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

Double Dutch: A Celebration of Jump Rope, Rhyme, and Sisterhood

Veronica Chambers

For the child who loves the rhythm of the playground, this vibrant guide celebrates the history, culture, and community

Ages 8–12

The Dragonslayer's Apprentice

David Calder

For the child who needs to see that even daunting challenges can be tackled with a bit of grit and the right mentor by t

Ages 8–12

Mountain Bike Mania

Matt Christopher

For the child learning to balance new passions with old loyalties. Will discovers that winning on the trails doesn't mea

Ages 8–12

Karate Club #4

Out of Control

Carin Greenberg Baker

For the child feeling overwhelmed by new responsibilities and higher expectations. Michael struggles to balance his kara

Ages 8–12

Dish #12

Sweet-and-Sour Summer

Diane Muldrow

For the child feeling the bittersweet shift of a summer where friends drift apart and new responsibilities like a first

Ages 8–12

WCMX Daredevil

Jake Maddox, Shawn Pryor

For the child who loves extreme sports and needs to see that mobility devices aren't limits, but tools for incredible st

Ages 8–12

Kestrel Takes Flight

Joy McCullough

For the child who feels like the odd one out in their family and is searching for a place where their unique physical ta

Ages 8–12

The Usborne Book of

Juggling

Clive Gifford

For the child who loves to move and needs a fun way to build coordination: this guide helps beginners master juggling wi

Ages 8–12

Skaters Profile of a Pair

Lynn Haney

For the child who dreams of Olympic glory or wants to know what it really takes to be a professional athlete: a look at

Ages 9–13

Mia and Friends #1

Mia Hamm and the Soccer Sisterhood that Changed History

Karlin Gray

For the child who thrives in a team or the young athlete facing setbacks, this graphic biography shows how individual gr

Ages 8–12

The Cupcake Club #1

Peace, Love, and Cupcakes

Sheryl Berk, Carrie Berk

For the child who feels like an outsider at school and is looking for a way to find their tribe while dealing with trick

Ages 8–12

Matt Christopher Sports Classics

Basketball Sparkplug

Matt Christopher

For the child who thrives in a group but feels lost when their 'partner in crime' isn't there, this story explores build

Ages 8–12

Robots

Robot Competitions

Christopher Forest

For the student who loves to build and tinker, this guide dives into the high-stakes world of robot battles and engineer

Ages 8–12

Carmen Sandiego #10

Clue by Clue

Catherine Hapka

For the child who loves cracking codes and working with friends to uncover secrets in their own neighborhood.

Ages 8–12

Emma Raducanu

Sally Morgan

For the young athlete who needs a reminder that big dreams are possible with hard work. This biography follows Emma Radu

Ages 7–12

Wildseed Witch #3

Fortunes and Frenemies

Marti Dumas

For the child navigating the tricky waters of middle school social circles and the pressure to belong while staying true

Ages 8–12

Maker Comics #11

Maker Comics: Design a Game!

Bree Wolf, Jesse Fuchs

For the young inventor who loves board games or video games and is ready to stop playing and start creating their own in

Ages 9–12

The Story of Owen #2

Prairie Fire

E. K. Johnston

For the teen navigating complex career choices and social responsibility. This gripping sequel explores standing up for

Ages 12–17

Gym Stars #2

Friendships and Backflips

Jane Lawes

For the child struggling to balance a passion for sports with the social pressures of starting a new school and keeping

Ages 8–12

Computer Space Adventures

Paul Somerson

For the curious child who wants to move beyond just playing games to understanding how they work through creative coding

Ages 9–13

Usborne Introduction

Electronics

Pam Beasant

For the curious child who loves to take things apart, this classic guide turns complex circuits into a hands-on adventur

Ages 9–13

I Feel Like Dancing

Steven Barboza

For the young dancer who dreams of the big stage, this fly-on-the-wall look at the School of American Ballet reveals the

Ages 8–12

Jake Maddox Sports Stories

Drill Team Determination

Jake Maddox

For the child feeling overwhelmed by competing priorities: Sam must learn to juggle her passion for the drill team with

Ages 8–12

Million Dollar Series #2

The Million Dollar Kick

Dan Gutman

For the artistic child who feels out of place in a sports-obsessed world, this story explores finding confidence when th

Ages 8–12