120 6th Grade Reading Books For Children Aged 11-12 Who Love Reading

Introducing a variety of reading genres to 6th graders is crucial for their academic and personal growth. Children aged 11-12 develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world.

Reading across diverse genres exposes them to various ideas, cultures, and perspectives. It broadens their knowledge base, which is essential in a globalized world.

Fiction genres like fantasy and science fiction spark imagination and creativity. They encourage problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. Historical fiction and biographies provide a window into the past, fostering an appreciation for history and empathy for different life experiences.

Mystery and adventure books enhance analytical skills and maintain engagement with their suspenseful plots.

Academically, this diversity in reading improves vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills. It prepares students for the varied texts they will encounter in higher education.

Personally, reading different genres develops empathy and emotional intelligence. It helps children understand and relate to people from different backgrounds and cultures. This well-rounded reading experience forms a foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability.

Did You Know

Did you know reading diverse genres enhances brain connectivity and cognitive flexibility? It’s like a workout for the brain, building stronger neural pathways. This means improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills for young readers, essential for academic and personal growth.

What Reading Topics Typically Captivate 6th Graders?

Sixth graders are typically captivated by reading topics that blend adventure, mystery, and fantasy. Stories with elements of magic, mythological creatures, and distant worlds are popular.

They also enjoy realistic fiction that reflects their experiences, like school life, friendships, and family dynamics. Books about overcoming challenges, discovering personal identity, and first encounters with more complex social issues resonate with them.

Additionally, non-fiction topics like science, technology, history, and nature spark their curiosity and desire to learn about the world around them.

How Do Reading Abilities And Comprehension Levels Vary Among Children Aged 11-12?

At ages 11-12, children’s reading abilities and comprehension levels can vary significantly. Some children read advanced texts fluently and understand complex themes, while others may struggle with basic reading and comprehension.

Factors influencing these variations include

• Prior Reading Exposure: Children exposed to reading from an early age often develop stronger reading skills.
• Learning Differences: Dyslexia or other learning differences can affect reading ability.
• Interest in Reading: Interest and motivation can impact how well and how much a child reads.
• Educational Opportunities: Quality of education and access to resources play a role.
• Cognitive Development: Children develop at different rates cognitively, affecting reading comprehension.
• Language Skills: English language learners may face additional challenges.
• Socioeconomic Factors: These can influence access to books and reading support at home.
• Parental Involvement: Active involvement in a child’s reading development can enhance their abilities.

Best Reading Books For 6th Grade Children

Dive into the world of literature with our carefully curated list of best reading books for 6th-grade children! These books, spanning various genres from fantasy and science fiction to mystery and historical fiction, are perfectly tailored for 11-12-year-olds.

They promise to engage, educate, and inspire young minds, opening doors to diverse worlds and experiences.

Whether embarking on magical adventures, solving intriguing mysteries, or exploring historical epochs, these books will surely captivate and enrich the curious minds of sixth graders.

15 Fantasy Reading Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

1. “The Lost Hero” by Rick Riordan: First in the ‘Heroes of Olympus’ series, this book brings Greek and Roman mythology to life, following demigod heroes on epic quests.

2. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling: Introduces Harry’s journey in the wizarding world, filled with magic, friendship, and adventure.

3. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan: Percy discovers he’s a demigod and embarks on a thrilling adventure to prevent a war among gods.

4. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien: A timeless tale of adventure and bravery, following Bilbo Baggins in a fantastical world.

5. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle: A mix of science fiction and fantasy, it tells the story of children traveling through time and space to save their father.

6. “Artemis Fowl” by Eoin Colfer: A young genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis, captures a fairy to restore his family’s fortune, blending fantasy with high-tech espionage.

7. “The School for Good and Evil” by Soman Chainani: Two friends are taken to an enchanted school where heroes and villains are trained, challenging stereotypes.

8. “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini: Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a dragon egg and starts a journey filled with magic and power struggles.

9. “The Spiderwick Chronicles” by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi: Siblings discover a secret world of faeries and magical creatures in their new home.

10. “The Unwanteds” by Lisa McMann: In a society where creativity is a crime, ‘unwanted’ children are sent to a magical world.

11. “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill: A story of a young girl raised by a witch, filled with magic, witchcraft, and an ancient prophecy.

