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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect Shakespeare books for 12-year-olds? Whether you're looking to introduce the Bard to a young reader or find a fresh take on classic tales, you've come to the right place. Dive into our curated selection that promises to captivate and inspire young minds. Keep reading to discover the various lists of Shakespeare books tailored just for 12-year-olds!

Fun Shakespeare Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Tales from Shakespeare by Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb
  • Illustrator: Arthur Rackham
  • Genre(s): Classic Literature, Adaptations
  • Synopsis: This book presents Shakespeare's works in a form accessible to younger readers. Stories like "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet" are transformed into narratives that capture the essence of the original plays.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies the complex language of Shakespeare, making the timeless stories understandable and engaging for children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers new to Shakespeare and those who enjoy classic stories with a historical twist.

• The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a young orphan named Widge who is tasked with stealing Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" from the Globe Theatre. As he becomes more involved with the theatre troupe, he faces a moral dilemma about his mission.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling adventure set in the Elizabethan era, providing a fun and immersive way to learn about Shakespeare and his time.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love mystery and adventure, and those interested in theatre and history.

• Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt
  • Genre(s): Biography, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: Though aimed at a slightly older audience, this engaging biography explores the life of William Shakespeare and how he became the legendary figure we know today. It delves into the influences, historical context, and personal experiences that shaped his work.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fascinating insight into Shakespeare's life and works, encouraging a deeper appreciation and understanding of his plays.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young historians and budding literature enthusiasts curious about the man behind the famous plays.

• Shakespeare's Stories for Young Readers by E. Nesbit
  • Genre(s): Classics, Retellings
  • Synopsis: Twelve of Shakespeare’s plays are beautifully retold by E. Nesbit, making them accessible and enjoyable for children. The stories retain the richness of Shakespeare's original language while simplifying the complex plots.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to Shakespeare’s world, offering stories that are both educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fairy tales and classic stories, as well as those looking to explore Shakespeare in a more digestible format.

• Shakespeare for Kids: His Life and Times by Colleen Aagesen and Margie Blumberg
  • Genre(s): Educational, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book provides 21 activities that help children understand the life and times of Shakespeare while also introducing them to his plays and the Elizabethan era.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and informative, combining fun activities with educational content, which helps to spark an interest in Shakespeare and historical studies.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy hands-on learning and those with an interest in history and literature.

Educational Shakespeare Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories by Angela McAllister
  • Illustrator: Alice Lindstrom
  • Genre(s): Classic Literature, Story Collection
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book brings to life some of Shakespeare's most famous plays, including "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Macbeth," through engaging storytelling tailored for young readers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of classic literature, storytelling techniques, character analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: The stories are simplified in a way that captures the magic and drama of Shakespeare's original works while making them accessible and appealing to children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy vivid illustrations and those new to the works of Shakespeare.

• Bravo, Mr. William Shakespeare! by Marcia Williams
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Classic Literature
  • Synopsis: Through a unique comic strip format, this book presents seven of Shakespeare's plays, including "The Merchant of Venice" and "Richard III," making them fun and easy to understand for kids.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Literary comprehension, historical context, visual literacy
  • Why we recommend this book: The comic strip style engages young readers, helping them grasp complex plots and characters in a visually stimulating way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love comics and graphic novels, and those looking for a creative introduction to Shakespeare.

• William Shakespeare & the Globe by Aliki
  • Genre(s): Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of William Shakespeare's life and the history of the Globe Theatre, accompanied by detailed illustrations and descriptions of the theatrical world of 16th century England.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of theatrical practices, biography comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive look at Shakespeare's background and the cultural context of his plays, enriched with captivating illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and aspiring actors interested in the origins of theatre and Shakespeare’s contributions to it.

• Shakespeare's Seasons by Miriam Weiner
  • Illustrator: Shannon Whitt
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Themed Literature
  • Synopsis: This collection uses quotes from Shakespeare's works to explore themes of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, beautifully illustrated to capture the essence of each season.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Poetry analysis, thematic exploration, seasonal changes
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the poetic language of Shakespeare in a context that relates to their understanding of the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy nature and poetry, and those interested in discovering the lyrical beauty of Shakespeare's writings.

