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

Are you looking for a way to introduce your 12-year-old to the depths of emotion through literature? Finding the right sad books for 12-year-olds can be a poignant step in their journey of empathy and understanding. In this blog, we'll explore a variety of titles that promise to touch the hearts of young readers and provoke meaningful conversations. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists of sad books perfect for 12-year-olds, each promising a rich, emotional experience.

Fun Sad Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, two friends who create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia. Their friendship helps them navigate the challenges of growing up, but a tragic event tests Jess's ability to cope and understand the world around him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It deals with complex emotions and themes such as friendship, loss, and resilience. It encourages readers to use imagination as a form of escape and healing.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate deep stories about friendship and those dealing with or learning about loss.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved book follows the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte crafts messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life. The narrative is engaging and imbued with warmth and humor despite its sad undertones.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are just beginning to explore deeper and more poignant themes.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a porcelain rabbit, loves only himself until he is lost at sea and embarks on an emotional journey through the lives of many owners, learning about love and loss along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the transformative power of love and loss through the adventures of Edward. The book provides philosophical depth that can help young readers develop empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and redemption, and those who like emotionally rich narratives.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this story follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she aids the Danish Resistance in saving her Jewish friend from the Holocaust.
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents historical events in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers, teaching them about bravery, sacrifice, and the importance of standing up against injustice.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and any child interested in learning about resilience in the face of adversity.

• Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Young Adult Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel follows 13-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle on a cross-country journey with her grandparents. As they travel, Sal tells the story of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom, which parallels her own experiences and helps her come to terms with her mother's disappearance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly intertwines tales and themes of loss, identity, and coming of age, encouraging readers to look at life from various perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Those who love stories within stories and young readers dealing with or curious about the complexities of family and identity.

Educational Sad Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Bruno, an eight-year-old boy who moves with his family to a house near a concentration camp during World War II. Unaware of the grim realities, Bruno befriends a boy on the other side of the camp's fence, leading to profound and heartrending consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empathy, critical thinking about moral issues
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant, child's-eye view of the Holocaust, which can help young readers understand the impact of history on individuals.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and those looking to understand more about human rights and empathy.

• Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this book follows young Sadako Sasaki, who becomes ill due to the radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Inspired by a Japanese legend, she starts folding paper cranes, hoping to make a thousand for her wish to come true.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural history, perseverance, understanding of historical impacts of war
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about the effects of war and the power of hope and resilience in a way that's accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in history and cultural stories, and those inspired by tales of courage and determination.

• A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: Conor, a boy dealing with his mother's terminal illness, is visited by a monster who tells him dark and twisted stories. Through these stories, Conor confronts his worst fears and learns how to deal with pain and loss.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, coping with grief, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique and imaginative way of exploring grief and loss, providing comfort and understanding to those going through similar situations.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate dark fantasy and those dealing with or learning about grief and loss.

• The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around Mark, a boy with cancer who runs away from home with his dog, Beau, to climb Mount Rainier. Told through Mark’s adventures and his best friend Jessie's perspective, it explores themes of friendship, struggles, and the will to achieve one's dreams despite severe obstacles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional resilience, friendship dynamics, adventure planning
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of courage and determination that also realistically portrays the emotional landscapes of illness and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and any reader who enjoys stories of determination and friendship amidst adversity.

Challenging Sad Books for 12-Year-Olds

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Miranda, a sixth-grader in 1970s New York City, who starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and unravel the secrets of her life and the people around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: It intertwines elements of mystery, science fiction, and complex themes of time travel and existential questions, which require higher-level thinking to fully appreciate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking blend of genres that stimulates the mind and encourages readers to think about the nature of time and human connection.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and mysteries, and those interested in science fiction and philosophical questions.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the story of Nobody "Bod" Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he encounters various creatures and must face the man who killed his family.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates complex themes such as life and death, identity, and belonging, woven through a unique setting and storyline.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating adventure that explores deep and poignant themes, all while presenting a heartwarming tale of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Fans of supernatural stories and young readers looking for a thrilling yet touching tale.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the horrors of the Holocaust seen through the eyes of a young girl, with a complexity of language and themes that are both profound and heart-wrenching.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful, beautifully written tale that highlights the power of words and resilience in the face of devastating adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and those who appreciate stories about the impact of literature and human kindness in tough times.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel follows twelve-year-old Jonas in a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, suffering, differences, or choice. He is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories and learns the dark truths that underlie his fragile community.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of dystopia, societal control, and ethical dilemmas, requiring readers to think critically about personal and societal values.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to consider the importance of memory, feeling, and individuality in a thought-provoking and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy speculative fiction and stories that prompt reflection on societal norms and personal freedoms.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading sad books can be a profound experience, especially for 12-year-olds as they navigate complex emotions and grow. Here are some exercises designed to enhance their reading habits and help them get the most out of these stories.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and makes finishing books achievable.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows for different perspectives to be shared.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where everyone can share and discuss thoughts.

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

• Reflect on Emotions
  • What it is: Write down feelings and reactions to different sections of the book.
  • How it helps: Develops emotional intelligence and personal connection to the reading material.
  • Tips: Keep a separate section in your reading journal for emotional reflections.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next after a chapter or an important event.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions with others to see different angles of the story.

• Connect to Personal Experiences
  • What it is: Relate events or characters in the book to your own life.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and makes reading more relatable.
  • Tips: Write about these connections in your journal to explore them further.

Using these exercises, young readers can greatly enhance their engagement with sad books and other reading materials. Not only do these activities support better comprehension, but they also foster a deeper emotional connection to the stories. Happy reading!