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

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect online reading books for 12-year-olds? You're in the right place! Whether your young reader is looking for adventure, mystery, or just a fun story, our curated lists have something that will catch their eye and spark their imagination. Keep reading to explore the exciting world of online reading books for 12-year-olds and find the perfect match for your eager reader!

Fun Online Reading Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Auggie Pullman, a boy born with facial differences, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie strives to convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that promotes empathy, kindness, and acceptance. A perfect read for tweens learning about diversity and the importance of looking beyond the surface.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating school dynamics and learning about the value of acceptance and friendship.

• 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 thrust into a world of Greek mythology. He embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it an exciting and educational read. It's great for boosting imagination and interest in historical myths.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy fast-paced stories 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 eleventh 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 past and his abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's the gateway to a magical universe with relatable themes like friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and magic, and anyone new to the fantasy genre.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby. Raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, Luna must control her powers before they control her.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with complex characters and a unique plot that explores the power of love and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love beautifully crafted tales with strong female protagonists and magical elements.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig large holes every day. Through his efforts, Stanley uncovers the history of the camp and why they are really digging.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of an intriguing mystery and a survival story that also tackles themes of friendship, justice, and fate.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that are both thought-provoking and entertaining, with a mix of humor and suspense.

Educational Online Reading Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Illustrator: Carson Ellis
  • 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. The kids must discover the truth behind a global crisis known as The Emergency.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with puzzles and riddles that keep readers engaged and thinking critically.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love solving puzzles and mysteries, and those who enjoy stories about secret missions and teamwork.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows Hugo Cabret, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station. Hugo's survival depends on secrets and anonymity, but his world changes when he meets a bookish girl and an old man running a toy booth in the station.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mechanical understanding, and appreciation of the art of storytelling through visuals.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique blend of text and full-page illustrations provides a visually engaging reading experience that also delves into the history of cinema.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and fans of historical adventures, as well as those fascinated by machinery and cinema.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a city shrouded in darkness, two children, Lina and Doon, discover clues that could lead to the salvation of their city, which is running out of power and resources. They must decipher the clues and find a way out before it's too late.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, ethical reasoning, and environmental awareness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also prompts readers to think about sustainability, resource management, and the importance of questioning the status quo.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and environmental issues, and those who enjoy stories about young heroes changing their world.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's about his adventures from being banished from his mouse colony to saving a human princess from darkness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, and narrative skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully told fairy tale that emphasizes the values of courage, forgiveness, and following one's heart.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic fairy tales with a modern twist and characters who overcome great obstacles with bravery.

• Frindle by Andrew Clements
  • Illustrator: Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: When fifth-grader Nick Allen learns about how words are created, he decides to invent his own word: "Frindle." What starts as a simple classroom prank grows into a nationwide phenomenon.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, vocabulary building, and understanding of linguistics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that celebrates creativity and shows the power of words and ideas.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are creative thinkers or interested in words and their meanings, and those who enjoy stories about school and innovation.

Challenging Online Reading Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they travel through space and time to rescue their father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes like good versus evil and the power of love, intertwined with elements of theoretical physics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think deeply about the universe and their role in it, while also exploring the strength of family and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and fans of epic adventures.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
  • Illustrator: Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disillusioned, young Milo receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and philosophical lessons.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in wordplay, puns, and abstract concepts that challenge readers to think creatively and critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the power of curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love language, puzzles, and whimsical adventures.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other stolen children from terrible experiments in a parallel universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes such as freedom of will and the critique of authoritarian institutions, wrapped in a dense, imaginative narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling adventure combined with a deep, thought-provoking exploration of morality and authority.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy rich, complex fantasies and questioning the world around them.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age, Family
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War-era America and navigate the challenges of growing up and finding their places in the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores various themes of love, gender roles, and personal ambition through detailed character development and period dialogue.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides timeless lessons on resilience, sisterhood, and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate character-driven stories and historical settings.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: An imaginative and talkative girl named Anne Shirley is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style provides rich descriptions and a deep exploration of Anne's emotional and psychological development.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach important lessons about love, friendship, and finding one's place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about growth and self-discovery, filled with both humor and heart.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 12 years old and diving into the world of online books, kudos to you! To make the most out of your reading experience, it's great to develop some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can help you do just that. They're simple, fun, and really effective. Let's get started!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books or pages you want to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and on track with your reading.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that challenge you without being overwhelming.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in your home where you go to read.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances your focus.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Use a Digital Bookmark
  • What it is: Utilize bookmarks in your e-reader or app to save your place.
  • How it helps: Saves time and lets you easily pick up where you left off.
  • Tips: Learn how to use bookmarks on your specific device or app.

• Join an Online Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a digital forum or group that discusses books.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to different genres and ideas.
  • Tips: Be active in discussions and respect others' opinions.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and revisit them before continuing the book.

• Read Aloud Occasionally
  • What it is: Read passages or chapters out loud from time to time.
  • How it helps: Enhances your reading fluency and verbal skills.
  • Tips: Try different tones and voices to make it more fun and engaging.

• Limit Screen Time Before Reading
  • What it is: Avoid using other electronic devices at least 30 minutes before your reading time.
  • How it helps: Reduces eye strain and improves concentration.
  • Tips: Engage in a relaxing activity like stretching or making a cup of tea instead.

So, there you have it! These exercises aren't just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading a more enjoyable and integral part of your life. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to incorporate these practices regularly. Happy reading!