The Reading Adventure: 100 Books to Check Out Before You're 12

by We Need Diverse Books

Discover your next read with this carefully curated list from We Need Diverse Books.
 
Check out 100 must-read books to try before you're 12! Packed with reviews, recommendations, and exclusive author interviews, The Reading 100 Books To Check Out Before You're 12 will inspire young readers to discover a diverse range of books beyond the curriculum.
 
From mystery to autobiography, the book is organised by genre, so you can jump to the section that interests you the most. Each entry has a key theme box so you can immediately see if the book is something you'll enjoy. Helpful signposts lead readers to another book the author thinks they'll enjoy. Hidden gems, award-winners, classics, and current bestsellers are brought to life by vibrant illustrations. There's truly something for everyone!

Vibrant and educational, you can

- 15 exclusive author interviews, including Jason Reynolds, Meg Medina and Linda Sue Park.
- Organized by genre and theme, so the reader can find a book based on their interests.
- Discover 100 book recommendations aimed at 7-12 year olds with vibrant and fun illustrations.
- Running categories organized by interest and theme.
- Endmatter includes writing activities, and an index.
- Bold original illustrations by a range of artists bring the books to life.

Developed in collaboration with We Need Diverse Books - a non-profit with a mission to create a world where everyone can find themselves in the pages of a book - young readers can explore a variety of awe-inspiring and thought-provoking books, with titles High Rise Mystery by Sharna Jackson, A Kind of Spark , by Elle McNicoll, From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, Front Desk by Kelly Yang, and many more. 

Ideal for caregivers and gift givers of both voracious and reluctant readers within the 7-12 age group, as well as caregivers of neurodivergent children, children with a disability, and children of color seeking greater representation in literature.

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, Childrens

128 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Chanda Scobee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful resource that can serve as a starting point for reading diverse literature at any age. I would highly recommend this for educators, librarians, parents, and anyone who has connections to kids today as these are the subjects, depictions, and topics that are heavily influencing and relevant to our society today. These offer just enough information about each book so you can curate a reading list specific to your desires and needs, while also being exposed to a variety of literature that exists today. Great author questions, information, and a broad expanse of representation and messages.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

We Need Diverse Books gives us a book lovers' dream of diversified titles for kids.
From emerging readers to (roughly) age 12, check out some of the beloved classics like Louis Sachars' Holes to Bryan Mealer's juvenilized adaptation of the Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba.
Each of the 100 titles is divided into categories ( mysteries, humor, horror, biographical as far as genres, emerging and reluctant reader suggestions, identity, journeys, tough topics and stories of family). There are 15 interviews with select authors (including Ellen Oh and Jason Reynolds), activities at the back of the book, and each title has selected read-alikes (all featured in the book) for each title.

I definitely found some new read ideas and I love it.

[Christine LaBatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was an anthology of books for children/young teens (but really anyone) by We Need Diverse Books. The book is divided up by genre/group - like there is mystery but then also uplifting stories. Each is accompanied with a beautiful illustration, a brief synopsis, and then a box about what topics it covers (like family changes, folklore, etc.) as well as if you liked this, go read about this other book in this anthology. I loved that it spanned more than just young children. So many books added to my to be read list!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This large, well-illustrated reference guide introduces kids to a variety of diverse middle-grade novels and nonfiction works. Each page briefly describes the book's premise, shares an enticing illustration, and lists a couple of the work's key themes, appeal factors, and read-alikes. There are also occasional author interviews throughout, and although the questions vary, all of the authors shared tips for kids who are interested in writing. There is some more writing advice in the back, along with an index of authors, titles, and themes.

The majority of the books featured here are recent publications, but there are also a few classics. I am familiar with the vast majority of the books here, and have read and would recommend many of them. My one major critique of this book is that it's very inconsistent in when it directly names a diversity element, sometimes stating this in the description and sidebar and other times doing nothing to signify a book's diverse elements. If someone is looking for books about a specific culture or other identity theme, this book will only guide them partway, and they'll have to do research about other titles included here to discover whether or not they would be relevant to their interest.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always stumped when helping my 9-year-old pick out ebooks from the library - I feel like I'm always googling "best chapter books for 7yos or 8yos or 9yos." And so I was delighted to find this book. It groups books into categories including, "Make 'Em Laugh," "Marvelous Mysteries," "Essential Conversations," and "Becoming Me." Each book page includes a short summary, a "Quick Look" with themes featured in the book and further recommendations of similar books, and an eye-catching illustration. Each section also features an author interview.

