10 Must-read Books for Students in Classes 11-12

Every book you read provides countless options for exploration and knowledge acquisition. Reading has various advantages in addition to helping you learn new things and increase your knowledge. Reading books can increase intelligence and improve comprehension. Students should develop the habit of reading books from a young age like 8-10 for long-term benefits. 

In this article, we have listed 10 must-read books for students of classes 11 and 12.

Also Read | The Power of Reading: Encouraging a Love for Books in Children

Must-Read Books for Students

Reading has multiple benefits, including an improvement in mental and intellectual capacity.  Yet, students often consider reading books a task even before jumping into the process, as said by J.K. Rowling: “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” Therefore, for your convenience, we list here the best must-read books for students to push your child towards realising their reading potential.

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is an inspiring fable about Julian Mantle, a lawyer facing a spiritual crisis due to his imbalanced life. The book takes readers on a transformative journey as Julian embarks on an odyssey to discover greater courage, balance, abundance, and joy. Through this captivating tale, readers are guided with a step-by-step approach to living a life filled with passion, purpose, and peace. 

Given that, you'll truly like this book if:

• You want to master your mind
• Follow your purpose
• Live with discipline
• Embrace the present

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Atomic Habits will teach you how habits develop and what you can do to instill enduring chains of signals, desires, reactions, and rewards that will help you develop systems that will help you accomplish your goals. Anybody and everyone should read Atomic Habits. This book is inherently about human conduct and what we all do every day because we are all "made of" habits.

Given that, you'll truly like this book if:

• Goal achievement is important to you
• You wish to consciously modify your habits
• You wish to learn about the formation of habits
• You want to create mechanisms that will help you achieve your goals

Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy

Struggling with effective time management and prioritization? Then this is a must-read for you. The key concept is to tackle the most important tasks first, known as "eating your frogs." By doing so, you can accomplish more in less time and find greater satisfaction in your work. The presentation offers 21 strategies based on 30 years of research to help you avoid procrastination, a very ubiquitous trait of GEn-Z and millennials, and improve productivity. It's a practical guide for anyone seeking to better manage their time, plan, prioritize, and achieve more in their daily tasks.

Given that, you'll truly like this book if:

• You want to effectively manage your time
• Avoid procrastination
• Enhance your productivity and improve the tasks you perform

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner is a potent classic book that tells the incredible tale of an improbable bond between a rich Afghan kid named Amir and Hassan, the son of his father's servant, who he eventually learns was always his half-brother after Hassan's death. The story takes place in Kabul during the Soviet invasion of that country and describes life there as it is being torn and destroyed. It discusses the hardships of life, the influence of education, the cost of betrayal, and the fight for forgiveness, as well as the influence that fathers have on their kids. An unforgettable inspirational tale of friendship, family, and love set against the tragic backdrop of Afghanistan's thirty-year history.

Given that, you'll truly like this book if:

• You love delving into stories of friendship
• Exploring different cultures is your forte
• You are motivated by tales of growth and self-discovery

Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson

Who Moved My Cheese? is a simple yet powerful parable that offers valuable lessons about dealing with change and finding success. The story revolves around four characters – two little people named Hem and Haw, and two mice named Sniff and Scurry – all of whom live in a maze and search for cheese, representing their version of success and happiness.

Given that, you'll truly like this book if you want to

• monitor,
• anticipate,
• embrace,
• and enjoy changes

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The classic book, To Kill a Mockingbird is presented from the perspective of six-year-old Scout Finch, and it centres on her, her brother Jem, and their friend Dill's efforts to convince their reclusive neighbour Boo Radley out of his home. Meanwhile, racial tensions are prevalent in Maycomb, and Scout's father, Atticus Finch, is asked to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.

Throughout the novel, the reader witnesses the trial through Scout's innocent perspective, as she and Jem learn crucial life lessons from their father about tolerance, empathy, and understanding in a community rife with racism. Atticus takes on the case despite the odds being stacked against them, showing remarkable integrity and courage in the face of prejudice. To Kill a Mockingbird is a poignant portrayal of the complexities of human nature and a powerful exploration of social justice and moral growth.

Given that, you'll truly like this book if you want to:

• Embrace empathy by understanding others' viewpoints
• Avoid harm to innocence, and acknowledge both good and bad qualities to foster balanced and respectful interactions

The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma

The 5 AM Club makes a compelling argument for a work-rest schedule so that you may join the top 5% of performance. The book argues in the form of a story that an organised morning routine that starts at 5 AM may act as a catalyst for greater productivity, health, and enjoyment. The book also suggests a number of strategies for our working hours to make the most of our strong morning start, as well as some fundamental ideas for truly exceptional performance.

Given that, you'll truly like this book if you aim to:

• Structure your day for success
• Learn new and positive habits
• Avoid distractions
• Stick to your commitment

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

The Secret, one of the best-selling books, unlocks the mysteries of the universe. With life-transforming revelations, it empowers readers to harness untapped power, finding joy in all aspects of life—money, relationships, health, and happiness. Wisdom from achievers offers a fresh perspective on achieving abundance and success.

Given that, you'll truly like this book if you:

• Believe in attract, believe, receive
• Make your desires come true
• Have the courage to see your dreams

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

A boy named Santiago sets out to find treasure in the Egyptian pyramids after having a recurring dream about it in the classic book The Alchemist. Along the way, he meets mentors, falls in love, and—most importantly—learns the value of who he is and how to better himself and pay attention to what matters most in life.

Given that, you'll truly like this book if you want to:

• Focus on your own journey
• Learn through your actions
• Dream and achieve big

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

This book is a memoir comparing lessons from his "poor dad" (a struggling professor) and "rich dad" (a successful entrepreneur). It simplifies finance concepts, stresses the importance of financial education, and encourages investing in assets for wealth-building—a concise and practical guide to achieving financial independence from a very young age.

Given that, you'll truly like this book if you want to:

• Learn about finance and related aspects
• Become financially disciplined from a very young age

Once you get into the habit of reading there’s no going back and we are sure that these ten must-read books offer invaluable life lessons and insights for every high school student. Happy reading!

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