Posted by Children’s literature is an important part of growing up. It is a window into new worlds, broadening their horizons, and helping them develop empathy. Reading is an important activity for children, and it can have a significant impact on their future academic success. However, books can be expensive, and not every family can afford to purchase them. That’s where free online books come in handy. In this blog post, we’re going to highlight the top 10 websites with free books for 12-year-olds and give you a list of 2023 free online books for 12-year-olds.
What Kinds of Books Should You Buy for Your 12-Year Olds?
Well, this question depends on what kinds of books you’ve observed your kid likes. Reading is usually a fun activity for these younglings, especially fantasy stories. As you can obviously tell, I know this because I was once a twelve-year-old. I just… grew up.
As a kid, I enjoyed classic literature being drawn in picture books; like the Harry Potter Books (the Philosopher’s Stone arc was my favorite), as well as Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, Chronicles of Narnia, and Greek and Norse mythologies. I devoured these books with so much enthusiasm back in my hey-days. And for sure, this 12-year-old me could easily be your kid.
Children, as a matter of fact, enjoy fantasy literature; just as I did several years ago. Other books you can buy for your 12-year-old are educational books, picture books, religious books, and more. It is important to consider the type of language the book is written in.
Books written for 12-year-olds are easy to spot based on the childish tone and characters used in the story. It goes without saying that children will certainly struggle to understand books written in complex languages. This is why we have recommended these free online books for 12-year-olds; you can use the directories we’ve linked in this article, and download these books for free.
10 Best Websites With Free Books for 12-Year-Olds
1. Oxford Owl
Oxford Owl is a website that offers a range of free ebooks for children aged 3-11. They have a selection of leveled books that help children work on their reading skills.
2. Storyline Online
Storyline Online features famous actors like Oprah Winfrey and Viola Davis reading children’s books aloud. These videos can help children develop a love of reading and learn new vocabulary.
3. International Children’s Digital Library
The International Children’s Digital Library has a collection of books from around the world. They offer books in 59 languages, making them a great resource for children learning a new language.
4. Open Library
Open Library has a collection of over 1.7 million free ebooks. They offer a range of children’s books, from classics to modern favorites.
5. Amazon’s Free Kids eBooks
Amazon offers a range of free children’s ebooks for Kindle readers. They have books for all age groups, making it easier to find something that your child will enjoy.
6. Barnes & Noble Free Nook Books for Kids
Barnes & Noble offers a selection of free Nook books for kids. These books cover a range of genres and interests, making it easy to find something your child will enjoy.
7. Mrs. P’s Magic Library
Mrs. P’s Magic Library is a website that features actress Kathy Kinney reading classic children’s books aloud. They offer books for children of all ages.
8. Monkey Pen
Monkey Pen offers a range of free printable worksheets and ebooks for children. These resources can help children work on their reading and writing skills.
9. Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg has a collection of over 60,000 free ebooks. They offer a range of children’s books, from classics to modern favorites.
10. Hoopla
Hoopla is a digital media service that offers free ebooks, audiobooks, and videos. They offer a range of children’s books, making it easy to find something your child will enjoy.
List of the Free Online Books for 12-Year-Olds
Below is a list of the Free online books for 12 year olds:
- Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
- The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
- Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
- Lockwood & Co. The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
- Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling
- The Dumbest Idea Ever! by Jimmy Gownley
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
- The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
- The Call of the Wild by Jack London.
Overview of Free Online Books for 12-Year Olds
The following blocks of text will aim to drive home a point about why we think you should snap up these books for your 12-year-olds if you already haven’t.
1. Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
Touching Spirit Bear is a coming-of-age novel by Ben Mikaelsen that tells the story of a troubled 15-year-old boy named Cole Matthews who is sent to a remote Alaskan island for a year-long sentence after violently attacking another boy.
The novel explores themes of anger, forgiveness, and healing through Cole’s journey of self-discovery on the island. It is relevant to many adolescents, such as bullying, peer pressure, and emotional turmoil, and presents a powerful message about the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and the healing power of forgiveness.
The novel is written in simple language and has short chapters, making it easy to read and follow. It has won several awards, including the International Reading Association Award, and has been widely praised for its ability to captivate young readers while delivering a powerful message.
2. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander is a novel in verse that follows the story of Josh Bell, a talented young basketball player who plays alongside his twin brother, Jordan. Josh and Jordan have a close relationship, but their bond is tested when they both start to have romantic feelings for the same girl and when Josh starts to grapple with the pressures of growing up and balancing his passion for basketball with the other important aspects of his life.
The novel is told entirely in verse, with each poem offering a different perspective on Josh’s life. Through these poems, Alexander captures the energy and excitement of basketball and the intense emotions that come with adolescence.
3. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is a fantasy novel that follows the story of a young girl named Luna who lives in a world where a witch is feared and blamed for various misfortunes. Every year, the people of Luna’s village leave a baby as an offering for the witch, hoping that this will prevent her from causing harm to the village. Little do they know, the witch Xan rescues the babies and brings them to a safe home on the other side of the forest, where they are raised as her own children.
One year, Xan accidentally feeds Luna moonlight, which imbues the young girl with magical powers that she cannot control.
