Check out our picks for best best books for 12-year olds!
The tween years are a time when many kids really start to get into reading and discover the topics and genres that excite them the most. The best middle-grade books offer the added benefit of touching on themes that support their emotional and social development. And they help them cope with and understand the world around them.
From graphic novels and picture books to chapter books and more, let your kid explore these popular and bestselling children’s books.
Check out the best books for 12-year olds below!
Best Books for 12-Year Olds on Epic
The Dark Lord Clementine
Written by: Sarah Jean Horwitz
As heir to the infamous Dark Lord Elithor, 12-year-old Clementine has been groomed since birth to become the best Evil Overlord she can be. After her father is cursed by a mysterious rival, she has to take on the responsibilities of the Dark Lord while she hunts for a way to break the curse. But when it’s time for her to perform the dastardly deeds expected of her against the townspeople—including her new friends—she begins to question whether she wants to be a Dark Lord after all.
If your kid is into fantasy books like The Hobbit, they’ll love this dark coming-of-age tale.
The Icarus Project
By: Laura Quimby
Like her scientist parents, Maya wants to explore and uncover something amazing. Her mother searches for ancient artifacts in the rainforest and her archeologist father gets to dig up mammoths. So when an eccentric billionaire convinces her father to go to the arctic to lead a team investigating a mammoth’s remains, she begs to come along.
Soon after they arrive, they realize the mammoth is a fake, but something else is hidden in the ice. Over the course of the expedition, Maya learns more about this unbelievable discovery, and it changes her life forever.
This page-turner combines adventure, science and wonder, perfect for middle-grade readers.
Spirit Animals Book 1: Fall of the Beasts (Audiobook)
By Tui T. Sutherland
This thrilling series kicks off as four kids discover special animal bonds, which give them powers to take on dark forces that threaten the world of Edras. In a flash of light their spirit animals emerge—wolf, leopard, panda and a falcon—ready to come to their aid as they embark on their quests.
If your kid enjoys this, they can find even more fun audiobooks here.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
By: Kelly Barnhill
Here’s another magical coming-of-age story to bewitch your late elementary or middle school reader. “The Girl Who Drank to Moon” is full of intrigue, imagination and whimsy. Every year, the people of the Protectorate offer up a baby to satisfy a nearby witch. Little do they know, the “witch” is actually a kind caregiver named Xan who places the babies with loving families who want children. One year on her journey to find a home for a newfound baby, Xan accidentally feeds the infant moonlight—and the child develops magic abilities. This is the perfect choice for children who love fairy tales and folk stories.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Book 2): Rodrick Rules
By: Jeff Kinney
In the second volume in this super-popular comic book series, Greg Heffley is back for his first day of school. And he’s ready to put his entire summer vacation, including a very embarrassing incident behind him. Unfortunately, his older brother Rodrick knows all about it. In this hilarious sequel, Greg chronicles in his diary (ahem, journal) the pair’s brotherly antics, his attempts to navigate the hazards of middle school and most importantly his efforts to keep his secret under wraps.
Fans of this popular series will love these video drawing tutorials and fun printables on Epic.
Love, Ish
By: Karen Rivers
Mischa “Ish” Love dreams of one day becoming a settler on Mars. She knows there’s plenty to miss about life on Earth (“it’s hard to argue against fluffy, fresh, cut lawns and cold, clear lakes,” she says). But she wants her story to be amazing, and she’s sure Mars is the way to go. After she’s diagnosed with a brain tumor, though, her dreams take her to another place.
This moving, uplifting tale about friendship, love and life follows a young survivor as she dreams for an extraordinary future under heart-breaking circumstances.
Sheets
By: Brenna Thummler
“Sheets” will leave your kid feeling haunted, enchanted and in need of freshly pressed clothing. 13-year-old Marjorie Glatt runs her family’s laundry business, and hates two things: laundry and ghosts. Haunted by Wendell, the ghost-boy whose daily routine involves death therapy that’s not working, a sheet-dependent identity and a frustrated need to seek purpose in the human world, she struggles to fight for a life of normalcy as every part of her world seems to be conspiring against her. Kids love this quirky tale of forgiveness and unlikely friendship.
Other Recommendations
Want additional suggestions? Check out some more of our favorite books for 12-year olds off our platform, all available on Amazon below.
Bridge to Terebithia
Written by: Katherine Paterson
Illustrated by: Donna Diamond
Here’s a beloved classic to share with your 6th grader: “Bridge to Terabithia.” Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke become unexpected best friends after she beats him in a foot race, and they spend their days playing in the woods. In time, they give life to an imagined, magical land they call Terabithia, where they reign as king and queen.
The two always venture into Terabithia together, until one morning when tragedy strikes. Jess must rely on his family, friends and the strength that Leslie inspired in him as he works through his grief.
Hello, Universe
By: Erin Entrada Kelly
Virgil, Valencia, Kaori and Chet couldn’t be more different, and they definitely are NOT friends. That is until a prank-turned-disaster links these four together in an unlikely place and in an unlikely way.
This Newbery Award winner highlights the importance of individuality, friendship and kindness. All wrapped up in the beautiful message that anyone can build real relationships and find common ground, regardless of our differences. Filled with humor and authenticity, “Hello, Universe” is the perfect read for tweens.
Refugee
By: Alan Gratz
This timely piece of historical fiction follows three children facing harrowing circumstances. Josef is a Jewish boy living in Nazi Germany during World War II who boards a ship with his family under the terrifying threat of being sent to a concentration camp. Isabel is a young girl living in Cuba 1994 who sets off on a raft for America to escape deadly riots and unrest. Mahmoud and his family journey to Europe from war-torn Syria in 2015. All face unimaginable danger and show young readers the true meaning of courage and survival.
His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass
By: Philip Pullman
In this popular modern fantasy bestseller, young Lyra braves witch clans and more as she travels to the far North where her uncle is trying to build a bridge to a parallel world. She must rescue her friend Roger from fearsome Gobblers but may have to betray her uncle in the process. Lyra is fierce and cunning, but can she make a difference?
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
By: Jason Reynolds
This #1 New York Times bestselling must-read explores the history of racist ideas in America, with the intent of inspiring hope for an antiracist future. It reveals the history of racist ideas and shows kids how to examine why we feel the way we do about race, while teaching them about the roots of racism and why it still lingers. The book even offers a free guide for educators who would like to include it in their curriculum.
Fantastic Beasts
By: J.K. Rowling
Inspired by the Hogwart’s textbook author from the popular Harry Potter series, this book stars Magizoologist Newt Scamander. Expecting a visit to New York City to be a brief stop in his travels, he’s forced to change his plans when he misplaces his magical case, releasing some of his fantastic beasts as a result. This action-packed story features a cast of remarkable characters and magical creatures your kid will love.
When You Reach Me
By: Rebecca Stead
Fans of “A Wrinkle in Time” will appreciate this thrilling whodunit by Rebecca Stead.
After a fallout with her best friend, Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes instructing her to write a secret letter. The unknown sender seems able to predict the future, which spells danger, because someone may die and Miranda might not be able to stop it. This book is perfect for preteens with a penchant for intrigue, science fiction and fantastical tales.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
By Trenton Lee Stewart
In this first book in the bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series, scores of children respond to a newspaper ad challenging them to solve a series of mind-bending tests in order to prove themselves as the most intelligent and inventive children. To succeed, each kid must go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they explore the school’s hidden underground tunnels.
That’s a wrap! Enjoy our book lists? If your kid likes these picks for best books for 12-year olds, check out more age-appropriate digital finds in our post: “Best Books for 6th Graders.”
