Top 10 Yoto Cards for Older Kids (Aged 9–12) – Kimi’s Favourite Picks for Tweens
As a mum of an 11-year-old (nearly 12!), I’ve spent years trying to find the right kind of audio content for my son, Kimi. He’s always loved audiobooks – they let his imagination run wild while giving him a screen-free break – but I constantly found myself frustrated with the lack of options for older kids. So many audio players focus on the under-sevens, and it felt like Kimi was growing out of them way too fast. That’s where Yoto came in and completely changed the game for us. Unlike other devices, Yoto offers a brilliant range of more grown-up stories, facts, and adventures – perfect for curious pre-teens like Kimi.
If you’re in the same boat and looking to level up your older child’s listening experience, you’re in the right place. Here are Kimi’s top ten Yoto cards for older listeners – tested, approved, and loved in our house!
Table of Contents
You Are A Champion – How To Be The best You Can Be (Marcus Rashford & Carl Anka)
You Are the Champion – Marcus Rashford & Carl Anka
This one’s a real game-changer. Written by footballer Marcus Rashford, it’s part autobiography, part motivational guide for kids – and it’s packed with practical advice on mindset, confidence, and how to rise above challenges. It’s not just about sport; it’s about believing in yourself and finding your own path, whatever your passion is. Kimi really connected with this one especially in the run up to STATS. He said, “It makes you feel like you can do anything, even if things are hard. I liked hearing how Marcus was nervous too sometimes – it made him feel more real.” A brilliant pick for older kids who need a boost of inspiration.,
Minecraft: The Island – Max Brooks
Super popular, especially with the movie on the way, this audiobook is a hit with Minecraft fans for a reason. Think Robinson Crusoe meets Minecraft. The story follows a character who wakes up alone on a strange blocky island with no idea how they got there – sound familiar? What makes this one so clever is how it teaches resilience, problem-solving, and survival skills, all wrapped up in a gripping adventure set in the Minecraft universe. Kimi was hooked. He said, “It’s like playing Minecraft but in your head. I liked how they had to figure stuff out like how not to starve or get blown up by creepers.” Perfect for older Minecraft fans who want more than just a screen – this one fires up the imagination.
Buy Minecraft The Island from Yoto £12.99
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry – Neil deGrasse Tyson
If your child’s the kind who always asks “What’s out there?” – this one’s a must-listen. Tyson breaks down huge, brain-bending space concepts into bite-sized, fascinating chunks that actually make sense (even for us adults!). It’s clever, funny, and full of wow moments. Kimi said, “It made me feel tiny and massive at the same time. Space is mad – but I finally get some of it now, well more than mum!” A brilliant Yoto card for curious older kids who love science, space, or just thinking big.
The Wild Robot – Peter Brown
This one’s a beautiful mix of adventure and emotion – and it totally surprised both of us. It follows Roz, a robot who wakes up alone on a remote island and has to figure out how to survive in the wild. There’s action, friendship, and a lovely message about nature, connection, and finding your place in the world. Kimi said, “It’s kind of sad in bits but really cool too. I didn’t think I’d like a story about a robot, but Roz is actually awesome.” A thoughtful listen that really gets older kids thinking – and feeling – in all the right ways.
Buy Wild Robot by Yoto £9.99
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan
With the Disney+ series bringing Percy Jackson back into the spotlight, Kimi couldn’t wait to dive into the original story, and one that used to be my favourite too – and the Yoto card didn’t disappoint. It’s full of Greek gods, monsters, and a half-blood hero on a mission to stop a war on Mount Olympus. The pace is fast, the battles are epic, and it’s packed with humour and heart. Kimi said, “It’s even better than the show – there’s way more detail. I like how Percy talks, he’s funny but brave too.” A brilliant pick for tweens who love myth, magic, and adventure. There are two more Percy Jackson Yoto cards as well in the series.
The Breakfast Club Adventurers – The Beast Beyond The Fence – Marcus Rashford
The Breakfast Club Adventures: The Beast Beyond the Fence – Marcus Rashford
This one’s packed with mystery, adventure, and that classic school-friend gang energy – think Stranger Things, but less scary and more relatable. In this instalment, Marcus and his friends go beyond their usual boundaries to face a mysterious creature and uncover secrets in their neighbourhood. It’s exciting without being too intense, and it’s got real heart. Kimi said, “It’s cool because they’re just normal kids but they still do brave stuff. It makes you want to be part of the gang.” Perfect for older kids who love a good mystery and that feeling of being just on the edge of something exciting.
Hogwarts Library Collection – J.K. Rowling & Friends (3 Yoto Cards)
This magical boxset is a dream come true for any Harry Potter fan ready to dig deeper into the wizarding world. With Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, it’s like being handed a behind-the-scenes pass to Hogwarts itself. Kimi was totally into it – he said, “It’s not just stories, it’s like learning real wizard stuff. The dragon bits were my favourite!” With voices from stars like Jude Law, Bonnie Wright and Eddie Redmayne, it feels like you’re being read to by the cast themselves. A brilliant choice for older listeners who want more than just the main Harry Potter books – this is next-level wizarding fun.
Captain Underpants Pack – Dav Pilkey
Total chaos, endless laughs, and a superhero in his undies – what’s not to love? This pack brings together some of the wildest adventures of George and Harold as they face everything from talking toilets to alien dinner ladies. It’s fast-paced, silly, and exactly the kind of humour older kids still secretly love. Kimi loved these books a few years ago and still does! Kimi said, “It’s just so funny – even though it’s a bit younger, it still makes me laugh loads.” Perfect for older kids who want a break from the serious stuff and just need a good giggle. Captain Underpants never fails to save the day – or at least crack a few jokes while trying.
A Wrinkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle
A true classic that still feels fresh, A Wrinkle in Time takes you on a mind-bending adventure through space and time with Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin. It’s got everything: mysterious scientists, dark forces, and a mission to save their father – and maybe the universe. Kimi said, “It was weird in a good way. You have to really listen, but when it clicks, it’s so cool.” Perfect for older kids who love science fiction with heart and a bit of a challenge – this one really makes you think.
Buy A Wrinkle In Time Yoto £12.99
Encanto: Original Songs – Disney / Lin-Manuel Miranda
If your kids are still randomly bursting into “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” mid-sentence, this one’s a must. The Encanto soundtrack brings all the magic and music of the movie to life, with upbeat, emotional, and totally addictive songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It’s actually Eliza’s favourite, and Kimi secretly loves it too – mostly because they can listen together and sing along to every word. He said, “It’s fun ’cause we both know the songs – we do the voices and everything.” A short but mighty Yoto card that fills the house with music, sibling moments, and pure joy.
By Encanto Yoto Card £11.99
Whether your child’s into science, stories, superheroes or soundtracks, there is something for older listeners on Yoto – you just need to know where to look. These are Kimi’s top picks right now, and they’ve genuinely made a difference to how much he engages with audio again. As he gets older, it’s not always easy to find content that keeps up with his imagination and interests, but Yoto has really stepped up. If you’ve got a tween who’s starting to grow out of the younger stuff but still loves a good story or a mind-blowing fact, I hope this list gives you a head start. Let us know which ones your kids love too – we’re always on the hunt for the next great listen!
