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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for your tween? Look no further! Our latest roundup of new books for 10-12-year-olds is packed with exciting picks that are sure to captivate young readers. Whether they're into thrilling adventures, mysterious tales, or heartwarming stories, we've got something that will catch their eye. Keep reading to discover our top selections of new books for 10-12-year-olds that can't be missed!

Fun New Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a fantasy world inspired by Southeast Asia, a young apprentice mapmaker joins a dangerous expedition to uncharted lands, hoping to uncover her true heritage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also explores themes of identity and integrity, encouraging readers to find their own path.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and dreamers who love maps and mysteries.

• The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Joanna Cacao
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Sports, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: A graphic novel about a middle school girl who tries out for the cheerleading team to fit in, while navigating the challenges of friendship and school life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines engaging visuals with a relatable story, perfect for encouraging reluctant readers to enjoy reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories about school life, friendship, and overcoming challenges.

• Northwind by Gary Paulsen
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: A young boy sets off on a daring journey alone across the Nordic wilderness after his village is destroyed, learning to survive against the harsh elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping survival tale that captivates and educates on resilience and self-reliance.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous spirits and fans of wilderness survival stories.

• Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire, illustrated by David Litchfield
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Following the adventures of Cress the rabbit after her father's mysterious disappearance, she and her family move to a new home in the forest, where she encounters a community of other woodland creatures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale filled with whimsy and lessons about community and coping with change.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy enchanting animal stories and exploring emotional growth.

• The Insiders by Mark Oshiro
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: A queer middle schooler discovers a magical room within his school that seems to exist only for him, offering refuge and insights into his own identity and the complexities of friendship and family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles important themes like identity and belonging in a unique and magical way, making it both fun and meaningful.
  • Perfect for: Kids dealing with issues of identity, belonging, and those who love magical realism.

Educational New Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret by Trudi Trueit
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Cruz Coronado joins the prestigious Explorer Academy, where he and his friends train to become part of the next generation of elite explorers, but soon he discovers secrets that could threaten his life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, geography, science
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with real scientific concepts, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and adventurers who love puzzles and mysteries.

• The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: A girl genius who survived a lightning strike that gave her extraordinary math skills must navigate middle school, where her grandmother insists she hides her abilities to make friends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mathematics, social skills, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a heartwarming story that encourages embracing uniqueness and tackles the challenges of fitting in.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who excel in academics and those facing the challenge of social integration.

• The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Music, Cultural Heritage
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Malú moves to a new city and struggles with her mother's expectations and her love for punk music, eventually finding her way by expressing her true self and embracing her cultural heritage.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, self-expression, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends music, culture, and youthful rebellion with lessons about acceptance and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel different and are trying to find their own voice.

• The Serpent's Secret by Sayantani DasGupta
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: On her twelfth birthday, Kiranmala discovers she's a princess from another dimension and must travel there to save her kidnapped parents while solving riddles and battling creatures from Bengali folklore.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mythology, problem-solving, cultural knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fantastical adventure filled with rich, cultural mythology that is rarely explored in children's books.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in folklore and fans of action-packed fantasy tales.

• Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In Victorian London, an orphaned girl and her golem friend work as chimney sweeps, facing grim realities of the era while forging a bond that transcends their circumstances.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, empathy, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look at historical hardships through a fantastical lens, highlighting themes of resilience and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and stories of unlikely friendships.

Challenging New Books for 10-12-Year-Olds

• The List of Unspeakable Fears by J. Kasper Kramer
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Horror
  • Synopsis: Set in 1900 New York, this novel follows Essie, a young girl who moves to North Brother Island where her stepfather has taken a job at a quarantine hospital. Essie, who is terrified of just about everything, must confront her biggest fears when strange things begin to happen.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with complex themes such as fear, disease, and death, intertwined with historical elements that require a mature understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, atmospheric read that teaches resilience and courage in the face of overwhelming fear.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a historical twist and themes of personal growth.

• The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Indigenous Literature
  • Synopsis: Two Indigenous children, Morgan and Eli, find themselves transported from their foster home in Winnipeg to the barren, icy world of Askí, where they embark on a quest to save its people from starvation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates themes of cultural identity and displacement, blending real-world issues with fantasy elements in a way that challenges the reader to think critically about social issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich narrative that combines adventure with a deep exploration of Indigenous cultures and environmental themes.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in fantasy that teaches about cultural respect and environmental issues.

• Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Amari Peters, an African-American girl, discovers a magical world when she receives an invitation to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. She must compete for a spot against kids who’ve known magic their whole lives, all while trying to uncover the truth about her missing brother.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book layers a magical, fantastical plot with real-world issues like racism and inequality, requiring readers to navigate both complex social themes and an intricate fantasy world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling, action-packed adventure that also deals with important themes like diversity and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magic and mystery, and those looking to see themselves represented in fantastical narratives.

• The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Kate receives a mysterious train called the Silver Arrow from her eccentric uncle, she finds it's magical and can talk. She and her younger brother embark on an extraordinary journey, meeting various talking animals along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into environmental conservation and the responsibilities that come with it, presented through a fantastical lens that requires a sophisticated understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with real-world issues, providing a fun yet insightful reading experience that encourages environmental awareness.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and fans of magical adventures.

• Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Min, a teenage fox spirit, must use her shape-shifting abilities and wits to find her missing brother in space, uncovering galactic secrets and the truth about her family along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel blends Korean mythology with space opera, introducing complex concepts of honor, duty, and the moral ambiguities of warfare.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, culturally rich narrative that offers a unique twist on space adventure and mythology.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi enthusiasts and readers interested in mythology who are looking for a story that challenges both their imagination and ethical perspectives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some exciting new books, it's a fantastic opportunity to develop great reading habits that will not only enhance your enjoyment but also improve your comprehension and retention. Here are a few exercises designed for 10-12-year-olds to get the most out of their reading time:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading habit and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus by associating one place with reading activities.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and comfortable, perhaps with cushions or your favorite chair.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club where you and your friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and discussion, and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Meet regularly, whether in person or online, and come prepared with questions or favorite passages to share.

• Use a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words you find while reading.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and understanding of the book’s language.
  • Tips: Look up definitions as you go and try to use new words in your daily conversations or writing.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps you remember the plot and important details.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and focus on the main events and characters.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to predict what will happen next after each reading session.
  • How it helps: Engages your imagination and analytical skills by thinking ahead.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions with friends or family to see different perspectives.

By incorporating these simple exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only have a blast with your new books but also build strong reading habits that will benefit you for years to come. Enjoy your reading adventure!