10+ Best Mermaid Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Diving into the magical world of mermaids can be a thrilling adventure for any 12-year-old! If you're on the hunt for the perfect splash of fantasy and adventure, our curated selection of mermaid books for 12-year-olds is just what you need. From tales of underwater kingdoms to stories of surface-world escapades, these books promise to enchant and entertain. Keep reading to discover our various lists of mermaid books tailored just for 12-year-olds, each one ready to whisk you away on a magical reading journey!
Table of Contents
Fun Mermaid Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep by Liz Kessler
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: The second book in the Emily Windsnap series finds Emily dealing with a gigantic sea monster and mysterious secrets in her underwater world.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with relatable pre-teen issues, making it an engaging read that encourages imagination and empathy.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love adventures and stories about friendship and self-discovery.
- The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Emily discovers she is half-mermaid and embarks on an underwater adventure to find her father and understand her own identity.
- Why we recommend this book: This book is a great introduction to fantasy genres, with an easy-to-follow plot and themes of family and belonging.
- Perfect for: Kids who are just starting to read fantasy and enjoy stories about discovering one’s true self.
- Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
- Synopsis: This story revolves around Hailey and Claire, who discover a mermaid named Aquamarine in a swimming pool at a club that's about to be torn down.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted tale that explores themes of friendship and change, perfect for young readers dealing with their own transitions.
- Perfect for: Readers who like magical realism and stories about friendship.
- Lorali by Laura Dockrill
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
- Synopsis: On his sixteenth birthday, Rory finds a mermaid named Lorali washed ashore. Together, they navigate both the wonders and the perils of both their worlds.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique twist on mermaid lore with vibrant characters and a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked.
- Perfect for: Teens interested in fantastical romances and quirky, imaginative tales.
- Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings by Helene Boudreau
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
- Synopsis: First zit. First crush. First… mermaid’s tail? Middle-schooler Jade feels out of place on land and at sea. To survive her first mermaid adventure, Jade has to overcome her fears and prove she's as tough as any fish in the sea.
- Why we recommend this book: It's funny and relatable, making it a great pick for easing reluctant readers into a love of books.
- Perfect for: Pre-teens looking for a laugh and a light-hearted, fantastical adventure.
- Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, is awakened on the night of her betrothal with a dark premonition. As her world falls apart, she embarks on a quest to prevent a war among merfolk.
- Why we recommend this book: It’s an epic underwater saga that combines rich world-building with action-packed adventure, perfect for more advanced readers.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love epic tales and strong female protagonists.
Educational Mermaid Books for 12-Year-Olds
- The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Lena, a fifteen-year-old girl, finds herself drawn to the sea, haunted by dreams of a mysterious mermaid calling to her. As she seeks answers, Lena discovers a mirror that reveals another world beneath the waves.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, imagination, understanding of personal identity and self-discovery
- Why we recommend this book: This novel beautifully blends the struggles of teenage life with a magical mermaid tale, encouraging readers to find their own path.
- Perfect for: Teens who enjoy mystical adventures and stories about self-discovery and personal growth.
- Mermaid Park by Beth Mayall
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
- Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Amy escapes her troubles by working at Mermaid Park, an amusement park where she is drawn into the mysterious world of mermaids and their secrets.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and interpersonal relationships
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling exploration of personal challenges and escapism through a unique setting that captivates the reader’s imagination.
- Perfect for: Young readers who like stories that combine real-life issues with elements of fantasy.
- Mermaid Curse: The Rainbow Pool by Louise Cooper
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
- Synopsis: When Lizzy discovers that she is connected to a centuries-old curse involving a mermaid’s prophecy, she must delve into the mystery surrounding her family and the mythical creatures.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mythological elements, critical thinking
- Why we recommend this book: This book intertwines an intriguing mermaid myth with a suspenseful plot, making it a captivating read.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good mystery mixed with historical and fantastical elements.
- Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
- Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Lily Sanderson, half-human and half-mermaid, has her life complicated by her feelings for a human boy and her mermaid obligations, especially when it comes to choosing her kingdom or her heart.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of relationships, emotional expression, and decision-making
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and romantic tale that also deals with the universal theme of finding one’s place in two different worlds.
- Perfect for: Teens who love romantic stories with a magical twist.
Challenging Mermaid Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Ingo by Helen Dunmore
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Sapphire's father mysteriously disappears off the coast of Cornwall. As she and her brother, Conor, search for clues, they are drawn into the enchanting underwater world of Ingo, where they discover family secrets and forbidden friendships.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes like loss, family loyalty, and the clash between two worlds, presenting a rich, multilayered story that challenges young readers to think deeply.
- Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines real-life emotions with fantasy, offering a compelling story that encourages empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep, thought-provoking stories with a strong emotional core.
- The Siren by Kiera Cass
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
- Synopsis: Kahlen is a Siren, bound to serve the Ocean by luring humans to watery graves with her voice, which is deadly to any human who hears it. After decades of living this way, she meets Akinli, a human with whom she falls in love, and she begins to question everything.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel explores the moral complexities of duty versus desire and the sacrifices involved, which requires advanced critical thinking and empathy from the reader.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique twist on mermaid lore with a poignant love story that explores themes of sacrifice, duty, and the power of choice.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of romance and fantasy and are looking for stories that challenge their values and beliefs.
- To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Princess Lira is a heartless siren renowned for ripping out princes' hearts until she is transformed into a human as punishment. To return to the sea, she must deliver the heart of Prince Elian, a siren-hunter. As they journey together, their loyalties are tested.
- Why this book is challenging: This dark fantasy involves complex character developments and a dense plot with themes of redemption and power, requiring advanced comprehension and analytical skills.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, dark twist on classic fairy tales with robust world-building and morally ambiguous characters that will keep readers engaged and provoke thoughtful reflection.
- Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate darker themes and complex narratives in fantasy settings.
- Sea Witch by Sarah Henning
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: This is an origin story of the Sea Witch from "The Little Mermaid." Evie, a fisherman’s daughter, befriends a young mermaid who later sacrifices herself for a chance to be human. Years later, a girl who looks eerily similar appears, and Evie must choose between her family and her new friend.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel weaves together elements of classic fairy tales with historical context, requiring readers to understand both the fantasy elements and the real-world historical setting.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a fresh perspective on a well-known tale, deepening the narrative with themes of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of human and mermaid relations.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy retellings of classic stories and exploring the backstory of traditionally misunderstood characters.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Diving into the enchanting world of mermaid books can be a magical experience for 12-year-olds. To make the most out of your reading adventure, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits. Not only will these help you enjoy your books more, but they'll also improve your reading skills!
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
- How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your day.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals, like reading one chapter a night.
- Create a Reading Nook
- What it is: Designate a special, comfortable spot in your home just for reading.
- How it helps: Enhances your reading experience by making it enjoyable and relaxing.
- Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe even some ocean-themed decorations!
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Talk about the books you read with friends or family members.
- How it helps: Improves comprehension and lets you explore different perspectives.
- Tips: Try forming a small book club or use family dinners to discuss your latest read.
- Visualize the Story
- What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
- How it helps: Enhances your understanding and enjoyment of the story.
- Tips: Pause after a few pages to picture the setting, characters, and events.
- Keep a Reading Journal
- What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
- How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
- Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.
- Read Aloud
- What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to someone else.
- How it helps: Improves your pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
- Tips: Change your tone and pace to match different characters or dramatic scenes.
With these exercises, you'll not only enjoy the fantastical world of mermaids more deeply but also enhance your reading skills significantly. Remember, the key to becoming a better reader is consistency and enjoyment. So, grab your favorite mermaid tale, and let's make a splash in your reading journey!