Kirby's Top 10 Fun and Educational Books for Kids 7 to 12 Years Old

I love reading everything from adventure stories to brain-teasing puzzle books. But sometimes, finding books that are both fun and teach us stuff is tricky especially when Mom says they have to be under $20. Last week, after Ethan got bored with his same old storybooks, I begged Mom to let me hunt for new ones on KirbyBuys. I wanted books that’d make us laugh, think, and maybe even impress our teachers, all without breaking the bank.

When Ethan was whining about being bored, and I was out of new books to read. Our bookshelf was stuffed, but most of the books were either too babyish for me or too hard for Ethan. Mom suggested we find some “smart but fun” books on Amazon, ones that’d teach us cool stuff like science, history, or problem-solving while keeping us hooked. I grabbed her laptop, put on my favourite Harry Potter playlist, and dove into Amazon’s kids’ section through KirbyBuys. My goal? Find books under $20 that’d work for both Ethan’s wiggly attention span and my love for stories with a twist. After scrolling, reading reviews, and dodging Ethan’s attempts to pick only dinosaur books, I landed on these 10 awesome educational books. They’re fun, brain-boosting, and perfect for kids 7-12 like us!

The Try Not to Laugh Challenge Ewww Edition

Look what I have found on Amazon! It's "The Try Not to Laugh Challenge Ewww Edition!" HAHAHA! it's perfect for long road trip or for a family game night after dinner. it’s packed with 160+ hilarious, creepy-crawly, ooey-gooey, and stinky questions. Ethan and I laughed so hard playing it, and it secretly teaches decision-making and reasoning. For $6.99, it’s a total steal.

The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book

I’m obsessed with science, and "The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book" is a gem. It has experiments like making a Fizzy Rocket, Magnet-Powered Car, Pencil Sundial and 100+ more STEAM experiments. The instructions are easy, and it’s packed with “why it works” facts that make me feel like a scientist. At $9.99, it’s hands-on learning and critical thinking.

Really Fun Activity Book for 7-9 Year Olds by Mickey Maclntyre

"Really Fun Activity Book for 7-9 Year Olds" by Mickey Maclntyre is Ethan’s new favourite, this Amazon book has mazes, word searches, and math puzzles that keep him busy for hours. It’s perfect for his age but fun for me too when I’m bored. Mom loves that it boosts focus and problem-solving. For $8, it’s a win.

Who Was? Biography Series: Albert Einstein

I picked this "Who Was? Biography Series: Albert Einstein" because Einstein’s brain was wild! It’s a short, illustrated story about his life and discoveries, perfect for curious kids like me. Ethan liked the cartoons. At $5, it’s a history lesson that doesn’t bore.

The Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark

"The Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark" is an Amazon classic that tells an adventure where Jack and Annie time-travel to meet dinosaurs. It’s exciting but sneaks in facts about prehistoric life. I read it in one night, and Ethan’s begging for the next one. For 4.99 (Kindle), it’s a story and a science lesson.

5000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!)

Are you curious about everything? Everything in this world and around us? "5000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!) By National Geographic is the book you need. This Amazon book is more exciting than a video game with explosion of information about sensational topics kids love: dessert, underwear, amusement parks, pirates, famous criminals, marsupials, Ancient Egypt, famous landmarks. With colourful pics and fun facts. Ethan and I fight over who gets to read it first because it’s so cool. For $11.40, it’s a science and curiosity booster.

The Unofficial Harry Potter Spellbook

I’m a Harry Potter nerd, and "The Unofficial Harry Potter Spellbook" is a complete guide to the spells, charms, and hexes used throughout the Harry Potter Universe. It includes all that you need to know about wands and other enchanted objects. It’s like a wizard dictionary that teaches Latin roots and creativity. Ethan pretends he’s casting spells!- it’s magical learning.

Math Curse by Jon Scieszka

Math can be meh, but "Math Curse" by Jon Scieszka book makes it hilarious! It’s about a girl who sees math problems everywhere, with puzzles to solve. Ethan giggled through it, and I loved the brain teasers. For $7.26 (Hardcover), it’s a math-loving game-changer.

The Diary of a Wimpy. Kid: Book 1

"The Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Book 1" is such a hit because it is so funny, with Greg’s middle school drama and doodles. It teaches about friendship and problem-solving without feeling like a lesson. Ethan and I both cracked up reading it. At $9.96 (Hardcover), it’s a sneaky way to learn.

The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak

What about something for a change- "The Book with No Pictures" by B.J. Novak. This Amazon book is pure silliness—there are no pictures, but the words make you say ridiculous things like “BLORK!” Ethan laughed so hard he fell off the couch, and it helps with reading fluency. For $10.48, it’s a giggle-fest that teaches.

Reading is the best way to explore new worlds, and with these KirbyBuys picks, Ethan and I are ready for epic book adventures. I thought finding fun and educational books under $20 would be impossible, but l found all these on KirbyBuys. These books make Ethan excited to read and keep me hooked with adventures, puzzles, and facts. They teach us science, history, math, and even how to get along with friends, all while feeling like playtime. Mom’s thrilled because they’re affordable and spark our curiosity.