10+ Best Classic Books for 12-13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for classic books for 12-13-year-olds that will captivate and inspire young minds? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you're looking to introduce the timeless joys of classic literature to a young reader or find a beloved book from your own childhood to share, we've curated a variety of lists that cater to tweens' diverse tastes and interests. Keep reading to discover our top picks for classic books that are perfect for 12-13-year-olds!

Fun Classic Books for 12-13-Year-Olds

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on a thrilling adventure to help a group of dwarves reclaim their mountain home from a dragon.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastic introduction to the world of fantasy literature, filled with rich descriptions and exciting escapades that keep young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and anyone who loves a good quest.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: This story details the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with an elderly brother and sister in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach important lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the power of imagination.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone who enjoys stories about personal growth and exploration.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War-era America.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides timeless themes of love, duty, and sisterhood, making it a relatable and inspiring read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate strong character development and stories about family bonds.

• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Pirate Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Jim Hawkins finds a map to a pirate's treasure and sets sail on the Hispaniola, encountering danger and excitement along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic tale of adventure and piracy on the high seas that captivates young minds with its vivid imagery and fast-paced plot.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and fans of action-packed stories.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, discovers a neglected garden and, through her care, brings it back to life along with her sickly cousin and herself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of healing and resilience through the transformative power of nature and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and anyone who enjoys stories about personal transformation and healing.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This touching story follows a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life in a way that is accessible and moving for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers looking for a heartwarming story about friendship and loyalty.

Educational Classic Books for 12-13-Year-Olds

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the Depression-era South, this novel follows young Scout Finch and her brother, Jem, as they witness their father, attorney Atticus Finch, strive to prove the innocence of a black man unjustly accused of rape.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical judgment, historical context of racial issues in America
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful exploration of moral nature and the complexities of racial injustice, presented through the innocent eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in American history and social justice.

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel captures the adventures and pranks of a mischievous boy, Tom Sawyer, growing up along the Mississippi River in the mid-19th century.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical settings, creativity, social relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of humor, adventure, and a vivid depiction of American boyhood.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fans of classic American literature.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a horse, this novel explores the harsh treatment and conditions that animals often endure, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect towards animals.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy for animals, understanding of 19th-century English society
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant and beautifully written plea for the ethical treatment of animals.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and those interested in animal welfare.

• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows a domesticated dog named Buck who is thrust into the harsh landscapes of the Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rushes of the 1890s, as he reverts to more primal instincts to survive.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptability, survival skills, historical context of the Klondike Gold Rush
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping tale of transformation and survival, exploring themes of nature versus nurture, and the call of the wild that exists in all creatures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by survival stories and adventures.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy child, is left in a boarding school by her father. When he is reported dead and his estate is seized, Sara is forced to become a servant, but she maintains her dignity and kindness throughout her hardships.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resilience, kindness, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches the importance of maintaining one's self-worth and treating others with kindness, regardless of one's circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of resilience and transformation.

Challenging Classic Books for 12-13-Year-Olds

• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Bildungsroman
  • Synopsis: The story follows the life of an orphan named Pip, who, thanks to a mysterious benefactor, rises from a humble background to the life of a gentleman, encountering various intriguing characters along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: Dickens' use of Victorian English and the complex, interwoven plotlines present a challenging read for younger audiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep insights into themes of social class, ambition, and personal growth, encouraging readers to think critically about the forces shaping their identities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in historical settings and complex character development.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic novel, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Jane Eyre, an orphaned girl who overcomes a miserable childhood and becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the mysterious Mr. Rochester.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sophisticated language and psychological depth require advanced reading skills and mature comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful narrative about strength, resilience, and integrity, set against a darkly romantic backdrop with themes of social criticism.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate strong, complex characters and a mix of mystery and romance.

• Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Epic
  • Synopsis: This epic tale recounts the obsessive quest of Captain Ahab to seek revenge on Moby Dick, the white whale that on a previous voyage bit off Ahab's leg at the knee.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style, philosophical digressions, and detailed descriptions of the whaling industry are intellectually demanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores profound themes of obsession, revenge, and humanity’s struggle against nature, offering rich material for critical thinking and discussion.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are drawn to epic tales and philosophical exploration.

• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical novel
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who, after being unjustly imprisoned on the eve of his wedding, discovers a treasure and escapes to exact revenge on those who wronged him.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex plot with many characters and the historical context require concentration and perseverance to follow.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling story of betrayal, adventure, and ultimate revenge, providing a captivating look at human resilience and moral integrity.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy fast-paced narratives with intricate plots and a historical setting.

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic fiction, Tragedy
  • Synopsis: The story centers around the passionate and tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an orphan taken in by Catherine's father, and its impact on the generations that follow.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its complex narrative structure and dark themes of obsession, vengeance, and the supernatural can be demanding for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound exploration of dark emotions and human psychology, wrapped in a deeply gothic atmosphere.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by intense, emotional stories and complex interpersonal dynamics.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of classic books, you're in for a treat. Classics can transport you to different times and places, and they help you understand the world and people a bit better. To make your reading adventure even more effective, here are some exercises designed just for 12-13-year-olds. These will help you develop good reading habits and enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the books.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you'll read.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and makes reading time special and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who have read it or are reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the book.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or join one that already exists.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match different characters or scenes.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what you've read and helps with comprehension.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and to the point.

• Research the Author and Era
  • What it is: Look up information about the author and the time period in which the book was written.
  • How it helps: Provides context that can deepen your understanding of the themes and settings.
  • Tips: Use reliable sources and take notes on interesting findings.

These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to becoming a seasoned reader who can tackle any book, classic or contemporary. Start with one or two exercises, and as you grow more comfortable, incorporate more into your routine. Happy reading!