12. “The Neverending Story” by Michael Ende: A boy reads a magical book that narrates a story unfolding in a fantasy world, which he realizes he’s a part of.

13. “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke: Characters from a book come to life in the real world, leading to an adventurous journey between fiction and reality.

14. “The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell” by Chris Colfer: Twins enter a magical book where fairy tales are real and embark on a quest to return home.

15. “Redwall” by Brian Jacques: Set in an abbey, this story of anthropomorphic animals features epic battles, quests, and a richly imagined world.

Fun Fact

Did you know that reading can increase empathy? When we read about different characters and cultures, our brains simulate the experiences as if they were our own. This helps us understand and connect with others more deeply.

15 Science Fiction Reading Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

16. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry: In a seemingly perfect community without pain, a boy learns the dark secrets behind his society’s harmony.

17. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle: Children journey through space and time to save their father, encountering strange beings and planets.

18. “City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau: Two children searching for clues to save their decaying world in an underground city.

19. “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen: A survival story of a boy alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash, showcasing human resilience and ingenuity.

20. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins: In a dystopian future, children are chosen to compete in a televised fight to the death.

21. “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card: A young genius is trained through war games to prepare for an alien invasion.

22. “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner: Teens with no memory are trapped in a maze, searching for a way to escape and understand their mysterious surroundings.

23. “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown: A robot finds itself stranded on a remote, wild island, where it experiences nature and friendship.

24. “Among the Hidden” by Margaret Peterson Haddix: In a society where third children are forbidden, a hidden boy discovers he’s not alone.

25. “Space Case” by Stuart Gibbs: A murder mystery set on a moon base, combining space exploration with a thrilling whodunit.

26. “The True Meaning of Smekday” by Adam Rex: A girl and an alien go on a road trip to save the world after an alien invasion.

27. “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer: A futuristic retelling of Cinderella, where the heroine is a cyborg mechanic.

28. “The Search for WondLa” by Tony DiTerlizzi: A girl from an underground sanctuary embarks on a quest in an alien world.

29. “The 5th Wave” by Rick Yancey: Following an alien invasion, a girl searches for her brother while surviving in a dangerous world.

30. “The City of Gold and Lead” by John Christopher: In a world dominated by alien overlords, boys enter a competition that leads to discovering the invaders’ secrets.

Fun Fact

Honey never spoils. Archaeologists have found honey pots in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. Honey’s natural composition and low moisture content prevent bacteria and microorganisms from growing in it.

15 Mystery Reading Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

31. “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin: Heirs to a fortune must solve the mystery of a millionaire’s death in a challenging game.

32. “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” by E.L. Konigsburg: Two siblings run away to a museum, uncovering an art mystery.

33. “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart: Gifted kids are recruited to infiltrate a mysterious institute in this brain-teasing adventure.

34. “Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock” by Carolyn Keene: Nancy Drew starts her detective adventures solving the mystery of a missing will.

35. “The Hardy Boys: The Tower Treasure” by Franklin W. Dixon: The Hardy brothers investigate a robbery and find themselves in a web of suspense.

36. “Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett: Two kids become involved in an art heist, deciphering clues that involve famous paintings.

37. “The Name of this Book Is Secret” by Pseudonymous Bosch: A magical adventure where two children uncover a secret society.

38. “The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones” by Rick Riordan: Siblings follow a trail of clues worldwide to solve their family’s mystery.

39. “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Chris Grabenstein: Kids must solve riddles and puzzles to escape from an eccentric librarian’s modern library.

40. “The London Eye Mystery” by Siobhan Dowd: When a boy disappears from the London Eye, his cousins embark on a thrilling investigation.

41. “Spy School” by Stuart Gibbs: A boy is unexpectedly recruited to a junior CIA academy and gets involved in a spy mystery.

42. “Three Times Lucky” by Sheila Turnage: A small-town girl with a talent for solving mysteries gets tangled in a murder investigation.

43. “The Egypt Game” by Zilpha Keatley Snyder: Children fascinated with ancient Egypt play a game leading to a real-life mystery.

44. “Holes” by Louis Sachar: A boy sent to a juvenile detention center unravels the mystery behind his wrongful conviction and a family curse.

