As parents and caregivers, we must understand the importance of telling our kids to read and should always instill reading habits in our children at a very young age.
Since Reading enhances their language skills, it is crucial for motor skills which will effectively improve their vocabulary and help stimulate their imagination and creativity.
The author of the “Harry Potter” series, J.K. Rowling, has repeatedly recommended books for young readers; check her recommended books to read. Her endorsement carries weight, given her books’ immense popularity and impact on young readers.
According to this study by National Center for Biotechnology Information, Reading books exposes children to different vocabulary, sentence structures, and language patterns, which improves their motor skills and also helps enhance their language skills and communication abilities.
Meghan Moll, an ACT tutor with Varsity Tutors, says reading books helps children and teenagers think critically. Thus, parents must actively support their kids in reading books as reading stimulates children’s critical thinking skills, imagination, and problem-solving abilities. It can improve their concentration, memory, and overall cognitive development.
With an overwhelming number of books and reading apps available in the market right now, choosing the right Book as a parent of a 12-year-old can be challenging and is sometimes tiring.
Parenting plays a crucial role in cultivating children’s reading habits. For additional guidance, parents can refer to resources like “Best Parenting Books for Toddlers,” “Parenting Books for raising strong and confident kids,” and “Best Books for First Time Parents.” These books offer valuable insights and strategies to create a nurturing environment that encourages reading engagement and supports the growth of 12-year-olds.
To help you out, we have compiled a list of the best books for 12-year-olds. Below article will recommend different interests and genres, including adventure, classics, and more.
Below are the 10 Best Books for 12 Year Olds: Science, Fantasy, Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – Best For Magical Adventures and Spellbinding Wizardry
- The Chronicles of Narnia series – Most Captivating Fantasy World Beyond the Wardrobe
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians series – Best For Epic Mythological Quests and Heroic Adventures
- The Giver – Most Thought-Provoking Dystopian Tale of Individuality
- The Secret Garden – Best For Enchanting Friendship and Nature’s Wonders
- The Hobbit – Most Thrilling Fantasy Adventure in Middle-earth
- Wonder – Best For Heartwarming Story of Empathy and Acceptance
- The Maze Runner series – Most Exciting Dystopian Maze and Survival Challenges
- The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson & the Olympians) – Best For Greek Mythology and Heroic Demigods
- The Diary of a Young Girl – Most Powerful Memoir of Hope and Resilience
1. “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling
Why do We recommend this Book? – For us, The “Harry Potter” series is a beloved and timeless adventure (most children love reading the story) that captivates readers of all ages.
Harry Potter series takes its readers on a thrilling journey through the magical world of Hogwarts, filled with friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil; it teaches emotions to your little ones. The Book’s engaging plot (with a well-written story and dialogues) and well-developed characters make it a must-read for 12-year-olds.
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What does It teach? – The series teaches important values such as loyalty, bravery, and the power of love. It explores complex themes like friendship, loss, and identity, allowing young readers to navigate their emotions and challenges.
Subject of the Book – Fantasy, Adventure
Text and Illustrations: The books are well-written and filled with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the enchanting world of wizards and witches. The occasional illustrations add to the visual appeal and aid in comprehension.
Language Pattern: The language is accessible and suitable for 12-year-olds while still introducing them to more advanced vocabulary and sentence structures.
Vocabulary – The “Harry Potter” series introduces readers to a wide range of speech, including magical terms, mythical creatures, and descriptive language.
2. “The Chronicles of Narnia” series by C.S. Lewis
Why do We recommend this Book? – This Book is second on our list. We highly recommend this Book for children between ages 12 to 14 because “The Chronicles of Narnia” series is a timeless classic that has captivated generations of readers, whether Kids or adults; it just made its own legacy and is still going strong after 70 years.
It combines adventure, fantasy, and Christian allegory to create a captivating and thought-provoking narrative that enlightens your senses and sometimes feels like a tingling sensation through your spine. The books provide a rich reading experience for 12-year-olds and keep them at their feet throughout the novel.
What Does It Teach? – The series explores themes of courage, faith, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil that teach children to live their lives to their fullest and instill a sense of morality and love. It encourages readers to think critically about moral choices and the consequences of their actions.
