10+ Best Classic Books for 12-14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect read to captivate young minds? You're in the right place! Our carefully curated guide on classic books for 12-14-year-olds offers a treasure trove of literary gems that have stood the test of time. These stories not only entertain but also enrich, making them perfect picks for your tween's reading list. Keep reading to dive into our diverse selection of classic books that are sure to spark a love for reading in every young reader.

Fun Classic Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on a thrilling quest to win a share of the treasure guarded by Smaug the dragon. His journey is filled with magic, danger, and high adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the rich world of Middle-earth. The story is packed with adventure and lessons about bravery, friendship, and the importance of a good heart.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fantasy lovers looking for an escape into a magical world.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who had intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's misadventures and her ability to win over everyone she meets with her zest for life and unbreakable spirit make it a heartwarming read. It teaches the value of perseverance and the beauty of being unique.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and anyone who appreciates tales of growth and personal development.

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is about a young boy growing up along the Mississippi River. Tom Sawyer's adventures involve schemes to win the affection of Becky Thatcher, a dangerous encounter in a cave, and witnessing a murder.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of youthful freedom and the joy of adventure, making it perfect for readers who love mischief and excitement.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about friendship and adventures, and those who like a bit of troublemaking.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—and details their passage from childhood to womanhood in post-Civil War America.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of love, duty, and ambition, offering readers timeless lessons about the importance of family and personal resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about familial bonds and individual growth, especially through the lens of strong, memorable female characters.

• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Pirate fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Jim Hawkins finds a map to a pirate's treasure and sets sail on the ship Hispaniola, but he is not the only one who knows about the map. The voyage becomes a thrilling fight for survival against treacherous crew members and other dangers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a quintessential pirate tale that offers excitement and danger at every turn, perfect for sparking a love of reading through high-stakes adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and treasure, and anyone who loves a good old-fashioned tale of pirates and heroism.

Educational Classic Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Bildungsroman
  • Synopsis: The story of an orphan named Pip and his growth and personal development from a young boy to adulthood, influenced by a mysterious benefactor.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of social class and personal values, character development, historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines rich character development with an intriguing plot, providing insights into Victorian society.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex characters and themes of personal growth and social justice.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and, along with her sickly cousin Colin, brings it back to life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, the healing power of nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of transformation and the therapeutic power of nature, which can be both comforting and inspiring.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about discovery and personal renewal.

• White Fang by Jack London
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Animal fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel details the harsh realities of the wild through the eyes of White Fang, a wolf-dog struggling to survive in the Yukon Territory.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of animal behavior, natural environments, survival themes
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping and empathetic look at the struggles between the wild and the civilized world.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in nature and survival stories.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a horse, this novel chronicles the joys and sorrows that Black Beauty experiences with various owners throughout his life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal welfare, historical perspective on human-animal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It raises awareness about animal mistreatment and promotes kindness and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are animal enthusiasts and those interested in social reform and ethical treatment of animals.

• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Animal fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Buck, a domestic dog who is kidnapped and sold into the brutal life of an Alaskan sled dog, where he reverts to atavistic traits to survive.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptability, survival instincts, historical context of the Klondike Gold Rush
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful tale of transformation and survival that explores the fine line between civilization and the wild.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by adventure and survival against the odds.

Challenging Classic Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: This epic tale follows the vengeful quest of Captain Ahab as he seeks to find the white whale, Moby Dick, who on a previous voyage destroyed Ahab's ship and severed his leg at the knee.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is complex, interspersed with philosophical, scientific, and technical details about whaling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It dives deep into themes of obsession, revenge, and humanity’s struggle against nature, offering rich material for advanced readers to analyze.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in a deep and reflective reading experience and fans of epic sea adventures.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Jane Eyre, an orphaned girl who overcomes a troubled childhood and becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the mysterious Mr. Rochester.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate themes of social criticism, morality, and sexuality, wrapped in sophisticated and sometimes archaic language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of a woman's fight for independence and equality, which resonates with themes of personal growth and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate strong, complex characters and themes of love and integrity.

• David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Bildungsroman, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of David Copperfield from childhood to maturity, with his own adventures and the web of friends and enemies he meets along his way.
  • Why this book is challenging: Dickens' use of plot twists and a broad cast of characters introduces complexity and depth, requiring careful reading to track.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a vivid portrayal of Victorian England and offers insights into issues like child labor, personal development, and the importance of perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of personal triumph and historical settings.

• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the dramatic tale of Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who is falsely accused of treason, imprisoned, escapes, and seeks revenge on those who wronged him.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is dense with intricate plots and subplots involving a wide range of characters across different settings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging story of betrayal, adventure, and ultimate revenge that also explores themes of justice and mercy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love thrilling stories with complex plots and moral questions.

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Tragedy
  • Synopsis: This novel centers on the all-consuming, passionate, yet thwarted love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, and how their unresolved passion eventually destroys them and many around them.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its narrative structure is non-linear and features multiple narrators, which can be confusing without careful reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into dark themes of passion, revenge, and the supernatural, providing plenty of material for critical thinking and discussion.
  • Perfect for: Those who are drawn to intense, emotionally complex stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of classic books, that's fantastic! Reading classics can open up new worlds and give you a deeper understanding of literature and history. But, let's make sure you're getting the most out of your reading time. Here are some exercises designed to help you develop solid reading habits while enjoying these timeless stories.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you will spend reading each day or how many pages you will read.
  • How it helps: Helps manage reading time effectively and ensures steady progress.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Discuss with Others
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested in or are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through different perspectives and deepens engagement.
  • Tips: Try to discuss the book regularly, perhaps once a week, to keep the insights fresh and relevant.

• Create a Mind Map
  • What it is: Draw a mind map that connects different characters, themes, and events in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in visually organizing thoughts and improves retention of the material.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the mind map more engaging and easier to remember.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize a digital app designed for book lovers that can track reading progress, set reminders, and more.
  • How it helps: Integrates reading into your daily tech use and keeps you motivated with structured goals.
  • Tips: Explore apps that offer community features to connect with other young readers.

• Re-Read Favorite Passages
  • What it is: Go back and read your favorite parts of the book again.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and deepens understanding of crucial elements of the story.
  • Tips: Highlight or bookmark these passages during the first read so they’re easy to find.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Aids in comprehension and retention of the plot and major events.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on the main points.

• Predict Future Events
  • What it is: Pause your reading occasionally to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how accurate they were as you read on.

These exercises aren't just homework—they're stepping stones to becoming a more thoughtful and engaged reader. By integrating these practices into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy classic literature more but also enhance your analytical skills. So, grab that book off the shelf, and let's get started! Happy reading!