You know who writes absolute bangers for this age? Gordon Korman. His book Restart is pure magic. A kid falls off a roof, gets amnesia, and wakes up realizing he was a total bully. It’s funny, fast, and makes you think about second chances. Honestly, it’s like a Netflix show in book form—but you don’t need Wi-Fi.
Another lifesaver is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. I know, I know—a book about a gorilla? Trust me. The chapters are tiny, the writing is gorgeous, and you’ll cry like a baby (in a good way). It’s about friendship and freedom, and it doesn’t treat you like you’re dumb.
For the Gamer Who Refuses to Read
If your kid’s eyes glaze over at the word “chapter,” hit them with The Last Kids on Earth series by Max Brallier. It’s basically a zombie apocalypse video game in print. The jokes are nonstop, there are illustrations everywhere, and the main character, Jack, builds a tree house fort with a moat. I’m 35 and I still want to live there.
Or try anything by Dav Pilkey—yes, the Dog Man guy. I know some parents side-eye comic novels, but listen: reading is reading. Pilkey hides big themes (kindness, creativity, fighting injustice) behind silly faces and fart jokes. Your 12-year-old will laugh, and they’ll finish the book in one sitting. That’s a win.
The Best Books for 12-year-olds
