Books for 12-Year-Olds
Looking for the best books for 12-year-olds? I’ve got the perfect list for you! I’ve rounded-up my three favorites in every genre to help you find the perfect book for your tween reader.
Having raised 4 kids through this particular age, Jackie and I are well-equipped to give suggestions for children with all kinds of book preferences. I’ve got suggestions for Harry Potter-obsessed fantasy fans and graphic novels for reluctant readers all featured on this extensive list.
Below, you’ll find lots of great stories divided by category. Many of the books for a 12-year-old have links to book lists with even more recommendations, so be sure to poke around.
The Best Books for 12-year-olds
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fantasy Book for 12-year-olds
Eragon by Christopher Paolini – Jump to Section
The Best Mystery Book for 12-year-olds
The Misfits by Lisa Yee – Jump to Section
The Best Realistic Fiction Book for 12-year-olds
To Night Owl from Dog Fish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer – Jump to Section
The Best Historical Fiction Book for 12-year-olds
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley – Jump to Section
The Best Audiobook for 12-year-olds
The Selection by Kiera Cass – Jump to Section
The Best Book for 12-year-olds Set in School
Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston – Jump to Section
The Best Animal Book for 12-year-olds
Pie by Sarah Weeks – Jump to Section
The Best Classic Book for 12-year-olds
The Giver by Lois Lowry – Jump to Section
The Best Sports Book for 12-year-olds
The Swans of Harlem by Karen Valby – Jump to Section
The Best Coming-of-Age Book for 12-year-olds
The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum – Jump to Section
The Best Graphic Book for 12-year-olds
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien – Jump to Section
The Best Nonfiction Book for 12-year-olds
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Best Fantasy Books for a 12-Year-Old
Eragon
Author: Christopher Paolini
Year: 2003
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 11+
More info: Inheritance Cycle #1
Plot
Eragon, a 15-year-old boy, believes that he is merely a farm boy until one day, he discovers a polished blue stone in the forest. When the stone hatches and a dragon emerges, Eragon enters a world full of magic and power that he never knew existed. Eragon discovers he is a dragon rider, one of the few left.
Why Jackie loves it
This middle-school fantasy series is a world of dragons, magic, and power. Almost a “Dragon Masters” for the more mature reader, this series took me into a world of fantasy I won’t forget.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Popular Fantasy Series for Young Adults / Fantasy Books for Teens / Books like Fourth Wing / Dragon Books for Adults and Teens / Dragon Books for Tweens / Best Books for 12-year-olds
The Alchemyst
Author: Michael Scott
Year: 2007
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 11+
More info: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #1
Plot
Like so many great fantasy novels, Sophie and John Newman have newfound powers they do not know how to use. Suddenly, it is up to them to save everyone from Dr. John Dee. Dr. Dee has stolen the Book of Abraham the Mage, Nicholas Flamel’s book. Inside are the secrets to eternal life and in the wrong hands, the book can destroy everything. Can Sophie and John master their powers and save the world?
Why Jackie loves it
Yes, Nicholas Flamel was a real person, not just a character in Harry Potter! This six-book series tracks the life and adventures of Nicholas Flamel (who is over 700 years old!.) Lots of mythological gods, famous historical figures, and time periods all come into play over the course of this series, though most of it is set in the modern era.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Books like Harry Potter for Kids / Best Books for 12-year-olds
City of Ghosts
Author: Victoria Schwab
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 13
More info: Cassidy Blake #1
Plot
When Cass is rescued from drowning, she suddenly becomes able to maneuver between the land of the living and the other side of the veil. The boy who rescued her is a ghost, and he becomes her best friend.
Her parents are ghost hunters and then they get a job filming a TV show in Scotland, they all pack up and go, including Cass’s ghost. What they find is scary and creepy, and makes for a fabulously fun novel.
