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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect short story books for 12-year-olds? Whether you're looking to spark a love of reading or keep up with an avid reader's appetite, short stories can be the perfect bite-sized solution. From thrilling adventures to heartwarming tales, we've rounded up a diverse selection of books that are sure to captivate young minds. Keep reading to discover our top picks for short story books that are ideal for 12-year-olds!

Fun Short Story Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This collection of stories is set in Wayside School, a quirky educational institution built 30 stories high, with one classroom on each floor. Each chapter tells the peculiar tale of a different teacher or student at the school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with absurd humor and imaginative scenarios that keep readers engaged and entertained, making reading fun.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy quirky humor and imaginative tales.

• The Chronicles of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg and various authors including Lemony Snicket and Stephen King
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg
  • Synopsis: Fourteen intriguing images each come with a title and a caption, which fourteen celebrated authors have turned into short, mesmerizing tales.
  • Why we recommend this book: It stimulates the imagination with mysterious and thought-provoking stories, ideal for enhancing creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love mysteries and creative writing prompts.

• Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Illustrator: Skottie Young
  • Synopsis: A father goes to the store to buy some milk and returns with wild tales of aliens, pirates, and time travel.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wildly imaginative adventure that's both hilarious and engaging, perfect for keeping readers turning the pages.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate a good laugh and thrilling adventures.

• Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story follows nine-year-old Peter Hatcher's frustrations with his annoying younger brother, Fudge, who often gets all the attention and causes trouble.
  • Why we recommend this book: It deals with family dynamics and the challenges of growing up with a troublesome sibling, all presented in a light and humorous way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating sibling relationships or who enjoy stories about family life.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with dangerous consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly woven tale with strong themes of love, growth, and facing one's fears, encouraging deeper emotional understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy magical stories with complex characters and rich narratives.

Educational Short Story Books for 12-Year-Olds

• All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: This book chronicles the life and adventures of five sisters growing up in a Jewish family in New York City at the turn of the 20th century.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a charming and insightful look into the daily lives and Jewish traditions of a loving family, fostering appreciation for cultural history and familial bonds.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical settings and stories about family relationships.

• The Dream Keeper and Other Poems by Langston Hughes
  • Genre(s): Poetry
  • Synopsis: A collection of poems that captures the dreams, hardships, and hopes of the African American experience.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Poetry analysis, cultural history, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: Hughes' powerful and lyrical words inspire and educate, making it a perfect introduction to poetry that resonates with historical and emotional depth.
  • Perfect for: Young poets and any reader looking to understand more about American history and culture through poetry.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Illustrator: Jules Feiffer
  • Synopsis: A bored young boy named Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and life lessons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends fantasy with lessons on the importance of learning and thinking, presented in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventures that also make them think and laugh.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1970s New York, this story follows sixth-grader Miranda as she receives mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and unravel the events surrounding her life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, problem-solving, understanding of narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating blend of mystery and science fiction with real-life scenarios that encourage readers to think critically about the plot and characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy puzzles and mysteries intertwined with everyday life.

• The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Illustrator: Peter Sis
  • Synopsis: A bratty prince and his whipping boy inadvertently swap roles and embark on a daring adventure that teaches them both valuable life lessons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding historical social structures, empathy, friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous yet poignant look at friendship and bravery, wrapped in a fast-paced, adventurous plot.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of adventure and learning about different historical periods.

Challenging Short Story Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global disaster.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex puzzles and moral dilemmas that require advanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with intellectual challenges that encourage problem-solving and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and testing their wits.

• A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story into eight other grim (and Grimm) fairy tales. As they venture through these tales, they encounter witches, dragons, and other dangers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It twists traditional fairy tales in unexpected ways, introducing complex themes and a darker narrative that requires mature comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh take on classic stories with a blend of horror, humor, and adventure, encouraging readers to reconsider the morals and messages of familiar tales.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy dark stories and reimagined fairy tales with a twist.

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, Calpurnia Tate is a curious 11-year-old girl who navigates the challenges of growing up as the only girl in a family of seven children, while developing a close relationship with her grandfather, an avid naturalist.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates complex scientific concepts and historical context that require a higher level of understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines elements of science and history through the eyes of a young girl discovering her passion for nature and science, promoting curiosity and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and history buffs who are curious about the natural world and women's roles in science.

• The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Diary
  • Synopsis: Set during the partition of India in 1947, this poignant tale is told through the diary entries of Nisha, a half-Hindu, half-Muslim girl, as she faces the chaos of migration and searches for home and her own identity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex historical events and themes of identity, displacement, and conflict that require a mature understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a personal and emotional perspective on a significant historical event, enhancing empathy and historical awareness.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of personal growth through adversity.

• The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: September, a young girl from Omaha, is whisked away to Fairyland where she encounters outlandish creatures, an evil Marquess, and a quest that will take her to the heart of Fairyland.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in lyrical language and complex world-building that demands an advanced vocabulary and a strong imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a whimsical, beautifully written adventure that challenges conventional storytelling and encourages creativity and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who love exploring new worlds and intricate fantasies.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of short story books, it's a fantastic way to explore different genres and authors without committing to a long novel. To make the most out of your reading experience, especially if you're around 12 years old, here are some engaging exercises that can help develop your reading habits. These are fun, easy, and super beneficial!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many short stories you want to read each week.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and build a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with a realistic goal, like one or two stories a week, and adjust as needed.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map or outline of the story’s events and characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps you remember the details.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark important events and character relationships.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the story with friends who have read it.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and critical thinking by hearing different perspectives.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club or discussion group.

• Write a Short Review
  • What it is: Write a brief review or summary of each story you read.
  • How it helps: Helps with recall and articulation of thoughts.
  • Tips: Include what you liked, didn’t like, and any questions you had.

• Predict the Ending
  • What it is: Before finishing the story, write down how you think it will end.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Compare your prediction with the actual ending and think about why they are different or similar.

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

These exercises aren't just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of your daily life. So, grab your favorite short story book, pick a cozy corner, and let's get started! Happy reading!