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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into royalty for your tween? Look no further! Our roundup of Princess Books for 12-Year-Olds is packed with enchanting stories that whisk readers away to realms of adventure and wonder. Whether your young reader dreams of tiaras or quests, these books promise to captivate their imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to become new favorites in their royal collection!

Fun Princess Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This tale follows shy Princess Addie and her brave sister Meryl, who set out on a perilous quest when Meryl falls ill to a mysterious disease. Addie must find her inner strength and confront dragons, specters, and a sorcerer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping adventure that also touches on themes of courage, self-discovery, and the unbreakable bond between sisters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about quests and self-growth, and anyone who enjoys tales of courage and sisterly love.

• Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: Miri, a mountain girl, attends an academy to compete for the chance to be the prince's bride, only to find herself learning about her own untapped potential and the power of friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines elements of fantasy with realistic emotional conflicts, making it both enchanting and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories of empowerment, education, and friendship.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: In this retelling of the Cinderella story, Ella struggles with a curse of obedience, which compels her to follow any order given to her. Ella's journey to break the curse is filled with humor, peril, and romance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and enchanting twist on a classic fairy tale, promoting themes of independence and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales looking for a strong female protagonist and a story that mixes humor with heart.

• The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: Mia Thermopolis discovers she is the princess of a small European principality. The books follow her hilarious and heartwarming journey as she balances everyday life with her royal responsibilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous look at the life of a modern-day princess and is packed with relatable teen experiences.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy stories about self-discovery, humor, and the trials of growing up.

• Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Cimorene is bored with traditional princess duties and runs away to live with a dragon. Her unconventional choice leads to adventures involving wizards, magic, and battles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It turns typical fairy tale stereotypes on their heads and is filled with wit and humor.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like unconventional heroines and stories that challenge traditional roles.

Educational Princess Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
  • Synopsis: This novel is a retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale and follows Princess Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree. She is sent to marry a prince she has never met, but on the way, her maid betrays her and takes her place. Ani, now a goose girl, must find a way to reclaim her true identity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, identity exploration, resilience in adversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a magical and transformative journey that delves into themes of self-discovery and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and stories about personal growth.

• The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this story, Princess Annie is immune to magic and must save her sister after a magical spell puts the entire castle to sleep. Her unique ability leads her on an adventure that challenges fairy tale norms.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, challenging norms, creativity in problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a refreshing take on the classic Sleeping Beauty tale, focusing on bravery and independence.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a strong female lead and a story that encourages thinking outside the box.

• Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: Being a princess isn't all glory and happiness. Princess Benevolence finds herself trapped in a tower by her aunt, the regent, who plans to teach her to be a proper princess. But Ben has other ideas and discovers magic that could change her fate.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-reliance, historical insight, magical realism
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magic, adventure, and a coming-of-age story with a twist of humor and empowerment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales of transformation and self-discovery with a sprinkle of magic.

• Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
  • Synopsis: A retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses, this story follows Princess Rose and her eleven sisters who are cursed to dance each night at the Midnight Ball. When soldier Galen is recruited to help, he must unravel the mystery behind the princesses' enchantment.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, understanding of themes like loyalty and sacrifice
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating and beautifully woven retelling that offers mystery, romance, and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love classic fairy tales reimagined with depth and intrigue.

• The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Prince George has a secret ability that he must hide from everyone—his magical bond with a hound. When he is betrothed to Princess Beatrice, he discovers that she has a secret too, which could endanger both their lives.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding complex characters, ethical decision-making
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores deep themes of love, duty, and the acceptance of one's true self.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in stories that blend romance with magical realism and ethical dilemmas.

Challenging Princess Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Imperial Russia, this novel follows Vika Andreyeva and Nikolai Karimov, two enchanters who must compete in the Crown's Game, a magical duel to become the Imperial Enchanter to the Tsar. The stakes are high as the loser of the duel faces certain death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines complex historical details with intricate magical systems, demanding a higher level of comprehension and engagement from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich blend of history and fantasy, providing a captivating look at imperial Russia mixed with thrilling magical elements.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings with a magical twist and those looking for a story with high stakes and deep intrigue.

• The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Maya, cursed with a horoscope that promises a marriage of death and destruction, becomes the queen of Akaran, a mysterious kingdom. She discovers her role in a larger cosmic battle and her complex powers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features lush, poetic language and a plot that delves into complex themes of fate, destiny, and power, which can be intellectually stimulating for advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book's beautiful prose and rich mythological elements make it a magical and profound read.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mythology and fantasy who appreciate stories with strong, mystical female leads.

• Entwined by Heather Dixon
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the fairy tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," this story follows Azalea and her eleven sisters who discover a magical passage in their secluded castle that leads them to an enchanted world where they can dance each night away. But this comes at a price.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure requires readers to keep track of multiple characters and a complex magical world, enhancing their cognitive and comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating retelling that combines elements of mystery and romance, providing a fresh take on a classic fairy tale.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed character development and intricate fantasy worlds.

• A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: In a world inspired by West African folklore, princess Karina aims to resurrect her assassinated mother using the heart of a king. Meanwhile, Malik, who has entered the city to escape from a vengeful spirit, sees killing Karina as his only chance to save his sister.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dual perspectives and richly woven world filled with folklore require readers to engage deeply with the text and understand diverse cultural contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores complex themes such as grief, vengeance, and love, wrapped in a thrilling plot of magic and folklore.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in diverse narratives and intricate fantasy worlds that challenge their thinking and perspective.

• Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Princess Dennaleia, betrothed to the prince of Mynaria, must hide her magical ability to control fire—a dangerous gift in her future kingdom where magic is forbidden. Things get even more complicated when she falls in love with the prince's sister, Princess Amaranthine.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel tackles complex themes of duty versus desire and the conflicts between personal identity and societal expectations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling tale of forbidden love and political intrigue, set against a backdrop of dramatic magical conflicts.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for LGBTQ+ themes and stories that combine romance with high-stakes political drama.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of princess books, you're in for a treat. But why not make the experience even more enriching? Below are some exercises designed specifically for 12-year-olds to enhance their reading habits while exploring tales of tiaras and quests. These exercises are easy to incorporate into your daily routine and can make your reading adventure even more enjoyable.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and creates a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the story’s events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the plot and the relationships between characters.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the map more engaging.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next after a chapter or an exciting plot twist.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and see how many you get right as you read.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of one of the characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of character motivations and emotions.
  • Tips: Choose a character you feel the most connected to or intrigued by.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the story out loud, either to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you process the story differently.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can transform your experience with princess books into something truly magical. Not only will you enjoy the stories more, but you'll also build strong reading habits that will benefit you for years to come. So, grab your book, pick a cozy corner, and let the adventure begin!