Why Jackie loves it
While this is technically a middle-grade book, this paranormal book was SCARY. I absolutely loved it, but it should not be read by anyone afraid of ghost stories or ghost books.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Books Set in Scotland / Ghost Books / Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Mystery Books for 12-Year-Olds
The Misfits
Author: Lisa Yee
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle-Grade Mystery
Age: 8-12
More info: Newberry Honor Winner and National Book Award Author, Caldecott Medalist Illustrations
Plot
Olive is usually a misfit at every school she attends, but at her latest school, RASCH, her differences are why she’s chosen for an elite crime-fighting squad.
As she and the other Misfits go undercover to nab a prolific jewel thief, they must learn to work together and lean on one another.
Why Kirsten loves it
The diverse cast of characters comes alive in this story – each bringing their own quirks, skills, and differences to create a cohesive team. #Gifted by Penguin Kids
Find this book in: Best Audiobooks for Kids / Books for 12-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids / Best New Mystery Books 2024
The Strangers
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Year: 2020
Genre: Middle Grade Sci-Fi Mystery
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Greystone Secrets #1
Plot
The three Greystone kids have to go into hiding after their mother disappears and news reports suggest that 3 OTHER greystone kids that look just like them were kidnapped.
As they try to uncover the mystery, they get a little help from Natalie, the daughter of the woman who is helping them hide. Soon they find a secret passage to another dimension. Can they find their mother and figure out what is going on?
Why Kirsten loves it
I listened to this sci-fi mystery with my kids on a road trip and was thoroughly entertained myself. When the book concluded, my son eagerly checked the rest of the series out at the library and finished it all in a week!
Find this book in: Mystery Books for Tweens / Books for 12-year-olds
Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor
Author: Ally Carter
Year: 2020
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Winterborne Home #1
Plot
April is the newest arrival at the orphanage, but she’s convinced she isn’t going to be there for long. As she starts to meet her foster family and get familiar with the mansion, she uncovers a secret. As she makes friends, she digs deeper into the mystery behind the Winterborne family.
Why Kirsten loves it
The first book in the mystery series about a group of orphans living in the Winterborne mansion is spellbinding. It ends on a cliffhanger and my kids were desperate to start the next book right after finishing!
Find this book in: Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Realistic Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds
To Night Owl From Dogfish
Author: Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction
More info: Two amazing authors with a story told via letters and emails.
Age Range: 9+
Plot
This tween book came so highly recommended that I was afraid it wouldn’t live up to the hype. But, I loved it. Is it about two girls who could not be more different whose fathers fall in love and send them to camp together so they can meet before they all become a family.
It is told through emails sent back and forth between the girls, family, and friends as well. It is so well written and is ultimately a story about friendship and unconditional love. This middle grade book deals with really complicated issues like what makes a family in a completely approachable way.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a book written by two fantastic writers in such a unique way- it is told through letters and emails. It is relatable for children and adults alike, even though it is appropriate for ages 9 and up.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Books About Sisters / Epistolary Novels/ Best Books for a 12-Year-Old / Books about Camp
When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Peach Pie
Author: Erin Soderberg
Year: 2021
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 8 – 12
More info: The Great Peach Experiment #1
Plot
After selling one of their deceased mom’s inventions, the Peach children learn that they are rich and their dad knows exactly what he wants to do with the money.
He buys a used food truck and he wants to spend the summer traveling with the kids and selling pies. He wants the family to bond as they live out one of their mom’s dreams.
Why Kirsten loves it
The first in a new middle grade series, my son LOVED this realistic fiction story! My kiddo gobbled this book up and we’ve been recommending it ever since!
Find this book in: Best Books for 12-year-olds / Realistic Fiction
Greetings from Witness Protection!
Author: Jake Burt
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
Plot
What a fun story about an orphan girl tasked by the U.S. Marshalls to keep a family alive. As she enters into witness protection with them, she puts her street smarts and pick-pocketing abilities to good use.
But can she keep her new family safe? Will she be able to hide from her own past? All while avoiding any C’s in school… You’ll just have to read this tween mystery book to find out.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a fun and unique story that will entertain even the pickiest reader. It’s a great audiobook for family road trips too!
