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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect Jacqueline Wilson books for 12-year-olds? You've come to the right place! Whether your young reader is diving into their first Jacqueline Wilson novel or looking to add to their growing collection, this blog will guide you through various lists of must-reads that are sure to captivate and inspire. Keep reading to discover the ideal Jacqueline Wilson picks for your tween!

Fun Jacqueline Wilson Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Illustrated Mum by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Family, Realism
  • Synopsis: This book explores the life of Dolphin and her older sister Star, as they cope with their loving but unpredictable mother who has a mental illness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses complex family issues with sensitivity and understanding, making it a great read for young readers beginning to explore deeper topics.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about family dynamics and real-life challenges.

• Lola Rose by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Family, Realism
  • Synopsis: When Jayni, her little brother Kenny, and their mother flee from her abusive father, they reinvent themselves as Lola, Kendall, and Nikki. But as her mother's health deteriorates, Lola must find the strength to manage the family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling tale of bravery and resilience that encourages readers to find strength in adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers facing or learning about serious life challenges.

• Cookie by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Family, Realism
  • Synopsis: Beauty Cookson's life changes dramatically when she and her mother escape from her father's overbearing ways and start anew.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of transformation and self-empowerment, showing that change is possible, even in tough situations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about personal growth and overcoming difficulties.

• Candyfloss by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Family, Friendship
  • Synopsis: Floss stays with her dad in a funfair where he works, embracing a simpler life, as her mother moves to Australia with her new family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the essence of childhood adventures and the deep connections between a father and daughter.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories of adventure and heartfelt family relationships.

• My Sister Jodie by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Family, Drama
  • Synopsis: Quiet Pearl and her bold older sister Jodie experience dramatic changes when their family moves to a gothic boarding school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores the dynamics of sibling relationships and personal growth through significant life changes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are siblings themselves or who enjoy stories about school life and sisterhood.

Educational Jacqueline Wilson Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Victorian London, the story follows Hetty Feather, an orphan who is determined to find her real mother after being abandoned as a baby.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context of Victorian England, understanding of societal roles, empathy, and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a vivid portrayal of the historical period while showcasing a strong, resourceful young protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and tales of perseverance in the face of adversity.

• The Lottie Project by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Education
  • Synopsis: Charlie, a modern-day girl, creates a project about the Victorian era, intertwining her life with that of Lottie, a servant girl from the past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical and social contrasts, project-based learning, creativity in education.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly connects past and present, encouraging readers to appreciate history through a creative lens.
  • Perfect for: Students who enjoy creative projects and learning about history in an engaging way.

• Secrets by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Friendship, Realism
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around two girls, Treasure and India, who come from very different backgrounds but share their deepest secrets and form a strong bond.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding diverse family dynamics, empathy, friendship skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of friendship and trust, regardless of one's background.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who value friendships and are interested in stories about loyalty and diversity.

• Clean Break by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Family, Realism
  • Synopsis: Em, her brother, and sister struggle to cope after their father leaves. They embark on a journey of healing and discovering new beginnings with their mother.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Coping with family breakups, emotional resilience, hope.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that offers a realistic look at the challenges of family separations and the healing process.
  • Perfect for: Children dealing with or learning about family separations and new beginnings.

• Midnight by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Family
  • Synopsis: Violet has always been overshadowed by her flamboyant brother Will, but she escapes into a fantasy world where she feels powerful and in control.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, understanding of family roles, self-expression.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends fantasy with reality, offering a unique perspective on family dynamics and personal identity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fantasy elements intertwined with real-life issues.

Challenging Jacqueline Wilson Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Love Lessons by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Family, Education
  • Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Prue and her sister Grace have been homeschooled by their strict father all their lives. When Prue gets a chance to attend high school, she faces new challenges and learns important lessons about love and life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of emotional attachment and personal growth, which are advanced topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insightful lessons on the complexities of adolescent emotions and relationships, fostering a deeper understanding of personal and emotional development.
  • Perfect for: Teens beginning to explore more mature themes in their reading.

• Diamond Girls by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Family, Urban Life
  • Synopsis: Dixie is the youngest of five sisters living in a chaotic family in a rough neighborhood. When their mom gets pregnant again, the family's dynamic changes, forcing Dixie to find her own place in the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel addresses issues of poverty, family dynamics, and identity, which are complex and thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling look at overcoming adversity and finding one's identity amidst family chaos, providing a narrative that is both engaging and enlightening.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in realistic stories about family struggles and self-discovery.

• Jacky Daydream by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Autobiography
  • Synopsis: An autobiographical look at Jacqueline Wilson's own childhood, exploring how she grew up to become one of the UK's most beloved children's authors.
  • Why this book is challenging: It offers a deep dive into the life of an author, blending real-life experiences with the challenges of growing up, which requires a mature understanding from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides valuable insights into the making of a writer, encouraging readers to appreciate literature and perhaps pursue their own creative writing.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young writers and fans of Jacqueline Wilson's work who are curious about her life and inspirations.

• Queenie by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: Set in the 1950s, this story follows Elsie Kettle who is fond of her grandmother. When her grandmother gets tuberculosis, Elsie spends time in a hospital where she befriends Queenie, a huge cat.
  • Why this book is challenging: The setting in the 1950s and the medical themes require understanding of historical context and empathy for characters' medical struggles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a touching story of friendship and resilience, providing historical insights along with a heartwarming narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical settings and stories of companionship and overcoming adversity.

• Vicky Angel by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
  • Genre(s): Friendship, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: Jade's life changes drastically when her best friend Vicky dies in an accident but returns as a ghost. Jade struggles with her grief and the challenges of Vicky's ghostly presence.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep themes of death, grief, and moving on, which are sophisticated and emotionally complex.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of loss and healing, helping readers to deal with grief and understand the importance of emotional support.
  • Perfect for: Young readers dealing with loss or those interested in stories about friendship and the supernatural.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the wonderful world of Jacqueline Wilson books at the age of 12, you're in for a treat. To make your reading experience even more engaging and beneficial, here are some fun and simple exercises designed to enhance your reading habits. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Create visual maps that outline different characters and their relationships.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of complex characters and plots.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to differentiate between characters.

• Book Club Discussions
  • What it is: Gather a group of friends who read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives multiple perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Prepare a list of questions or topics to discuss beforehand.

• Creative Book Reviews
  • What it is: Write a review of the book, including what you liked and didn’t like.
  • How it helps: Helps you articulate your thoughts and opinions about what you read.
  • Tips: Include both positives and negatives to make your review balanced.

• Reading Out Loud
  • What it is: Read passages of the book out loud to yourself or others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the characters as you read.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes as you read, like watching a movie in your mind.
  • How it helps: Increases immersion and enjoyment of the book.
  • Tips: Pause after important scenes to fully visualize details before moving on.

These exercises are not just fun; they're gateways to becoming a more skilled and thoughtful reader. By integrating these activities into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy Jacqueline Wilson's books more deeply but also enhance your overall reading skills. Happy reading!