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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect manga books for 12-year-olds? You're in the right place! Whether your tween is a seasoned manga reader or just starting to explore this captivating world, we've got a curated selection that's bound to pique their interest. Keep reading to discover our top picks of manga books that are just right for 12-year-olds, ensuring they get the best mix of adventure, humor, and excitement.

Fun Manga Books for 12-Year-Olds

• My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi
  • Genre(s): Action, Superhero, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This manga follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where they are common, but who still dreams of becoming a great hero.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and inspirational themes about pursuing your dreams against all odds, which is perfect for motivating young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of superheroes and stories about overcoming challenges.

• Pokémon Adventures by Hidenori Kusaka, illustrated by Mato and Satoshi Yamamoto
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This series details the adventures of various trainers as they travel the world with their Pokémon companions, battling other trainers and thwarting evil organizations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the fun and excitement of the Pokémon world, encouraging imaginative thinking and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Pokémon enthusiasts and young readers who enjoy adventure and teamwork.

• Yotsuba&! by Kiyohiko Azuma
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: The manga chronicles the everyday adventures of a cheerful and energetic young girl named Yotsuba as she explores the world around her with a sense of wonder.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its light-hearted and humorous approach makes reading enjoyable and stress-free, which is great for encouraging a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy laughter and exploring everyday curiosities.

• Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: Sakura Kinomoto accidentally unleashes a set of magical cards that she must retrieve to prevent catastrophe. Along the way, she discovers her own latent magical powers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magical adventures with lessons about responsibility and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like magical girls, fantasy, and a touch of romance.

• Hikaru no Go by Yumi Hotta, illustrated by Takeshi Obata
  • Genre(s): Drama, Sports (Board Games), Supernatural
  • Synopsis: Hikaru Shindo finds an old Go board haunted by the spirit of a master Go player. Together, they pursue the path of becoming a great Go player.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to the intellectual game of Go through an engaging supernatural storyline, promoting strategic thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in games and those who enjoy stories where characters grow and develop skills.

Educational Manga Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Silver Spoon by Hiromu Arakawa
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life, Educational
  • Synopsis: The story follows Yuugo Hachiken, a city boy who enrolls in an agricultural school, learning about farm life, animal husbandry, and the realities of the agricultural industry.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Agricultural knowledge, responsibility, personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous yet insightful look into agricultural life and the food industry, which is often overlooked in urban-centric narratives.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in farming, animals, and food production.

• Cells at Work! by Akane Shimizu
  • Genre(s): Educational, Comedy
  • Synopsis: This manga anthropomorphizes cells in the human body, focusing on a red blood cell and a white blood cell as they work to keep the body healthy against various threats like viruses and bacteria.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Biology, human anatomy, health education
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines education with entertainment, making learning about the human body fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and how the human body works.

• Barakamon by Satsuki Yoshino
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: A young, hot-headed calligrapher, Seishuu Handa, is exiled to a small island to cool off and find inspiration after a public outburst, where he meets the quirky villagers who teach him about life’s simple joys.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art and creativity, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a heartwarming story that emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the impact of art in everyday life.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring artists and readers who enjoy heartwarming stories.

• The Manga Guide to Physics by Hideo Nitta, illustrated by Keita Takatsu
  • Genre(s): Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: This manga uses engaging stories and characters to explain complex physics concepts like force, velocity, and Newton's laws of motion in an accessible way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Physics principles, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down intimidating physics concepts into understandable segments using storytelling, which aids in easier comprehension and retention.
  • Perfect for: Students who might be struggling with physics or those interested in learning through visual storytelling.

• Nichijou by Keiichi Arawi
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: The series depicts the everyday but unusual adventures of a group of friends and their school life, blending surreal humor and relatable scenarios.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, humor appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of absurdity and relatability, encouraging readers to find joy and laughter in everyday life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy quirky humor and creative storytelling.

