10+ Best Books for 12-Year-Old Christian Girl w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for a 12-year-old Christian girl? Finding engaging and appropriate reads that resonate with her values and spark her imagination can be a delightful adventure. In this blog, we'll explore a variety of books tailored just for her. So, whether you're a parent, guardian, or friend, keep reading to discover a collection of books that are sure to inspire and entertain.

Fun Books for 12-Year-Old Christian Girl

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings stumble upon a magical world called Narnia through a wardrobe, where they embark on a daring adventure to overthrow the evil White Witch with the help of Aslan, a wise and powerful lion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating fantasy that intertwines strong moral lessons with thrilling adventures, making it a delightful read that also reinforces values of courage and faith.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure, and those interested in Christian allegories.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl, who is mistakenly sent to live with the Cuthberts, a brother and sister who wanted to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach important life lessons about love, friendship, and finding one's place in the world, all while keeping the reader entertained with her creative exploits.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about growth and self-discovery, and anyone who appreciates spirited protagonists.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms as she discovers a neglected garden and begins to bring it back to life. She, along with her cousin Colin, who believes he is doomed to die, learns about the healing power of nature and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates themes of rejuvenation and redemption, and encourages readers to find beauty and joy in the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of transformation and the healing power of nature.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up and navigate the challenges and triumphs of life, guided by their mother's wisdom and their strong Christian faith.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that explores different paths to womanhood and the importance of family, all while embedded with moral lessons and Christian values.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about familial bonds and individual growth, and those who enjoy historical settings.

• The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Princess Irene discovers a magical world beneath her mountain home, where she encounters a race of goblins. With the help of a miner boy named Curdie and her mysterious great-grandmother, Irene must thwart the goblins' evil plans.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a magical fairy tale with Christian allegorical elements, offering young readers both excitement and spiritual insights.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and fairy tales who also appreciate stories with deeper moral or spiritual meanings.

Educational Books for 12-Year-Old Christian Girl

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a journey across dimensions to save their father from an evil force. Along the way, they learn about the power of love and the strength of faith.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of basic physics concepts, empathy, and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction with deep moral questions, making it a thought-provoking read that challenges young minds to think beyond the surface.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy science fiction with a spiritual twist and stories that feature strong, relatable protagonists.

• The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the Middle Ages, this story centers around Robin, a young boy who becomes paralyzed and must overcome great obstacles with the help of the monks and the teachings of his faith.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, resilience, and understanding of Christian values.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling look at overcoming adversity through faith and determination, set against a richly detailed historical backdrop.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of personal triumph.

• The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is set in first-century Galilee and tells the story of Daniel bar Jamin, a young Jewish zealot bent on revenging his father's death by the Romans, who finds a different path after encountering Jesus.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context of the Roman Empire, ethical reasoning, understanding of forgiveness and compassion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful narrative about the transformative power of love and faith against the backdrop of historical events.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate historical settings and stories that explore deep moral and spiritual questions.

• Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
  • Genre(s): Christian Allegory, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This allegorical novel follows Much-Afraid on her spiritual journey through difficulties and trials, guided by the Shepherd, to the High Places where she is transformed.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Spiritual growth, emotional resilience, understanding of biblical allegories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written allegory that encourages readers to overcome fears and obstacles through faith and trust in God.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a story of transformation and spiritual depth.

• The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt, illustrated by Tim Jonke
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Christian
  • Synopsis: This traditional folktale tells the story of three trees on a mountain who dream of what they want to become, but God has different, more glorious plans for them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of Christian themes, appreciation for folklore, imaginative thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a simple yet profound tale that teaches about God's plan and timing, which can be different from our own desires but always fulfilling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy folklore and stories with a strong moral lesson.