The books featured here are amazingly diverse, offering such a range of representation, and includes some of the best middle grades books my 9yo and I have enjoyed together lately like V.E. Schwab's City of Ghosts, Kelly Yang's Front Desk, and more.

I downloaded three recommendations from this book last night to my 9yo's kindle from the library and the first one he picked up is already a hit. This is definitely a great resource for kids and parents alike!

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a child in your life that is 8-12 years old, I highly recommend this book. Inside are 100 books every child should read (or should be read to them) before their teen years. It includes a brief description of each book, illustrations, a quick look at what the book is about, and two other books included in the book that you’d like if you liked the first one. There are also author interviews for some of the books. I read/listen to a lot of books with my 8 and 9 year old, but we’ve actually only read a few of the books listed, so I was excited to add so many books to our to read list. The ones we have read are some of our favorite books. The diversity in authors and characters on this list is great and the problems the characters face are ones that most kids do face in their tween and teen years. We’re excited to spend the next few years reading/listening to the books from the list and I even added the entire book list as a Goodreads Shelf for us to keep track!

Thanks NetGalley and DK for the opportunity to review this book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get one for your household or as a gift, and also for your school and local public library! DK books are always great and this one is far from an exception. Though it is aimed at elementary school students, it is perfect for ESL, parents, other students, and anyone who needs a boost to think better of themselves. There are paragraphs about the different books and characters as well as mini bios of a number of authors. The key characters (and the authors) are as different as all of us who live in areas with diverse populations. A wonderful book for each of us at (almost) any reading level. Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age. The illustrations are delightful, colorful, vibrant, and imaginative.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from DK/DK Children via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Lisa]

I picked this up at the library on a whim and really appreciated a lot of the recommendations. As an adult, I personally found some key information lacking (especially what year the books were published - I guess just for my own interest, and maybe not relevant/important for kids?), and as a parent, I wished the recommendations were a bit more spread out amongst the "before you're 12" age range. There seemed to be a few books for younger kids, and after that, to me it felt mostly 9+ (depending on on the reader, of course). My kids are 7 and 5, so I think I'll revisit this in the coming few years.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to have books full of booklists in order to give my kids options of books to read. It's always nice to know what you might be interested in reading before heading to the library, a book sale, a book store, or even just trying to figure out a gift for someone.

This is essentially a well rounded booklist for kids. It gives options of middle grade books that handle multiple cultures, backgrounds, disabilities, and experiences; a very handy resource.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Need Diverse Books offers 100 recommendations of great books for middle grade readers brokjen into categories such as "unexpected journeys" and "stories to save the day." It also includes some author interviews and reading and writing activities. A great resource on finding great books for kids with a diverse selection of titles and authors.

[Mandy Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How great was this resource! As a school librarian of grades PK-12, it showcased a lot of books that I was slightly familiar with, but I was able to gain more of a detailed understanding though this resource. We are definitely buying a copy!

[Kim B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice selection of books (including many I've never heard of!), nicely illustrated. If you're interested in going beyond the standard "middle grade classics" reading lists, this is a nice alternative while still including many classics.

[Ceylan (CeyGo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great anthology of children’s books for those looking for more diversity - with beautiful illustrations to go with each feature ! Definitely worth checking out .

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, according to the NetGalley site, this book cannot be downloaded. I am not sure why. It is a title that I am certain I would want to read, especially as I tutor beginning readers.

[Karthika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice

[Kristen Iworsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this hoping to find recommendations for my 8 year old but I think the title is a bit misleading. These books seem better suited for older kids- maybe ages 10-13?

[Stacey Lattin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have added heaps of books to our reading list. I am wondering though if there is an adults version of this book

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Dominic Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and beautifully illustrated book by an amazing organization.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great curation of diverse books. One star taken off due to majority about and only available in the U.S.

[Mattie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great list. Would have loved to see recommended ages for each book, but I guess that varies by child. A ballpark would be helpful!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minus one star for the fact that it includes a Neil Gaiman book. An edited update should be released that doesn’t encourage the children to read books by predators. Also: he isn’t a diverse author.

[McKenna Deem · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

As someone who works with kids, I’m always on the lookout for books that can make my kids feel less alone. This collection is divided perfectly with lovely blurbs that made me add about 30 books to my TBR, and at least one book a piece to my work kids’ TBRs.