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Books for 12-year-olds / Mystery Books for Tweens
Historical Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds
The War That Saved My Life
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Year: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: 9+
More info: The War That Saved My Life #1, Newbery Honor Book, Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award
Plot
Ada is a 10-year-old girl who lives in a one-room world gazing at the world from one window. She was born with a club foot and teaches herself to walk in secret. When the children who lived in London were evacuated to the country at the start of WW2, Ada escapes her abusive mother and leaves London with her little brother.
Ada thrives in the countryside on Susan’s farm and watching her grow is a pleasure. As Susan bonds with Ada and her brother, she starts to wonder what will happen when she returns to London.
Trigger Warnings
War, Child Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I read this realistic fiction book in a few hours and immediately ordered the sequel The War I Finally Won. It is a story of love and survival in the face of overwhelming obstacles that is emotionally crafted and brilliantly written.
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Best Books for a 12-year-old
The Night Raven
Author: Johan Rundberg
Year: 2023
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: The Moonwood Mysteries #1
Plot
In this tween book, a girl from an orphanage notices details that others can’t see. Soon, she’s called in to help a police officer solve a murder. Could the night raven serial killer still be on the loose?
Trigger Warnings
Murder, Child abuse, Death
Why Jackie loves it
This was a great historical mystery for fans of Sherlock Holmes. While the mystery was solved in this story, it looks like it will be the first in a new series. I can’t wait to revisit Mika and her friends.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Books for 12-year-olds
Stella and the Starlight
Author: Sharon M. Draper
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age: 10 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
This historical fiction novel for 11-year-olds takes place during the Depression era. Stella lives in Bumblebee, North Carolina, in the segregated South, where the Klan still exists.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Hate Crimes
Why Jackie loves it
The book touches upon so many important concepts like the Depression, voting rights, racism, family, and finding your inner strength. This middle grade fiction has a realistic ending, not a happy one and that left my daughter begging to read more.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction / Books for 12-year-olds / Middle Grade Fiction
Best Audiobooks for a 12-Year-Old
The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Year: 2013
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Romance
More info: The Selection #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This incredible series is so much fun – think The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor. It’s a reality TV royal match-making contest in a dystopian world. But in this case, the bachelor happens to be the future king. America Singer, our leading lady, is selected against all odds to be a contestant, forcing her to leave behind her love, Aspen.
When America meets Prince Maxon by mistake before the start of the show, she isn’t expecting to be so enamored with him. Should she try to win his heart or stay true to her love for Aspen?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love royal stories, romances, reality TV books, and high drama so this book was made for me! The covers of the series aren’t bad on the eyes either. This series was pure magic and just so fun.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my favorite books about royals. It also happens to be the reason that Beyond the Bookends exists, but that is an entirely different story.
Find this book in: Books Like The Selection / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like the Hunger Games/ YA Dystopian Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 12-year-olds
The Candy Shop War
Author: Brandon Mull
Year: 2009
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Candy Shop War #1
Plot
This is the first in a trilogy of candy books from the author of the Fablehaven series that we love.
In this series, magical candy gives kids superpowers, there is a hidden treasure, and they have to save the world- just a regular day, right? This first book in the series will get you hooked.
Why Kirsten loves it
This magical candy store is the stuff of dreams. If your child like Willy Wonka, they will love this book series too!
Find this book in: Candy Books / Best Books for 12-year-olds
The Bletchley Riddle
Author: Ruth Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age: 10+
Plot
In 1940, Jakob and his sister Lizzie have always loved riddles and puzzles. Now, after becoming orphaned during the Nazi invasion of Poland, they live at Bletchley Park for the start of WWII. There, Jakob is working to crack the Nazi code while Lizzie is trying to find their missing mother, who she believes didn’t die in Poland.
As the siblings struggle to adjust to their new surroundings and the many secrets they need to keep, they also need to learn to trust one another and fix their broken bond. Along the way, an interesting cast of characters help them solve the puzzle of their missing mom.
