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

Are you on the hunt for empowering reads that celebrate strong, inspiring female characters? Look no further! Our curated selection of feminist books for 12-year-olds is packed with stories that will inspire and motivate young readers to embrace their strength and potential. Whether you're a parent, educator, or a young reader yourself, dive into our lists to discover books that are not only engaging but also champion gender equality and women's rights. Keep reading to explore these transformative reads!

Fun Feminist Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: This novel follows 11-year-old Parvana who must disguise herself as a boy to become the breadwinner for her family in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan after her father is unjustly arrested.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases resilience, courage, and the struggle for personal freedom. It's a gripping story that also educates about the realities of life in oppressive regimes.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in other cultures and those inspired by stories of resilience and bravery.

• Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: A collection of bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women from all over the world, from Queen Elizabeth I to Serena Williams, illustrated by 60 female artists from every corner of the globe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers young readers with real-life stories of women who have made significant impacts in various fields. It's both inspiring and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about real heroes and anyone looking for female role models.

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Princess Elizabeth outsmarts a dragon to save her prince, but discovers she's better off without him after he ungratefully criticizes her appearance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It flips traditional fairy tale norms on their head and promotes self-worth beyond appearances and societal expectations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and a message of empowerment.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey across dimensions to save their father from an evil force.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science fiction and fantasy with themes of love, courage, and the fight against darkness. It encourages questioning and thinking critically about the world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy adventures that blend reality with fantastical elements.

• Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Dystopian, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: 200 years after Cinderella's death, 16-year-old Sophia must confront the oppressive government that enforces rigid gender roles and marriage rules in the name of the Cinderella story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a bold retelling that challenges traditional narratives and addresses issues of conformity, oppression, and freedom.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in retellings of classic tales with a modern, critical twist.

Educational Feminist Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, Calpurnia Tate is a curious 11-year-old girl who navigates the pressures of society and family expectations while developing a close relationship with her unconventional grandfather, an avid naturalist.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, historical context, critical thinking, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the journey of a young girl discovering her passion for science in an era when women's roles were very restrictive.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and history, and those who enjoy stories about personal growth and self-discovery.

• Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: Amal, a young girl in a Pakistani village, dreams of becoming a teacher. However, her dreams are derailed when she becomes indebted to the corrupt local landlord and must work as his servant to pay off her family's debt.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, understanding of social justice issues, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful look at the struggles against systemic injustice and the importance of education in empowering individuals.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are passionate about human rights and those inspired by stories of courage in the face of adversity.

• Front Desk by Kelly Yang
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ten-year-old Mia Tang manages the front desk of a motel where her immigrant parents work. She navigates various challenges, from helping her parents hide immigrants to dealing with her own school troubles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of immigrant experiences, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt story that sheds light on the immigrant experience in America through the eyes of a brave and resourceful young girl.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy realistic stories that address complex social issues and promote empathy and understanding.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting story, a girl named Luna is accidentally infused with moon magic as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with dangerous consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, understanding of folklore and mythology, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines magic, adventure, and complex characters to explore themes of love, power, and the consequences of actions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magical stories filled with strong characters and rich, imaginative settings.

• Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Willow Chance is a 12-year-old genius who is obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions. Her life is tragically changed when her adoptive parents die in a car crash, leading her to find a diverse and heartfelt makeshift family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Coping with loss, interpersonal relationships, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that addresses grief and the search for belonging in an unpredictable world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories about overcoming adversity and finding family in unexpected places.

Challenging Feminist Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story of a brilliant and sensitive girl who uses her extraordinary intellect and telekinetic powers to overcome neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of child neglect, rebellion, and individual rights versus authority figures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intellectual and personal empowerment, encouraging readers to think critically about justice and personal strength.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about triumph over adversity and those who value intelligence and courage.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—and their journey from childhood to womanhood in post-Civil War America.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores various complex themes such as poverty, gender roles, and morality, requiring readers to engage with a historical and philosophical perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless lessons on resilience, personal integrity, and sisterhood, inspiring readers to think about their roles in family and society.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in historical narratives and stories about strong familial bonds and personal growth.

• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-Age, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book is a series of vignettes from the life of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, discovering her personal and cultural identity.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its nonlinear narrative and poetic prose require readers to engage deeply with the text to understand its themes and messages.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights into the challenges of growing up in a marginalized community and the power of writing and storytelling as forms of resistance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate poetic writing and stories that explore cultural and personal identity.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who had intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why this book is challenging: The early 20th-century language and rich descriptions require a higher level of reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's resilience, intelligence, and spirited nature make her a great role model for young readers, encouraging creativity and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic literature and stories with strong, memorable characters.

• Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Margaret Simon, a sixth-grader, deals with typical issues of adolescence such as puberty, religious identity, and personal self-discovery.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses topics of religion and puberty candidly, which are often considered advanced and sensitive topics for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an honest and empathetic look at the concerns and confusions of growing up, encouraging readers to find their own path and voice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers facing the complexities of adolescence and seeking stories that reflect their experiences and feelings.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

When you're diving into the world of feminist books, especially at the age of 12, it's not just about reading the stories. It's about engaging with them, thinking critically, and growing. Here are some exercises that can help you develop great reading habits while exploring feminist literature:

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set specific times and days for reading.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading and helps make reading a habit.
  • Tips: Choose a time of day when you're most alert and stick to it.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Organize weekly book discussions with friends.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Prepare questions beforehand to make discussions more structured.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenarios or monologues from the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Use props or costumes to make the role play more engaging.

• Book Review Blogging
  • What it is: Write reviews of the books you read and post them online.
  • How it helps: Improves writing skills and helps articulate thoughts about the book.
  • Tips: Start with short reviews and gradually increase the length as you get more comfortable.

• Mind Mapping
  • What it is: Create visual maps that connect different themes and characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visually organize thoughts and enhances memory.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the mind map more effective and fun.

• Quote Collection
  • What it is: Keep a notebook for collecting meaningful quotes from your readings.
  • How it helps: Builds a personal connection with the book and reinforces memorable lessons.
  • Tips: Write a short note on why each quote is significant to you.

• Creative Rewrite
  • What it is: Rewrite a scene from the book from another character’s perspective.
  • How it helps: Encourages empathy and deeper understanding of different viewpoints.
  • Tips: Choose a pivotal scene that could be dramatically different from another viewpoint.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about connecting with the material on a deeper level. By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy the stories more, but you'll also gain a greater appreciation for the themes and messages of feminist literature. Happy reading!