Subject of the Book – Fantasy, Adventure
Text and Illustrations – According to us, the books are beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that bring the magical world of Narnia to life. While the illustrations may be limited, the captivating storytelling compensates for it.
Language Pattern – The language is accessible to 12-year-olds, with occasionally advanced vocabulary that expands their reading skills.
Vocabulary – “The Chronicles of Narnia” series introduces readers to a rich vocabulary, including words related to fantasy, adventure, and moral dilemmas.
3. Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series by Rick Riordan
Why do We recommend this Book? – The “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series is an exciting blend of Greek mythology and modern-day adventure, which imbues courage, adventure, and happiness in a child’s life. We highly recommend this Book for teenagers and 12-year-old kids.
It follows the journey of Percy Jackson (I loved Percy ), a demigod (My superhero as a child), as he battles mythological creatures (with his bronze sword, shield, and magical shoes) and navigates the complexities of being a hero. The fast-paced plot and relatable characters make it highly engaging for 12-year-olds.
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What does It teach? – The series introduces readers to Greek mythology, promoting an interest in ancient cultures and legends. It explores friendship, identity, and the importance of accepting oneself.
Subject of the Book – Fantasy, Adventure, Greek Mythology
Text and Illustrations – The books are written in a conversational and accessible style, making them easy for 12-year-olds to follow. The occasional illustrations complement the narrative and enhance the reading experience.
Language Pattern: The language is age-appropriate, combining simple and more complex sentence structures. It exposes readers to new vocabulary while ensuring comprehension.
Vocabulary – “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series introduces readers to Greek mythology-related vocabulary and everyday language used by modern-day teenagers.
4. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry
Why do We recommend this Book? – We have read “The Giver,” and it is a thought-provoking dystopian novel. We advise parents to buy this Book for their children because the Author, Lois Lowry, challenges young readers’ perception of society and individuality in her novel.
The gripping story and well-developed characters make it a compelling read for 12-year-olds and encourage young children to discuss injustice and suffering in our society proactively.
What does It teach? – The Book raises questions about freedom, conformity, and the importance of memories, thus helping children understand the world better, which can teach them how to proactively negate social dysphoria and make this world a better place. It encourages readers to think critically about societal structures and the impact of individual choices.
Subject of the Book – Dystopian, Science Fiction
Text and Illustrations – The Book is concise and evocative, immersing readers in the protagonist’s journey. While it does not contain illustrations, the descriptive language paints a vivid picture in the readers’ minds.
Language Pattern: The language is accessible to 12-year-olds, with occasional more complex vocabulary and concepts that promote intellectual growth.
Vocabulary – “The Giver” introduces readers to a range of language related to dystopian societies, emotions, and philosophical concepts.
5. “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Why do We recommend this Book? – An excellent book for children that teaches the essence of friendship, the power of healing in life, and the beauty and wonders of nature.
According to our content head at Parentaldaily, Parmjit, “The Secret Garden” is a timeless classic exploring friendship, healing, and nature themes. The enchanting story, myriads of lessons for young children, and relatable characters make it an ideal choice for 12-year-olds.
What does It teach? – The Book teaches the importance of compassion, resilience, and the healing power of nature, which enriches and enthralls your mind-heart and feels like a soul-enriching experience. It encourages readers to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and find solace in its wonders.
Subject of the Book – Classic, Friendship, Nature
Text and Illustrations: The Book is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the magical garden. While it may not contain many illustrations, the storytelling is enchanting.
Language Pattern – The language is accessible to 12-year-olds, with occasionally advanced vocabulary that expands their reading skills and appreciation for descriptive language.
Vocabulary – “The Secret Garden” introduces readers to a rich language related to nature, emotions, and character development.
6. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
Why do We recommend this Book? – “The Hobbit” is a fantasy adventure that takes children and parents on a thrilling quest with Bilbo Baggins-it is one of the favorite books of our developer and tech journalist, Parvinder.
It is a prequel to the epic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and an excellent introduction to Tolkien’s imaginative world, where Bilbo lives a comfortable and peaceful life in his tiny hole. The engaging narrative and memorable (Sometimes funny) characters make it a favorite among 12-year-olds.
