Unlock imaginative stories with this wide variety of captivating reads for kids ages 10-12! From puzzles and mysteries to comics and historical tales, these 10 books will provide hours of quality reading fun.

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When faced with navigating the world of children’s book selections, it can be difficult to know where to start. For readers between the ages of 10 and 12, the list of titles that are appropriate and enjoyable can seem overwhelming. Luckily, this list of 10 books for kids ages 10-12 includes a range of genres, topics, and styles that kids of all reading levels and interests can enjoy. Whether your child loves science fiction, mysteries, or comics, these picks will provide hours of quality reading time.

The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan is the first book in the series The 39 Clues. It follows young siblings, Amy and Dan Cahill, as they explore their family history. Dan and Amy solve puzzles and decipher riddles as they search for clues left behind by family members. This book is a fun and thrilling page-turner children will enthusiastically dive into.

If your kids are comic fans, Smile by Raina Telgemeier is the perfect pick. Smile is an autobiographical comic about Raina’s experience getting her braces. Raina brushes off her friend’s advice to avoid embarrassment and instead uses her braces to get closer to her classmate, who wears them as well. This comic is great for teaching kids the importance of embracing who you are and keeping a positive attitude.

The Giver by Lois Lowry is an iconic work of science fiction. Jonas lives in a perfect world with no pain, choice, or color. But when he becomes the Receiver of Memory, Jonas learns the secrets that have been hidden from him and the world he lives in. Through his journey, readers will explore emotions, rights, and responsibilities.

When Charley’s mom moves them to a new town and enrolls him in a fancy private school, Charley discovers he can see ghosts in A Tale of Two Ghosts by Kathryn Tanquary. Charley and a fellow classmate join forces to convince the ghosts that it’s time to move on – but what will happen when one of the ghosts refuses to go? A suspenseful story of friendship, loss, and the afterlife.

Want to introduce your older kids to fantasy? Start with The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. A story set in 1899, Calpurnia Tate is a girl on a mission to be the scientist she knows she can be. As she explores under rocks and in her grandfather’s library, Calpurnia discovers the possibilities of her future, if only she has the courage to follow her dreams.

Tiger Rising is Kate DiCamillo’s emotionally raw story of Rob and his family. After Rob’s father’s death, he moves to a new town and struggles to cope. When he finds a tiger living in the woods, he decides to keep it a secret. With the tiger, Rob begins to accept his circumstances and learn to move on from sorrow.