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Twelve-year-olds want books that take them seriously. In Year 8 readers are ready for bigger themes and more complex stories, while still loving pace, humour and adventure. Our editors chose these to keep twelve-year-olds reading.
The short answer
- The one to start with
- Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd — Winner of Carnegie Award 2009 and the Bisto Irish Children's Book Award…
- A favourite to share
- The Swallows' Flight by Hilary McKay — Wonderfully evocative story of four young people (and a dog) before…
- For keen readers
- The Summer We Turned Green by William Sutcliffe — A refreshingly witty and timely take on the lifestyles versus the…
What to look for at age 12
Look for stories that respect their intelligence: thrillers, fantasy, historical fiction and contemporary stories about friendship and identity. Books that are part of a series, or that were made into something they have watched, are an easy way in.
Our pick of the best books for 12 year olds
Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd
Winner of Carnegie Award 2009 and the Bisto Irish Children's Book Award 2009 and shortlisted for the.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Swallows' Flight by Hilary McKay
Wonderfully evocative story of four young people (and a dog) before, during and after World War TwoReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Summer We Turned Green by William Sutcliffe
A refreshingly witty and timely take on the lifestyles versus the environment dilemmas of this generationReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud
Enigmatic outlaws navigate a perilous quest across apocalyptic EnglandReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamTsunami Girl by Julian Sedgwick
Told partly in manga this is the story of a girl who survived the terrible 2011 Japanese earthquake and TsunamiReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamSteady For This by Nathanael Lessore
Laugh-out-loud funny, warm, with emotional depth – this tremendous debut novel is not to be missedReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamHere Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve
A spectacularly different retelling of the Arthurian legend with the Merlin character as a tale teller and image consultant - absorbing, intelligent writing.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamKicked Out by A. M. Dassu
Friendship, resilience and hope can overcome injustice and prejudiceReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamMortal Engines by Philip Reeve
A stunning blend of past and future technologies, Mortal Engines sets the scene for a stunning quartet of action-packed novels set in a richly inventive world in which…Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Haunting of Tyrese Walker by J P Rose
Swarming with Jamaican folklore spirits, this tender, gripping chiller sees a boy find light after grappling with the darkness of griefReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamSky Dancers by Chris Vick
A lyrical adventure, full of magic, ancient family curses and intrigue.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamWar by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin
For those readers who take a keen interest in the state of the world, this is a vivid, accessible and unforgettable graphic novel that shows how young lives can be…Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamLark by Anthony McGowan
Cleverly set within a gripping adventure, Lark is a deeply touching story of the special bond between brothers.Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon
Devastating, powerful novel about friendship, cruelty and resiliance - set in a refugee camp | Refugees | Resilience | FriendshipReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamSalt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
A gruelling story of survival, friendship and tragedy impeccably told - you will exult and cry with the charactersReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamToffee by Sarah Crossan
A fractured family, dementia and finding a place that feels like homeReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamBlack and British: A short, essential history by David Olusoga
Un-put-down-able, enlightening and critically-needed Black British history for younger readersReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamSplinters of Sunshine by Patrice Lawrence
A gripping road trip to solve a mystery and revive a damaged friendshipReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamMedusa by Jessie Burton
Thrilling, flaming feminist re-telling of the Greek mythReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamBad Influence by Tamsin Winter
A realistic, funny and empowering story about high school, popularity and recognising your own worthReviewed by the LoveReading4Kids team
These 20 books come from our Year 8 reading list of 44 titles for the 2026/27 school year. Looking for a little younger or older? See books for 11 year olds and books for 13 year olds, or our guide to The Best Books for Teenagers.
Chosen by experts, not an algorithm
Every title here comes from our Year 8 reading list, chosen by LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists — people who match books to real children every day. We’ve recommended on merit since 2005, and through our Schools Reading Programme we see which stories genuinely land with this age group. When you buy through us, up to 25% of the cover price can go to a school of your choice.
Each is named, with a photograph and full biography, on our editorial experts page.
Members of the panel include:
Julia Eccleshare MBEAward-winning children’s literature expert and former Guardian Children’s Editor
Joanne OwenAuthor, publishing expert and LoveReading’s YA Lead Reviewer
Lucas Maxwell BEMAward-winning librarian, author and UK Reading for Pleasure Champion
Deborah MaclarenLoveReading CEO and literary prize judge, championing books and reading for pleasure
Your questions answered
What should a 12 year old read?
Our editors recommend starting with Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd, The Swallows' Flight by Hilary McKay and The Summer We Turned Green by William Sutcliffe, all from our Year 8 reading list. The full list of 20 books is on this page.
Which school year is a 12 year old in?
In England, most children turn 12 during Year 8, so these books come from our Year 8 list. Children read at very different levels, so look at the ages either side too.
How are these books chosen?
By LoveReading4Kids’ children’s-book specialists, including former Carnegie judges and school librarians, not by sales rank or an algorithm. We have recommended books on merit since 2005.
What if my child is a reluctant reader?
Try shorter, funnier or illustrated books first, and let them choose. Our guide to the best books for reluctant readers has picks chosen to win children round.