Now, I know, “A girl drank the moonlight?” That’s ridiculous! But your 12-year-old kid doesn’t know this. This book is one of the best free online fantasy books for kids.
4. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein is an exciting mystery novel that follows the adventures of twelve-year-old Kyle Keeley, who wins a coveted spot in the grand opening of Mr. Lemoncello’s new library. Mr. Lemoncello, a famous game designer, has built a cutting-edge library that is like no other, filled with interactive features, hidden rooms, and puzzles to solve. However, when the doors of the library lock, Kyle and the other contestants realize they are trapped and must use their wits to escape.
The novel is an excellent choice for twelve-year-olds because it is both entertaining and educational, and the story will have your kid rooting for Kyle and his friends throughout.
5. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is a thrilling adventure story that follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is recruited by a group of dwarves to help them reclaim their treasure from a dragon. This book is great for twelve-year-olds because it introduces them to the exciting world of Middle-earth and encourages imagination and creativity.
The story promotes bravery, determination, and loyalty, while also exploring important themes such as greed and power. The Hobbit is a classic tale that has captivated readers of all ages for generations, making it an excellent choice for young readers who are just starting to explore the world of fantasy fiction.
6. Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
The Percy Jackson Book Series are popular young adult fantasy book written by Rick Riordan. It follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a demigod and son of Poseidon, as he navigates the world of Greek mythology and battles monsters and other foes. The series is beloved for its fast-paced action, relatable characters, and clever use of Greek mythology. It has spawned a spin-off series, The Heroes of Olympus, as well as graphic novels, movies, and a stage musical.
The adventures of Poseidon’s’ half-blood son, Percy Jackson, are highlighted in the following books:
- Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (very popular among kids)
- Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters
- Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse
- Percy Jackson and the Battle at the Labyrinth
- Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian
If your kid is an avid lover of fantasy stories, then these books are gifts I think they should have.
7. Lockwood & Co. The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
Lockwood & Co. The Screaming Staircase is a young adult supernatural fiction novel by Jonathan Stroud, published in 2013. It follows the adventures of a team of teenage ghost hunters in an alternate version of London where ghosts are a common occurrence. Lucy Carlyle, a young psychic, joins Lockwood & Co., a small team of teenage ghost hunters led by Anthony Lockwood. They investigate Combe Carey Hall, a haunted mansion where a malevolent ghost is rumored to be causing havoc. The book combines elements of horror, humor, and action to create a thrilling and suspenseful story..
8. Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling
Arguably one of the most popular fantasy books ever written, these books follow the story of the young Harry Potter and the magical, but haunted and somewhat tragic adventures of him and his friends.
The Harry Potter series is a collection of seven fantasy novels written by J.K. Rowling. It tells the story of young wizard Harry Potter and his journey through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The books are known for their intricate plotting, thought-provoking themes, and complex characters. They have been adapted into a successful film franchise, stage play, and theme park attraction.
9. The Dumbest Idea Ever! by Jimmy Gownley
The Dumbest Idea Ever! is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Jimmy Gownley. It follows 13-year-old Jimmy, who dreams of becoming a professional comic book artist. He creates a comic strip for the school newspaper and faces challenges, but eventually realizes he must overcome his self-doubt and fear of failure. The book encourages readers to believe in themselves and work hard to make their dreams a reality.
10. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol is a novella written by Charles Dickens and first published in 1843. It follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man, who is visited by three spirits who will help him change his life. The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge on a journey through his past, the Ghost of Christmas Present shows him the joys of Christmas, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge his future.
Scrooge wakes up on Christmas morning a changed man and decides to embrace the spirit of Christmas and make amends. It has become a Christmas classic and has been adapted into countless films, television shows, and theatrical productions.
11. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
The Lost Hero is a young adult fantasy novel written by Rick Riordan. It follows three new demigods – Jason Grace, Piper McLean, and Leo Valdez – as they embark on a quest to rescue the goddess Hera. Along the way, they encounter obstacles and challenges, including battling monsters and facing betrayal. The novel sets up an exciting new series and leaves readers eager to read The Son of Neptune.
12. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Jack London’s The Call of the Wild is a classic adventure novel that explores themes of survival, instinct, and the relationship between humans and animals. It follows a dog named Buck, who is stolen from his home and sold into the Alaskan wilderness to become a sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush. Buck is eventually rescued by John Thornton, who introduces him to a life of love and loyalty, but he is still drawn to the wild and his primal instincts.
FAQs About Free Online Books for 12-Year-Olds
Are free online books safe for children?
Yes, as long as you are using a reputable website, free online books are safe for children. Just make sure to monitor your child’s online activity.
Are there any restrictions on free online books?
Each website may have different restrictions. Some websites may require you to create an account or limit the number of books you can download.
Can free online books replace physical books?
While free online books can be a great resource, physical books still have their value. Physical books allow children to develop fine motor skills and offer a break from screen time.
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Wrapping It Up
There are many websites that offer free online books for 12-year-olds. These resources can help children develop a love of reading and improve their academic success. Use this list as a starting point to find books that your child will enjoy. Happy reading.