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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to inspire and cultivate leadership skills in your young ones? Discovering the right resources can be a game changer, and that’s where our list of leadership books for 12-year-olds comes into play. These books are handpicked to engage, motivate, and teach valuable leadership qualities in a way that resonates with pre-teens. Keep reading to explore various leadership books for 12-year-olds that could light the spark of leadership in your child!

Fun Leadership Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Biography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from famine.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of ingenuity and determination, showing young readers that they can overcome obstacles and make a difference in the world.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and anyone interested in stories of extraordinary achievement against the odds.

• Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome by Robby Novak and Brad Montague
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Motivational, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book from YouTube sensation Kid President offers 100 ways to make the world a better place, starting with simple acts of kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fun, uplifting, and practical advice that encourages kids to lead by example and be proactive.
  • Perfect for: Young leaders and activists, and fans of Kid President’s positive and humorous videos.

• Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Leadership, Personal Development
  • Synopsis: This book uses a story format to teach about the importance of how we view others and how this affects our ability to lead effectively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex ideas about leadership and self-awareness in a way that is accessible to younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young leaders and those interested in personal growth and self-improvement.

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Personal Development, Leadership
  • Synopsis: Adapted from his father’s famous book, Sean Covey applies the 7 habits to teenage challenges, offering advice on everything from making good decisions to managing stress.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides timeless principles in a fun and engaging way, tailored specifically for teens.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking to improve their self-discipline, leadership skills, and ability to work with others.

• I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick
  • Genre(s): Biography, Inspirational, Memoir
  • Synopsis: This memoir tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who fought for her right to education and became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful example of how courage and persistence can bring about change, encouraging young readers to stand up for what they believe in.
  • Perfect for: Young activists, readers interested in women's rights, and those inspired by stories of personal courage.

Educational Leadership Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Making of a Young Entrepreneur by Gabrielle Jordan Williams
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Business, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: A motivational book written by a teen entrepreneur, Gabrielle Jordan Williams, who started her own jewelry business at age 9. She shares her journey and the lessons she learned along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, motivation, personal development
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a real-life success story that shows young readers that age is just a number when it comes to achieving big dreams.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young entrepreneurs and any young person interested in starting a business.

• The Leader in Me by Stephen R. Covey
  • Genre(s): Education, Leadership, Personal Development
  • Synopsis: This book explores how schools around the world are fostering leadership qualities in young children by incorporating the principles of Stephen Covey’s "7 Habits of Highly Effective People."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Leadership skills, personal responsibility, effective communication
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a blueprint for integrating leadership training into daily activities and curriculum, which can transform students into capable, confident leaders.
  • Perfect for: Students and educators looking for practical ways to incorporate leadership training into school life.

• What Do You Stand For? For Kids by Barbara A. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Character Education, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book offers a fun and interactive approach to character building, presenting various traits like fairness, honesty, and respect through stories and examples.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Character development, ethical decision-making, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages kids to think about what qualities make a good leader and a good person through engaging activities and thought-provoking questions.
  • Perfect for: Children who are developing their sense of right and wrong and those interested in becoming role models in their communities.

• Young Leaders 3.0: Stories, Insights, and Tips for Next-Generation Achievers by Jason Ma
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Leadership, Career Guidance
  • Synopsis: This book compiles stories and advice from successful young leaders who share their experiences in leadership roles, from entrepreneurship to community service.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Leadership skills, strategic thinking, career planning
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers direct insights from peers who have excelled in various fields, providing relatable and actionable advice for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young individuals looking to develop leadership qualities and understand the pathways to success in various arenas.

• Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Entrepreneurship, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: The founder of TOMS shoes, Blake Mycoskie, shares the story behind the brand and how the idea of giving a pair of shoes for every pair sold has transformed business and philanthropy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social entrepreneurship, creative thinking, philanthropy
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires readers to think creatively about how businesses can help solve global problems and make a significant impact.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in business, innovation, and making a positive difference in the world.

Challenging Leadership Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Lincoln on Leadership for Today by Donald T. Phillips
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, History, Leadership
  • Synopsis: This book applies the leadership principles of Abraham Lincoln to contemporary business and political environments, offering insights into how Lincoln's strategies can be used today.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires understanding historical contexts and applying them to modern scenarios, which involves complex critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on leadership by drawing lessons from one of America's greatest presidents, encouraging young readers to think strategically and ethically.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and young leaders interested in political science and leadership strategies.

• The Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
  • Illustrator: Nan Lawson
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Self-help, Empowerment
  • Synopsis: This book tackles the complexities of girlhood and confidence, providing research-based insights and practical advice to help girls understand and boost their own confidence.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses psychological concepts and self-esteem issues that are complex and deeply personal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers young girls by providing tools and stories that inspire confidence and assertiveness.
  • Perfect for: Girls looking to strengthen their self-esteem and leadership skills in their formative years.

• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Education, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This influential book introduces the concept of "fixed" vs. "growth" mindsets, explaining how our beliefs about our abilities affect our behavior and success.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into psychological theories and requires readers to self-reflect on deeply ingrained beliefs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of a growth mindset for personal development and leadership, encouraging young readers to embrace challenges and learn from failures.
  • Perfect for: Young scholars and anyone interested in psychology and personal growth.

• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Business, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book explores the science of motivation and argues that the key to high performance and satisfaction in today's world is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, learn and create new things, and do better by ourselves and the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It challenges traditional notions of motivation and rewards, requiring readers to think critically about what drives them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh perspective on motivation that goes beyond traditional rewards, which can transform how young leaders approach goals and challenges.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in understanding what drives human behavior in leadership and life.

• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown
  • Genre(s): Leadership, Personal Development, Psychology
  • Synopsis: Brené Brown discusses the fundamentals of becoming a brave leader who is not afraid to take risks and engage in tough conversations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves complex emotional intelligence concepts and the application of vulnerability in leadership.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages young readers to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in their leadership style, which can lead to more effective and compassionate leadership.
  • Perfect for: Young leaders who want to develop a resilient and empathetic approach to leading others.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into leadership books at the age of 12, that's pretty impressive! To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help you develop great reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make reading more enjoyable.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and motivated to finish books.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and to the point.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are also reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or join one that already exists.

• Create a Mind Map
  • What it is: Draw a mind map that connects different ideas and characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the connections and themes in the book.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make your mind map more engaging and easier to understand.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down any questions that arise while you read.
  • How it to helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Review these questions after finishing the book to see if they were answered.

• Teach What You Learn
  • What it is: Explain the key points of the book to someone else.
  • How it helps: Teaching is one of the best ways to understand a topic thoroughly.
  • Tips: Use simple language and examples to make the concepts clear to your audience.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy the leadership books more, but you'll also absorb more of the valuable lessons they contain. Keep up the great work, and remember that every leader is first a reader!