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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that will keep your 12-year-old on the edge of their seat? Look no further than our curated selection of survival books for 12-year-olds, packed with thrilling adventures and heart-pounding moments that are sure to captivate young readers. Whether they're into stories of wilderness survival or overcoming incredible odds, we've got something that will not only entertain but also inspire resilience and courage. Keep reading to discover our top picks for survival books that your tween won't be able to put down!

Fun Survival Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: After a plane crash, 13-year-old Brian Robeson must survive alone in the Canadian wilderness with only his wits and a hatchet his mother gave him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping story that teaches resilience and resourcefulness, which are great traits to develop at a young age.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and nature lovers who enjoy thrilling survival stories.

• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Survival
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of a young Native American girl stranded for years on an island off the California coast, where she learns to survive and adapt in isolation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique look at solitude and self-reliance from a young girl's perspective, encouraging independence and strength.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate historical settings and stories of personal courage.

• My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Tired of city life, young Sam Gribley runs away to the Catskill Mountains where he lives in a hollowed-out tree and learns to live off the land.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the spirit of adventure and the joy of discovering nature on one's own terms, which is captivating for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream of outdoor adventures and self-sufficiency.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: In a city shrouded in darkness for generations, two young residents find clues that could lead them to the outside world they've never seen.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fascinating exploration of curiosity and bravery in a controlled society, perfect for stimulating a love of mystery and speculative fiction.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy puzzles and stories about dystopian societies.

• Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: Roz, a robot, finds herself alone on a remote island. She must adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's hostile animal inhabitants to survive.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines technology and nature in a narrative that teaches about adaptation and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, who are interested in stories about overcoming adversity through innovation and empathy.

Educational Survival Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Survivor Kid: A Practical Guide to Wilderness Survival by Denise Long
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Survival, Educational
  • Synopsis: This practical guide offers strategies for children to manage various survival scenarios in the wilderness, from finding food and water to building shelters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Practical survival skills, problem-solving, decision-making
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with useful, real-world survival tips and clear instructions that are easy for kids to understand and apply.
  • Perfect for: Young outdoor enthusiasts who want to learn survival skills and be prepared for any adventure.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Genre(s): Biography, Inspirational, Educational
  • Synopsis: This is the true story of a Malawian teenager who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from drought and famine.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Innovation, engineering principles, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires creativity and perseverance by showing how a young boy's determination and ingenuity can have a profound impact on his community.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in real-life engineering feats and stories of extraordinary determination against all odds.

• Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, illustrated by John Schoenherr
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young Eskimo girl named Julie is lost on the Alaskan tundra and must learn to communicate with a wolf pack to survive.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, animal behavior, cultural appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with detailed, respectful observations of wolf behavior and survival tactics in harsh environments.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young explorers who are fascinated by wildlife and survival stories.

• The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic, Survival
  • Synopsis: After being shipwrecked, the Robinson family must survive on a deserted island, using ingenuity and teamwork to overcome challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family cooperation, problem-solving, resourcefulness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic tale of adventure and ingenuity, showing how a family can work together to overcome unexpected challenges.
  • Perfect for: Families who enjoy reading together and children who love stories of adventure and clever problem-solving.

• Lost in the Barrens by Farley Mowat
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Two boys, one white and one Cree, are stranded in the harsh Canadian Arctic wilderness and must rely on each other and their knowledge of the land to survive.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural understanding, wilderness survival skills, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting survival story that also teaches the value of friendship and respect for different cultures and environments.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thrilling survival tales and learning about different cultures and the importance of collaboration.

Challenging Survival Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Cay by Theodore Taylor
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, this book follows a young boy named Phillip and an old West Indian man named Timothy, who are stranded on a tiny cay in the Caribbean after their ship is torpedoed. Phillip must overcome his prejudice and blindness to survive with the help of Timothy.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel addresses complex themes such as racism, war, and survival under extreme conditions, which can provoke thoughtful discussions and insights.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful exploration of human relationships and resilience in the face of adversity, making it a compelling read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical events and those who appreciate stories about personal growth and overcoming challenges.

• The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Survival
  • Synopsis: After a virus wipes out everyone over the age of twelve, ten-year-old Lisa becomes the leader of a group of children and strives to create a safe new society within a fortified city.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book explores complex societal structures and ethical dilemmas through the eyes of young protagonists, challenging readers to think critically about leadership and morality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving, while also highlighting the importance of cooperation and leadership in crisis situations.
  • Perfect for: Young strategists and future leaders, as well as fans of post-apocalyptic scenarios.

• The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This epic adventure set in the 1880s follows a young boy named Will who travels on the first voyage of the Boundless, the largest train ever built. As he faces off against bandits, supernatural creatures, and other dangers, Will discovers that he holds the key to a vast fortune.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel blends historical elements with fantasy, requiring readers to differentiate between the two while also engaging with a complex plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling ride that combines history, fantasy, and adventure, providing a rich, imaginative experience that also teaches about the power of ingenuity and courage.
  • Perfect for: Fans of historical adventures and fantastical tales who enjoy fast-paced, imaginative stories.

• Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: At the end of World War II, Jack Baker is uprooted from his home in Kansas and placed in a boys’ boarding school in Maine. There he meets Early Auden, an odd boy who reads the number Pi as a story and sets off on a quest along the Appalachian Trail in search of a great black bear.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of loss, friendship, and identity with a mix of realistic and allegorical elements, challenging readers to interpret multiple layers of meaning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautifully written exploration of grief and healing through a unique adventure that combines mathematics, nature, and mythology.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful readers who enjoy stories that blend emotional depth with adventure and mystery.

• Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In prehistoric times, a boy named Torak and his wolf companion must undertake a perilous journey to save their world from an evil that threatens all life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The setting in a meticulously researched prehistoric world requires readers to immerse themselves in a completely different time and mindset, enhancing both imagination and understanding of history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines intense adventure with rich historical detail, offering a gripping story that also educates about ancient human cultures and their connection to nature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by history and mythology, and those who love stories where characters bond with animals.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of survival books at the age of 12, you're in for some thrilling adventures. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help you develop good reading habits. These are not just fun but will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of what you read.

• 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: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and quiet environment that can enhance concentration.
  • Tips: Make sure it's well-lit and stock it with all your reading materials.

• 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.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy to look up new words that you come across.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Write down the new words and their meanings in your reading journal.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Try drawing some scenes or characters from the book to further solidify your visualization.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish it.
  • How it helps: Helps retain information and track the plot.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on the main events.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down any questions that arise as you read.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding.
  • Tips: Look for answers in the text or discuss them with others.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only improve your skills but also find deeper enjoyment in the books you read. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to make these exercises a regular part of your reading habit. Happy reading!