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

Are you on the hunt for engaging Chinese books for 12-year-olds? Whether you're looking to dive into captivating stories or explore enriching texts, finding the right books can be a game-changer for young readers. In this blog, we've rounded up a variety of Chinese books perfect for tweens eager to discover new worlds and ideas. Keep reading to find the perfect picks for your young reader!

Fun Chinese Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Set in the Chinese countryside during the Cultural Revolution, this story follows the life of a young girl named Sunflower and her relationship with a boy named Bronze, who is mute. They form a strong bond as they navigate the challenges of rural life and family dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully told tale of resilience and friendship that also provides a glimpse into a significant period of Chinese history. It's both educational and moving.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional stories and learning about different historical and cultural backgrounds.

• The King of Chess by Ah Cheng
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of a young man obsessed with becoming a chess master during the Cultural Revolution in China. His journey is not only about mastering chess but also about understanding and coping with the changing world around him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the intrigue of chess with the historical context of China, making it both intellectually stimulating and culturally enriching.
  • Perfect for: Young strategists and history buffs, or anyone who enjoys stories where characters strive to perfect a skill.

• Maomao and the Nian Monster by Chang Yi
  • Illustrator: Wang Yi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Maomao, a brave young girl, encounters the legendary Nian monster during the Chinese New Year festivities. Through cleverness and bravery, she finds a way to protect her village.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun adventure that introduces readers to elements of Chinese folklore and the importance of bravery and quick thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love myths, monsters, and heroic tales.

• Candy Houses by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in a whimsical world, this collection of stories reimagines traditional Chinese fairy tales with a modern twist, weaving together magic, mystery, and moral lessons.
  • Why we recommend this book: These retellings offer a fresh perspective on classic tales, encouraging creativity and a love for storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who delight in fairy tales and imaginative adventures.

• The Mystery of the Missing Sea Dragon by Xu Xing
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When a precious sea dragon goes missing from the local aquarium, a group of clever kids comes together to solve the mystery. Their adventure leads them through unexpected twists and turns.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mystery that engages young minds in problem-solving and deduction.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and lovers of mystery novels.

Educational Chinese Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Little Stone Lion by Kim Xiong
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A small stone lion statue comes to life to protect his village from danger, teaching lessons about bravery and loyalty along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, moral values, understanding of symbolism
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a magical story intertwined with rich cultural heritage and important life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in fantasy tales that also teach meaningful values.

• Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: This epic novel follows the adventures of the Monkey King and his companions as they travel to the Western regions in search of Buddhist scriptures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mythology, teamwork and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure full of fantastical characters and plots that also offers insights into Buddhist philosophy and Chinese culture.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic tales and mythology, as well as readers looking to understand more about Eastern literature.

• The Water Dragon: A Chinese Legend by Li Jian
  • Illustrator: Li Jian
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A young boy helps a dragon escape to the ocean, learning about courage and kindness, set against a backdrop of a traditional Chinese legend.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural folklore, ethical reasoning, artistic appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: Beautiful illustrations complement a story that brings Chinese folklore to life, making ancient tales accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with moral lessons and stunning visuals.

• Star of the Milky Way by Wang Yage
  • Illustrator: Zhao Guangyu
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This touching tale, based on a Chinese folktale, tells the story of a young girl who weaves beautiful brocades that look like the night sky but must overcome a series of challenges to find her true happiness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of folklore, creativity, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines cultural heritage with a story of perseverance and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate folklore and stories about overcoming adversity through creativity and determination.

Challenging Chinese Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Whispering Cloth by Pegi Deitz Shea
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Mai spends her days in a Thai refugee camp, stitching a traditional Pa'ndau to tell her harrowing tale of escape from war-torn Laos.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of war, displacement, and cultural identity through intricate storytelling and detailed illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant view of the refugee experience, encouraging empathy and understanding in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical contexts and those who appreciate stories of resilience and hope.

• Green Dragon Codex by R.D. Henham
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in a mystical world, the story follows a young scholar who becomes entangled in a plot involving a powerful green dragon and a mysterious codex.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is layered with complex moral dilemmas and the language includes rich, descriptive passages that challenge the reader's comprehension and vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging adventure that stimulates the imagination and introduces readers to advanced literary elements.
  • Perfect for: Young fantasy enthusiasts and those who love a good mystery intertwined with magical elements.

• The Shadow in the Moon by Christina Matula
  • Illustrator: Pearl Law
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Two sisters learn about the Mid-Autumn Festival and the legend of the moon goddess Chang'e through their grandmother's stories during a family gathering.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces traditional Chinese folklore through narrative storytelling that requires interpretative thinking and understanding of symbolic meanings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful blend of cultural education and family values, wrapped in a visually stimulating package.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy cultural tales and those interested in learning about Chinese festivals and legends.

• The Empty Pot by Demi
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Moral Story
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Ping faces the challenge of growing a flower from seeds given by the Emperor, only to discover not all is as it seems with the seeds he has been given.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story conveys deep moral lessons about honesty and integrity through a simple yet profound narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values through a story that is both engaging and accessible, encouraging young readers to be truthful and diligent.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with moral lessons and those learning about the virtues of honesty and perseverance.

• The Feathered Serpent by Xu Xing
  • Genre(s): Mythology, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in ancient China, this tale follows the journey of a young hero who embarks on a quest to retrieve a magical feather from a mythical serpent to save his village.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates elements of ancient Chinese mythology and language that provide a rich, cultural context demanding higher comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure that also educates about Chinese mythology and the importance of courage and selflessness.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by myths and legends and those who enjoy thrilling, heroic tales.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the fascinating world of Chinese books and you're around 12 years old, developing good reading habits can really enhance your experience. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help you get the most out of your reading adventures. Let's make reading a regular part of your daily routine with these engaging exercises:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a consistent habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus by associating one place with reading time.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a Chinese-English dictionary handy while reading.
  • How it helps: Helps you learn new words and understand the story better.
  • Tips: Look up words you don’t know immediately to build vocabulary.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to express what you liked about the story and why.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and helps you visualize the story.
  • Tips: Share your drawings with others to discuss your interpretation.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what you’ve read and helps with retention.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and revisit them before continuing the book.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in or start a book club focused on Chinese literature.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading and provides a platform for discussion.
  • Tips: Choose books that interest all members to keep the group engaged.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only improve your understanding of Chinese literature but also make your reading sessions more enjoyable and fulfilling. Remember, the key to building good habits is consistency, so try to stick with your reading plan. Happy reading!