Why Kirsten loves it
I could see this turning into a series of stories because the story has a somewhat open-ended conclusion. I really enjoyed this story with precocious Lizzie being one of my favorite characters of Sepetys’ to date. I’d love to see more of this dynamic duo and their quirky group of friends at Bletchley!
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / Giftable Books / Best New Children’s Books of 2024 / Books for 12-year-olds
Books for 12-Year-Olds Set at School
Amari and the Night Brothers
Author: B. B. Alston
Year: 2021
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Supernatural Investigations #1
Plot
Amari is searching for her brother and will not be deterred. She believes the key to finding him is an invitation to try out at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs she finds a briefcase in his closet. Now she needs to reconsider the fact that magical creatures are all real! Amari needs to compete against her classmates to try to gain a coveted spot to solve her brother’s disappearance.
Trigger Warnings
Bullying, Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
This fantasy book for tweens is a book that is perfect for all ages. The magical world, the story, and the characters are all captivating in this book.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books Like Percy Jackson / Books for 12-year-olds
Restart
Author: Gordon Korman
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 10 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Chase wakes up in the hospital after falling off a roof and doesn’t remember anything- including his name. When he returns to school, he sees how the kids react to him. Some kids worship him and other kids are terrified of him. The questions become, who he was and who he wants to be.
Trigger Warnings
Bullying
Why Jackie loves it
My kids all read this realistic fiction book one after another. In fact, they passed it to each other to read so they could all discuss it.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Plot
This realistic middle grade fiction story is so relevant to society today. The heroine of this story is a girl whose favorite book was just banned from her school library. She starts her own locker library filled with more banned books from the school’s library.
As she stands up for her right to read, she challenges adults in her community and learns about books’ power to unite everyone.
Why Kirsten loves it
With a particularly relevant message for society today, this story is a must-read for teaching children about censorship and the importance of seeking differing opinions.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction Books / Best Books for 12-year-olds / Middle Grade Fiction / Best Books of 2017 / School Books
Animal Books for 12-Years-Olds
Plot
When Alice’s Aunt Polly dies, she takes her world-famous, secret pie crust recipe with her. In her will, she leaves the pie receipt to her cat, Lardo.
Who does she leave the cat to? Alice. Now, Alice and her friend have to find the recipe for happiness together in this endearing and funny book.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a realistic fiction book that every one of my children has read and loved. It’s an endearing story that has become quite the classic.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction for Kids / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Plot
In a fire, Willodeen’s house burns down and kills her parents with it. She is adopted by her aunts. She loves all animals, especially screechers. People think they are pests but she loves them and finds out they are dying off. Her new friend, Corner, gives her a wood screecher as a present when the last screecher dies off.
One day and she is crying, she comes back to find her wood screeched has come to life. With the help of her pet screecher and corner, they must solve the mystery of the disappearing hummingbears.
Why Jackie loves it
Anything Katherine Applegate writes is amazing so this fantasy book for tweens is a must-read!
Find this book in: Books with Magical Creatures / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Endling: The Last
Author: Katherine Applegate
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 13
More info: Endling #1
Plot
Byx is a Nearly extinct creature that resembles a standing dog that can glide. Right after her family is chased off and killed she has to seek help from humans and a creature that she was planning to kill for food. She dodges death many times before finally ending up in a populated city, pretending to be a normal dog.
Why Jackie loves it
I adore Applegate’s most known book, The One and Only Ivan, so I was eager to see what she would do with a true fantasy book. I was not disappointed. This trilogy had me enthralled and my daughter agrees with me!
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Classic Books for a 12-Year-Old
The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Year: 1993
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Age: 12+
More info: The Giver #1, Newbery Medal Winner
Plot
Set in a dystopian world, the main character Jonas is special because he is the Receiver. In his idyllic community, he is the one who holds the secrets. As he meets with the Giver to receive the secrets and learn about life before his community began, his eyes are opened to the kind of world he is living in and just how different it is to the way the world used to be.
Trigger Warnings
Child death, Death, Suicide
Why Kirsten loves it
This classic book for kids is one of the most influential novels of our time and one of the best sci-fi books ever written. I vividly remember the ending of this story and how emotional I got while reading it as a preteen in school. The movie is not my favorite adaptation, but it’s also worth watching.
