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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 12-year-old girls? Whether she's an avid reader or just getting into the swing of turning pages, finding books that resonate can be a game changer. In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of captivating books that are perfect for 12-year-old girls, each promising to keep her hooked from the first page to the last. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to spark her imagination and keep her coming back for more!

Fun Books for 12-Year-Old Girls

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures as she makes Green Gables her home are both amusing and heartwarming, making it a great pick to capture the joys of youthful enthusiasm and the value of finding one's place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about friendship, growth, and the power of imagination.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: This enchanting story revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby. Raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, Luna must figure out her true identity and the powers she possesses.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that blends magic with complex emotions and themes, encouraging readers to explore the significance of love and the journey of self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of magical stories and strong, complex characters.

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Autobiography
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel is a true story about the author's tumultuous elementary and high school years, focusing on her struggles with dental issues and finding her identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and honest, dealing with real issues in a light-hearted way, which can be very comforting and encouraging for readers going through their own challenges.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy real-life stories and those dealing with their own growing pains.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to a mainstream school for the first time. Through multiple perspectives, readers experience themes of acceptance and the importance of kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, no matter their appearance, in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a moving story that promotes understanding and compassion.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods like him. He soon embarks on a quest across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction — Zeus’ lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines Greek mythology with modern adventure, making it an exciting read that also educates about classical myths in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and mythology enthusiasts who enjoy fast-paced stories filled with action and humor.

Educational Books for 12-Year-Old Girls

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, Calpurnia Tate, a curious 12-year-old girl, navigates the challenges of growing up as the only girl among six brothers. With the guidance of her cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she explores the natural world and discovers her passion for science.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, historical context, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines historical context with the exploration of scientific concepts, making it both educational and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and history, and those who enjoy stories about strong female protagonists.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Told through vivid poems, this memoir captures the author's childhood experiences during the 1960s and 1970s in both the North and the South of the United States. It explores her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement, her developing identity as a writer, and her experiences with racial tensions and family connections.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical knowledge, poetic techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at the African American experience through lyrical poetry that's accessible and emotionally resonant.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate poetry and those looking to understand more about American history and the Civil Rights era.

• The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning, and this bizarre accident turned her into a math genius. But for all her numerical know-how, she struggles with navigating middle school's social dynamics. The book follows her journey as she tries to go from homeschool to public school, making friends and handling her extraordinary abilities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Math skills, social skills, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that cleverly integrates mathematics into a tale of personal growth and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love math or those who feel like outsiders striving to fit in.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Melody, a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy, is unable to speak or move independently. Trapped in her own mind, she is desperate to communicate with those around her. This story explores her struggles and triumphs as she finds a way to share her voice.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of disabilities, communication skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a profound perspective on the challenges and capabilities of a person living with severe physical disabilities, encouraging empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in inspirational stories of overcoming adversity and those looking to gain insight into diverse life experiences.

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: Coraline Jones finds a mysterious door in her new home that leads to an alternate universe that initially seems better than her own. However, she soon discovers dark secrets and must muster all her bravery to save herself and return to her family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, bravery, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that teaches about courage and the importance of being careful what you wish for.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy spooky stories and learning about self-reliance and bravery.

Challenging Books for 12-Year-Old Girls

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as good versus evil, and it incorporates advanced scientific concepts like tesseracts and space-time travel.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the imagination with its creative and scientific concepts, while also teaching important values like bravery and love.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi enthusiasts and young readers interested in science and adventure.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Orphaned Mary Lennox is sent from India to live in her uncle's gloomy mansion in Yorkshire, where she discovers a locked, neglected garden. As she brings the garden back to life, she also transforms the lives of her sickly cousin and the household.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep themes of loss, healing, and transformation, using a rich, descriptive language that may be more complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that encourages resilience and the healing power of nature, offering rich descriptions that enhance vocabulary and comprehension.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and the magic of nature.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War-era America. Each sister strives to overcome personal flaws and achieve their dreams, supported by the bonds of family love and loyalty.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses a range of complex issues such as poverty, gender roles, morality, and personal identity, woven into a historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless lessons on family, selflessness, and the pursuit of true happiness, making it a meaningful read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate stories about familial bonds and character development.

• I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Through the journal entries of Cassandra Mortmain, a teenager living in a crumbling English castle, this story captures her eccentric family's struggles and her own coming-of-age, including her first experiences with love and her ambitions to become a writer.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's reflective and literary style, along with its detailed character development and setting, require a mature understanding and appreciation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully portrays the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the awakening of artistic and emotional sensibilities.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring writers and readers who love introspective and beautifully written narratives.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda Wormwood is a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers. She faces off against her dimwitted parents and her school's tyrannical principal, Miss Trunchbull, using her abilities to protect her friends and restore justice.
  • Why this book is challenging: Though written in a humorous and accessible style, the themes of abuse, resistance, and justice are profound and thought-provoking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, encouraging readers to think critically about right and wrong.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with a mix of humor, fantasy, and strong moral messages.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help a 12-year-old girl develop solid reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises. These activities are designed to make reading a regular and enjoyable part of her daily routine. Let's dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a specific number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading and gradual improvement in reading skills.
  • Tips: Start with a small, manageable goal and gradually increase it.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space dedicated to reading.
  • Tips: Let her personalize the space with comfy cushions, good lighting, and her favorite books.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club with a few friends who read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages reading and sharing ideas, improving comprehension and social skills.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep the selections diverse and engaging.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read aloud from a book each day.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Alternate reading pages or chapters to make it more interactive and fun.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize a reading app that tracks reading progress and offers rewards.
  • How it helps: Motivates reading through gamification and progress tracking.
  • Tips: Choose apps that are age-appropriate and have educational content.

• Theme-Based Reading
  • What it is: Pick a theme each month and read books related to that theme.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more exciting and provides a deeper understanding of different subjects.
  • Tips: Include a variety of genres within the theme to keep it interesting.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about building a lifelong love for reading. By integrating these activities into her daily routine, she'll not only enhance her reading skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for the stories and knowledge that books offer. Happy reading!