a way that is both educational and immensely entertaining.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings, adventure, and a touch of magic.
Challenging Kindle Unlimited Books for 12-Year-Olds
- The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming of Age
- Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, 12-year-old Calpurnia Tate struggles with societal expectations but finds a passion for science and nature under the guidance of her cantankerous grandfather.
- Why this book is challenging: It features complex scientific concepts and historical context that require a higher level of comprehension.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and inspires readers to question gender roles and societal norms while fostering a love for science and exploration.
- Perfect for: Young scientists and history buffs who are curious about the natural world and women's history.
- The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War, Coming of Age
- Synopsis: During WWII, a young girl named Ada escapes her abusive mother by evacuating London with her brother to the countryside, where she discovers a new world of freedom and belonging.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into emotional and physical abuse, war themes, and the protagonist's disability, presenting complex emotional layers for young readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful, uplifting story about resilience, personal growth, and transformation, providing historical insights and emotional depth.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in historical events and stories of personal triumph.
- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
- Synopsis: After his family is brutally murdered, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where ghosts and other supernatural beings raise him and protect him from the assassin who continues to hunt him.
- Why this book is challenging: It incorporates advanced vocabulary and concepts involving life, death, and existential ideas, wrapped in a gothic fantasy setting.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with supernatural elements in a captivating narrative that explores themes of family, identity, and courage.
- Perfect for: Fans of spooky stories and supernatural mysteries who appreciate a deep, thought-provoking plot.
- When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
- Synopsis: Set in the late 1970s, sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future and must decipher who is sending them and why before a tragic death occurs.
- Why this book is challenging: The plot involves complex concepts of time travel and the interconnectivity of events, requiring readers to think critically about cause and effect.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, intellectually stimulating book that combines elements of mystery and speculative fiction with real-life issues.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles and time-travel stories that make them think.
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin travel through space and time to rescue their father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
- Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex scientific and philosophical themes like quantum physics and the battle between good and evil.
- Why we recommend this book: This classic novel encourages imagination and curiosity about science and the universe, while also exploring deeper themes of love and family.
- Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy science fiction and stories about extraordinary journeys.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you've got a 12-year-old at home who's diving into the world of Kindle Unlimited, you're in luck! Not only does Kindle Unlimited offer a vast library of books perfect for tweens, but it also provides a great opportunity to develop strong reading habits. Below are some fun and effective exercises to help your young reader get the most out of their reading experience. Let's dive in!
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month.
- How it helps: Encourages consistency and a sense of accomplishment.
- Tips: Start with a manageable goal and increase it gradually.
- Create a Reading Schedule
- What it is: Allocate specific times each day for reading.
- How it helps: Ensures regular reading and helps in time management.
- Tips: Choose a quiet time of day when your child is most alert.
- Read and Discuss
- What it is: Read a book and discuss it with friends or family.
- How it helps: Enhances comprehension and analytical skills.
- Tips: Encourage your child to think of questions or topics for discussion.
- Book Selection Day
- What it is: Dedicate a day to browse and select new books on Kindle Unlimited.
- How it helps: Makes the process of choosing books exciting and engaging.
- Tips: Let your child lead the selection process to boost their interest.
- Reading Challenges
- What it is: Participate in or create personalized reading challenges.
- How it helps: Adds a fun and competitive element to reading.
- Tips: Include a variety of genres to expand their horizons.
- Summarize the Story
- What it is: Write a brief summary of each book after reading.
- How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of the narrative.
- Tips: Keep the summaries creative, perhaps through drawings or comics.
- Keep a Reading Journal
- What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
- How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
- Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.
Incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine can make their experience with Kindle Unlimited not only more structured but also a lot more enjoyable. Remember, the key is consistency and making sure that reading remains a fun and rewarding part of their daily life. Happy reading!