10+ Best Books for 10-12-Year-Old Girl w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for a 10-12-year-old girl? Whether she’s an avid reader or just getting into the habit, finding books that captivate and inspire can be a game-changer. From magical adventures to tales of growing up, there's a world of books out there waiting to be discovered. Keep reading to explore our curated lists of books for 10-12-year-old girls that are sure to spark her imagination and keep her turning the pages!

Fun Books for 10-12-Year-Old Girl

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a brilliant and sensitive girl named Matilda, who uses her extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers to overcome difficulties with her family and oppressive school principal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, inspiring young readers to believe in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about triumph over adversity and those who love a touch of magic.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows a young orphan, Hugo, who lives in the walls of a train station. He becomes wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and a peculiar automaton.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique blend of text and full-page illustrations provides a captivating reading experience, encouraging visual and textual literacy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy visually driven narratives and mysteries.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods like him. He embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces Greek mythology in a fun and accessible way, blending adventure with humor.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and mythology, and readers looking for action-packed stories.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert and grows up on their farm on Prince Edward Island.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of family, friendship, and identity through the eyes of a spirited and endearing protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring emotional growth and resilience.

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Autobiography
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel is a true story about the author's tumultuous elementary and middle school years, dealing with dental drama, real friends, and many life changes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and reassuring, perfect for readers going through their own growing pains.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate real-life stories and those dealing with their own personal challenges.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: This story revolves around a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As she grows, her magic begins to emerge, with potentially disastrous results.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines elements of magic and mystery with complex characters and deep emotional themes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magical stories and exploring complex themes like sacrifice and belonging.

Educational Books for 10-12-Year-Old Girl

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: After the sudden death of her parents, Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy, mysterious mansion. She discovers a neglected garden and, with the help of new friends, begins to bring it back to life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, problem-solving, understanding of themes like rejuvenation and healing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that explores themes of friendship, healing, and the transformative power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of discovery and personal growth.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War America, facing challenges and maturing into young women.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, emotional intelligence, gender roles, and family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a look into the aspirations and struggles of young women in the 19th century, emphasizing resilience and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in historical narratives and stories about familial bonds.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Illustrator: Carson Ellis
  • 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 crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with puzzles and mysteries that keep readers engaged and thinking creatively.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and working as part of a team.

• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of a young Native American girl, Karana, who survives alone for years on an island off the California coast.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Survival skills, independence, cultural and historical understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping survival tale that also teaches about resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of cultural heritage.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by survival stories and historical adventures.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to a mainstream school for the first time and strives to be accepted by his new peers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social skills, acceptance of differences
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes understanding and acceptance, showing the importance of kindness in overcoming adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a heartwarming story that promotes empathy and inclusiveness.

Challenging Books for 10-12-Year-Old Girl

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a journey through space and time to rescue their father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces concepts of theoretical physics, complex themes of good versus evil, and sophisticated vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think critically about science and ethics while enjoying an engaging and imaginative story.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and readers who enjoy thrilling adventures with a strong female lead.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
  • Illustrator: Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: It plays with language and mathematics in a way that requires creative and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and clever journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the power of curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love wordplay, puzzles, and whimsical tales.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this story is narrated by Death and follows a young girl named Liesel Meminger who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of mortality, war, and the power of words, requiring mature comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the horrors of war and the beauty of human resilience and kindness.
  • Perfect for: Mature readers interested in history and thought-provoking narratives.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future and must unravel the clues to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex with time travel elements and subtle clues that challenge the reader's understanding and perception.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling blend of a coming-of-age story and a puzzling mystery that keeps readers engaged and thinking.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mysteries and science fiction, and readers who like stories that make them think.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic north to save her kidnapped friend and other children from terrible experiments.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes including theology, philosophy, and science, intertwined with advanced vocabulary and concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an epic tale that challenges notions of authority and reality, encouraging readers to question and think deeply.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy epic fantasies and philosophical questions.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: A group of heirs gather to solve the puzzle of Sam Westing's death, as stated in his will, to win a vast fortune.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story's intricate plot and clever puzzles require careful thought and deduction to solve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that promotes critical thinking and problem solving.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader who loves a challenging puzzle to solve.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-12-year-old girl develop some fantastic reading habits, you've come to the right place. Below, I've put together a list of fun and engaging exercises designed specifically for young readers. These will not only enhance their reading skills but also make the process enjoyable. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a cozy, dedicated space for reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by providing a comfortable and inviting place.
  • Tips: Let her personalize the space with comfy cushions and her favorite stuffed animals.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Establish clear, achievable reading goals each week or month.
  • How it helps: Motivates and gives a sense of accomplishment upon completing goals.
  • Tips: Start with small goals and gradually increase the challenge.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club with a few of her friends or classmates.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension through discussion and encourages social interaction.
  • Tips: They can take turns choosing which book to read next.

• Themed Reading Days
  • What it is: Dedicate days to read books related to specific themes or topics.
  • How it helps: Broadens knowledge and keeps reading exciting and varied.
  • Tips: Themes can be anything from fantasy worlds to real-life heroines.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Spend time reading stories aloud with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and listening skills.
  • Tips: Alternate who reads each page or chapter to keep it interactive.

• Reading Challenge with Rewards
  • What it is: Set up a challenge where she earns small rewards for hitting reading milestones.
  • How it helps: Provides extra incentive and makes reading a fun competition.
  • Tips: Rewards can be simple, like an extra hour of playtime or a special treat.

• Visual Reading Aids
  • What it is: Use bookmarks, illustrations, or graphic organizers to aid her reading.
  • How it helps: Helps in keeping track of reading progress and assists in comprehension.
  • Tips: Encourage her to create her own bookmarks or visual aids.

In conclusion, these exercises are not only about improving reading skills but also about making reading an integral and enjoyable part of your young girl's life. By incorporating these fun and simple activities, you'll help her develop a lifelong love for reading. Happy reading!