Here are the top 30 bestselling sports & outdoors books for 12 year olds. Please click Read Review to read book reviews on Amazon. You can also click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, please follow Change Library to reset it.
1. The Dangerous Book for Boys
by: Conn Iggulden, Hal Iggulden Release date: Apr 24, 2012 Number of Pages: 288 Find in Library Read Review |
The bestselling book for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses*, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is.
In this digital age there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun—building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world’s best paper airplanes.
The completely revised American Edition includes:
The Greatest Paper Airplane in the World
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Five Knots Every Boy Should Know
Stickball
Slingshots
Fossils
Building a Treehouse*
Making a Bow and Arrow
Fishing (revised with US Fish)
Timers and Tripwires
Baseball’s “Most Valuable Players”
Famous Battles-Including Lexington and Concord, The Alamo, and Gettysburg
Spies-Codes and Ciphers
Making a Go-Cart
Navajo Code Talkers’ Dictionary
Girls
Cloud Formations
The States of the U.S.
Mountains of the U.S.
Navigation
The Declaration of Independence
Skimming Stones
Making a Periscope
The Ten Commandments
Common US Trees
Timeline of American History
2. The Daring Book for Girls
by: Andrea J. Buchanan, Miriam Peskowitz Release date: Mar 27, 2012 Number of Pages: 288 Find in Library Read Review |
The Daring Book for Girls is the manual for everything that girls need to know—and that doesn’t mean sewing buttonholes! Whether it’s female heroes in history, secret note-passing skills, science projects, friendship bracelets, double dutch, cats cradle, the perfect cartwheel or the eternal mystery of what boys are thinking, this book has it all. But it’s not just a guide to giggling at sleepovers—although that’s included, of course! Whether readers consider themselves tomboys, girly-girls, or a little bit of both, this book is every girl’s invitation to adventure.
3. Middle School: How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli, and Snake Hill
by: James Patterson, Chris Tebbetts, Laura Park Release date: Jun 24, 2013 Number of Pages: 336 Find in Library Read Review |
This fourth book in the massively popular Middle School series is an unforgettable summer of hi-jinks, new friends, and surprises, all told with the hilarity and honesty readers have come to expect from blockbuster author James Patterson.
4. The Boy’s Book of Adventure: The Little Guidebook for Smart and Resourceful Boys
by: Michele Lecreux, Celia Gallais, Esao Millet, Jocelyn Millet Release date: Jul 01, 2013 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
Camping advice and instruction includes ways to protect against the weather, first-aid for injuries, advice on using a compass, tips for studying the night sky, identifying birds, and much more. The book’s wide array of topics and sturdy construction makes it an ideal outdoor companion for hiking and camping excursions. An elastic band bound into the back cover can be stretched over pages and used as a place marker. Color illustrations on every page.
5. The Everything Kids’ Football Book: All-time Greats, Legendary Teams, and Today’s Favorite Players–with Tips on Playing Like a Pro
by: Greg Jacobs Release date: Aug 03, 2016 Number of Pages: 144 Find in Library Read Review |
Do you know:
What a draw play is?
Who holds the all-time touchdown record?
What teams play in the Big Ten Conference?
You’ll go from rookie to Pro Bowler in no time with this football-lover’s guide to the gridiron. Whether you’re new to the game or a longtime fan, this book has everything you need to know about the exciting game of football!
Filled with the latest stats, tackle-worthy trivia, and more than 25 fun puzzles, this revised and updated guide gives you all the ins and outs of the game, including:
- The history of football and the NFL
- Football stats and record holders
- How to predict which teams will make it to the Super Bowl
- How to develop offensive and defensive skills
- Fantasy football leagues
Packed with the latest draft, scoring, and league information, this end zone–worthy book helps you discover fun facts about football heroes and legends and coaches you on the tactics of the game so you can make that first down like a pro!
6. Sports Illustrated Kids Big Book of Who Basketball
by: The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids Release date: May 05, 2015 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
The Big Book of Who: Basketball is a book young sports fans will return to again and again as a lively, exciting resource.