Find this book in: Books Like the Hunger Games / YA Dystopian Novels / Coming-of-Age books for Teens / Best Books for 12-year-olds
The Golden Compass
Author: Philip Pullman
Year: 1995
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 12
More info: His Dark Materials #1
Plot
Lyra lives in a world where all humans have animal familiars and parallel universes are all within reach. When Lyra’s best friend Roger is taken North by gobblers, she sets off to find him and bring him home. With the help of an armored bear, Lyra is determined on her quest but what she doesn’t know could kill her.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Kidnapping
Why Jackie loves it
I read this fantasy book for tweens years ago and it stayed with me. As the name suggests, it is dark and probably not for kids who get scared easily.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Full Cast Audio / Children’s Books About Winter / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Plot
Peter Pan is the flying leader of Neverland, a mythical world on a star, where he fights pirates, plays with mermaids, and frollicks around with the lost boys. When he decides he needs someone to tell him stories, he recruits Wendy, John, and Michael to come live with him. But while the Darling children love their new life at first, they soon begin missing their family and lives at home.
Why Kirsten loves it
Peter Pan is one of my favorite childhood stories. The magical world of Neverland with its pirates, mermaids, and faires captured my imagination and never let me go. I’ve seen every Peter Pan movie and I devour Peter Pan retellings like chocolate.
Why Jackie loves it
The story of Peter Pan and his adventures with the Darling children have inspired countless spin-off books, movies, and theatrical productions for a reason. It’s a must-read classic children’s book for everyone.
Find this book in: Pirate Books / Classic Kids Books / Cozy Books / Tween Fantasy Books / Books for 12-year-olds
Sports Books for 12-Year-Olds
The Swans of Harlem (YA Edition)
Author: Karen Valby
Year: 2025
Genre: YA Nonfiction
Age: 12+
More info: Adapted from the
Plot
This riveting story tells the tale of five Black female ballerinas who were members of The Dance Theater of Harlem. The famed ballet company was created by Arthur Mitchell and performed for celebrities, presidents, and royalty.
Their impressive, trailblazing stories were resurrected in this non-fiction account of how the troop came to be. It also details the racism and lack of opportunities for black ballerinas during the civil rights movement.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I grew up hearing about Misty Copeland, the first Black Principal ballerina at ABA. I had no idea of the women who paved the way for her success years before she was born. Their story was inspiring and heartwarming, and sadly ignored until now. Valby did an incredible job bringing their story to life and the adapted version for young adults was just as enjoy for me as it would be to a teen.
Find this book in: Best Books for 12-Year-olds / Books About Ballet / Books About Women in Sports / Books About Sports
Ghost
Author: Jason Reynolds
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
Age: 10 – 12
More info: A National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature
Plot
Ghost runs and has been running since he was a small child. He started running when his father chased him down to the street with a loaded gun and he has not stopped since.
Now, he has been chosen for an elite track team that could go to the Junior Olympics if Ghost can get his act together. He has natural, raw talent that can send him all the way if he can stop his past from catching up to him.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Bullying
Why Jackie loves it
This realistic fiction is are a hard, but wonderful read. It is a great story for developing empathy in children. Ghost is a marvelous character. Like all of Jason Reynold’s sports books – this will pull in even the most reluctant of readers.
Find this book in: Best Books for 12-year-olds / Realistic Fiction for Kids
Plot
Like the adult version, this edited-down book tells the true tale of the 1936 USA men’s rowing team and their unlikely run for the gold medal. It’s a non-fiction story that reads like fiction, and sports nuts will love this story!
Why Kirsten loves it
The Olympic games scenes gave me such a heightened sense of American pride. I was rooting for the team and cheering them on the whole time. I thought I would be bored by the minutia of rowing, but I wasn’t.
