10+ Best Enemies To Lovers Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that features a thrilling twist of rivalry turning into romance? Look no further! Our roundup of Enemies To Lovers Books for 12-Year-Olds has everything you need to captivate young readers who adore stories where sparks fly from clashes to crushes. Keep reading to discover our handpicked selections that promise to keep the pages turning and the hearts fluttering.

Fun Enemies To Lovers Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Two best friends, Sophie and Agatha, are taken to an enchanted school where heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between Good and Evil. Sophie dreams of becoming a princess while Agatha seems a perfect fit for a villain. However, their fortunes are reversed, leading to a complex relationship and a battle over their true destinies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical story that flips traditional fairy tale stereotypes on their heads, encouraging readers to question the nature of good and evil. It's great for expanding imagination and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales with a twist and stories about friendship and self-discovery.

• Upside Down Magic by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Friendship
  • Synopsis: Nory Boxwood Horace can turn into animals, but her skills are a bit... wonky. When she flunks out of her father's prestigious magic academy, she's sent to Upside Down Magic, a class for students whose magic is unpredictable. Here, she meets other UDM students who see her as a rival at first, but they must work together to prove their worth.
  • Why we recommend this book: This series is perfect for helping kids understand and celebrate differences and the value of teamwork. It's funny, heartwarming, and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who feel a bit different and anyone who's ever struggled to fit in.

• Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has the ability to read minds. She discovers she's actually an elf and is whisked away to a new world where she must figure out her place and uncover hidden secrets about her identity. Along the way, she encounters friends and foes, with some relationships starting rocky but growing stronger over time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that combines elements of mystery, fantasy, and emotional growth. It's great for enhancing critical thinking and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy complex characters and intricate fantasy worlds.

• The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: Evan and his younger sister, Jessie, engage in a lemonade-selling war to see who can earn a hundred dollars first. As the competition intensifies, so do their conflicts, testing their sibling bond.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about competition, cooperation, and the complexities of sibling relationships, all wrapped in a fun and engaging plot.
  • Perfect for: Young entrepreneurs and anyone who has ever experienced sibling rivalry.

• Rivals by Tommy Greenwald
  • Genre(s): Sports, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Austin Chambers is thrilled to be the manager of his baseball team. But when his best friend Carter moves into town and joins his team, things start to change. Competition and jealousy test their friendship, and they must learn if they can be rivals and friends at the same time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great exploration of friendship, rivalry, and the pressures of youth sports, encouraging readers to consider the values of sportsmanship and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Sports enthusiasts and anyone navigating the complexities of friendships in competitive environments.

Educational Enemies To Lovers Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: August Pullman, born with facial differences that have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. He wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Auggie's journey is met with a mix of emotions and reactions from his schoolmates, but among them are those who evolve from fear and discomfort to acceptance and friendship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity and challenges, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that promotes understanding and kindness, showing how initial misconceptions and fears can turn into friendships and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a moving story about overcoming challenges and changing perceptions.

• Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel details the ups and downs of Juli Baker and Bryce Loski, two young neighbors who know each other since second grade. Initially, Juli is smitten with Bryce, while he is overwhelmed by her attentions. As they grow older, their emotions begin to flip: Juli starts to see Bryce's flaws, and Bryce begins to see Juli's strengths and depth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perspective-taking, emotional growth, understanding complex relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores the evolution of feelings and relationships over time, teaching readers about the importance of seeing people beyond first impressions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to explore deeper emotional and romantic feelings.

• The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Dwight creates an origami finger puppet of Yoda, who then dispenses advice that is surprisingly accurate. The puppet's advice leads to a mystery that his classmates want to solve. Initially skeptical, Tommy and his friends start to see Dwight in a new light as they reconsider their initial judgments and learn from the wisdom of Origami Yoda.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, social skills, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with lessons about not underestimating others and appreciating everyone's unique contributions.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy quirky stories with a mix of humor and life lessons.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This beloved classic follows the unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte spins words into her web to try to convince the farmer to save him. Initially, Wilbur is fearful of Charlotte, but as they grow closer, he learns the true meaning of friendship and loyalty.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, emotional intelligence, vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that teaches about compassion, creativity, and the impact of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories that highlight the bonds of friendship.

Challenging Enemies To Lovers Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella tale follows Ella, who is cursed with obedience. She must obey any order given, no matter how absurd. The story deepens as she struggles against her curse and her feelings for the charming Prince Char, who initially misunderstands her peculiar behavior.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores themes of autonomy, consent, and personal freedom, presenting these complex ideas in a way that challenges younger readers to think critically about their implications.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fresh take on a familiar fairy tale, encouraging readers to consider the importance of independence and self-determination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales with strong female protagonists and a twist of magic.

• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: After moving to Colonial Connecticut from Barbados, Kit Tyler finds herself at odds with the Puritan community. Her friendship with an old woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond leads to suspicion and accusations of witchcraft.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language and setting are historically rich, providing a complex backdrop that requires readers to engage with historical context and societal norms of the time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It illustrates the dangers of intolerance and the value of being true to oneself, set against an exciting historical backdrop.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and readers interested in stories about integrity and courage in the face of adversity.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: Jonas lives in a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, or suffering. When he is given the role of Receiver of Memories, he starts to uncover the dark truths that underpin the superficial harmony of his world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts such as conformity, control, and the loss of individuality, which are advanced topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a thought-provoking look at the importance of memory, emotion, and individuality, challenging readers to think about the role of these elements in their own lives.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in science fiction and exploring profound philosophical questions.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kendra and her brother Seth discover their grandparents' estate is actually a sanctuary for mythical creatures. When a threat emerges from within the sanctuary, the siblings must overcome their initial mistrust and differences to save their grandparents and the creatures they are sworn to protect.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features a complex plot with a detailed fantasy world, requiring readers to keep track of a large cast of characters and a multitude of magical rules.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also teaches about responsibility, the consequences of one's actions, and the importance of cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical creatures and epic battles between good and evil.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of enemies-to-lovers books, you're in for a treat! These stories can be super engaging, and to make the most of your reading experience, it's great to develop some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can help you do just that while enjoying your favorite books:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you consistent and helps in finishing books faster.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes your reading time special.
  • 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 are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Use a Bookmark
  • What it is: Always use a bookmark to keep track of where you stopped reading.
  • How it helps: Saves time and prevents the frustration of losing your page.
  • Tips: Get creative and make your own bookmarks!

• Read Out Loud
  • What it is: Spend some of your reading time reading the book aloud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it fun.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your enemies-to-lovers books more, but you'll also become a more skilled and enthusiastic reader. Happy reading!