7. I Got This: To Gold and Beyond
by: Laurie Hernandez Release date: Jan 24, 2017 Number of Pages: 192 Find in Library Read Review |
Gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast and Dancing with the Stars champion Laurie Hernandez shares her story in her own words in this debut book for fans of all ages—with never-before-seen photos!
At sixteen years old, Laurie Hernandez has already made many of her dreams come true—and yet it’s only the beginning for this highly accomplished athlete. A Latina Jersey girl, Laurie saw her life take a dramatic turn last summer when she was chosen to be a part of the 2016 US Olympic gymnastics team. After winning gold in Rio as part of the Final Five, Laurie also earned an individual silver medal for her performance on the balance beam. Nicknamed “the Human Emoji” for her wide-eyed and animated expressions, Laurie continued to dance her way into everyone’s hearts while competing on the hit reality TV show Dancing with the Stars, where she was the youngest-ever winner of the Mirrorball Trophy.
Poignant and funny, Laurie’s story is about growing up with the dream of becoming an Olympian and what it took to win gold. She talks about her loving family, her rigorous training, her intense sacrifices, and her amazing triumphs. Be prepared to fall in love with and be mesmerized by America’s newest sweetheart all over again.
8. Middle School: Save Rafe!
by: James Patterson, Chris Tebbetts, Laura Park Release date: Jun 23, 2014 Number of Pages: 288 Find in Library Read Review |
After a rough summer, Rafe is heading back to the dreaded Hills Village Middle School, the site of the very worst years of his life. And as if that’s not bad enough, he’s learned that he’s going to be held back a year unless he can prove himself on an outdoor survival excursion–complete with dangerous white-water rafting, dizzying rock climbing, and fanatical counselors. Rafe and the rest of the pack of “delinquent” trainees are forced to cooperate as they prepare for the final test: a solo excursion in the deep woods. Can Rafe come out of the experience in one piece? And if he does, will he go home as the same insecure kid?
9. My Side of the Mountain (Puffin Modern Classics)
by: Jean Craighead George Release date: Apr 12, 2004 Number of Pages: 192 Find in Library Read Review |
10. The Everything Kids’ Baseball Book: From Baseball’s History to Today’s Favorite Players–With Lots of Home Run Fun in Between!
by: Greg Jacobs Release date: Mar 12, 2016 Number of Pages: 176 Find in Library Read Review |
From the backyard to the ballpark, The Everything Kids’ Baseball Book, 9th Edition captures all the action, fun, and excitement of America’s favorite pastime! Sports reporter Greg Jacobs gives you all the know-how you need to bat a thousand–from learning how to keep score on a scorecard to tips on developing your fielding and hitting skills.
You’ll learn all about:
- The history of baseball
- Your favorite American and National League teams
- Stats and records
- Fantasy baseball teams
- Baseball legends and current players
- Ballparks around the country
- And much, much more!
With more than 30 puzzles and activities, along with baseball trivia and the rules of the game, this book delivers one grand slam after another!
11. Big Book of WHY Sports (Sports Illustrated Kids Big Books)
by: The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids Release date: Aug 07, 2012 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
12. Snowman: The True Story of a Champion
by: Catherine Hapka, Rutherford Montgomery Release date: Aug 30, 2016 Number of Pages: 160 Find in Library Read Review |
Snowman, an Amish plow horse, was bound for the meat market when Harry deLeyer, a Long Island riding instructor, spotted him at auction. After making eye contact with the gentle giant deLeyer decided to purchase him for $80.
At first, Snowman was just a horse that children rode during lessons, but when deLeyer sold him to a neighbor, the horse had other ideas. He would jump the high fences so he could return “home.” Harry then began training Snowman as a show jumper. Less than two years out of the plow fields, Snowman won the 1958 horse show jumping Triple Crown—the American Horse Shows Association Horse of the Year, Professional Horseman’s Association Champion, and Champion of Madison Square Garden’s Diamond Jubilee.
Snowman was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 1992.
13. Survivor Kid: A Practical Guide to Wilderness Survival
by: Denise Long Release date: May 01, 2011 Number of Pages: 226 Find in Library Read Review |
Written by a search and rescue professional and lifelong camper, it s filled with safe and practical advice on building shelters and fires, signaling for help, finding water and food, dealing with dangerous animals, learning how to navigate, and avoiding injuries in the wilderness. Ten projects include building a simple brush shelter, using a reflective surface to start a fire, testing your navigation skills with a treasure hunt, and casting animal tracks to improve your observation skills.