Challenging Books for 12-Year-Old Christian Girl

• The Wingfeather Saga: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian
  • Synopsis: This book is the first in a series about the Igiby siblings, Janner, Tink, and Leeli, who live in the land of Skree under the oppression of the evil Fangs of Dang. The story combines adventure, family bonds, and ancient prophecies.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces a complex fantasy world with its own history, languages, and creatures, requiring readers to engage deeply with the text to fully grasp the story's intricacies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an engaging narrative that promotes values such as bravery, sacrifice, and faith, all woven into a thrilling and imaginative fantasy setting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic fantasy tales with moral depth and richly built worlds.

• The Book of the Dun Cow by Walter Wangerin Jr.
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: This novel centers around Chauntecleer the Rooster and a band of farm animals who must defend their world against a terrible evil emerging from the Earth. The story is rich in allegory and rooted in Christian themes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative uses allegorical elements and sophisticated language to convey deep philosophical and theological ideas, which can be intellectually stimulating for advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that combines elements of heroism, redemption, and the battle between good and evil, offering profound moral reflections.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate allegories and stories that explore deep existential questions through engaging narratives.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Christian Themes
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, suffering, differences, or choice, a young boy named Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories, and he uncovers the dark truths about his society.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents complex themes of freedom, choice, and morality, and challenges readers to think critically about the importance of memory and emotion in defining our humanity.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book encourages deep thinking about individuality, spirituality, and the moral dilemmas that arise in a controlled society, making it a thought-provoking read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in exploring challenging societal and ethical questions within a fictional context.

• The Bark of the Bog Owl by Jonathan Rogers
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Part of the Wilderking Trilogy, this book follows the adventures of twelve-year-old Aidan who is called to serve the Wilderking and defend the land of Corenwald against invaders.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story blends fantasy with biblical allegory, requiring readers to draw connections between the narrative and the biblical stories it parallels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling adventure that also teaches about courage, faith, and destiny, encouraging readers to see the divine hand in their own lives.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy adventures who enjoy seeing spiritual themes explored in imaginative settings.

• The Christy Miller Series: Summer Promise by Robin Jones Gunn
  • Genre(s): Christian Fiction, Young Adult, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Christy Miller spends the summer in California where she faces challenges about love, friendship, and her faith, starting her on a journey of spiritual growth and self-discovery.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with realistic issues that young teens face, from peer pressure to maintaining faith in challenging circumstances, in a mature and thoughtful way.
  • Why we recommend this book: This series is great for young girls who are navigating their teenage years, as it offers relatable scenarios and spiritual guidance that can help shape their values and decisions.
  • Perfect for: Teenage readers who are looking for stories about faith, friendship, and personal growth.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 12-year-old daughter develop strong reading habits, especially in the context of her Christian faith, here are some engaging exercises that can make reading more enjoyable and meaningful. These exercises are designed to be both fun and educational, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the books she reads.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading and helps in achieving a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable number and gradually increase the goal.

• Read and Reflect
  • What it is: Read a chapter and then spend some time reflecting on the themes and lessons.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows integration of Christian values.
  • Tips: Keep a notebook handy to jot down thoughts and reflections.

• Buddy Reading
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend or a family member to read the same book.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and can lead to deeper discussions.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meet-ups to discuss the book.

• Create a Book Club
  • What it is: Start a book club with friends who share similar interests.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading and provides motivation through group involvement.
  • Tips: Choose books that are not only fun but also enriching from a Christian perspective.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw a scene or a character from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story and enhances creative skills.
  • Tips: Share the drawings with others to discuss different interpretations of the book.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write summaries of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and understanding of the plot and important messages.
  • Tips: Use bullet points to make the summary clear and concise.

• Question and Answer Diary
  • What it is: Create a diary where you write questions and answers about the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and personal connection to the reading material.
  • Tips: Think about how the situations in the book relate to personal life or moral dilemmas.

These exercises are not just tasks; they're stepping stones to building a lifelong love for reading. By integrating these activities into her daily routine, your daughter can enjoy her books more deeply while reinforcing her Christian values. Remember, the key is consistency and encouragement. Happy reading!