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

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect girly books for 12-year-olds? Whether you're looking to gift a young reader or want to add some delightful reads to a tween's library, you've come to the right place. We've gathered a variety of charming books that are sure to captivate and inspire. Keep reading to discover our top picks for girly books that twelve-year-olds will absolutely love!

Fun Girly Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Comedy, Romance
  • Synopsis: This series kicks off with the life of Mia Thermopolis, a regular teenager who discovers she is the heir to the throne of a European principality, Genovia.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilariously relatable and conveys strong messages about self-acceptance and personal growth. The diary format makes it an easy and engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love a good laugh mixed with royal intrigue and personal transformation.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who gets adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert and grows up in the scenic town of Avonlea.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's zest for life and her ability to find wonder in the everyday make it a heartwarming read that encourages creativity and persistence.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about growing up and the beauty of nature, as well as those who appreciate spirited protagonists.

• Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Humor, Diary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follows the life of Nikki Maxwell as she navigates the ups and downs of middle school, including dealing with crushes, mean girls, and fitting in.
  • Why we recommend this book: The diary format filled with doodles and text makes it fun and easy to read, perfect for keeping young readers entertained and engaged.
  • Perfect for: Girls who love a good giggle and can relate to the rollercoaster ride of middle school life.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
  • Synopsis: This novel reimagines the Cinderella story with a twist: Ella is cursed with obedience, which she must overcome to save herself and her kingdom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a clever and empowering take on a classic tale, promoting themes of self-reliance and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical stories with strong, resourceful heroines.

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Memoir, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This autobiographical graphic novel details the author's tumultuous experiences with dental issues and middle school while navigating the trials of growing up.
  • Why we recommend this book: The visual format and honest storytelling make it incredibly accessible and relatable for tweens facing their own personal challenges.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy real-life stories and those dealing with their own struggles of adolescence and self-acceptance.

Educational Girly 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 who navigates the pressures of society and family expectations while exploring the natural world with her grandfather, a naturalist.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science and nature study, historical context, critical thinking, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends historical settings with a spirited protagonist's scientific discoveries, encouraging curiosity and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and history, and those who love stories about breaking traditional roles.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Two best friends, Sophie and Agatha, find themselves on opposite sides of a battle between good and evil when they are whisked away to an enchanted school where fairy tale heroes and villains are trained.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of moral complexities, development of empathy, enhanced imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling exploration of friendship and the nature of good and evil, wrapped in a magical, fairy-tale setting.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and fairy tales who enjoy dynamic characters and exciting plot twists.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time and strives for acceptance and kindness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social awareness, resilience in the face of adversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt, inspiring tale that promotes understanding and acceptance of differences.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a moving story that teaches kindness and the importance of looking beyond appearances.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Greek mythology, problem-solving, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines action-packed adventure with Greek mythology in a way that's accessible and exciting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and mythology enthusiasts who enjoy fast-paced stories with humorous and relatable characters.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked 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: Understanding of themes like sacrifice and the power of love, development of critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, deeply emotional story that explores complex themes through a magical narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate rich, imaginative storytelling and complex, heartwarming characters.

Challenging Girly Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age, Family Drama
  • Synopsis: This timeless novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow from girls into women in post-Civil War America, facing challenges and nurturing dreams.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative spans several years and deals with complex themes such as poverty, gender roles, morality, and personal identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a richly detailed perspective on the struggles and triumphs of young women, encouraging resilience and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and stories about familial bonds and personal growth.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex scientific and philosophical ideas, including concepts of space-time and the battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book blends science fiction with a deep emotional core, encouraging critical thinking and exploration of the universe's mysteries.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who love thrilling adventures.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and, through her restoration of the garden, blossoms into a caring and generous person.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep themes of loss, healing, and transformation through detailed and descriptive prose.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful story of how nurturing others can help heal one's own heart, promoting empathy and the importance of caring for the environment.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of rejuvenation and children taking initiative to change their lives.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with extraordinary intelligence, uses her powers of telekinesis to overcome neglectful parents and a tyrannical school principal.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of child abuse, resistance against authority, and self-empowerment, all conveyed through a sophisticated vocabulary and complex characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: Matilda's courage and cleverness make it an inspiring read, showing that anyone can make a difference, regardless of age.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy humorous tales with a touch of magic and a strong message of standing up for oneself.

• The Golden Compass (Northern Lights) by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other abducted children from terrible experiments, discovering a series of secrets that have vast implications for her world and beyond.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex themes including theology, philosophy, and science, woven into a dense narrative with richly crafted worlds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling adventure combined with a deep, thought-provoking exploration of freedom and human nature.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy dense, intricate storytelling and strong, intelligent female protagonists.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of girly books for 12-year-olds, why not enhance the experience with some fun and helpful reading exercises? These activities are designed to make reading more engaging and to develop strong reading habits that will last a lifetime. Let's check them out!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a dedicated space that can enhance focus and make reading a special part of the day.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and a small shelf for your favorite books.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club where you and your friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and discussion, which deepens understanding of the book.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep the selections diverse and exciting.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month or year.
  • How it helps: Helps to maintain a consistent reading habit and gives a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Keep your goals realistic and adjust them according to your schedule and interests.

• Visual Reading Map
  • What it is: Create a visual map that outlines the plot, characters, and settings of the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the story details.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the map visually appealing and easier to understand.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of different characters in the book.
  • How it in: Helps develop empathy and a deeper understanding of each character's motivations and feelings.
  • Tips: Choose characters that you feel the most and least connected to in order to broaden your perspective.

• Theme Reflection
  • What it is: After finishing a book, write a short essay or reflection on the main themes.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to think about how the themes relate to the real world and your own experiences.
  • Tips: Use examples from the book to support your reflections and insights.

So, there you have it! Integrating these exercises into your reading routine can make your journey through girly books for 12-year-olds even more enriching and enjoyable. Give them a try and see how they transform your reading experience! Happy reading!