51 Fantastic Books For Year Seven Kids (Aged 11-12)

Getting stuck into a good book is a great way to pass the time in lockdown but it can be hard finding the best books for kids to read.

Here at Kidadl, we're putting together lists of all our favourite reads, whether that's the best autobiographies for teens or a boat load of books about the ocean. Have a look at 51 of our top picks for children between 11 and 12, there's bound to be something they'll enjoy regardless of their ability and enthusiasm.

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Boy and Going Solo are Roald Dahl's brilliant autobiographies. Perfect for any children who are a fan of his books, they tell the stories of his school days and early adulthood.

A moving tale of friendship and loss, it's a great option for children who are quite emotionally mature or have experienced grief.

Booked is all about a boy trying to juggle his love of football and poetry, a story that may resonate with anyone just getting into reading.

If your child is already quite independent and loves adventure then they'll enjoy the story of Amara and her trip to New York to learn more about her family's routes.

Anne Frank's Diary is something everyone should read at some point. She started writing it at thirteen and tells the incredible and moving story of her family life until she was fifteen.

One of the best books for any curious children, join Kieran as he uses his skills of observation to try and solve a mysterious crime. It's up to him to uncover the secrets everyone else is ignoring.

A great book for more experienced readers, it's thought provoking and atmospheric. It follows the journey of Amihan and some unlikely allies as she finds her independence.

A classic children's tale about adventure and the bond between a boy and a horse. It's moving, insightful and a great option if your child is a fan of any other Morpurgo books.

A series of stories great for kids new to reading. Omri has a little red plastic Indian toy that comes alive, let the adventures begin!

A beautifully illustrated and educational easy ready all about The Suffragettes and their incredible battle for equality. It's a real life story all kids should know.

The hilarious diary of Adrian Mole is a brilliant book for any children looking for a light hearted and easy read It might even inspire them to write a diary of their own!

Set in another world where the 'crosses' are on top and the 'noughts' are the lower class, the book is intense and covers some gripping themes, perfect for more mature readers.

This is one of the best stories for kids with a big imagination. Adventure, magic and mystery all come into play as you get to know Fionn, the young hero.

The captivating series follows troublesome Percy as he discovers there is more to him than meets the eye. He's only half boy, with the other half being made up of something more special.

A great option for kids with shorter attention spans, the collection of twenty-five tales looks at the relationship between humans and animals in different urban contexts.

Wonder follows the incredible story of Auggie Pullman, a little boy with a terrible facial abnormality who just wants to fit in. It's an uplifting one all about friendship and self-acceptance.

Mira is trying to navigate growing up just as her grandmother enters the final stages of cancer. It's emotional, moving and funny, great for experienced readers.

This different take on the legend of King Arthur, the past and present come together in order to search for the truth.

This funny read is about what happens when chocolate is made illegal and the underground resistance group that want to bring back the sweet treat!

A popular adventure tale, it follows orphan Maia and her trip to Brazil with some unfriendly relatives. Will it be the trip she'd hoped for?

The Narnia books are classics for a reason. Your child might already know the story but they'll love getting lost in the magical world.

Published back in 1986, Hatchet has stood the test of time. Thirteen year-old Brian is in a plane crash on his way to visit his father and has to survive the wilderness with nothing but a hatchet.

A good option for reluctant readers, Framed is the light-hearted story of how some of the National Gallery's finest paintings end up in a cave in North Wales.

A creative piece of writing looking at both the ordinary and extraordinary day in the life of one young boy.

Full of childlike hope, No Fixed Address tackles homlessness and how difficult life is for some families in a sensitive, humourous and uplifting way.

A graphic novel perfect for new readers, join Kirby and the wacky talking primates who help him learn about trying to fit in and being different.

Swallows And Amazons is a classic series all about childhood, friendship and adventure. Your child will really get to know the characters and feel like one of the crew.

A lighter read aimed at girls, Lou's life isn't going to plan and it's up to her to try and sort the situation, with a bit of help of course.

The Box Of Delights is a more challenging read in which Kay is given a magic box full of delights and unexpected darkness.

A magical book about witchcraft, wizardry and the challenges that come with magic power. It's an easier option for anyone just getting into reading.

A seamless long form poem making a quick read about achieving your dreams and reaching your potential. It really is one for everyone.

If you child likes a bit suspense and thrill then The Wordsmith is perfect. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it's full of tension and questioning of a strange new normal.

Probably Jaqueline Wilson's most popular book, The Story Of Tracy Beaker is all about short-tempered Tracy and her life in social care house, 'the dumping ground'.

This captivating story is great for anyone interested in science. After his father disappears, it's up to Charles to find a gateway to a parallel universe to bring him back.

The Alex Rider adventure books are hugely popular and Stormbreaker is the first of twelve books. At just fourteen, Alex is recruited by the British Secret Service.

Combining real life with a fantasy adventure, The Cay follows twelve year-old Phillip and his mother as World War Two breaks out and they board the S.S Hato.

Black Beauty is another classic that is a particularly great option for any animal lovers or budding historians.

A brilliant and brave novel about a wonderful girl who dares to be different.

In this short book, five unrelated children discuss their separated parents and estranged family lives with a positive and reassuring outcome.

Telly-addict Jeff's world is turned upside down when his mum throws out the TV, but maybe his new life is much more exciting.

They're known as some of the best books for a reason, now is a great time for kids to start the brilliant Harry Potter novels.

If your child would rather be dancing than reading then the Ballet Shoes books are the perfect option to get them started on.

For more advanced readers, this is a book that looks at some serious themes and will get your child thinking about the  difficult lives of others.

Anyone who loves a bit of adventure will love Silverfin, all about the young James Bond.

A collection of books for more mature readers, The Princess Diaries are fun books where our dream to be told we're a princess actually becomes a reality for one school girl.

It's a story we all know but definitely one worth reading.

A hilarious book perfect for children new to reading who just want a bit of a laugh.

An intense story set in Belfast about the gritty religious divide.

Another much loved story that is perfect for children who are young at heart with big imaginations.

The tale of a boy who is scared to venture into the outside world because of his OCD and constant worries.

An eccentric but uplifting story about a mad family and the chaos that comes with it.