Find this book in: Olympics Books for Kids / Books for Tweens / Best Books for a 12-year-old
Coming-of-Age Books for 12-Year-Olds
Long Way Down
Author: Jason Reynolds
Year: 2019
Genre: Fiction
Age: 12+
More info: A Newbery Honor Book, A Coretta Scott King Honor Book, A Printz Honor Book, A Time Best YA Book of All Time
Plot
This book for a 13-year-old takes place throughout a 60-second elevator ride. 15-year-old Will is taking the elevator down on his way to shoot his brother’s killer. Visited by spirits at each level as he descends, he needs to decide if he should continue the cycle of street violence or let his brother’s death go unavenged.
Trigger Warnings
Gun violence
Why Kirsten loves it
This moving book about grief is perfect for teens. It’s not a long story, but it doesn’t need to be. I would recommend it for a parent-child book club because everyone will find this powerful story to be thought-provoking and worthy of discussion!
Find this book in: Best Books for 12-year-olds / Fiction Books about Grief / Middle Grade Books for Tweens
To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Year: 1960
Genre: Classic Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 12+
More info: Pulitzer Prize Winner
Plot
This coming-of-age novel is about Scout, a young girl whose father, Atticus, is a lawyer in her Southern town. As she grows, she realizes the prejudices within her town – culminating in her watching a trial as her father defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
This book won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was also made into an Academy Award-winning movie. I still remember learning about this book in seventh-grade English. It’s a powerful novel everyone should read.
Why Jackie loves it
I cannot count the number of times I have read this book. It is a coming-of-age book that was ahead of its time and is even more relevant today.
Find this book in: Coming of Age Books for Teens / Realistic Fiction / Thought-Provoking Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books for 12-year-olds
The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen
Author: Isaac Blum
Year: 2022
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: William C. Morris Award Winner
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Hoodie Rosen and his Orthodox Jewish community have relocated to a new city to set up roots. But they aren’t feeling welcomed in their new home and are facing antisemitic acts both big and small daily.
As he grapples with his place, not just in the new town but within his own community, Hoodie meets and falls for the mayor’s non-Jewish daughter, Anna-Maria. His friendship with her sends shockwaves through his close-knit community and compounded with the antisemitism, it leaves poor Hoodie struggling with what it means to be a Jewish man.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Gun violence, Hate crime
Why Kirsten loves it
With antisemitism on the rise, this poignant novel is so deeply important. But more than that, Hoodie’s narration had me feeling as if I was inside the head of the 15-year-old boy who, while being an orthodox Jew, is just grappling with the worries and fears of every adolescent boy.
Find this book in: Books by Jewish Writers / Thought-Provoking Books / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Graphic Novels for 12-Year-Olds
The Hobbit (or There and Back Again)
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Year: 1937
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Classic Literary Fiction
Age Range:12+
Plot
An introduction to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit was the first high fantasy book that I ever read. Smaug, a dragon, is the main antagonist in this story. This book opened up a whole new world and genre of book.
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys his comfortable life close to home. When a wizard named Gandalf shows up with dwarves on Bibloa’s doorstep, they invite him on a quest. There, he encounters Smaug, a creature named Gollum, and finds a ring that will change his life.
Why Jackie loves it
This YA fantasy is the prelude to the amazing Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is an iconic book which has withstood the test of time.
Find this book in: Dragon Books for Adults/ Books Like Game of Thrones / Book Adaptations on Amazon Prime / Graphic Novels / Books for 12-year-olds
The Witch Boy
Author: Molly Knox Ostertag
Illustrator: Molly Knox Ostertag
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Age: 10 – 13
More info: Witch Boy Trilogy #1
Plot
Boys grow up to be shapeshifters and girls become witches. But, what if you are a boy who loves witchery? Would you show your talents if it meant you would be exiled? Aster, with the help of his non-magical friend Charlie, practices his witch skills. Can he be accepted for who he really is?
Why Jackie loves it
This story challenges gender stereotypes in a meaningful way. Not only is the story great, but the illustrations are gorgeous and the message of this book makes it a must for every kid.