45. “The Wolves of Willoughby Chase” by Joan Aiken: Cousins face off against a scheming governess and a pack of wolves in this thrilling adventure.

Fun Fact

The shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896. It lasted only 38 minutes. The conflict ended when Zanzibar surrendered after a brief naval bombardment by the British. This war holds the record for its brevity.

15 Historical Fiction Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

46. “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry: Set in WWII Denmark, it’s the story of a young girl helping her Jewish friend escape the Nazis.

47. “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis: A humorous yet poignant family tale set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement.

48. “Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell: Based on a true story, it narrates the survival of a young girl stranded on an island for years.

49. “Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder: Chronicles the life of a pioneer family living in the American Midwest in the late 19th century.

50. “The Witch of Blackbird Pond” by Elizabeth George Speare: A story of a girl in colonial America accused of witchcraft, exploring themes of acceptance and friendship.

51. “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis: During the Great Depression, a boy searches for his father, uncovering his family’s past.

52. “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor: Focuses on a black family’s struggle against racism and injustice in the American South during the 1930s.

53. “Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan: A rich girl from Mexico adjusts to a challenging new life in California’s labor camps during the Great Depression.

54. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak: In Nazi Germany, a young girl finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others.

55. “Johnny Tremain” by Esther Forbes: A young apprentice in Revolutionary War-era Boston becomes a patriot and observes historical events.

56. “Catherine, Called Birdy” by Karen Cushman: A diary of a young girl in medieval England, offering insights into the period’s daily life and customs.

57. “The Midwife’s Apprentice” by Karen Cushman: Chronicles the experiences of a homeless girl in medieval England who becomes a midwife’s apprentice.

58. “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park: Based on a true story, it alternates between the stories of two children in Sudan, one in 1985 and the other in 2008.

59. “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” by Jacqueline Kelly: In 1899 Texas, a young girl explores the natural world and questions her society’s expectations for women.

60. “Chains” by Laurie Halse Anderson: The story of a young enslaved girl fighting for her and her sister’s freedom during the American Revolution.

Fun Fact

Octopuses have three hearts and blue blood. Two hearts pump blood to the gills, while the third pumps it to the rest of the body. Their blood is blue because it’s copper-based, which is efficient in cold, low-oxygen environments.

15 Adventure Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

61. “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen: After a plane crash, a boy must survive in the Canadian wilderness with only a hatchet.

62. “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London: A domesticated dog is thrust into the harsh Alaskan wilderness, facing the struggle for survival.

63. “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson: A classic tale of pirates and treasure hunting, filled with danger and excitement.

64. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis: Four siblings discover a magical world inside a wardrobe, leading to epic adventures.

65. “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George: A young boy runs away to live in the wilderness, learning to survive with nature’s help.

66. “Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell: A young girl’s tale of survival and courage on an island for many years.

67. “The Swiss Family Robinson” by Johann David Wyss: A family shipwrecked on a deserted island creates a new life amidst exotic flora and fauna.

68. “Journey to the Center of the Earth” by Jules Verne: An epic adventure through volcanic tubes to the earth’s core, filled with scientific discovery and danger.

69. “The Lost Hero” by Rick Riordan: Demigods embark on a quest to save the world from ancient threats, encountering Greek and Roman myths.

70. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl: Charlie wins a tour through the world’s most magical and mysterious chocolate factory.

71. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien: Bilbo Baggins’ adventure with dwarves and a dragon, a prelude to the ‘Lord of the Rings.’

72. “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster: A boy journeys through a magical tollbooth to a land of adventure and whimsy.

73. “The Red Pyramid” by Rick Riordan: Siblings discover they are descendants of pharaohs and must save the world from Egyptian gods.

74. “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart: Gifted children on a secret mission to save the world from a dangerous plot.

75. “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown: A robot’s adventure and survival in the wild, exploring nature and friendship.

Fun Fact

A group of flamingos is called a “flamboyance.” These vibrant birds are known for their bright pink feathers, which come from their diet of algae and shrimp rich in carotenoids. The more they eat, the pinker they become.

15 Realistic Fiction Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

76. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio: Auggie, born with facial differences, attends school for the first time, facing challenges and teaching kindness.

77. “Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper: A brilliant girl with cerebral palsy longs to speak and show her intelligence.

78. “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate: Based on a true story, a captive gorilla finds a new perspective on life through friendship.

