A book is the best gift you can give your child. It is quite possible that in the beginning, and always depending on how old you are, you will be more grateful for a computer, a tablet or any electronic device that is so abundant today.
Now, in the life of a child there always comes a moment when, without knowing how, he is forever captivated by the pleasure of reading. And that is something that he will do in private, but that without a doubt, we will have promoted. First serving as an example, and then offering that open window in the form of a book through which to be free, dream and discover a world of possibilities. Today in our space we want to show you what they are The best books for children aged 7 to 12.
Children's books, a personal choice where we can serve as guides
When transmitting the pleasure of reading to children there is an essential aspect that we must take into account: we must be their role model. A child who sees his parents read is someone who sees reading and dealing with books normalized. However, we must take these dimensions into account:
- Don't force a title on the children, it's about suggest, to open doors for them and offer a variety of titles among which they can suddenly find that particular window that ignites their passion.
- Offer them 3, among which is some classicPerhaps one that you yourself have already read. In this way, we give them the opportunity to discover the most traditional and unforgettable literature, while also introducing them to new titles.
- Reading is not limited to giving books to children, and even less to buying them the compulsory titles in schools. A good reader is also made by visiting libraries and spending some time between bookstores, in the science fiction or graphic novel sections.
- Another infallible key to transmitting the curiosity of reading is through the cinema. At present there are many titles that have been brought to the big screen and that can serve as a "hook" to catch them, to guide them to an afternoon of discovery in a book to suddenly see that the pages of a novel are more intense than the world of cinema.
Give the child freedom to choose, to say which yes and which no. Now, the power of choice is always given by the opportunity and the suggestion, hence we want to show you a series of titles that should not be missing in our children's library. Create a comfortable reading nook, reserve a daily shared time And discussing what has been read with simple questions are practices that reinforce motivation and understanding.
How to create reading habits between the ages of 7 and 9
By age 7, many children have consolidated their independent reading skills. To help this habit flourish, it's advisable to take action in several areas. Prepare a calm and pleasant space with good light, cushions and shelves at their height. Establish a daily routine 10-20 minutes of joint reading (before going to sleep or after a snack) and alternate with moments of silent reading.
Choose books appropriate to their levelWith short chapters, clear text, and interspersed illustrations, it encourages open-ended questions during and after reading: What do you think will happen? Why did the protagonist decide that? How would you feel? This fosters critical thinking. understanding and critical thinking.
Invite them to discuss what they read with friends or family. Encourage small conversations The story, characters, and themes enhance vocabulary and the ability to express oneself. And remember: humor, adventure, and short mysteries are fantastic ways to keep readers hooked.
Key features of books for this age: fast-paced chapters, rhythmic plotsRelatable characters, illustrations that support the text, and a fun tone. Benefits: They reinforce the reading autonomyThey train the understanding of somewhat more complex plots, they stimulate the creativity and cultivate the empathy as well as.
The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)
A classic if ever there was and an essential literary treasure that every child must discover at some point in their lifeAntoine de Saint-Exupéry's book conveys incredible values that we shouldn't let slip away, timeless essences that build up mind and heart:
- Love, happiness, and respectThe need to see beyond appearances, the importance of experiencing life through emotions and imagination, and not just through reason…
- The importance of being a child, of enjoying that time when one is freer and can see reality from many more nuances...
It's crazy to hate roses because one of them pricked you or give up on your dreams just because one of them didn't come true.
The Little Prince
Today there are editions specially designed for beginning readers, with restored watercolorsClear typography and notes that make its symbols accessible to children aged 7 to 9, without losing the magic of the original.
101 things you should do before you grow up (Laura Dower)
This is one of the most popular children's books original It's from a few years ago. It's a book for experience and above all, to reflect.
- We recommend it for children between 8 and 10 years old and who "have not yet had the pleasure of reading." It is an interactive and fun work where you will find a series of practical sheets with which to do those kinds of things that every child must experience, almost as a rite of passage, before they are older.
