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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect Christian books for 12-year-olds that blend faith with engaging storytelling? Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, finding age-appropriate reading material that resonates with pre-teens and nurtures their spiritual growth can be a challenge. Dive into our curated selections of Christian books designed specifically for 12-year-olds, and discover reads that are not only enjoyable but also enriching. Keep reading to explore our various lists tailored to captivate young readers and deepen their faith journey.

Fun Christian Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series of seven books takes readers on magical adventures in the land of Narnia where animals talk, and good battles evil. Each book presents unique characters and powerful, allegorical themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with moral lessons, making it a captivating and enriching read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and those interested in allegorical stories that explore deep themes like faith, courage, and redemption.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl discovers a hidden, neglected garden and, through her restoration of it, experiences a spiritual and physical revitalization.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that explores themes of healing and friendship through the lens of Christian forgiveness and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about nature, growth, and personal transformation.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young girl, her brother, and a friend are transported through time and space on a mission to save their father from evil forces.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of science fiction and spirituality, encouraging readers to think deeply about the universe and their place within it.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and anyone interested in stories that blend science, faith, and adventure.

• The Door Within by Wayne Thomas Batson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A teenager discovers a mystical realm where he is thrust into a battle between good and evil, learning about bravery and faith along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an action-packed adventure that also teaches important Christian values and the power of belief.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic fantasy and stories that feature battles between good and evil with a strong moral foundation.

• Heaven for Kids by Randy Alcorn, adapted by Linda Washington
  • Genre(s): Christian Living, Theology
  • Synopsis: An adaptation of Alcorn's best-selling book about Heaven, tailored to help children understand biblical truths about Heaven and what it means for them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex theological concepts in a way that is accessible and reassuring for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids curious about spiritual matters and those seeking comfort about the afterlife.

• The Berenstain Bears: God Loves You! by Stan and Jan Berenstain
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Christian
  • Synopsis: Brother Bear discovers God’s love and learns how he can spread love to others in his daily actions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses familiar characters to teach fundamental Christian values in a simple, engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers and fans of the Berenstain Bears learning about God’s love and kindness.

Educational Christian Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago
  • Genre(s): Children's Bible, Christian
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Jesus and the Bible, highlighting how every story points to Jesus. It includes retellings of key Bible stories with vibrant illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Religious education, understanding of Christian theology, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects well-known biblical narratives to the overarching message of Jesus' love and redemption in a way that's engaging and understandable for children.
  • Perfect for: Children beginning to explore their faith and those interested in how the stories of the Bible interconnect.

• God's Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Christian, Diversity
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates God's design for diversity and how it reflects His love and purpose for humanity. It encourages children to see the beauty in God's creation and in each other.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social awareness, understanding of diversity within a Christian framework, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a vibrant, beautifully illustrated book that helps children appreciate diversity and inclusion from a biblical perspective.
  • Perfect for: Young readers learning about cultural diversity and the Christian belief in everyone's unique value.

• The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden by Kevin DeYoung, illustrated by Don Clark
  • Genre(s): Christian, Picture Book, Biblical Narrative
  • Synopsis: This book traces the storyline of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, focusing on God's plan of redemption through Jesus Christ, metaphorically referred to as the "Snake Crusher."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Biblical literacy, understanding of redemption and salvation history
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling retelling of the Bible's major themes with striking illustrations that captivate and educate.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy epic stories and those interested in understanding the big picture of the Bible.

• Adventures in Odyssey: Imagination Station Books by Marianne Hering and various authors
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Christian, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series takes young readers on a whirlwind journey through time to experience historical events and learn valuable life lessons through a Christian lens.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, moral reasoning, adventure reading
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun, adventure, and education with a Christian perspective, making each story both entertaining and enlightening.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love time travel and learning about history in an engaging way.

