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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect festive read for your tween? Look no further! Our list of Christmas books for 12-year-olds is packed with magical stories that capture the spirit of the season and are just right for young readers. Whether they love adventures, mysteries, or heartwarming tales, we've got something that will light up their holiday. Keep reading to discover our top picks for Christmas books that 12-year-olds will absolutely love!

Fun Christmas Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
  • Illustrator: Chris Mould
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christmas
  • Synopsis: This enchanting tale follows a young boy named Nikolas, nicknamed 'Christmas', who sets off on a snowy adventure to find his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of Elfhelm.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines whimsy and heart with a dose of adventure, making it a captivating read that sparks the imagination. It’s a great way to keep festive spirits high and encourages belief in the magical.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and Christmas enthusiasts who love a good magical story.

• The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig
  • Illustrator: Chris Mould
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christmas
  • Synopsis: When Christmas is in jeopardy, it’s Amelia Wishart, the first child ever to receive a Christmas gift, who must save it. With hope running low, Amelia is called upon to capture the magic of the season.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an empowering story that highlights the importance of hope and perseverance. The blend of magic and adventure makes it a thrilling holiday read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy strong female protagonists and magical, festive tales.

• Winterhouse by Ben Guterson
  • Illustrator: Chloe Bristol
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Christmas
  • Synopsis: Orphan Elizabeth Somers is sent to the mysterious Winterhouse Hotel, owned by the peculiar Norbridge Falls. There, she uncovers magical secrets and puzzles that could link back to her own family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes mystery with magic in a snow-covered setting, perfect for those who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets. It’s engaging and stimulates critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle solvers and mystery lovers who enjoy a magical twist.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Christmas
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his parents are surprised when guests start arriving at their inn, Greenglass House. Each guest has a strange, secretive story, and it’s up to Milo to make sense of the mysteries surrounding them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a cozy, atmospheric read that combines elements of adventure and mystery, perfect for curling up with on a cold day. The story promotes critical thinking and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good mystery and tales set during the festive season.

• The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher
  • Illustrator: Shane Devries
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christmas, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young William Trundle embarks on a magical adventure with a dinosaur called the Christmasaurus. The story is about friendship, family, and the magic of Christmas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a unique tale that combines dinosaurs with Christmas, providing a fresh and exciting narrative. It’s humorous and heartwarming, perfect for boosting holiday spirits.
  • Perfect for: Dinosaur enthusiasts and anyone looking for a fun, festive read with a twist.

Educational Christmas Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Atlas of Adventures: Wonders of the World by Lucy Letherland
  • Illustrator: Lucy Letherland
  • Genre(s): Educational, Adventure, Geography
  • Synopsis: Explore the most spectacular places and experiences around the world, from the Grand Canyon to the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geography, cultural awareness, environmental consciousness
  • Why we recommend this book: It broadens horizons and encourages curiosity about different cultures and the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about the world beyond their backyard.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Illustrator: Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted kids 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: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventure with brain-teasing puzzles, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and mysteries with a bit of science fiction.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Illustrator: Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this beautifully illustrated novel follows young orphan Hugo as he tries to solve the mystery of a broken automaton and his father's death, all while keeping up with his duties as a clock keeper.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mechanical understanding, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique blend of text and art offers a distinctive reading experience that captivates and educates.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and fans of history and mystery.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: This inspiring tale follows Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends a mainstream school for the first time and strives for acceptance and kindness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social skills, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values of kindness and acceptance through a compelling and heartwarming story.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a moving story that promotes understanding and compassion.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous young friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box that leads them on a thrilling adventure involving secret societies and immortal magicians.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a page-turner with codes, puzzles, and secrets that keep readers engaged and thinking creatively.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and anyone who loves a good secret or mystery.

Challenging Christmas Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christmas
  • Synopsis: On his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers he is one of the Old Ones, a guardian dedicated to fighting the forces of the Dark. As Christmas approaches, Will must embark on a quest to gather the powerful Signs of Light.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of good versus evil and incorporates elements of British mythology, which require a sophisticated level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a magical and profound exploration of heroism and the battle between light and dark, perfect for young readers looking to dive into a more serious fantasy.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mythology and those looking for a more challenging, thought-provoking Christmas story.

• Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christmas
  • Synopsis: This collection of letters, written by Tolkien to his children over many years, features stories and drawings from Father Christmas about his adventures and misadventures at the North Pole.
  • Why this book is challenging: Tolkien's richly imaginative and detailed storytelling requires readers to engage deeply with the text and illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases Tolkien’s creativity and whimsy, providing a unique and enchanting perspective on Christmas traditions and tales.
  • Perfect for: Young Tolkien fans and those interested in creative storytelling.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternative 19th-century England overrun by wolves, cousins Bonnie and Sylvia fight to save themselves and their home from an evil governess and a sinister plot.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel’s alternative historical setting and complex plot involving deceit and bravery require careful reading and an understanding of historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure with strong female protagonists, combining suspense and historical fantasy in a gripping read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings with a fantastical twist.

• The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann
  • Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Christmas
  • Synopsis: Young Marie Stahlbaum's favorite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive and, after defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, whisks her away to a magical kingdom populated by dolls.
  • Why this book is challenging: The original text by Hoffmann offers a rich, layered narrative that goes deeper than the more commonly known ballet adaptation, with intricate language and a more complex storyline.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a classic Christmas tale that combines magic, adventure, and the joy of the holidays in a beautifully illustrated edition.
  • Perfect for: Classical literature enthusiasts and fans of rich, fantastical narratives.

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fantasy, Christmas
  • Synopsis: Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man, is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, who show him the true meaning of Christmas and inspire him to change his ways.
  • Why this book is challenging: Dickens' use of Victorian English and the play on complex human emotions and moral lessons make this book a challenging yet rewarding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless classic that explores themes of redemption and compassion, offering valuable lessons in empathy and kindness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic literature and stories with moral depth.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some festive Christmas books this season and you're around 12 years old, here are some fun exercises to help you develop great reading habits. These will not only enhance your reading experience but will also keep you engaged and excited about your books!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Helps manage your reading time and gives you a clear target to achieve.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and distraction-free environment that can enhance your reading experience.
  • Tips: Add some cozy pillows, good lighting, and maybe even some Christmas decorations to make it festive!

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading the same book or have read it before.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the story, and it's fun to share different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where you can discuss a new book each month.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy to look up new words you come across while reading.
  • How it helps: Improves your vocabulary and understanding of the book.
  • Tips: There are many apps available that can make this easier; consider downloading one on your device.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: After finishing a chapter, take a moment to summarize it in your own words.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what you have read and helps with comprehension.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and highlight major points and characters.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to guess what might happen next in the story before you continue reading.
  • How it helps: Keeps you engaged and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many you got right as you read!

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read, like a movie playing in your head.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pay attention to descriptive details in the text to help build your mental images.

These exercises are designed to make your reading time more effective and enjoyable, especially during the holiday season when stories can be magical. Try them out with your next Christmas book and see how much more engaging your reading sessions can be! Happy reading!