Books Lists
10+ Best Popular Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Looking for the perfect read for your tween? You're in luck! Our roundup of popular books for 12-year-olds is packed with top picks that capture the imagination and excitement of young readers. Whether they're into thrilling adventures, mysterious tales, or heartwarming stories, there's something here for every type of reader. Keep reading to discover our favorite popular books for 12-year-olds and find the perfect match for your young reader's next great adventure!
Table of Contents
Fun Popular Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Genre(s): Children's Literature, Fiction
- Synopsis: The story centers around August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that promotes understanding and kindness, perfect for encouraging empathy in young readers.
- Perfect for: Kids who are transitioning to middle school or those who appreciate stories about overcoming challenges and making friends.
- Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
- Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is thrust into a world of Greek mythology where he must prevent a war among the gods.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it an exciting and educational read for young readers.
- Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love stories about quests and mythical creatures.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
- Synopsis: Harry Potter learns that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he makes friends and confronts a dark force that haunts the magical world.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a magical tale that captivates imaginations and encourages a love for reading through its engaging narrative and complex characters.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy magical worlds and stories about friendship and bravery.
- Holes by Louis Sachar
- Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Young Adult
- Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig holes daily in the desert, leading him to uncover a family curse and a hidden treasure.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inventive story that mixes adventure with a unique historical narrative, engaging young readers to solve mysteries alongside the protagonist.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, mysteries, and stories of justice.
- The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure
- Synopsis: In a city shrouded in darkness, two children find clues that could lead them to the outside world they never knew existed.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling adventure and sparks imagination about other worlds and civilizations.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about exploration and uncovering secrets.
- Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Friendship, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Jess Aarons befriends Leslie Burke, and together they create the magical kingdom of Terabithia in the woods, where they rule as king and queen until tragedy strikes.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story about friendship and loss that helps young readers deal with real-life issues through the safety of fiction.
- Perfect for: Children who appreciate deep emotional stories and the power of imagination.
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
- Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written fairy tale that champions courage and forgiveness, with a tiny hero that has a big heart.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic fairy tales with a modern twist and stories of unlikely heroes.
Educational Popular Books for 12-Year-Olds
- The Giver by Lois Lowry
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
- Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, suffering, differences, or choice, a young boy named Jonas is selected to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, understanding of dystopian literature
- Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the importance of emotions and individuality in a homogenized society.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in thought-provoking narratives and exploring complex themes about society and humanity.
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empathy, courage
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive and appropriate introduction to the Holocaust for young readers, highlighting themes of bravery and friendship.
- Perfect for: Young historians and readers interested in stories of heroism during challenging times.
- The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: A bored young boy named Milo unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth one afternoon and drives through it in his toy car, transporting him to the Kingdom of Wisdom, a fantastical land where he embarks on a quest.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, reading comprehension, creativity
- Why we recommend this book: It's an imaginative adventure that celebrates the joys of learning and the power of curiosity.
- Perfect for: Kids who love whimsical tales and learning through fantastical journeys.
- From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
- Synopsis: Claudia Kincaid, a precocious girl, decides to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where she and her brother, Jamie, uncover a mysterious statue possibly sculpted by Michelangelo.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, critical thinking
- Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with a setting that sparks interest in art history and museums.
- Perfect for: Young detectives and art lovers who enjoy a good mystery and learning about art.
- Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of a Native American girl, Karana, who spends eighteen years isolated on an island off the California coast, surviving through her ingenuity and resilience.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Survival skills, independence, historical context
- Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of survival and solitude that teaches about resilience and the human connection to nature.
- Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by survival stories and historical adventures.
Challenging Popular 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 as they travel through space and time to rescue their father from an evil force.
- Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts like quantum physics, good versus evil, and the power of love, all interwoven into a narrative that challenges the reader's understanding of science and philosophy.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and imagination, providing a thrilling adventure that also explores deep philosophical questions.
- Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and any reader who enjoys a story that challenges their perception of the universe and their place in it.
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this story is narrated by Death and follows a young girl named Liesel as she steals books and learns about life, loss, and the power of words during World War II.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel's perspective through the eyes of Death is unique and provocative, and it deals with heavy themes such as mortality, war, and the power of literature.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique narrative style and a poignant look at human history, encouraging empathy and a deeper understanding of the impact of war.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in history and those who appreciate a novel that provides a new perspective on well-trodden paths.
- His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
- Synopsis: This series opener follows young Lyra Belacqua and her daemon Pantalaimon on a journey filled with danger and discovery, as she navigates a world with witches, armored bears, and a mysterious substance called Dust.
- Why this book is challenging: The series tackles complex themes such as theology, philosophy, and physics, woven into a multi-layered narrative that requires the reader to question the nature of reality.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that stimulates the imagination and challenges young readers to think critically about the world around them.
- Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love to explore richly imagined worlds and complex ideas.
- 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 disaster.
- Why this book is challenging: The puzzles and mysteries presented in the book require logical thinking and creativity, making it an intellectually stimulating read.
- Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, teamwork, and the courage to face formidable challenges, making it both fun and educational.
- Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and stories about secret missions.
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: This prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy follows Bilbo Baggins as he joins a group of dwarves on a journey to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug.
- Why this book is challenging: Tolkien's richly detailed world includes complex languages and intricate lore, requiring readers to immerse themselves fully to grasp the depth of the story.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a classic tale of adventure and courage, filled with rich descriptions and complex characters that will captivate and inspire.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic tales and are ready to dive into a detailed fantasy world.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're 12 or have a 12-year-old at home, diving into books can be an exciting adventure. To make the most of it, why not try some exercises that can help develop strong reading habits? Here are a few that are fun and beneficial.
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide on a number of books or pages to read each week or month.
- How it helps: Helps to provide a clear target and motivates you to read regularly.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Create a Reading Nook
- What it is: Designate a special corner in your home just for reading.
- How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting space that can enhance your reading experience.
- Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and a shelf for your favorite books.
- Join a Book Club
- What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
- How it helps: Encourages reading and provides an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas with peers.
- Tips: Look for clubs at your school, library, or start one with your friends.
- Use a Reading App
- What it is: Utilize technology by finding an app that tracks reading progress or offers book suggestions.
- How it helps: Keeps you organized and can make choosing what to read next easier.
- Tips: Explore apps like Goodreads for tracking and recommendations.
- Read Aloud to Others
- What it is: Share a book by reading it out loud to family or friends.
- How it helps: Improves reading skills and comprehension, and makes reading a shared, social activity.
- Tips: Choose engaging stories that are fun to read aloud.
- Challenge Yourself with Different Genres
- What it is: Broaden your reading by choosing books from a variety of genres.
- How it helps: Expands your understanding and appreciation of different types of storytelling.
- Tips: Alternate between fiction and non-fiction, or try a new genre every month.
By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you'll not only enhance your reading skills but also make reading an enjoyable and integral part of your daily life. Happy reading!