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Best Books for 12-year-olds / Best Graphic Novels
New Kid
Author: Jerry Craft
Illustrator: Jerry Craft
Year: 2019
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature — New Kid #1
Plot
This is a thought-provoking story about Jordan Banks, a 7th-grade boy who wants to pursue his dream of becoming an artist. Instead, his parents send him to a prestigious private school where he is one of the few diverse students. He can’t seem to figure out where he fits in at home or at school.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Classism, Bullying
Why Jackie loves it
This graphic novel has won numerous awards and for good reason. This is a good one for kids who aren’t yet ready for Angie Thomas’s books.
Find this book in: Graphic Novels / Best Book for 12-year-olds / Best Books for Tweens / Middle Grade Fiction / Back to School Books
Non-fiction Books for a 12-Year-Old
Harry Potter and the Art of Spying
Author: Lynn Boughey and Peter Earnest
Year: 2017
Genre: Nonfiction
Age: 8+
Plot
Did you realize how much spying was featured in the Harry Potter book series? Hagrid, Snape, Wormtail, The entire Order of the Phoenix…. all of them are spies! This book uses examples from HP to teach real-life spy techniques.
Why Kirsten loves it
My family and I came across this at the Spy Museum in Washington D.C. Being the Harry Potter-obsessed family we are, we had to bring it home. It’s filled with interactive activities for kids to complete as they read!
Find this book in: Best Books for 12-year-olds / Books About Harry Potter
Hidde n Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Woman Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race (Young Readers Edition)
Author: Margot Lee Shetterly
Year: 2016
Genre: Nonfiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: New York Time Bestseller
Plot
This true and amazing story is about Black female mathematicians and their role in the space race. So many people know this story because of the movie, but the book gives so many more details. This young reader edition is edited for younger readers.
These women, who were originally sent to teach math in the South’s segregated schools, were called into service during WWII. They were some of the most brilliant minds of their generation. They eventually helped in the race to space during the Cold War.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Sexism
Why Jackie loves it
When I read this book, years before the movie came out, I couldn’t put it down. I was mesmerized by what these overlooked women had gone through as they worked to help their country. I recently gave my daughter this version so she could read the story as well.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank: The Definitive Edition
Author: Anne Frank
Year: 1997
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: “The Single most compelling personal account of the Holocaust” (The New York Times Book Review)
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is the quintessential book about the Holocaust written by Anne Frank, a Jewish girl in hiding during WWII. Although she did not live to see freedom, her father survived as did the diary that she kept during her years of hiding.
This is a powerful book that captures the neverending capacity for hope in the human spirit. After all, Anne said it best when she said “in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart”. The words are a powerful reminder about the human spirit.
Trigger Warnings
Death, holocaust
Why Kirsten loves it
The message that Anne passes along in this diary is one that we can all learn from. Anne’s words are powerful and thoughtful.
Why Jackie loves it
There are really no words to say about this book. Love is not the correct word for how I feel. This book should be required reading for everyone. Anne somehow remained positive despite the danger she faced, the isolation and hunger.
Find this book in: WWII Books / Best Books by Jewish Writers / Best Books for a 12-Year-Old / Epistolary Novels
Helpful Tips
- Don’t force your tween to read a genre or book they don’t like – it won’t turn them into life-long readers.
- Despite the ongoing debate on this subject, consuming graphic novels and audiobooks does count as reading!
- Each of the books on this list appears on other book lists across the website. Find a book you (or your child) enjoy and explore other book lists that book is on!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best books for 12-year-olds?
If I had to pick some of my favorites from different genres, I would recommend Ghost by Jason Reynolds, Pie by Sara Weeks, and The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
What genre should a 12-year-old read?
I’d advise that 12-year-old readers lean into books about things that inspire them in their everyday lives. Realistic fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction are particularly popular for this age group.
Related Content
Epilogue
Finding age-appropriate books for 12-year-olds can be a challenge, but take it from me, these will all be a hit in your home! Did you find any books for a 12-year-old to add to your home library?
Book Lists by Age
If you are looking for more amazing book lists, we have the best lists sorted by age.
One Comment