At the age of 12, children are usually at a crucial time in their development where they begin to explore more complex ideas and emotions. Reading the right books can help feed their growing curiosity and imagination. Here is a list of the top 10 must-read novels for 12-year-olds:
1. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling
– Follow the magical journey of Harry Potter as he discovers his true identity as a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
2. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
– Experience the heartwarming story of a boy named Auggie with a facial deformity navigating the challenges of middle school.
3. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry
– Explore a dystopian society where emotions are suppressed and memories erased in this thought-provoking novel.
4. “Holes” by Louis Sachar
– Join Stanley Yelnats as he is sent to a juvenile detention center where he uncovers the secrets of Camp Green Lake.
5. “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
– Embark on an epic adventure with Percy Jackson, the demigod son of Poseidon, as he sets out to uncover the truth about his identity.
6. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
– Enter the thrilling world of Panem, where Katniss Everdeen must fight for survival in the annual Hunger Games.
7. “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis
– Step through the wardrobe into the enchanting land of Narnia, where four siblings embark on a journey to defeat the White Witch.
8. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle
– Join Meg Murry and her brother Charles Wallace as they travel through space and time to rescue their father from evil forces.
9. “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton
– Explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and social class in this coming-of-age novel about two rival gangs in 1960s Oklahoma.
10. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
– Follow the heartwarming friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte in this timeless classic.
These novels offer a mix of adventure, fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age themes that are sure to captivate the imaginations of 12-year-olds and inspire a love for reading.