What does It teach? – The Book teaches bravery, self-discovery/integrity, the essence of love, admiration for dignity, and the power of friendship. It introduces readers, whether a child or an adult, to the concept of a hero’s journey and the importance of morality and bravery.
Subject of the Book – Fantasy, Adventure
Text and Illustrations: The Book is skillfully thought of as a fantasy novel and is very well written, combining descriptive language, humor (combination of funny characters and cheerful stories), and suspense (Imaginative characters). While it does not contain many illustrations, the detailed world-building compensates for it.
Language Pattern – The language is accessible to 12-year-olds, with occasionally advanced vocabulary that expands their reading skills and immerses them in Tolkien’s richly imagined universe.
Vocabulary – “The Hobbit” introduces readers to various language related to fantasy, adventure, and character development.
7. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
Why do We recommend this Book? – We have read “Wonder,” a heartwarming book yet thought-provoking story. It promotes empathy and kindness to the reader, which is why we advise parents to buy this Book for their child, and if you could, please read alongside your children or teenagers.
It follows the journey of Auggie, who is a young boy with facial differences. He has to go through many challenges of starting school days. The relatable, real-life-like characters and the story’s emotional depth make it a powerful book for 12-year-olds.
What does It teach? – The Book teaches the importance of acceptance, compassion, and resilience. It encourages readers to embrace differences and treat others with kindness.
Subject of the Book – Contemporary, Empathy
Text and Illustrations – The Book is written impactfully with dynamic story background, connecting your child with Auggie’s experiences and emotions. While it does not contain many illustrations, the storytelling evokes strong visuals and empathetic emotions.
Language Pattern – The language is accessible to 12-year-olds, with occasionally advanced vocabulary that fosters emotional intelligence and understanding.
Vocabulary – “Wonder” introduces readers to a range of vocabulary related to empathy, emotions, and social interactions.
8. “The Maze Runner” series by James Dashner
Why do We recommend this Book? – “The Maze Runner” series is a thrilling dystopian adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The fast-paced plot and intriguing mysteries make it a gripping read for 12-year-olds.
What does It teach? – The series explores themes of survival, teamwork, and sacrifice. It prompts readers to think critically about societal structures and our choices in challenging circumstances.
Subject of the Book – Dystopian, Adventure
Text and Illustrations: The books are written suspensefully, keeping readers engaged throughout. While there may not be many illustrations, the vivid descriptions allow readers to visualize the maze and its challenges.
Language Pattern: The language is accessible to 12-year-olds, with occasional advanced vocabulary that expands their reading skills and adds depth to the narrative.
Vocabulary – “The Maze Runner” series introduces readers to terminology related to adventure, dystopian settings, and problem-solving.
9 . “The Lightning Thief” (Percy Jackson & the Olympians) by Rick Riordan
Why do We recommend this Book? – “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan is the first Book in the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series and is a fantastic introduction to Greek mythology.
It has won the Adult Library Services Association Best Books for Young Adults awards. The Book is a pure blend, an amalgamation of humor, adventure, and relatable characters that makes it highly appealing to 12-year-olds.
My niece has just started reading this Book with her older brother, who is 15, and both are enjoying it. They love the storyline and adventures of the main character, which teaches them to embrace fate, companionship, love, and courage.
What does It teach? – The Book introduces readers to Greek mythology and explores identity, friendship, and destiny themes. It encourages readers to embrace their unique strengths and accept themselves for who they are.
Subject of the Book – Fantasy, Adventure, Greek Mythology
Text and Illustrations: The Book is witty and engaging, keeping readers hooked. While it may not have many illustrations, the imaginative descriptions transport readers into the world of gods and monsters.
Language Pattern: The language is accessible to 12-year-olds, with occasionally advanced vocabulary that expands their knowledge of mythology and adds depth to the narrative.
Vocabulary – “The Lightning Thief” introduces readers to Greek mythology-related vocabulary and everyday language used by modern-day teenagers.
10. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank
Why do We recommend this Book? – “The Diary of a Young Girl” is a powerful and poignant memoir that provides a firsthand account of Anne Frank’s experiences during the Holocaust. It offers valuable insights into history and human resilience, making it a compelling read for 12-year-olds.