Challenging Manga Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Promised Neverland by Kaiu Shirai, illustrated by Posuka Demizu
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Children at Grace Field House have lived a comfortable life under the care of their "Mom," unaware of the dark truth that awaits them outside. When they uncover the grim fate that awaits them, they must plan a risky escape to survive.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes like betrayal, strategy, and survival under dire circumstances, requiring readers to think critically about moral dilemmas and psychological challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, while also exploring deep emotional and ethical questions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy suspense, strategic plots, and psychological depth.

• A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Oima
  • Genre(s): Drama, Coming-of-Age, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: The story follows Shoya Ishida, a former bully, as he seeks redemption by reconnecting with Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl he tormented in his youth. Their reunion leads to unexpected paths of self-discovery and forgiveness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses serious topics such as bullying, disability, and mental health, presenting them in a way that is thoughtful and introspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: This manga offers a powerful look at the consequences of our actions and the importance of empathy, making it a profound read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in emotional growth and social issues.

• Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba, illustrated by Takeshi Obata
  • Genre(s): Supernatural, Thriller, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A high school student, Light Yagami, stumbles upon a mysterious notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. As he uses the notebook to rid the world of criminals, a complex cat-and-mouse game ensues with a brilliant detective known as L.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores intricate themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of having god-like powers, requiring readers to engage with philosophical questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling thriller that sharpens critical thinking and introduces readers to ethical dilemmas, wrapped in a high-stakes narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles, mysteries, and exploring deep ethical questions.

• Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura
  • Genre(s): Historical, Adventure, Drama
  • Synopsis: Set in the era of Vikings, this manga follows the life of a young warrior, Thorfinn, who seeks vengeance against a warrior who killed his father. Along his journey, Thorfinn encounters historical figures and experiences the brutal reality of the Viking wars.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates detailed historical contexts and complex character developments, presenting themes of revenge, war, and the quest for peace.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a vivid portrayal of historical events through engaging storytelling and beautifully detailed art, offering both educational and emotional insights.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by history, epic tales, and moral complexities.

• Monster by Naoki Urasawa
  • Genre(s): Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Drama
  • Synopsis: Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a Japanese brain surgeon living in Germany, faces a moral dilemma that sets him on a dangerous path involving a former patient who is a serial killer. Tenma must stop him and clear his own name, all while grappling with the consequences of his past decisions.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into psychological depth, exploring themes of human nature, guilt, and redemption, which demand high emotional and intellectual engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: This series is a masterful blend of suspense and moral inquiry, providing a thought-provoking narrative that encourages readers to question what it means to be truly evil or good.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in psychological depth and complex storytelling.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the vibrant world of manga and want to make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed for 12-year-olds that can help develop great reading habits. These exercises are not only fun but also enhance comprehension and engagement. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many manga books or chapters you want to read each week.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can help maintain a consistent reading schedule.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Manga Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words you find while reading manga.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Review this list regularly to reinforce new words.

• Summarize the Story
  • What it is: After finishing a manga, write a brief summary of the plot.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and helps in understanding complex stories.
  • Tips: Try to make your summary as concise as possible.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the manga you are reading with your friends.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and offers different perspectives.
  • Tips: Join or form a manga club to find more friends interested in discussing manga.

• Draw Your Favorite Scene
  • What it is: Sketch a scene from the manga that you particularly enjoyed.
  • How it helps: Encourages a deeper connection with the story and characters.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfect artistry; focus on the emotions and actions in the scene.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to predict what might happen next in the story before you continue reading.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were right as you read.

• Connect the Themes
  • What it is: Identify themes in the manga and relate them to your own life or other books.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and appreciation of the narrative.
  • Tips: Look for recurring motifs or messages throughout the story.

These exercises are a fantastic way to boost your enjoyment and understanding of manga while developing solid reading habits. Whether you're jotting down new words, sketching scenes, or predicting plot twists, each activity offers a unique way to connect with your favorite stories. So, grab your manga, pick an exercise, and start enhancing your reading journey today! Happy reading!