• The Light Keepers: Ten Boys Who... series by Irene Howat
  • Genre(s): Biography, Christian, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Each book in this series highlights the lives of ten Christian men who made significant impacts on the world, tailored to inspire and teach moral values to young readers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, moral inspiration, reading about real-life heroes
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides relatable and motivational stories of faith that encourage young readers to live out their beliefs courageously.
  • Perfect for: Boys interested in real-life heroes and stories of faith in action.

Challenging Christian Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
  • Genre(s): Christian Allegory, Spiritual Growth
  • Synopsis: This is an allegorical novel about Much-Afraid, a fearful girl who embarks on a spiritual journey guided by the Shepherd to reach the High Places. Along the way, she encounters various challenges that test her faith and commitment.
  • Why this book is challenging: The allegory is rich with symbolic elements and deeper meanings that challenge readers to think about their own spiritual journeys.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches perseverance, faith, and the importance of trusting God through difficult times. The narrative encourages readers to reflect on their personal growth and spiritual development.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep, thought-provoking stories and those facing their own personal challenges.

• The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Christian
  • Synopsis: Set in first-century Galilee, this novel follows a young boy named Daniel who is filled with hatred for the Romans who have taken over his land. His heart begins to change after he meets Jesus, who preaches love and forgiveness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as revenge, forgiveness, and the transformation of the heart through faith.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides historical insights into the time of Jesus while exploring the emotional and spiritual development of a young protagonist. It's a powerful narrative about the impact of love and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in historical settings and those exploring themes of personal change and redemption.

• The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
  • Genre(s): Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: This classic allegory tells the journey of Christian, an everyman character, from his home in the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he faces various spiritual trials and challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: The old English language and deep theological themes require careful reading and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's one of the most significant works of religious English literature, offering profound insights into the Christian faith and the human condition.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate classic literature and are interested in exploring deep spiritual and moral questions.

• The Bark of the Bog Owl by Jonathan Rogers
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: Part of the Wilderking Trilogy, this book follows Aidan Errolson, who becomes involved in a prophetic quest to restore the kingdom of Corenwald. Along his journey, Aidan encounters wild beasts, a mysterious hermit, and a challenge to become the Wilderking.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves together complex characters, a unique setting, and a plot that parallels biblical themes in a subtle way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure and fantasy with Christian allegorical elements, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fantasy adventures and stories with moral and spiritual depth.

• Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Folklore, Christian
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the legend of Saint George, who slays a dragon to save a princess, is beautifully illustrated and brings the classic tale to life with a Christian perspective.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is told in a high literary style with rich, poetic language and complex imagery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning book that offers a heroic and moral story rooted in Christian virtues. The narrative encourages bravery and faith.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy folklore and tales of knights and dragons, with a strong moral foundation.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into Christian books at the age of 12, you're on a great path to both spiritual and intellectual growth. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help develop good reading habits. These aren't just about reading more, but reading better and making it a meaningful part of your daily life.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in building a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books you read.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress while reflecting on what you've learned.
  • Tips: Make it a habit to jot down your thoughts right after your reading session.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Share what you've read with friends or family members who might be interested.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention by verbalizing thoughts and opinions.
  • Tips: Try to articulate what the story’s themes mean to you personally and how they relate to your life.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Establishes a physical space dedicated to reading, free from distractions.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and comfortable, possibly with a small shelf for your books and a cozy chair.

• Visualize While You Read
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes as you read, almost like you’re watching a movie in your mind.
  • How it helps: Increases engagement and enjoyment, making reading a more vivid and immersive experience.
  • Tips: Pay close attention to the descriptions used in the book to help form detailed images.

• Challenge Yourself With Different Genres
  • What it is: Occasionally pick books from different genres within Christian literature.
  • How it helps: Broadens your perspective and exposes you to various writing styles and topics.
  • Tips: Every once in a while, choose a book that is outside of your usual preferences to keep things interesting.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Christian literature but also develop habits that will benefit you throughout life. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to stick with these practices, and watch how they transform your reading experience. Happy reading!