10+ Best Realistic Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that captures the complexities of being 12? Look no further than our comprehensive guide to realistic fiction books for 12-year-olds. Whether your young reader seeks stories of friendship, adventure, or self-discovery, we've got a variety of picks that resonate with today's preteens. Keep reading to dive into our handpicked selections and find the book that might just become their new favorite!
Table of Contents
Fun Realistic Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: The story centers around August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through his experiences, readers explore themes of kindness, friendship, and acceptance.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that promotes empathy and understanding, showing how diverse experiences can unite people.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about overcoming challenges and those interested in social themes.
- Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: This novel follows Melody, an incredibly intelligent girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak or write. Her journey highlights her struggles and triumphs in communicating with the world around her.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful perspective on disabilities and the inner strength required to face daily challenges.
- Perfect for: Young readers looking to understand diverse life experiences and the importance of inclusion.
- The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: After her best friend's death in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause was a rare jellyfish sting. She embarks on a heartfelt journey to prove her theory, learning about life, grief, and healing.
- Why we recommend this book: It delicately handles the topic of loss and the process of grief through a unique scientific lens, encouraging curiosity and resilience.
- Perfect for: Readers who are interested in science and nature, or those dealing with personal loss.
- Rules by Cynthia Lord
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: This story focuses on Catherine, a 12-year-old girl who longs for a normal life, which feels out of reach due to her brother's autism and the challenges it brings. She learns about acceptance and the complexities of love and friendship.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers insights into family dynamics and the acceptance of differences within family and friends.
- Perfect for: Those who appreciate stories about family and sibling relationships, and learning to embrace individual differences.
- Holes by Louis Sachar
- Genre(s): Adventure, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where the boys are forced to dig holes daily. The story unfolds with a blend of mystery and adventure, revealing the reasons behind this strange punishment.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating and unusual tale that combines historical elements with a modern-day story, perfect for sparking an interest in storytelling.
- Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love mysteries and stories about justice and friendship.
Educational Realistic Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: This novel follows Esperanza, a young girl who goes from a privileged life in Mexico to a challenging new existence in the Great Depression-era United States, working in a labor camp.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context of the Great Depression, empathy, understanding of immigrant experiences, cultural awareness
- Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling, emotionally rich story that highlights resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in historical perspectives and stories of perseverance.
- Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
- Genre(s): Mystery, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: When seventh-grader Georges moves into a new apartment building, he meets Safer, a boy who ropes him into a spying mission. As the mystery deepens, Georges confronts his fears and learns about trust.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, understanding of complex friendships and trust
- Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with the challenges of middle school life in a story that's both engaging and thought-provoking.
- Perfect for: Young detectives and readers who enjoy stories about friendship and personal growth.
- Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: This book tells the story of Willow Chance, a 12-year-old genius who is obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions, and how her life changes dramatically when her adoptive parents die in a car accident.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Coping with loss, resilience, diversity, and interpersonal relationships
- Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative about finding unexpected family and coping with immense loss, filled with heart and humor.
- Perfect for: Readers who like stories that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving.
- Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: The story centers on Ally, who has managed to hide her inability to read until her new teacher Mr. Daniels helps her understand and overcome her dyslexia.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of dyslexia and learning differences, empathy, self-confidence
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that encourages understanding and acceptance of learning disabilities and showcases the importance of supportive educators.
- Perfect for: Readers who face their own challenges in school or anyone who benefits from stories of overcoming obstacles through perseverance and support.
- The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Set during WWII, this novel follows Ada, a young girl born with a clubfoot who is evacuated from London to the countryside, discovering a new life of freedom and belonging away from her abusive mother.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge of WWII, understanding of physical disabilities, resilience
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, emotional exploration of personal transformation amidst the backdrop of war.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in historical events, personal growth, and stories of triumph over adversity.