- Balancing actCreate a secret code, make a volcano… They have 101 things to do!
Besides entertaining, it reinforces the autonomy, the creativity and project-based learning, a natural bridge to reading non-fiction and activity books.
Where the monsters live (Maurice Sendak)
"Where the monsters live" is an amazing book that usually always has fabulous illustrations to make our children dreamIt is one of the most curious, magical and essential children's books that can attract the attention of those naughtiest boys and girls between 7 and 12 years old.
The argument is as follows: Max usually always goes with his wolf costume doing mischief. His mother always yells at him that "You're a monster!" ... Until one fine day, his adventures reach an extreme limit and he is punished without dinner in his room.
That is when Max travels to the world of wild thingswhere you'll meet real monsters: they're enormous, with sharp teeth and amber eyes… But nevertheless, Max stands out as the king, as the most playful of them all.
Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll)
While it is true that the Alice in Wonderland book can be somewhat complex to read, there are very successful editions already adapted for children between 7 and 8 years old which are simply wonderful. Always accompanied by successful illustrations, Lewis Carroll's most classic book is an absolute reference for any child who wants to challenge their imagination and go beyond reality.
It is one of those unquestionable fantasy books that leaves a mark, and that can serve as a lock to captivate any mind, and start as an avid reader. The classics never fail and Alice in Wonderland is a delight.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Jules Verne)
Children today know very well who Harry Potter is, and those other characters that the world of cinema popularizes in such a way that it almost accidentally causes the great classics to be lost. It is worthwhile to make available to our children masterpieces that cinema and television no longer popularize, and that somehow capture the authentic meaning of reading: the pleasure of adventure, challenge, mystery, fear and freedom.
- Jules Verne is and will always be a master when it comes to making the youngest minds dream. Hence, it is worth looking for a beautiful volume with attractive bindings and illustrations to "make the old new", because the old never fails, because it always works, because it always inspires.
- Kids will enjoy meeting Captain Nemo, to his mystery, to that man who has chosen the sea as a way of life, and who has built a ship as sophisticated as the Nautilus. Feel free to tell him about the visionary power of Jules Verne, and explain that many of the things that appear in the book were written at a time when this type of technology did not yet exist.
There are also comic book adaptations and graded readers that open the door to Verne from an early age, combining vignettes and narration to facilitate understanding.
The endless story
Children love mystery and suggestion, so offer them any of these books as someone who offers a challenge, a window to the beyond where they can travel alone to challenge their reality, to be freer and happier.
Best book collections for boys and girls aged 8 to 12, a personal opinion
- Geronimo StiltonAdventures with humor and maps, perfect for consolidating reading with expressive typefaces and detective plots.
- Tea stilton: missions around the world, friendship and female protagonists that inspire cooperation.
- Harry Potter: fantasy to grow with the character, from the shared reading to the autonomous as the saga progresses.
- Percy Jackson and the Olympian GodsUpdated mythology, humor and constant action that hooks pre-teens.
- The Hedwitts: family humor and everyday entanglements with agile pace.
- Amanda BlackIntrigue and family secrets; short chapters and highly visual twists.
- The three researchers: classic mysteries with clues and reasoning.
- The Happy Hollisters: family adventures, values of cooperation and curiosity.
- The Ranger Trail: epic fantasy for coming-of-age readers looking for complex worlds.
- The Gods of the NorthNorse mythology with humor and adventure to hook you from the first chapter.
- Grimwood: wacky humor and animals with eccentric personalities.
- Greg's diaryA bullet-point diary format that appeals to reluctant readers, ideal for linking humor and reading.
- Malory Towers y The Five Detectives (Enid Blyton): boarding schools, mysteries and friendship imperishable.
- Julio Verne y Sherlock Holmes: introduction to the great classics, with adapted editions.
- The Chronicles of Narnia: allegorical fantasy with unforgettable adventures.
- Belgariad ChroniclesA fantasy saga for readers who want long plots.
- Martina's fun y mystical: everyday life, friendship and a touch fantastic using approachable language.