For ages 9 and Up.
14. Weird but True Sports: 300 Wacky Facts About Awesome Athletics
by: National Geographic Kids Release date: May 17, 2016 Number of Pages: 208 Find in Library Read Review |
15. Sports Illustrated Kids Big Book of Who: ALL-STARS: The 101 Stars Every Fan Needs to Know
by: The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids Release date: Jun 10, 2014 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
The Big Book of Who is a book your young sports fans will return to again and again!
16. Brian’s Hunt (A Hatchet Adventure)
by: Gary Paulsen Release date: Mar 13, 2012 Number of Pages: 112 Find in Library Read Review |
When Brian finds a dog one night, a dog that is wounded and whimpering, he senses danger. The dog is badly hurt, and as Brian cares for it, he worries about his Cree friends who live north of his camp. His instincts tell him to head north, quickly. With his new companion at his side, and with a terrible, growing sense of unease, he sets out to learn what happened. He sets out on the hunt.
17. Sports Illustrated Kids Football: Then to WOW!
by: The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids Release date: Aug 12, 2014 Number of Pages: 80 Find in Library Read Review |
From rules to equipment to the all-time greats, this book is a journey through the game spanning the years
18. Ultimate Survival Guide for Kids
by: Rob Colson Release date: Jul 30, 2015 Number of Pages: 96 Find in Library Read Review |
The first three chapters in this book–Animal Dangers, Natural Dangers, and Human Hazards–describe what to do in a total of 24 specific emergencies. The fourth chapter, Basic Survival Skills, has 14 important tips on emergency preparedness and survival skills.
Each crisis is summarized on a double-page spread with 1-2-3 what-to-do checklists, “Fast Facts”, “Life Savers”, “Did You Know”, and “If You” sidebars, and margin notes. The book’s eye-catching design features brilliant full-bleed color and dynamic action photographs.
The life-threatening scenarios include:
Animal Dangers
- What to do if you are bitten by a snake
- How to escape from a bear
- What to do if you are chased by bees
Natural Dangers
- How to survive a hurricane
- How to avoid being struck by lightning
- What to do if you are caught in a food
Human Hazards
- How to escape from water in a car
- How to escape from a burning building
- How to avoid being crushed in a crowd
The Survival Skills include:
- Planning a trip
- Using a penknife
- Finding food
- Making a shelter
- Making a fire
- Tying knots.
Children like to feel in control. Knowing what to do in the case of an emergency increases the chance of survival and it also reduces fear. Even if readers never venture beyond the front door, they will enjoy Ultimate Survival Guide for Kids.
19. Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Rocks and Minerals (National Geographic Kids)
by: Nancy Honovich Release date: Feb 09, 2016 Number of Pages: 160 Find in Library Read Review |
20. Who Is Wayne Gretzky? (Who Was…?)
by: Gail Herman, Ted Hammond, Nancy Harrison Release date: Feb 05, 2015 Number of Pages: 112 Find in Library Read Review |
21. Sports Illustrated Kids What are the Chances? The Wildest Plays in Sports
by: The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids Release date: Jul 22, 2014 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
This book is the perfect combination of little-known stats, amazing plays, and fun facts. Not only will we address all the burning questions that curious sports fans want to know, this book will highlight some incredible moments and underscore exactly how special those highlight-reel plays are.
22. TIME For Kids Book of Why: Amazing Sports and Science
by: Editors of TIME For Kids Magazine Release date: May 06, 2014 Number of Pages: 48 Find in Library Read Review |
Written in an upbeat manner, each answer is accompanied by either a photo or an illustration to show the reasons why. Of course, TIME For Kids goes beyond answering the question, and dips into the science or history to further explain the answer in an easy-to-follow, straightforward manner.
TIME For Kids The BIG Book of Why: Sports and Science is a must-have book to satisfy the most curious of kids.
23. The Everything Kids’ Basketball Book: The All-time Greats, Legendary Teams, Today’s Superstars–and Tips on Playing Like a Pro
by: Bob Schaller, Dave Harnish Release date: Sep 11, 2015 Number of Pages: 144 Find in Library Read Review |
Nothing but net!
