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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect reading list tailored for young readers? Dive into our curated selection of classic books for 12-year-old girls that promise to captivate, inspire, and ignite a lifelong love for literature. Whether she's exploring enchanted realms or unraveling historical mysteries, these timeless tales are sure to be a hit. Keep reading to discover our top picks of classic books for 12-year-old girls that can't be missed!

Fun Classic Books for 12-Year-Old Girl

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-age, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her vibrant personality and vivid imagination bring a new spirit to their home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that emphasizes the importance of imagination, friendship, and finding one's place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and those who love stories about personal growth and exploration.

• 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—as they grow up during the American Civil War. Each sister has distinct personality traits and dreams, facing their own personal challenges and adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of love, duty, and ambition, providing young readers with strong female characters and valuable life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about family bonds and individual growth.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a previously unloved and spoiled child, transforms when she discovers a neglected garden at her uncle's house. As she revitalizes the garden, she also brings new life to her cousin Colin and herself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of rejuvenation and the healing power of nature, encouraging readers to find beauty and hope in the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and anyone who appreciates stories about healing and friendship.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows Wilbur the pig and his friendship with Charlotte the spider. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a gentle and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers looking for a heartwarming story about friendship.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy girl enrolled in a prestigious boarding school, faces a dramatic reversal of fortunes and is forced to work as a servant. Despite her hardships, Sara's imagination and kind nature help her to endure and transform the lives of those around her.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights resilience, the power of kindness, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and triumph over adversity.

Educational Classic Books for 12-Year-Old Girl

• Heidi by Johanna Spyri
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This timeless story follows a young orphan girl named Heidi, who is sent to live with her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Through her cheerful and loving nature, Heidi transforms her grandfather's life and the lives of others she meets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, emotional intelligence, and understanding of familial relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that showcases the positive impact of kindness and joy in a community.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy uplifting stories about family and friendship.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal story
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a horse, this novel details the life of Black Beauty as he experiences the highs and lows of human nature through various owners, some kind and some cruel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Compassion for animals, historical insights into animal welfare, and perspective-taking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy and a better understanding of ethical treatment towards animals.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers interested in social justice and ethics.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's fiction
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive girl neglected by her family. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to stand up to her oppressive school principal and change her own destiny.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, and self-advocacy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, and it's a fun, empowering story for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young intellectuals and anyone who enjoys a story about overcoming adversity with wit and power.

• The Railway Children by E. Nesbit
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After their father is mysteriously taken away, three children and their mother move to a house near the railway. They befriend the local station master and embark on various adventures, eventually uncovering the truth about their father's disappearance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, problem-solving, and family dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping adventure that also teaches about resilience and the importance of family.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love mysteries and adventures.

• Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Pollyanna, an orphan, moves in with her stern Aunt Polly. Despite facing many challenges, she teaches the town the "glad game" — a game that involves finding something to be glad about in every situation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Positive thinking, resilience, and interpersonal relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages optimism and finding joy in every aspect of life.
  • Perfect for: Optimists and anyone needing a reminder of the good in the world.

Challenging Classic Books for 12-Year-Old Girl

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance
  • Synopsis: The novel follows the experiences of its orphaned protagonist Jane Eyre from her abusive childhood to her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the mysterious Mr. Rochester.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex language, intricate plot developments, and deep explorations of social criticism and moral integrity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that champions resilience, self-respect, and the struggle for personal freedom.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate strong, complex characters and themes of social justice and morality.

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Tragedy
  • Synopsis: This novel centers around the passionate and tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, exploring themes of revenge, jealousy, and the destructive nature of obsessive love.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, and the themes are dark and mature, involving intense emotional and psychological exploration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into human emotions and the consequences of life choices, wrapped in a compelling and dramatic storyline.
  • Perfect for: Those who are captivated by intense, emotional narratives and intricate character studies.

• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Bildungsroman, Social criticism
  • Synopsis: The story of young Pip, an orphan growing up as a gentleman in London thanks to an unknown benefactor. Along the way, he learns about the values of life, love, and the disparity between wealth and happiness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses sophisticated language and explores complex social issues and personal development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a richly woven tale that offers insights into Victorian society, personal growth, and human nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical settings and stories that explore the journey to adulthood.

• Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
  • Genre(s): Tragedy, Victorian
  • Synopsis: Tess Durbeyfield is a young woman led by family necessity to seek out her wealthy relatives and try to claim a portion of their family fortune. It's a tragic tale of her struggles against societal norms and personal betrayal.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with mature themes such as social criticism, injustice, and morality, all conveyed through dense narrative and complex character dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a critical look at Victorian society's constraints and the impact of fate and reputation on one's life.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy deep, thought-provoking literature and stories that challenge societal norms.

• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Detective fiction
  • Synopsis: A collection of twelve detective stories featuring the famed sleuth Sherlock Holmes as he unravels some of his most intriguing cases.
  • Why this book is challenging: The stories are filled with Victorian-era language and complex deductive reasoning that challenge the reader's analytical skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging introduction to classic detective literature, promoting critical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and any reader with a love for puzzles and mystery-solving.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of classic books, it's not just about reading but also about enhancing how you read. Here are some engaging exercises tailored for 12-year-old girls that can help develop good reading habits while exploring classic literature. These activities are designed to make reading more interactive and fun, ensuring a deeper understanding and appreciation of the books.

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Set up a specific time each day dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps form a lasting reading habit.
  • Tips: Choose a comfortable and quiet spot for your reading time to make it something you look forward to.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes or monologues from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character development and plot.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role play more exciting and engaging.

• Book Club with Friends
  • What it is: Start a book club where you and your friends read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and perspective sharing.
  • Tips: Rotate who picks the book each month to keep the selections diverse and interesting.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw maps or create charts that outline the story’s settings or plot.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize and better understand the story’s environment and sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make your map or chart more detailed and easier to understand.

• Connect with History
  • What it is: Research the historical context in which the book was written.
  • How it helps: Provides a deeper understanding of the book's themes and characters.
  • Tips: Look for documentaries, articles, or even simpler children’s books that explain the era.

• Creative Book Reports
  • What it is: Write a book report with a creative twist, such as a news article, diary entries, or a series of poems.
  • How it helps: Encourages creative thinking and deeper engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Share your creative reports with classmates or family members to get feedback and discuss the book further.

• Vocabulary Expansion
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words from your reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances language skills and comprehension.
  • Tips: Try to use the new words in your daily conversations or writing exercises.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can transform the way you interact with classic books. Not only will these activities make reading more enjoyable, but they'll also deepen your understanding and appreciation of literature. So, grab your favorite classic, pick an exercise, and start exploring the rich worlds of literature today!