79. “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo: A lonely girl finds solace and adventure in a small town with her dog Winn-Dixie.

80. “Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson: Two friends create an imaginary kingdom, learning about friendship, creativity, and loss.

81. “Holes” by Louis Sachar: A wrongly convicted boy finds adventure and uncovers family secrets at a detention camp.

82. “Rules” by Cynthia Lord: A girl with an autistic brother learns about the importance of understanding and acceptance.

83. “Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan: A Mexican girl moves to a labor camp in California during the Great Depression, facing new challenges.

84. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie: A Native American boy transfers to an all-white school, exploring themes of identity and belonging.

85. “A Crooked Kind of Perfect” by Linda Urban: A young girl’s journey in pursuing her musical dreams and dealing with her quirky family.

86. “Frindle” by Andrew Clements: A boy invents a new word, leading to unexpected consequences and lessons in creativity.

87. “The Thing About Jellyfish” by Ali Benjamin: A girl copes with her best friend’s death by immersing herself in the world of jellyfish.

88. “Walk Two Moons” by Sharon Creech: A girl tells stories during a road trip, uncovering her emotional journey and family history.

89. “Liar & Spy” by Rebecca Stead: A boy in a new apartment complex gets involved in a spy game, learning about friendship and self-acceptance.

90. “Counting by 7s” by Holly Goldberg Sloan: A gifted girl must navigate life after the sudden loss of her adoptive parents, finding a new family in unexpected places.

Fun Fact

The Eiffel Tower can be 15 cm taller during the summer. When a substance is heated up, its particles move more, and it takes up a larger volume – this is known as thermal expansion. Steel is no exception to this rule.

15 Biography Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

91. “Who Was Anne Frank?” by Ann Abramson: Chronicles the life of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who kept a diary during World War II.

92. “I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World” by Malala Yousafzai: The inspiring story of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who fought for her right to education.

93. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer: The true story of a Malawian teenager who built a windmill to save his village from famine.

94. “Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?” by Roberta Edwards: Explores the life of Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci, known for his art, inventions, and discoveries.

95. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson: A memoir in verse about growing up African American in the 1960s and 1970s.

96. “Who Was Albert Einstein?” by Jess Brallier: Details the life of Albert Einstein, his scientific discoveries, and his impact on our understanding of the universe.

97. “Soul Surfer” by Bethany Hamilton: The story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, who returned to the sport after losing her arm in a shark attack.

98. “Boy: Tales of Childhood” by Roald Dahl: Dahl’s own stories about his childhood filled with humor and adventure.

99. “Who Was Thomas Alva Edison?” by Margaret Frith: Describes the life of Thomas Edison, his inventions, and how he changed the world.

100. “Who Was Frida Kahlo?” by Sarah Fabiny: The life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, known for her unique art and inspiring strength.

101. “Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different” by Karen Blumenthal: A biography of Steve Jobs, focusing on how he revolutionized technology.

102. “Who Was Rosa Parks?” by Yona Zeldis McDonough: Tells the story of Rosa Parks and her role in the American civil rights movement.

103. “Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition” by Margot Lee Shetterly: The untold story of the African American women mathematicians who helped win the space race.

104. “Who Was Harry Houdini?” by Tui T. Sutherland: The life of the famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini.

105. “Who Was Marie Curie?” by Megan Stine: Explores the life of Marie Curie, her scientific achievements, and her groundbreaking work in physics and chemistry.

Fun Fact

The world’s largest snowflake on record was 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick. This giant snowflake fell in Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, in 1887. Snowflakes of this size form under unique conditions, usually in calm, moist air.

15 Poetry And Verse Books For 6th Grade Children Aged 11-12 

106. “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein: A classic collection of humorous and imaginative poems that captivate children and adults alike.

107. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson: A memoir in verse about the author’s childhood as an African American growing up in the 1960s and 1970s.

108. “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse: Written in free verse, this novel tells the story of a young girl’s struggle during the Dust Bowl years of the Great Depression.

109. “Love That Dog” by Sharon Creech: A story told through a boy’s class assignments in poetry, revealing his growth and healing.

110. “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander: A novel in verse blending basketball, family, and coming-of-age themes, vibrant with rhythm and heart.