You can dribble, shoot, and swish with tons of basketball fun in The Everything Kids’ Basketball Book, 2nd Edition! Full to the rim with trivia, history, and thirty fun puzzles and games, this one-of-a-kind book is a must-have for kids who love the game.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- Facts and stats about basketball players of the past and today
- The best offensive and defensive moves
- Up-to-date stats and records of NBA teams
- The scoop on the WNBA, the NCAA, and Olympic basketball
- The history of basketball
- The rules of the sport and tips for enhancing your game
This is your tip-off into the world of basketball. Learn about the greatest players, figure out the best position for you, and understand the sport on a deeper level. From college ball to the Hall of Fame, this book is your ticket to the fastest game in town!
24. What Is the Super Bowl? (What Was…?)
by: Dina Anastasio, David Groff, Kevin McVeigh Release date: Oct 20, 2015 Number of Pages: 112 Find in Library Read Review |
25. The Boys’ Book Of Survival (How To Survive Anything, Anywhere)
by: Scholastic, Guy Campbell Release date: Jan 01, 2009 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
Lost in the desert? Stuck in quicksand? Confronted by a man-eating tiger? Trapped at a school dance? Fear not, brave reader! With this essential survival guide, you’ll find a way to get yourself out of every imaginable predicament, whether it’s an avalanche or a zombie invasion!
How to survive anything all in one handy book! Inside you’ll find out how to treat a snakebite, send an SOS message, track an animal, make a map, and build a ladder. Find out how to survive a school dance, a shopping trip with your mom, a pop quiz, and a shark attack!
26. Who Was Muhammad Ali?
by: James Buckley Jr., Stephen Marchesi, Nancy Harrison Release date: Jul 24, 2014 Number of Pages: 112 Find in Library Read Review |
27. Baseball: Then to WOW!
by: The Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids Release date: Apr 05, 2016 Number of Pages: 80 Find in Library Read Review |
28. Kid Athletes: True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends (Kid Legends)
by: David Stabler, Doogie Horner Release date: Nov 17, 2015 Number of Pages: 208 Find in Library Read Review |
29. The Deer Hunting Book: Short stories for young hunters
by: Michael Waguespack Release date: Feb 25, 2013 Number of Pages: 102 Find in Library Read Review |
30. Time For Kids Book of How: All About Sports
by: Editors of TIME For Kids Magazine Release date: Sep 02, 2014 Number of Pages: 48 Find in Library Read Review |
TIME For Kids goes beyond just answering the question, and engages kids with hands-on activities at the end of each chapter that bring life to a topic or idea they just read about. The Book of How: All About Sports is a must-have book to satisfy the most curious of kids.
Best Selling Books for 12 year olds:
- Action & Adventure
- Activities, Crafts & Games
- Animals
- Biographies
- Classics
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Technology
- Early Learning
- Education & Reference
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
- History
- Holidays & Celebrations
- Humor
- Literature & Fiction
- Mysteries & Detectives
- Religions
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Sports & Outdoors
- Children’s Cookbooks
Recommended Books for 12 year olds:
- Action & Adventure
- Activities, Crafts & Games
- Animals
- Biographies
- Classics
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Technology
- Early Learning
- Education & Reference
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
- History
- Holidays & Celebrations
- Humor
- Literature & Fiction
- Mysteries & Detectives
- Religions
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Sports & Outdoors
- Children’s Cookbooks
Best Selling Sports & Outdoors Books for:
- 4 Year Olds
- 5 Year Olds
- 6 Year Olds
- 7 Year Olds
- 8 Year Olds
- 9 Year Olds
- 10 Year Olds
- 11 Year Olds
- 12 Year Olds
- Teen & Young Adults
- 3 Year Olds
Recommended Sports & Outdoors Books for:
- 4 Year Olds
- 5 Year Olds
- 6 Year Olds
- 7 Year Olds
- 8 Year Olds
- 9 Year Olds
- 10 Year Olds
- 11 Year Olds
- 12 Year Olds
- Teen & Young Adults
- 3 Year Olds
Last updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 9:41 AM