More than 30 titles to expand your children's library
In addition to the classics mentioned above, this selection includes adventure, science fiction, thrillers, graphic novels, and picture books to cater to a wide range of tastes and reading levels. Below is a guide with indicative age and the main value of each work:
- The history of the world as told by the Balbuena family (9+): Journey through eras like Prehistory or Classical Greece with Historical facts integrated into a fun plot.
- Mr. White Rabbit (8+): A prequel to the Alice universe that explores routines and responsibility with careful aesthetics.
- I Am Robot 2: The Art Collection (10+): Mystery in museums and crazy robots to work on deduction and humor.
- Felix and the guardians of Iberian Fauna (9+): adventures and nature disclosure about mammals and birds of prey.
- The magic of living (7+): album with messages from hope and imagination, ideal for shared reading.
- Red and Blue. Monster Hunters (10+): friendship, responsibility and work in a fantastic key.
- The Great Space Game Book (7+): large format with object search, challenges for letters and anachronisms.
- Cool Animals. Activity Book (7-10): pastimes with curiosities of the animal kingdom.
- The Sweet Valley Twins. Best friends (10+): Graphic novel about changes when starting high school, identity and friendship.
- The Witch of Ring Ring. The Magic of the North (7-9): Snow adventure with environmental awareness.
- A magic-proof team (8+): Space sports saga with teamwork and healthy conflicts.
- The Hundred Storms (10+): poetic prose about love, books and imagination as a refuge.
- What does a caterpillar's cocoon hide? (8+): life cycle and metamorphosis explained clearly.
- The Grand Hotel of Emotions (7+): visual metaphor for managing feelings everyday.
- Super Dinosaurs (7-10): Interesting facts about species and surprising comparisons to learn by playing.
- I'm scared! (7+): poems and rhymes for normalize fears common with humor.
- Tina the child monarch (9+): comic about life changes and adaptation to the environment.
- FlamekOz (10+): educational project that unites flamenco and classical with a focus on school theatre.
- Goat's word (6-8 with accompaniment): wacky humor that stimulates language and verbal play.
- Mumin Mail (7+): cards and clues for solve puzzles in the Moomin universe.
- Funny stories to read at your leisure (8+): short stories that They provoke laughter and they foster a love of storytelling.
- What do I do with my emotions? (6-9): A practical guide for children and families on emotional self-regulation.
- The Little Atlas of Intimacy (8+): clear information about body, consent and respect.
- The secret world of the microbiota (9+): accessible disclosure on health and immune system with two micro-protagonists.
- Animal dream (8+): illustrated encyclopedia about ways to sleep In nature.
- The Big Book of Schools (8+): historical evolution of the school for understand its value universal.
- Trust you (6-9 with adult): motivational story for self-esteem and self-improvement.
- Jack's Incredible Adventure and the Abandoned Zoo (8-10): Nonsense and tenderness in an adventure for feed the imagination.
- Twenty thousand leagues under the sea (11-12): hybrid narrative-comic adaptation that brings the classic closer.
- Futbolísimos + Time Outlanders Pack (9+): football, mystery and travels in the time to hook up.
- The Little Mermaid (8+): illustrated edition faithful to the spirit of Andersen, with literary reading and careful aesthetics.
- Little sister. Little kangaroo. A bad day for Karen (7-9): family life, routines and humor in comic strips.
- The magician's hat (8+): Moomin adventure with mischievous magic and comical situations.
- Riddles (9+): Re-readings of classic stories for think beyond from the known story.
- Vigilantes of the Night. The Mummy Awakens (9+): friendly zombies, mystery and action.
- Moomin. The complete strips (10-12): humor and fantastic local color in strip format.
- Merlina. A very special classmate (8-10): kind witchcraft and friendship for readers who are starting out with graphic novels.
- Tales in verse for wicked children (7+): rhyming versions of classics with language games and irreverent humor.
- Floppy. What is a friend for? (7-9): friendship between girl and robot, STEM and emotions hand in hand.
