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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your tween? Dive into our curated selection of English classic books for 12-year-olds that promise to enchant and educate. Whether your young reader is a budding bibliophile or just starting to explore the rich tapestry of classic literature, our guide is packed with timeless treasures that captivate and inspire. Keep reading to discover our top picks of English classic books for 12-year-olds that are sure to spark a love for reading!

Fun English Classic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by John Tenniel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Follow young Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world full of peculiar creatures and surreal experiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and creativity with its whimsical characters and bizarre adventures, making reading a delightful experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a vivid imagination and a love for stories that transport them to magical realms.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl discovers a hidden, neglected garden at her uncle's house and, along with two friends, brings it back to life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of friendship, resilience, and the healing power of nature.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about discovery and transformation, and anyone who finds joy in nature and gardening.

• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Pirate Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Jim Hawkins embarks on an adventure for buried treasure with a map he finds in an old sailor’s chest, but the voyage is fraught with danger and treachery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an action-packed adventure that introduces readers to classic elements of pirate lore, encouraging a love for historical adventures.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring adventurers and anyone who loves a good tale of treachery and bravery on the high seas.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-age, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl, who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who wanted to adopt a boy to help with their farm in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach important life lessons about perseverance, acceptance, and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love character-driven stories and watching characters grow and develop over time.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The tale of four anthropomorphic animals—Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad—who live along a river in Edwardian England. Their adventures reflect themes of friendship, morality, and the joys of home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines gentle humor with wild escapades and offers a portrayal of deep friendships.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate nature and stories of camaraderie and adventure.

Educational English Classic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-age, Drama
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War America, facing challenges and maturing into young women.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, historical context of the American Civil War, family dynamics, gender roles
  • Why we recommend this book: It portrays the importance of family, resilience, and personal growth through relatable characters and realistic scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about family bonds and personal development.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a horse, this novel chronicles the joys and hardships Black Beauty experiences with various owners throughout his life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy towards animals, understanding of animal welfare, historical insight into horse-drawn society
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kindness and compassion towards animals while offering a glimpse into Victorian England.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in animal rights and historical settings.

• Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Robinson Crusoe, a castaway who spends twenty-eight years on a remote tropical island near Trinidad, encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers before ultimately being rescued.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Survival skills, self-reliance, adaptability, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also explores themes of civilization versus nature and the human spirit's resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and readers fascinated by survival stories.

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel captures the childhood escapades and adventures of a young boy, Tom Sawyer, growing up along the Mississippi River.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of societal norms and behaviors of the 19th-century American South, moral decision-making, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a mix of humor, drama, and suspense, all while providing a critical portrayal of society through the eyes of a mischievous boy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy tales of mischief and adventure, and exploring historical American life.

• The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A collection of stories featuring Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, as he learns the laws of the jungle and encounters various characters, both animal and human.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, animal behavior, moral lessons, survival instincts
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with captivating tales that blend adventure with important life lessons in a rich, imaginative setting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories set in exotic locales.

Challenging English Classic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Bildungsroman
  • Synopsis: The story of an orphan named Pip, who rises from poverty through a mysterious benefactor. Along his journey, he meets an array of characters, each contributing to his understanding of what it means to be a gentleman versus being a good person.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex characters and intricate plot twists, along with the use of Victorian English that can be challenging for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep insights into social class and personal development, wrapped in a story of personal triumph and human flaws.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex narratives and character development.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance, Bildungsroman
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the emotions and experiences of its eponymous character, including her growth to adulthood and her love for Mr. Rochester, the brooding master of Thornfield Hall.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of classism, sexuality, religion, and feminism, which are presented through sophisticated language and gothic elements that require critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: Jane Eyre is celebrated for its exploration of the complexities of moral and emotional growth, and its strong, principled heroine.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in strong female characters and themes of personal integrity.

• David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Bildungsroman, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story traces the life of David Copperfield from his childhood to maturity, with the various friends and enemies he meets along his way. It is a tale of his struggle to overcome hardships and find personal happiness.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's length, its cast of characters, and the Victorian prose can be demanding for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative on personal growth and resilience, offering a detailed and emotional portrayal of 19th-century England.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate detailed narratives and character studies.

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Tragedy, Romance
  • 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 complex narrative structure, dark themes, and raw portrayal of human emotions make it a challenging read for younger audiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep dive into the darker sides of passion and obsession, offering readers a profound emotional and psychological experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are drawn to intense, emotional stories and complex relationships.

• The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
  • Genre(s): Tragedy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel tells the story of Michael Henchard, a man who rises to become a respected grain merchant and the mayor of Casterbridge, only to be undone by his own arrogance and past mistakes.
  • Why this book is challenging: Hardy's use of dialect and his exploration of tragic characters whose fates are bound by their past actions make this a complex read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of repentance and moral responsibility within a tightly knit community, offering a poignant look at human weaknesses and strengths.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in narratives about personal morality and redemption.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Getting into English classic books at the age of 12 can be a thrilling adventure. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some fun and effective exercises that can help develop excellent reading habits. These exercises are not only useful but also make reading more engaging.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Helps in maintaining a consistent reading pace and builds discipline.
  • Tips: Start with small goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• 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 activities.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and quiet, with all your reading materials easily accessible.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Helps deepen understanding of the book and provides different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where you can share thoughts and opinions.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the story.
  • How it helps: Aids in better comprehension and retention of the story structure.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important events and characters.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of different characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of characters’ motivations and emotions.
  • Tips: Choose characters that you feel the most and least connected with to explore different views.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what you have read and helps in remembering key details.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on main events and character developments.

Implementing these exercises can transform your reading sessions from just flipping through pages to an insightful journey through the classics. Whether you're diving into the mysterious worlds of Sherlock Holmes or exploring the societal depths in "Pride and Prejudice," these activities will enrich your reading experience. Happy reading!