Challenging Shakespeare Books for 12-Year-Olds

• King of Shadows by Susan Cooper
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young American actor, Nat Field, travels to London to perform as Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Mysteriously, he finds himself transported to 1599, where he meets the original Globe Theatre actors and William Shakespeare himself.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines Elizabethan and modern English, demanding a higher comprehension level and familiarity with Shakespearean language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of time travel and historical fiction, providing a vivid portrayal of Elizabethan England and Shakespeare’s theatre.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy time travel stories and those interested in the historical context of Shakespeare's plays.

• The Shakespeare Book by DK
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Reference
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide breaks down Shakespeare’s plays and poems, providing summaries, analyses, and historical background for each work.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of Shakespeare's works in detail, requiring sustained concentration and a keen interest in literary analysis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It serves as an excellent resource for deepening understanding of Shakespeare's texts, themes, and the historical context surrounding his writing.
  • Perfect for: Students and young scholars who are keen to explore Shakespeare's works in greater depth.

• Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Named after a Shakespearean character, Hero moves to a new school and uncovers a mystery involving a missing diamond and a connection to Shakespeare's history.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot integrates historical facts with a modern-day mystery, challenging readers to solve the puzzle alongside the protagonist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of mystery and history, engaging readers in a thrilling quest while subtly educating them about Shakespeare.
  • Perfect for: Mystery lovers and those interested in how historical figures can be woven into contemporary tales.

• To Sleep, Perchance to Dream by Robert J. Harris
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Jamie, who dreams of becoming a playwright in Shakespearean London. When he falls asleep in modern times, he wakes up in the 1600s, living out his dream of working with Shakespeare.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a dual narrative structure and complex themes about dreams and reality, requiring readers to keep track of parallel plots.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively explores the influence of dreams on our lives and offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Shakespeare.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and aspiring writers, and anyone fascinated by the concept of living in different times.

• Midsummer Knight by Gregory Rogers
  • Illustrator: Gregory Rogers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This wordless picture book depicts a bear knight’s adventures that echo the themes and settings of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream."
  • Why this book is challenging: The lack of text challenges readers to interpret the story through its detailed illustrations, engaging their imagination and analytical skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages visual literacy and creativity, allowing young readers to craft their own narrative inspired by Shakespearean elements.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and young readers who enjoy storytelling through art.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of Shakespeare at the age of 12, that's fantastic! To make your journey through these classic texts more engaging and fruitful, here are some tailored exercises to help develop your reading habits. These activities are designed not just to enhance your understanding but also to make reading Shakespeare fun and accessible.

• Create a Character Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that shows how different characters in a play are connected.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding relationships and character development.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols for different relationships or traits.

• Modernize the Language
  • What it is: Rewrite a scene or a monologue using modern-day language.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension of Shakespeare's themes and expressions.
  • Tips: Try to keep the original meaning intact while updating the words.

• Act It Out
  • What it is: Perform a scene from the play with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through physical enactment and auditory learning.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfection; focus on expression and understanding the lines.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw or paint a scene from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages visual interpretation and aids in memory retention.
  • Tips: Think about the emotions and actions in the scene to guide your artwork.

• Question and Answer Buddy
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend to ask and answer questions about the text.
  • How it helps: Promotes active discussion and deeper understanding.
  • Tips: Try to think of creative and challenging questions to keep it interesting.

• Summarize Acts
  • What it is: Write summaries of each act in a notebook.
  • How it helps: Helps in retaining the major plot points and developments.
  • Tips: Keep it brief but detailed enough to capture the essence of the acts.

• Explore the Historical Context
  • What it is: Research the time period in which Shakespeare wrote his plays.
  • How it helps: Provides insight into the text's themes and settings.
  • Tips: Look for information on the Elizabethan era and how it influenced Shakespeare’s work.

Wrapping up, these exercises are crafted to make your reading experience more interactive and enjoyable. By engaging actively with the texts, you'll not only grasp the complex language but also appreciate the timeless stories Shakespeare tells. So, grab your book, pick an exercise, and start exploring the rich world of Shakespeare today!