The 50 Best Books for
11- and 12-Year-Olds
by Melissa Taylor
Eleven and twelve is a time of big change for kids, both emotionally and physically. Which is why reading coming-of-age books becomes very relevant at this age. Just like the characters in the books they’re reading, 11- and 12-year-olds are experiencing emotional mood swings and physical changes from puberty that can lead to increased feelings of self-consciousness. Kids this age are also highly influenced by friends, wanting more independence from parents, and making improvements in their abstract thinking abilities. Preteens need good books that both resonate with their complex lives as well as educate and entertain them.
Which brings us to this book list — our 50 best books for 11- and 12- year-olds, curated by a panel of children’s literature experts. You’ll find a wide variety here, excellent books that appeal to a range of preteen interests, backgrounds, and even moods.
You can download the entire printable list here.
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Fantasy, Magic, and Horror
Fantasy, magic, and horror provide tech-free escapism for kids. Readers can travel to other worlds to experience illusions, ghosts, dragons, and more.
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Circus Mirandus
Also available from: Doll Bones
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Furthermore
Preorder from: His Dark Materials Trilogy
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The Hobbit
Also available from: The Phantom Tollbooth
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Mystery and Adventure
Kids love to imagine themselves as the main characters, especially in kids-can-do-anything adventure and mystery stories like these selections. These books are great confidence boosters and great fun.
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Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
Also available from: The Nameless City
Preorder from: Princess Academy
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Spaced Out
Preorder from: The Westing Game
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Coming-of-Age
These characters grow and change by facing life’s challenges. Readers will connect with the struggles of daily life and growing up. What’s more, you’re more likely to develop empathy and understanding after walking a mile in someone else’s story.
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Al Capone Does My Shirts
Also available from: Because of Mr. Terupt
Also available from: The Best Man
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As Brave As You
Preorder from: Counting by 7s
Also available from: The Crossover
Preorder from: Flying Lessons & Other Stories
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Goodbye Stranger
Preorder from: The House on Mango Street
Also available from: Mockingbird
Also available from: Okay for Now
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Return to Sender
Also available from: The Seventh Most Important Thing
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When You Reach Me
Also available from: Wolf Hollow
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Inspired by History
Few things stick with you as much as a deeply memorable story. These historical fiction books bring history to life through their dynamic characters and plots, and will stay with readers long after the last page.
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Before We Were Free
Also available from: The Inquisitor’s Tale
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Little Women
Also available from: The Mighty Miss Malone
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Page-Turning Nonfiction
Unforgettable and often unbelievable, these well-written nonfiction books inspire and educate readers. Learn more about significant people and specific periods of history in one of these compelling book choices.
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Learn more about the experts behind this reading list.
Get the printable version of the list.
Explore our 50 Best series to get great recommendations for other ages.