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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect fairy tale books for 12-year-olds? You're in the right place! Whether your young reader is enchanted by magical kingdoms or thrilled by adventurous quests, our curated lists of fairy tale books are sure to spark their imagination and keep them turning pages. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to whisk them away into worlds of wonder and excitement!

Fun Fairy Tale Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This novel reimagines the Cinderella story with a twist: Ella is cursed with obedience, meaning she must obey any direct command given to her. Ella's journey to break the curse is filled with ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever and empowering take on a classic fairy tale, encouraging readers to think about autonomy and the importance of standing up for oneself.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love strong female protagonists and unique twists on classic stories.

• The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente, illustrated by Ana Juan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: September, a young girl from Omaha, is whisked away to Fairyland where she encounters witches, dragons, and other fantastical creatures. She embarks on a quest that challenges her courage and wits.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's rich with imaginative storytelling and lyrical language that can captivate young readers and inspire a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy whimsical and creative tales.

• Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: In this novel set in the same world as Ella Enchanted, Aza, the adopted daughter of innkeepers in a kingdom obsessed with beauty, possesses the gift of singing. She becomes entangled in royal intrigue and struggles with her desire to be accepted for who she is.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles themes of self-acceptance and the definition of true beauty, making it a meaningful read for young individuals navigating their own self-image.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate stories about inner beauty and personal growth.

• The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: An adaptation of the classic Grimm fairy tale, this story follows Princess Ani, who is betrayed and forced to become a goose girl as she tries to reclaim her rightful throne from her treacherous maid.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of resilience and courage, with a strong female lead who must find her voice and strength in adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy tales of empowerment and redemption.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—discover a magical world called Narnia through a wardrobe in an old house. Narnia is under the spell of an evil witch, and the children, along with the lion Aslan, must work to free it.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with moral lessons, providing both excitement and valuable insights for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and magical worlds.

Educational Fairy Tale Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Princess Irene discovers a secret stairway in her castle leading to a bewildering labyrinth of unknown passages with strange noises. She befriends Curdie, a miner boy, and they uncover a goblin plot against the kingdom.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, bravery, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling tale that combines elements of magic and mystery, perfect for sparking imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with princesses and adventures.

• The Light Princess by George MacDonald, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: A princess is cursed to have no gravity, causing her to float and leading to all sorts of comedic and poignant moments. The curse can only be broken by someone who makes her cry genuine tears.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, empathy, and literature appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully explores themes of love and sacrifice with a unique twist on traditional fairy tale elements.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate humor mixed with a touch of whimsy and depth.

• The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Princess Amy is given the "gift" of ordinariness at her christening and eventually runs away to find a life where she can be herself, encountering adventures and true love along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-acceptance, independence, and critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful story that encourages young readers to embrace their uniqueness and authenticity.
  • Perfect for: Those who love tales with realistic heroines and a message of personal empowerment.

• Tales from Moominvalley by Tove Jansson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: A collection of stories set in the whimsical world of Moominvalley, featuring the Moomin family and their enchanting friends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, empathy, and environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: Each story offers a blend of humor and wisdom, making it a great choice for developing a variety of life skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy exploring magical worlds filled with charming and eccentric characters.

• The King of the Golden River by John Ruskin, illustrated by Richard Doyle
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: A morally rich tale that follows the journey of young Gluck, who encounters mystical beings and faces challenges that test his integrity and kindness in a quest to transform the Golden River.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral reasoning, kindness, and the consequences of one's actions
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines classic fairy tale elements with lessons on virtue and morality.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories that offer both adventure and ethical lessons.

Challenging Fairy Tale Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns her father Mo, a bookbinder, can "read" fictional characters into life. One night, he accidentally brings a villain from a book called "Inkheart" into the real world, setting off a dangerous adventure that forces Meggie to tap into her own bravery and storytelling powers.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex characters with multiple plotlines, demanding higher comprehension and critical thinking skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of storytelling and the written word, encouraging readers to imagine the impact of literature on the real world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love books about books and stories within stories.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It intertwines his tale with that of a servant girl and a rat with aspirations beyond his nature, exploring themes of darkness and light, bravery, and redemption.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's structure is unique, with four interrelated stories told from different perspectives, which requires sophisticated analytical abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written saga that encourages empathy and understanding through its diverse characters' journeys.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate intricate narratives and moral challenges.

• Stardust by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Young Tristran Thorn promises to fetch a fallen star for his beloved and ventures into the magical land of Faerie, where he encounters witches, outlaws, and a living star with her own agenda.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language is rich and sometimes archaic, with a narrative that blends dark themes and complex moral dilemmas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical adventure that combines romance with a quest, offering a mature and sophisticated take on classic fairy tale elements.
  • Perfect for: Older children who are ready for more grown-up themes and a touch of romance in their fairy tales.

• The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the journey of the last unicorn in the world, who leaves her enchanted forest to search for her lost kin, encountering a bumbling magician and a forlorn woman along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep themes such as immortality, loss, and the pain of longing, wrapped in layers of poetic prose.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant, reflective take on the nature of beauty and change, providing a rich, emotional experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy depth, complexity, and beauty in their stories, and aren't afraid of a little melancholy.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, translated by Ralph Manheim
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Young Bastian Balthazar Bux discovers a mysterious book that immerses him in the magical world of Fantastica, a land being consumed by a dark void called The Nothing. As Bastian reads on, he realizes that his imagination has the power to change the fate of this world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving a story within a story that intertwines the reader’s reality with the fictional world of Fantastica.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is a celebration of imagination and storytelling, encouraging readers to consider the impact of their choices and dreams.
  • Perfect for: Those who love metafiction and stories that blur the lines between reality and fantasy.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! So, you're diving into the enchanting world of fairy tale books for 12-year-olds? That's fantastic! To make the most out of your reading adventures, here are some fun and effective exercises designed to enhance your reading habits. Let's get started!

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times each day dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent habit and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Pick a time when you're usually relaxed, like right after dinner or before bed.

• Read Aloud to Someone
  • What it is: Read your favorite fairy tales out loud to a family member, friend, or even a pet.
  • How it helps: Improves your pronunciation and helps you understand the story better.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun and engaging.

• Draw Scenes from the Book
  • What it is: Sketch your favorite scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances your comprehension and helps you remember details of the story.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfecting your art; focus on expressing how the scene makes you feel.

• Discuss the Stories
  • What it is: Talk about the fairy tales with friends or family members who have read them.
  • How it helps: Helps you gain different perspectives and enhances your understanding of the themes.
  • Tips: Ask questions like "What would you do if you were in the character’s shoes?"

• Write a Short Sequel
  • What it is: Write a short continuation or an alternate ending to your favorite fairy tale.
  • How it helps: Boosts creativity and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Let your imagination run wild; there are no wrong answers in creative writing!

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only improve your skills but also have a lot more fun with fairy tales. Remember, the key to becoming a better reader is consistency and a willingness to explore new activities. So, grab your favorite fairy tale book, and let's turn the page to a magical reading journey! Happy reading!