- The Escape Artists (7-9): Child detectives with clues and illustrations in black and white.
- The naughtiest unicorn (6-8): school magic and laughs with fun missions.
- Crazy tricks (7-9): agile reading inspired by digital creators for take advantage of technology in favor of the book.
- fantastic life (8-10): story of overcoming with optimism and resilience as an axis.
- Family (7-9): tribute to the family diversitywith emotion and humor.
- Guides on school bullying (8-12): Three stories showing victims, aggressors, and witnesses, to work on empathy, respect and action.
Reading emotions, science and reality: not everything is fiction
Between the ages of 7 and 12, in addition to pure adventure, it is advisable to introduce titles that address the Emotional education, the science everyday life and the realities of the environment. Works such as those dedicated to school bullying with three focuses (the victim, the aggressor, and the bystander) help to Identify signs and ask for helpBooks like Family They celebrate the diversity of families with humor and tenderness, and proposals such as The Grand Hotel of Emotions o What do I do with my emotions? They offer tools to put a name to what they feel.
In the scientific field, titles such as The secret world of the microbiota, What does a caterpillar's cocoon hide? o Animal dream They transform wonder into knowledge, with clear explanations and illustrations that guideTo broaden one's perspective, The Big Book of Schools It shows how school has changed and why it remains so important.
Use film, technology, and comics to hook your audience
Many children are introduced to reading through film, video games, or digital channels. Take advantage of this bridge and offer series like Crazy tricks (digital creators with humor), graphic novels like Sweet Valley twins o Merlinand universal comics like MoominThe vivid storylines, the accessible language, and the combination of vignette and text They increase motivation.
Hybrid proposals that mix mystery and science also work very well, such as I am robot 2, or fantastic adventures with a good dose of humoras the Red and Blue. Monster HuntersAnd, of course, film adaptations can be the hook to get people to read the book: after watching a movie, suggest discovering the other book. what changes and what is gained when reading the original work.
Recommendations for school libraries and reading plans in 1st and 2nd year of ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education)
Around the age of 12, many children begin secondary school. It's an ideal time to diversify genresClassics, graphic novels, fantasy, humor, and nonfiction. The selection for school libraries may include titles that facilitate... content transfer between areas (Language with History or Science), offering up-to-date and attractive information about the world around them.
Some books incorporate projects and teaching guides that reinforce reading comprehension, reflection, and classroom debate. The aim is to develop readers critical and autonomous, capable of enjoying and, at the same time, analyzing universal themes: friendship, identity, ethics, science and society.
Practical tips for choosing the right book as a gift for children between 7 and 12.
- Explore their interests Current themes: football, magic, dinosaurs, animals, YouTubers, time travel… There are collections of almost everything.
- It offers varietyIt combines a classic, a graphic novel, and a non-fiction book. This way, they discover new formats and themes.
- Take care with the editingFriendly font, good line spacing, quality illustrations, and short chapters strengthen motivation.
- Includes participation: gamebooks, activity books or sagas with mysteries encourage active reading.
- Update without losing referencesShe alternates new releases from her favorite collections with titles that broaden her reading horizons.
If the gift is for an indecisive preteen, sagas like Amanda Black, Percy Jackson, Greg's diary o The footballers They are usually sure bets because of their rhythm and closeness.
A note for families and teachers about more mature titles
Sometimes, when looking for reading material, the temptation arises to offer books with strong thematic content. There are novels with poetic prose and fantastical elements that address very complex issues (mental illness, drug addiction, terrorism, or harsh working conditions). These titles can be valuable for older and adult readers...or as a teaching tool with historical context, but they don't fit the 7-12 age group. If they pique your interest, save them for later and prioritize proposals tailored to their age now. emotional maturity.
Creating a vibrant children's library is a shared journey: combine classics that fuel the imagination with new releases that connect with their world, listen to what they're passionate about, and engage them with questions and quality time. Between the ages of 7 and 12, each book can be a key that unlocks new doors: to adventure, knowledge, emotions, and above all, the joy of reading.
