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Children's books

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Book recommendations for a keen 12-year-old wanting longer challenging reads

31 replies

GreenMarigold · 05/06/2026 13:08

My daughter is turning 12 soon and I’d love some book recommendations for her.

She has been a keen reader for years and has loved the Warrior Cats, Lottie Brooks, Skulduggery Pleasant and Artemis Fowl books. She also enjoys poetry and classic literature like Poe and Shakespeare.

However it’s been a year or two since she has found a modern author to get stuck into. She likes a decent length book that’s a challenging read.

I want to get her some proper books rather than anime style books, as she loves those but finishes them in minutes!

In terms of genre she is quite open minded but has expressed an interest in some romantasy - but I would welcome any ideas at all!

OP posts:
Selttan · 05/06/2026 14:51

When I was her age my favourite author was Tamora Pierce. I remember borrowing the series The Song Of The Lionness from the library constantly. I still reread it as an adult.
Another series I loved was the Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody - I had to wait 30 years for her to finish the series but she finally did.

GreenMarigold · 05/06/2026 14:30

Amazing recommendations, thank you so much everyone! 🙏

OP posts:
EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 05/06/2026 13:31

@GreenMarigold

Patrick Ness is worth a look

A Court of Thorns and Roses for romantasy but even though I have read it, I’m not sure how explicit it is for 12

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell is a really great YA crossover novel

Michelle Magorian - Back Home.

Catherine Storr - Marianne Dreams

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi - this was my favourite book at her age

Screamingabdabz · 05/06/2026 13:28

Stephen king? I read quite a few of his as a teenager. My teen book worm loved ‘The Institute’.

Gall10 · 05/06/2026 13:26

When I was 12 (very late 1960’s!) I began reading John Wyndham & devoured them!!
I also read Catch 22 at that age
My friends brother had a copy of Virgin Soldiers and Lady Chatterleys Lover…that’s where I gained most of my sex education
Id recommend John Wyndham but maybe not the others!

TonTonMacoute · 05/06/2026 13:18

The Wolf Brother Books by Michelle Paver

Inkheart books (can't remember the author)

Earthsea series Ursula Le Guin

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