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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect love story books for 12-year-olds? Whether you're looking to dive into tales of first crushes or adventures of young friendship, finding the right book can be a magical experience for young readers. Keep reading as we explore a variety of captivating love story books for 12-year-olds, each promising to spark imagination and maybe even a little bit of young romance.

Fun Love Story Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel alternates between the perspectives of Juli Baker and Bryce Loski from the second grade to the eighth grade, detailing their evolving feelings as they grow up. Juli falls head over heels for Bryce the moment she sees him, but Bryce is not so sure about his feelings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted, relatable story that captures the ups and downs of young love and personal growth. It shows how perceptions can change over time, which is a valuable lesson for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories told from multiple perspectives and those looking for a sweet, character-driven romance.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, is sent to live with her uncle in Misselthwaite Manor after her parents' death. She discovers a locked, neglected garden and, with the help of new friends, brings it back to life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale that explores themes of healing and friendship through the transformative power of nature and nurturing relationships.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about discovery, friendship, and the magic of nature.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie experiences both cruelty and kindness, ultimately teaching his peers about acceptance and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: Although not a traditional love story, it's a compelling narrative about loving oneself and the importance of compassion towards others. It encourages readers to look beyond appearances.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of personal courage and those looking to understand how kindness can change lives.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts clever plans to save his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that highlights the power of friendship and sacrifice. It's an excellent introduction to themes of mortality and the cycle of life in a gentle, thoughtful way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories that explore deep emotional connections and moral dilemmas.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella story features Ella, cursed with obedience. She must navigate her world carefully, trying to find a way to break the curse while dealing with ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and a charming prince.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, enchanting read that empowers young readers by showing them that they can overcome adversity through resilience and cleverness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and strong, resourceful female protagonists.

Educational Love Story 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): Family, Adventure, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This story revolves around the adventures of the Penderwick sisters during their summer vacation on a beautiful estate called Arundel. There, they encounter Jeffrey, a boy who quickly becomes an integral part of their adventures and mishaps.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family dynamics, friendship development, problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood summers filled with freedom and discovery, along with the beginnings of young love in a very gentle and innocent manner.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about family and friendships, and those looking for a light, heartwarming read.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves taken to a school where fairy-tale heroes and villains are trained. Their friendship is tested as they are placed on opposite sides of the good and evil divide.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of moral complexities, development of critical thinking, and enhancement of imaginative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling tale that explores themes of friendship, love, and the gray areas between good and evil, all wrapped up in a magical school setting.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fantasy and exploring the deeper meanings behind fairy tales.

• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Ten-year-old Opal Buloni moves to a new town and adopts a dog she finds at a local supermarket, naming him Winn-Dixie. The dog helps her make new friends and discover things about her mother, who left when Opal was three.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, social skills, and family relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how love and friendship can come from unexpected places and can help heal old wounds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about friendships and the impact pets can have on our lives.

• Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Leo Borlock, who falls for Stargirl Caraway, an eccentric and free-spirited new student who challenges the norms at Mica High School.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Individuality, non-conformism, social acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a celebration of nonconformity and self-expression, wrapped in a sweet story of young love and the challenges that come with being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Teens who are finding their own path and those who appreciate stories that encourage being different.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this tale, a young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with potentially disastrous consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of magic, adventure, and mystery with underlying themes of love and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intricate fantasy stories with strong, magical female protagonists.

Challenging Love Story Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age, Romance
  • Synopsis: This story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her adventures and mishaps in the small town of Avonlea bring joy, challenges, and romantic entanglements.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style, rich in vocabulary and historical context, presents a more demanding read that requires comprehension of early 20th-century life and expressions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written exploration of growth, friendship, and first loves, encouraging readers to dream big and value community.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and those interested in a mix of humor, drama, and heartfelt moments.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This poetic tale features a young prince who travels the universe, gaining insights into human nature through his encounters with various adults on different planets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The philosophical elements and abstract themes challenge readers to think deeply about love, loss, and the essence of human existence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound lessons on love and relationships through simple but powerful storytelling, ideal for introspective young readers.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate allegories and stories that encourage deep thought and emotional insight.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy girl enrolled in a prestigious boarding school, faces a drastic change in fortune. She relies on her imagination and kindness to navigate her new life of hardship.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate plot and Victorian English used require a higher level of reading comprehension and an appreciation for historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story celebrates resilience and the power of kindness, providing a compelling narrative of a young girl maintaining her dignity and generosity in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and young heroines who triumph over tough circumstances.

• I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Through her journal, seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mortmain chronicles her quirky family's struggles living in a dilapidated English castle, and her own coming of age, including her first experiences with love.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sophisticated narrative style and period setting require a mature understanding of language and historical nuances.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a witty, poignant novel that captures the complexities of growing up and falling in love, all while providing a vivid portrayal of 1930s England.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate a mix of romance, humor, and a nostalgic journey into a bygone era.

• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: After moving to Colonial Connecticut, Kit Tyler is met with suspicion and disapproval from the Puritan community. Her friendship with an old woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond leads to a clash of cultures and beliefs.
  • Why this book is challenging: The depiction of Puritan society and the historical setting require readers to understand and interpret a time significantly different from their own.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping look at intolerance and injustice through the eyes of a strong, sympathetic protagonist, intertwined with a touching love story.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in American history and stories that combine romance with significant historical events and social commentary.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of love story books, it's a fantastic way to explore emotions, relationships, and personal growth. To make the most out of your reading experience, especially at the age of 12, developing good reading habits is key. Here are some exercises that can help you do just that:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you will spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • 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.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes your reading time special and interruption-free.
  • Tips: Make it cozy with a comfortable chair, good lighting, and maybe even some decorations.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you read with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the book’s content.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

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

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Enhances your reading fluency and comprehension.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match the dialogue and action parts of the story.

• Use a Vocabulary Notebook
  • What it is: Keep a small notebook specifically for new words and phrases you come across while reading.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and understanding of language.
  • Tips: Regularly review the words and try to use them in your own sentences.

These exercises are not just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your life. Remember, the more you read, the better you'll get at it. So, grab your next love story book, and let's get reading!