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

Are you on the hunt for emotional books for 12-year-olds that resonate with their evolving feelings and experiences? You've come to the right place! At this pivotal age, finding books that speak to their emotions can be incredibly impactful. Keep reading as we explore a variety of emotional books for 12-year-olds, each promising to engage, enlighten, and evoke empathy. Whether your young reader is a seasoned bookworm or just starting to explore deeper themes, these selections are sure to stir their hearts and imaginations.

Fun Emotional Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers on August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie strives to convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite his appearance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that promotes empathy, kindness, and acceptance, crucial values for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy uplifting stories and learning about diversity and inclusion.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, two friends who create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia, where they rule as king and queen. It deals with themes of friendship, imagination, and the experience of loss.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to use their imagination and cope with difficult emotions like grief and loss.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love adventures and stories about friendships that transform lives.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: This novel is about Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and rarely misses his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that teaches compassion towards animals and the importance of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories about resilience and hope.

• Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story details the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to help save his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the reality of death, wrapped in a sweet and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy heartwarming tales of friendship and those dealing with themes of loss and survival.

• The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during WWII, the story follows Ada, a girl born with a clubfoot who is kept isolated by her mother. Ada takes the opportunity to evacuate London during the war, leading to a transformative journey of freedom and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, emotional story that highlights resilience, personal growth, and the impact of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical contexts and stories about overcoming adversity and finding one's place in the world.

Educational Emotional Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: After her best friend drowns, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy was a rare jellyfish sting. She retreats into silence, channeling her energy into a plan to prove her theory.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science, grief processing, emotional resilience, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines elements of science with a deep, emotional exploration of loss and the quest for understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science and nature, and those dealing with grief or loss.

• Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Willow Chance is a twelve-year-old genius who is obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions. Her world is tragically changed when her adoptive parents die in a car crash, leading her to find a surrogate family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, coping with loss, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of unexpected community and resilience, showing how a unique, grieving girl navigates her way through a huge personal loss.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about overcoming adversity with the help of community.

• Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Caitlin, a young girl with Asperger's syndrome, struggles to understand emotions and social cues. After her brother's tragic death in a school shooting, she searches for closure and meaning through the concept of empathy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of Asperger's syndrome, emotional processing, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive look into the mind of a girl with Asperger's, blending themes of tragedy and growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in psychological growth, emotional challenges, and stories of personal development.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Melody, a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak, walk, or write, finds a way to communicate with others and finally have her voice heard when she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of disabilities, communication skills, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges perceptions of disability and portrays the internal world of a deeply intelligent child locked inside her own body.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in stories of triumph over physical limitations and those who appreciate narratives about finding one's voice.

• Rules by Cynthia Lord
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows twelve-year-old Catherine, who longs for a normal life, which seems impossible while caring for her autistic brother and coping with her family's dynamics. Her world changes when she befriends Jason, a paraplegic boy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of autism, family dynamics, friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a heartfelt glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of living with an autistic family member and forming unexpected friendships.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a realistic portrayal of disability and sibling relationships, and those who value stories about acceptance and friendship.

Challenging Emotional Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: Conor, a boy dealing with his mother's terminal illness, is visited by a monster who tells dark and twisted stories. Through these stories, Conor confronts his fears and the truth about his reality.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel deals with complex themes of loss, fear, and coming to terms with grief, presented through metaphorical storytelling that requires deep interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound and moving insight into handling grief and the power of truth, presented in a unique narrative style that engages and challenges young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate dark fantasy and are dealing with or curious about deep emotional issues like grief and acceptance.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 1970s, this story follows Miranda as she begins receiving mysterious notes that predict the future and ultimately compel her to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving time travel and intertwining plot lines that challenge readers to piece together clues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating blend of mystery and science fiction with real-life scenarios that enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Young mystery and sci-fi fans who enjoy puzzles and stories that make them think.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After his family is murdered, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where ghosts and other supernatural beings raise him and protect him from the assassin who continues to hunt him.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book explores themes of life, death, and survival in an unconventional setting that demands a mature understanding from its readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling and imaginative adventure about growing up and finding one's identity, all while wrapped in a spooky, engaging narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love thrilling ghost stories and tales of adventure and self-discovery.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Narrated by Death, this novel follows Liesel Meminger in Nazi Germany, who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others, including the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the horrors of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany through the lens of a young girl, requiring readers to grapple with harsh historical realities and moral questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful, beautifully written tale that emphasizes the impact of words and humanity in the face of brutal inhumanity.
  • Perfect for: Historical fiction enthusiasts and readers interested in deep, emotionally challenging narratives about history and human resilience.

• Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: As 13-year-old Sal travels across America with her grandparents, she tells the story of her friend Phoebe, whose mother disappeared, intertwining it with her own quest to understand her mother's departure.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dual narrative structure and the themes of loss, identity, and acceptance require readers to engage with complex emotions and layered storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines adventure with emotional depth, encouraging readers to explore themes of family and identity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories that explore emotional landscapes and personal journeys.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading emotional books can be a transformative experience for 12-year-olds, helping them to understand complex emotions and develop empathy. To make the most out of these readings, it's essential to engage actively with the books. Here are some exercises designed to enhance your reading habits and deepen your understanding of the narratives:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: This helps create a consistent reading habit and makes the task manageable.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily routine without feeling overwhelming.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of emotional responses and insights.
  • Tips: Make it a habit to jot down notes right after reading to capture your fresh reactions.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Share and discuss key points or emotional moments from the book with friends.
  • How it helps: This can deepen understanding and offer new perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to form a small reading group or book club where everyone reads the same book.

• Create a Book Map
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of events as they happen in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in retaining and understanding the sequence of events and character development.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important emotional shifts or events.

• Reflect on Personal Connections
  • What it is: Write about how the themes or events of the book relate to your own life.
  • How it helps: Enhances empathy and personal insight, making reading a more intimate experience.
  • Tips: Be honest in your reflections and try to find at least one personal connection per book.

• Predict Future Events
  • What it is: Before continuing with the next chapters, predict what might happen next based on the story so far.
  • How it helps: This exercise enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were right as you progress.

These exercises are not only fun but are great ways to enhance your comprehension and enjoyment of emotional books. By incorporating these practices into your reading routine, you'll find yourself more connected to the books you read and better able to understand their deeper meanings. Happy reading!