Challenging Realistic Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds
- The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Adventure, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Coyote Sunrise and her dad, Rodeo, live on the road in an old school bus, traveling wherever they feel like going. But when Coyote learns that a park in her old neighborhood is being demolished—the same neighborhood where her mother and sisters were killed in an accident—she tricks her dad into crossing the country to save a memory box buried there.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes of grief, loss, and healing, presented through the eyes of a young protagonist, which requires a mature understanding from the reader.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, poignant story that combines elements of adventure with deep emotional insights, encouraging readers to explore their feelings about loss and family.
- Perfect for: Young adventurers and readers who appreciate stories about emotional growth and resilience.
- When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: As sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future, she begins to believe that she's caught up in something extraordinary. Set in 1970s New York, this story combines elements of mystery and science fiction with everyday life.
- Why this book is challenging: The plot involves complex concepts of time travel and the interconnectivity of events, requiring readers to think critically about cause and effect.
- Why we recommend this book: This book offers a thrilling, intellectual challenge wrapped in a story of friendship and coming-of-age, perfect for fostering imagination and critical thinking.
- Perfect for: Readers who love puzzles and mysteries, as well as those interested in science fiction and realistic settings.
- One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Carley Connors' life is turned upside down when she's placed in foster care and finds herself living with the Murphys, a perfect family who she believes could never want her. As she navigates her new life, Carley learns about love, trust, and what it means to be a family.
- Why this book is challenging: The themes of foster care, abuse, and conflicting emotions are dealt with in a realistic and nuanced manner, requiring readers to grapple with complex and mature topics.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt story that offers a look into the foster care system and the challenges of forming new family bonds. It encourages empathy and understanding.
- Perfect for: Readers who are interested in stories about family dynamics and personal development.
- The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: Zoey, a seventh-grader, struggles with life's daily challenges under the weight of poverty and responsibility as she takes care of her younger siblings while her mom works long hours. She finds solace and strength in her school's debate club, learning to use her voice.
- Why this book is challenging: The book addresses poverty, gun violence, and domestic issues with a depth that demands a mature comprehension level from its readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful voice for those who feel voiceless and shows the strength it takes to rise above difficult circumstances.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of overcoming adversity and finding one's voice through self-advocacy and resilience.
- Paper Things by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
- Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: When 11-year-old Ari's guardian decides to move away, she chooses to stay with her older brother, Gage. But without a stable home, her dream of attending Carter Middle School is jeopardized. Ari struggles with homelessness and the challenges of keeping her life together while keeping her situation a secret.
- Why this book is challenging: It explores the issue of homelessness from a child's perspective, dealing with themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Why we recommend this book: This story sheds light on the struggles of homeless youth with sensitivity and realism, promoting understanding and empathy among readers.
- Perfect for: Readers who are interested in social issues and stories that highlight the importance of family and perseverance.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the world of realistic fiction books, especially tailored for 12-year-olds, you're in for a treat! These books can be a fantastic way to explore complex emotions and situations that might be relevant to your own life. But how can you make the most out of your reading experience? Well, I've got some great exercises to help you develop solid reading habits while enjoying your books. Let’s dive in!
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
- How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your day.
- Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.
- Create a Reading Space
- What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
- How it helps: Enhances your focus and makes your reading time special and enjoyable.
- Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
- How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
- Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.
- Keep a Reading Journal
- What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books.
- How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
- Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.
- Read Aloud
- What it is: Read the book aloud to yourself or to someone else.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
- Tips: Change your tone and pace to match different characters or situations in the story.
- Visualize the Story
- What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
- How it helps: Enhances imagination and helps you understand the setting and characters better.
- Tips: Pause after a few pages and picture what you just read like a movie scene.
- Connect with the Author
- What it is: Learn more about the author’s life and other works.
- How it helps: Provides context to the story and can enhance your appreciation of the book.
- Tips: Check if the author has a website or interviews online.
These exercises aren't just tasks; they're ways to enrich your journey through the pages of any book. By integrating these habits, you'll not only improve your reading skills but also deepen your connection with the stories you read. So, grab your next realistic fiction novel, get comfy, and start exploring! Happy reading!