Books for Starting a New Activity for Ages 12–18

Explore our collection of children's books about starting a new activity recommended for kids ages 12–18.

1,279 books

Cover of The Playbook

Kwame Alexander

For the young athlete or student facing setbacks, this rhythmic guide uses basketball metaphors to build grit, integrity

Cover of This Full House

Make Lemonade #3

This Full House

Virginia Euwer Wolff

For the teen navigating the high stakes of college dreams while uncovering family secrets and balancing the weight of th

Cover of Writing With Rosie

Writing With Rosie

Patricia Reilly Giff

For the aspiring writer who loves their dog and wants to turn everyday moments into stories. This guide uses a pup named

Cover of Song Only I Can Hear, A

Song Only I Can Hear, A

For the teen who feels paralyzed by social anxiety or the fear of being seen. This moving story explores the courage it

Cover of Samurai Shortstop

Samurai Shortstop

For the teen navigating the tension between honoring family traditions and forging their own path in a changing world.

Cover of That Thing We Call a Heart

That Thing We Call a Heart

For the teenager navigating the complicated bridge between high school and college while balancing cultural expectations

Cover of Foolish Hearts

For the teen navigating the messy overlap of new friendships, high school cliques, and the courage it takes to be vulner

Cover of Boys Don't Knit (in Public)

Boys Don't Knit (in Public)

For the teen struggling with social expectations and finding their true self, this story proves that hobbies have no gen

Cover of Defending Irene

Defending Irene

Kristin Wolden Nitz

For the girl who is told 'no' because of her gender, this story follows a soccer player navigating a new country and pro

Cover of Behind the Curtain

Behind the Curtain

For the child learning to trust their own instincts even when adults are skeptical. A middle schooler balances theater r

Cover of Bea is for Blended

Bea is for Blended

Lindsey Stoddard

For the child adjusting to a new stepfamily or fighting for fairness at school, Bea's journey explores finding your plac

Cover of Last Chance Quarterback

Alden All Stars #1

Last Chance Quarterback

Tommy Hallowell

For the child who feels like they have to work twice as hard to earn their place. Sam must overcome his teammates' doubt

Cover of The Midnight Horse

Sandy Lane Stables #7

The Midnight Horse

For the young rider managing the pressure of competition and the longing for a deep connection with a horse who truly un

Cover of Indy Cars

World of Racing

For the child who loves speed and high-tech machines, this guide explores the history of the Indy 500 and how race cars

Cover of Shapes in Math, Science and Nature

Shapes in Math, Science and Nature

Catherine Sheldrick Ross

For the curious child who loves to ask why things are built the way they are, this guide turns everyday shapes into an i

Cover of The Worst Nurse

Aussie Bites #1

The Worst Nurse

For the child who feels overwhelmed by new responsibilities or squeamish about the messy side of life, this humorous tal

Cover of My Year of Epic Rock

My Year of Epic Rock

For the child navigating the sting of friendship changes and the anxiety of life with food allergies while searching for

Cover of Soar

For the child who must redefine their identity after a medical setback, this heart-to-heart story shows how a love for s

Cover of Drag Strip Racer

Matt Christopher Sports Stories

Drag Strip Racer

Matt Christopher

For the child who loves to see how things work and dreams of being behind the wheel, this story explores the focus and g

Cover of Jungle Mastermind

Jungle Mastermind

For the child who thrives on logic but feels the pressure of competition, this story explores how to stay focused when t

Cover of Wacky Baseball Trivia: Fun Facts for Every Fan

Wacky Sports Trivia

Wacky Baseball Trivia: Fun Facts for Every Fan

For the young sports fan who loves sharing 'did you know' moments, this collection of weird records and funny history is

Cover of Understanding Music

Understanding Music

For the curious teenager or older child starting an instrument or exploring new genres, this guide breaks down the histo

Cover of Jack & Louisa: Act 1

Jack & Louisa #1

Jack & Louisa: Act 1

Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Kate Wetherhead

For the child adjusting to a big move or a shift in their identity, this story explores finding your place when your old

Cover of A Taste for Victory

Jake Maddox Sports Stories

A Taste for Victory

For the child who loves the heat of competition but needs a reminder that winning isn't everything when it comes to true