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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that captures the excitement and sweetness of young love? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of Love Romance Books for 12-Year-Olds offers stories that resonate with the emotions and experiences unique to this tender age. Whether you're looking for a light-hearted crush or a deeper connection, these books promise to deliver heartwarming tales that young readers will adore. Keep reading to explore our diverse lists of Love Romance Books for 12-Year-Olds that are sure to captivate and inspire!

Fun Love Romance Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Juli Baker and Bryce Loski, who see each other very differently over the years. As they grow, their perspectives shift in ways both humorous and heartwarming.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to romantic themes for younger readers, with relatable characters and situations that explore the idea of seeing people beyond first impressions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about young love and personal growth.

• The Secret Language of Sisters by Luanne Rice
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Drama
  • Synopsis: When a texting while driving accident leaves Tilly unable to move or speak, it’s up to her sister Roo to understand Tilly’s messages and help her through recovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of romance with a poignant look at family relationships and the power of communication.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are drawn to stories about sibling bonds and overcoming challenges.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella tale follows Ella, who is cursed with obedience but determined to take control of her own destiny, leading to a charming and whimsical adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and enchanting read that encourages independence and self-discovery, all wrapped up in a sweet romantic narrative.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales and strong female protagonists.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves on opposite sides of a battle between good and evil in a school where they learn to become fairy-tale heroes or villains.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique twist on fairy tales, exploring themes of friendship and the nature of good and evil, with a light romantic subplot.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like magical adventures with complex characters and relationships.

Educational Love Romance Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
  • Genre(s): Romance, Family, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This story follows the Penderwick sisters as they spend their summer at a beautiful estate called Arundel. Here, they embark on adventures and form a deep bond with the son of the estate's owner, Jeffrey.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding family dynamics, developing empathy, enhancing reading and comprehension skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the essence of summer adventures and innocent romantic feelings, all while emphasizing the importance of family and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about family bonds and gentle romantic undertones.

• The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Macy Queen’s summer is shaping up to be one of boredom and loneliness, that is until she meets Wes at her new job. He teaches her about love, and together they explore the idea of "forever."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, coping with grief, interpersonal communication
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a touching exploration of young love and dealing with life’s unpredictable changes.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking to understand more about relationships and personal growth during challenging times.

• The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech
  • Genre(s): Romance, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A young couple finds a boy asleep on their porch, unable to speak but able to communicate through his art. As they try to solve the mystery of his past, they grow to love him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique narrative about love and acceptance, and the mystery element keeps readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy heartwarming stories with a touch of mystery.

• Bloomability by Sharon Creech
  • Genre(s): Romance, Adventure, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: When Dinnie is uprooted from her home and sent to an international school in Switzerland, she experiences a world of possibilities, including the chance at first love.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, adaptability, language skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the challenges and excitement of being in a new place and the sweet stirrings of young love.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous souls who dream of new experiences and young romance.

• Ida B...and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan
  • Genre(s): Romance, Environmental, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Ida B is a fiercely imaginative girl whose peaceful life gets turned upside down when her mother falls ill. Through her adventures, she learns about resilience, friendship, and love.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental consciousness, dealing with change, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a heartfelt story that combines a young girl's love for nature with her journey through personal challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are passionate about nature and stories of personal growth.

Challenging Love Romance Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Romance, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This timeless novel follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who wanted to adopt a boy to help with farm work.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style includes rich, descriptive language and explores complex themes such as identity, belonging, and transformation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that captures the essence of growing up and the joys and heartaches that come with it, all while exploring budding romantic feelings in a gentle, poignant way.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love detailed narratives and character-driven stories with a touch of romance.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel details 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 addresses various societal and personal issues faced by women during the 19th century with a narrative that requires readers to consider historical context and complex character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into the dynamics of family relationships and individual aspirations, with romantic elements that are both subtle and profound.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate a strong narrative that combines elements of romance, personal growth, and historical settings.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Romance, Classic, Drama
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy and kind-hearted girl, faces numerous challenges when her fortunes change. Despite her hardships, she maintains her generous spirit and imagination.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text features complex language and themes, including social injustice and resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of perseverance and kindness that also explores the idea of love in various forms, from friendships to father-daughter relationships.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about overcoming obstacles with grace and the power of imagination.

• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: After moving from Barbados to Connecticut, Kit Tyler is met with suspicion and disapproval from the Puritan community, but finds solace and eventual love with the kind-hearted Nat.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as religious intolerance, identity, and conformity, set against a historical backdrop that requires understanding of the period.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel not only offers a gripping story but also teaches valuable lessons about acceptance and love, wrapped in a historical narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical dramas that involve romance and personal courage.

• Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
  • Genre(s): Romance, Historical Fiction, Diary Fiction
  • Synopsis: The diary of Catherine, a spirited medieval girl who resists her father’s attempts to marry her off, reveals her observations on daily life, hopes, and dreams.
  • Why this book is challenging: Written in diary format with medieval setting and language, it challenges readers to understand and appreciate historical and cultural contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and insightful look at the life of a young girl in the Middle Ages, with themes of independence and self-discovery, and subtle romantic elements.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy historical settings and stories of youthful defiance and self-expression.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of love romance books at the age of 12, you're in for a treat! But it's not just about reading the stories; it's about making the most out of your reading experience. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help you develop good reading habits while enjoying your favorite books.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much 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 to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner of your room just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances your reading experience by making it more enjoyable and comfortable.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe even some personal touches like posters or plants.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the books you're reading with your friends.
  • How it helps: Helps you understand different perspectives and enhances your comprehension.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where everyone reads the same book and discusses it together.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story’s events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps in better understanding and remembering the story structure.
  • Tips: Use drawings or diagrams to make the mapping process more fun and engaging.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story before you read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances your analytical skills and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were right as you read.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves your pronunciation and helps in better retention of information.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

These exercises aren't just tasks; they're ways to make your reading adventure more exciting and enriching. Remember, the key to developing good reading habits is consistency, so try to incorporate these exercises into your daily routine. Happy reading!