What does It teach? – The Book raises important themes of hope, courage, and the impact of prejudice. It prompts readers to reflect on the importance of tolerance and understanding.
The subject of the Book – Memoir, History
Text and Illustrations – The Book is written in diary entries, capturing Anne Frank’s thoughts and emotions in an intimate and relatable manner. While it does not contain illustrations, the raw and honest storytelling creates a vivid picture in readers’ minds.
Language Pattern: The language is accessible to 12-year-olds, with occasionally advanced vocabulary that expands their historical and emotional understanding.
Vocabulary – “The Diary of a Young Girl” introduces readers to vocabulary related to the Holocaust, personal reflections, and historical context.
How We Recommend Books?
Our team at ParentalDaily has personal experience with parenting young children and children’s literature. We always advocate reading books, listening to historical events, watching documentaries on science, nature, and sometimes cartoons for fun.
Parvinder Singh, a software engineer and tech columnist, has a niece who is 12 years old and likes to bicycle and read books before sleeping. He has observed his niece’s reading preferences and witnessed her enthusiasm for specific books, such as science fiction and fantasy novels.
Gurmeet Kaur, a parenting writer at ParentalDaily, has a daughter in the same age group. She has actively engaged with her daughter’s reading journey and always looks for books she likes the most but also keeps an eye on those books that can help her daughter with her interests and developmental needs.
Parmjit Kaur, our content head at ParentalDaily, has a nephew and an 8-year-old niece. She has enjoyed sharing books with their parents and witnessing their excitement and growth as readers.
Drawing from these personal experiences, our team members have provided valuable insights and recommendations for books suitable for 12-year-olds.
They have observed the impact of these books on their own children and family members, ensuring that the recommendations are relevant and engaging and can be helpful for any newbie or even an experienced parent looking for a good book with exciting content.
Parvinder Singh, with his tech background, understands the importance of fostering a love for reading in a digital age. He has witnessed how certain adventure and fantasy books, such as “Harry Potter” and “The Maze Runner” series, have captivated his niece’s imagination and encouraged her to delve into the world of literature.
As a parenting writer, Gurmeet Kaur recognizes the significance of choosing books that promote empathy, emotional growth, and social understanding. She has seen how books like “Wonder” have touched her daughter’s heart and sparked meaningful discussions about kindness and acceptance.
Parmjit Kaur, with her experience in content creation, has explored a wide range of books suitable for different age groups. She has observed how classic novels like “The Secret Garden” and “The Diary of a Young Girl” have transported her niece and nephew to different time periods, fostering their appreciation for literature.
These personal experiences have informed our team’s recommendations, ensuring that they reflect the interests, emotional development, and cognitive abilities of 12-year-olds.
By sharing our personal experiences and insights, we aim to provide readers with trustworthy and relatable recommendations that will ignite the joy of reading in children.
Throughout the article, we have added the suggestions of our team members, citing their personal experiences and comments to support our book recommendations.
Their firsthand encounters with these books add depth and authenticity to our suggestions, making them more valuable for parents and caregivers seeking the best books for 12-year-olds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing and buying the right books for 12-year-olds can be challenging for new parents; even experienced parents find this more complex. We have gathered over ten excellent books for your 12-year-old that have stood the test of time.
Our team members first read these books and then recommended them to you. Our team members have gathered this list from tech journalists to real-life parents with personal experiences with children of similar age groups.
These books cater to various interests, including adventure, classics, and thought-provoking narratives, allowing young readers to expand their horizons and embark on exciting literary journeys.
What book is good for 12-year-olds?
Our recommendations include the “Harry Potter” series, “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series, “The Giver,” “The Secret Garden,” “The Hobbit,” and “Wonder.”
What level of reading is a 12-year-old?
The reading level of a 12-year-old can vary, but they are typically capable of reading more complex texts with advanced vocabulary and sentence structures.
What books should I read if I’m 13?
For 13-year-olds, we recommend expanding their reading skills with books like “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “The Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins, “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green, “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton, and “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak.
How can I get my 12-year-old to read?
To encourage a 12-year-old to read, create a reading-friendly environment by providing a variety of books, setting aside dedicated reading time, and discussing books together. Additionally, allowing them to choose books that align with their interests can foster a love for reading.