111. “Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai: A moving tale of a girl’s immigration from Vietnam to America, told in a series of vivid poems.

112. “A Light in the Attic” by Shel Silverstein: Another delightful collection of quirky, funny, and poignant poems by Silverstein.

113. “The Dream Keeper and Other Poems” by Langston Hughes: A collection of poems by the celebrated Harlem Renaissance poet dealing with dreams, laughter, and wisdom.

114. “Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices” by Paul Fleischman: A unique book of poetry designed to be read aloud by two people, celebrating the natural world.

115. “Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou” by Dr. Maya Angelou, Edited by Edwin Graves Wilson: A collection of Angelou’s poems, chosen for young readers and beautifully illustrated.

116. “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot: A whimsical set of poems about various cats inspired the musical “Cats.”

117. “Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse” by Marilyn Singer: A collection of fairy tale-based poems that can be read both forwards and backwards.

118. “Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems” by John Grandits: A visually engaging collection of concrete poems that take the shape of the topic they are describing.

119. “Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems” by Joyce Sidman: Poems about pond life that combine science, art, and nature in lyrical verse.

120. “One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance” by Nikki Grimes: Uses the “Golden Shovel” method to pay tribute to the Harlem Renaissance poets with original poems and artwork.

Fun Fact

A day on Venus is longer than a year on Venus. Venus takes about 243 Earth days to complete one rotation on its axis, making its day. However, Venus only takes about 225 Earth days to orbit the Sun, constituting a year.

What Are The Long-Term Educational And Personal Benefits?

The long-term educational and personal benefits of engaging in varied reading and learning activities are substantial

• Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Regular reading and learning improve memory, focus, and analytical thinking skills.
• Better Academic Performance: Exposure to diverse subjects and materials can lead to a deeper understanding and better performance in various academic areas.
• Improved Language and Communication Skills: Engaging with various texts enhances vocabulary, language proficiency, and overall communication skills.
• Increased Empathy and Cultural Awareness: Reading about different cultures and perspectives fosters empathy and a better understanding of the world.
• Lifelong Learning Habits: Early engagement in diverse learning instills a love for continuous education, crucial for personal and professional development.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving Abilities: Exposure to diverse scenarios and problems in reading materials can enhance one’s ability to adapt and solve real-world problems.
• Enhanced Creativity and Imagination: Diverse reading and learning materials stimulate the imagination, encouraging creative thinking and innovation.
• Stress Reduction and Mental Health Benefits: Regular reading and engaging in intellectual hobbies can reduce stress and contribute to better mental health.
• Career Advantages: A broad knowledge base and skill set are advantageous in the increasingly interdisciplinary and dynamic job market.
• Social Skills Development: Group learning and discussion improve social skills and teamwork abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why Is It Important For Children To Read Books From Various Genres?

Reading different genres exposes children to various ideas, cultures, and experiences. It enhances their cognitive abilities, improves their language and comprehension skills, and fosters empathy and global awareness.

How Does Reading Benefit A Child’s Academic Performance?

Reading regularly improves memory, concentration, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic success. It also broadens their vocabulary and enhances their ability to understand complex concepts and ideas.

Can Reading Influence A Child’s Creativity And Imagination?

Yes, reading, especially fiction and fantasy, stimulates the imagination, encouraging creative thinking. It opens up new worlds and possibilities, inspiring children to think innovatively and explore their creative ideas.

Are There Social Benefits To Reading For Children?

Reading can improve social skills by helping children understand different perspectives and cultures, fostering empathy. Group reading activities and book discussions also promote social interaction and teamwork abilities.

How Can Parents Encourage Their Children To Read More?

Parents can encourage reading by providing a variety of books, setting aside regular reading times, and creating a comfortable reading environment. Involvement in their reading process, like discussing books and sharing reading experiences, also motivates children to read more.

Sources:

https://imaginationsoup.net/books-for-6th-graders-age-11-12
https://imaginationsoup.net/6th-grade-summer-reading-list-ages-11-12
https://readingmiddlegrade.com/books-for-sixth-graders
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/119978777561643708
https://www.differentiatedteaching.com/6th-grade-books
https://readingmiddlegrade.com/books-for-11-year-olds
https://bookriot.com/books-for-6th-graders
https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/wly3pv/fantasy_books_that_would_work_for_6th_grade_non