10+ Best Romance Books for 11-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Exploring the world of romance books for 11-12-year-olds can be a delightful journey into stories of friendship, first crushes, and sweet adventures. Whether you're a young reader dipping your toes into the genre or a parent seeking age-appropriate options, this guide is packed with charming picks that resonate with tweens. Keep reading to discover a variety of romance books for 11-12-year-olds that are perfect for young hearts eager to explore the magic of reading.

Fun Romance Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a sickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy, mysterious mansion. She discovers a locked, neglected garden and, with the help of new friends, brings it back to life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story of friendship and exploration that also gently introduces themes of love and care. The transformation of the garden metaphorically represents the blossoming of youth and love.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of transformation and young romance.

• Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Comedy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Juli Baker and Bryce Loski from grade school to junior high. Juli has been smitten with Bryce since the day they met, but Bryce isn't so sure. The story is uniquely told with alternating points of view.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the innocence of first love and the complications that come with it. The dual perspective storytelling helps readers understand both sides of a budding romantic relationship.
  • Perfect for: Tweens beginning to explore the complexity of relationships and those who appreciate a humorous take on young love.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Cursed with obedience by a fairy's misguided blessing, Ella of Frell seeks a way to break the spell. Her adventurous quest is filled with new friends, danger, and a budding romance with Prince Charmont.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fairy tale retelling that empowers its heroine to fight for her freedom and happiness, making it a great introduction to themes of self-discovery and romance.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales and strong female protagonists who enjoy seeing a twist on classic stories.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves on opposite sides of a battle between Good and Evil in a magical school that trains them to become fairy tale heroes or villains.
  • Why we recommend this book: This series opener introduces young readers to a world where lines between good and evil are blurred, and where friendship and love play crucial roles in defining one's identity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical adventures with a dose of romance and moral dilemmas.

• The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The Penderwicks sisters spend their summer vacation on a beautiful estate called Arundel, where they embark on adventures and stir up trouble, eventually leading to new friendships and a hint of young romance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a light and charming read that captures the essence of summer adventure and innocent romantic feelings, perfect for easing into the genre of romance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about family bonds, friendship, and first crushes.

Educational Romance Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: In this twist on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, Princess Annie is the only person in her kingdom who is immune to magic. When her sister falls under a sleeping spell, it's up to Annie to find her sister's true love to break the spell.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, understanding different perspectives
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a strong, smart female protagonist who takes action and challenges traditional roles, making it a refreshing take on fairy tales.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and stories of adventurous heroines.

• The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor, Romance
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Dwight talks to his classmates via an origami finger puppet of Yoda, dispensing advice that is strangely wise. The book explores friendships and crushes through a series of funny, touching incidents.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, emotional intelligence, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively blends humor with the complexities of middle school social life, including young romance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love Star Wars, origami, or stories about navigating school life and friendships.

• Star-Crossed by Barbara Dee
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Romance
  • Synopsis: Mattie, an eighth grader, develops a crush on Gemma, a girl who plays Romeo in their school play. Mattie begins to understand her feelings and the meaning of true friendship as she navigates her first crush.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional awareness, empathy, literary appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to exploring LGBTQ+ themes and understanding diverse relationships.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a sweet, relatable story about young love and self-discovery.

• The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Four children have been chosen to compete in a national competition to create the best new candy. Throughout the contest, friendships are tested, secrets are revealed, and a sweet hint of romance emerges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, creativity, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with underlying themes of friendship and first crushes, wrapped in a sweet, engaging narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy mysteries, cooking or baking stories, and subtle romantic elements.

• Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Romance
  • Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Mary Lou Finney writes about her summer in a journal as part of a school assignment, detailing family dynamics, personal growth, and her first romantic feelings.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Journaling, self-expression, emotional growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt and humorous look at teenage life, capturing the confusion and excitement of growing up and experiencing first love.
  • Perfect for: Tweens who are starting to explore their feelings and relationships through a relatable and engaging narrative.

Challenging Romance Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Romance, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This timeless novel 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. Anne's vibrant personality and romantic spirit bring a change to everyone around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is rich in vocabulary and its themes of identity, belonging, and transformation are profound.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to dream big and cherish true connections, fostering a love for lyrical storytelling and rich character development.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and exploring themes of love and personal growth.

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy, Romance
  • Synopsis: This philosophical tale, with its own illustrations by the author, tells the story of a young prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom. The story explores themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text includes metaphorical language and philosophical ideas that challenge young readers to think deeply about life and human connections.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique exploration of love and friendship through the eyes of the Little Prince, combined with beautiful watercolor illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in deep themes and those who appreciate stories that encourage reflection.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Drama, Romance
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy girl attending a boarding school in London, faces a drastic reversal of fortune and must rely on her imagination and kindness to survive hardship and maintain hope.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex narrative structure and Victorian English provide a rich linguistic experience, while its themes of class disparity and resilience are thought-provoking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that illustrates the power of kindness and imagination in overcoming adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and the triumph of the human spirit.

• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: In 1687, Kit Tyler, a spirited young woman from Barbados, finds herself in conflict with the puritanical views of colonial Connecticut. Her friendship with an old Quaker woman considered a witch leads to a clash of cultures and spirit.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes such as religious intolerance and identity, set against a historical backdrop that requires understanding of the period.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping narrative that also teaches important historical lessons and the value of being true to oneself.
  • Perfect for: Historical fiction enthusiasts and readers who appreciate tales of courage and romance.

• I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Through her journal, Cassandra Mortmain chronicles her eccentric family's struggling life in a crumbling English castle, her coming of age, and her first experiences with love.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's sophisticated narrative voice and detailed depiction of 1930s England offer rich language and complex themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of youthful introspection and romantic dilemmas, all while providing a vivid setting and memorable characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy introspective narratives and a blend of romance with historical settings.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of romance books and you're around 11-12 years old, developing good reading habits can really enhance your experience. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help you get the most out of your reading adventures.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading habit and builds reading stamina.
  • Tips: Start with a small, manageable goal and gradually increase it.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special place in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that can make reading more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe even a small shelf for your books.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you read with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the story, and can introduce new perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you during these discussions.

• Book Selection Day
  • What it is: Set aside one day each month to choose new books to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps the excitement alive and ensures a steady flow of books to look forward to.
  • Tips: Research books beforehand or ask for recommendations to make informed choices.

• Reading Challenge With Friends
  • What it is: Start a friendly competition with friends on who can read the most books or pages.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and motivates you to read more.
  • Tips: Keep the challenge light and fun; the goal is to enjoy reading more than to win.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your life. Give them a try and see how they transform your reading sessions into something even more magical. Happy reading!