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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that captures the sweet essence of young love? Look no further! Our curated selection of romance books for 12-year-olds offers a delightful dive into stories of first crushes and heartfelt adventures. Whether you're buying for a young reader or reminiscing about your own tween years, these picks are sure to charm and engage. Keep reading to discover our favorite romance books for 12-year-olds, each promising to be a memorable addition to any young reader's bookshelf!

Fun Romance Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella tale features Ella, cursed with obedience by a thoughtless fairy. Ella must navigate her world's dangers, outwit those who command her, and pursue her heart's true desire.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming and empowering story that blends fantasy with a gentle romance, perfect for young readers beginning to explore the genre.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fairy tales with a twist and strong, resourceful female protagonists.

• Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel explores young love from two perspectives – Juli Baker and Bryce Loski – as they transition from grade school to junior high, flipping between viewpoints on events and each other.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted, sweet story about understanding and appreciating someone from a different perspective, ideal for young readers developing their own views on relationships.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about school life and the complexities of young love.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Romance, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Orphaned Mary Lennox comes to live at her uncle's great house on the Yorkshire Moors and discovers an abandoned garden that she sets out to bring back to life. The garden blooms as she, her cousin Colin, and their new friend Dickon heal emotionally and physically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It intertwines elements of romance with themes of rejuvenation and healing, making it a timeless read that captures the essence of personal transformation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate nature, mysteries, and stories of friendship and healing.

• The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Romance, Humor
  • Synopsis: Mia Thermopolis lives an ordinary New York City life until she learns she's actually the princess of a small European principality. Mia must learn to balance her ordinary school life with her duties as a princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's humorous and relatable, providing a fun twist on the typical teenage life mixed with royal intrigue and sweet romantic moments.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love humorous coming-of-age stories and tales of unexpected adventure.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Spirited orphan Anne Shirley is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her vivid imagination and dramatic antics carve a lasting impact on the small community and lead her into numerous scrapes and adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that explores themes of belonging and love, filled with memorable characters and poetic moments.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of growth and self-discovery, set against a quaint and scenic backdrop.

Educational Romance Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Romance, Family
  • Synopsis: This story captures the summer adventures of the Penderwick sisters at Arundel estate, where they encounter friendship, mischief, and a touch of young romance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family dynamics, emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends elements of innocent romance with the explorations and tribulations of sisterhood.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about family bonds and summertime adventures.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a school where young heroes and villains are trained for fairy tales, two best friends, Sophie and Agatha, find their fates intertwined and complicated by potential romances and their contrasting desires.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of narrative structure, development of ethical reasoning, enhancement of imaginative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique twist on the themes of good and evil, with enchanting romantic subplots that challenge the characters' preconceived notions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a magical setting with complex characters and budding romances.

• Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Romance
  • Synopsis: The story follows Leo Borlock, who falls for Stargirl Caraway, an eccentric and nonconformist student who challenges the norms of their high school.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social awareness, individuality, self-expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a celebration of nonconformity and kindness, wrapped in a sweet and thought-provoking romance.
  • Perfect for: Teens navigating their own identity and the challenges of fitting in while standing out.

• Bloomability by Sharon Creech
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Coming-of-Age, Romance
  • Synopsis: When Dinnie is uprooted and moved to an international school in Switzerland, she experiences a journey of self-discovery and first love amidst diverse cultures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, adaptability, emotional growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gentle look into the complexities of growing up and finding where you belong, with a touch of romantic intrigue.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and exploring new horizons.

• The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Science, Romance
  • Synopsis: After her best friend's death, Suzy becomes convinced that a rare jellyfish sting was the cause, leading her on a poignant and transformative journey for answers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, coping with loss, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It delicately weaves scientific curiosity with the complexities of young love and grief.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and those dealing with personal loss or change.

Challenging Romance Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Ani, a crown princess with the ability to speak to the wind, is betrayed as she journeys to marry a prince of a foreign land. Assuming the role of a goose girl, she must reclaim her true identity and save her kingdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a rich, intricate plot and a unique magical system that requires readers to engage deeply with the text.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling mix of adventure, romance, and personal growth, encouraging readers to find strength in adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young fantasy lovers looking for a strong female lead and a touch of romance.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy girl turned penniless orphan, struggles to maintain her dignity and kindness in the face of brutal treatment from her boarding school headmistress.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language and historical context are sophisticated, providing a rich literary experience beyond typical middle-grade books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that illustrates resilience, the power of imagination, and the importance of treating others with kindness, regardless of one's circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic tales with themes of perseverance and subtle romantic elements.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: In a tale of magic and witchcraft, a young girl raised by a witch discovers her own magical powers and faces extraordinary challenges to protect her loved ones.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving multiple viewpoints and a sophisticated plot that intertwines various characters' fates.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends fantasy with emotional depth, exploring themes of love and sacrifice with a gentle undercurrent of romance.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate beautifully crafted fantasy worlds with underlying romantic and ethical questions.

• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Kit Tyler, from the tropical island of Barbados, finds herself in cold, puritanical Connecticut, where she befriends an old woman accused of witchcraft and struggles to fit into the rigid Puritan community.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as religious intolerance, identity, and conformity, requiring readers to think critically about historical and moral issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a gripping narrative that encourages understanding and empathy, wrapped up with a sweet romantic subplot.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories that challenge societal norms while offering a glimpse of young romance.

• Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: Young countess Meliara swears to her dying father that she will defend their country from a greedy king. As she embarks on a campaign of resistance, she encounters espionage, court intrigue, and unexpected romance.
  • Why this book is challenging: The political and military strategies discussed are complex, and the old-fashioned language adds a layer of difficulty appropriate for advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action, strategic battles, and courtly romance in a way that captivates and educates, encouraging readers to think about loyalty, strategy, and heart.
  • Perfect for: Young strategists and romantics who love tales of rebellion and daring deeds with a dash of romance.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of romance books and you're around 12 years old, it's a fantastic time to develop some good reading habits. These habits can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the stories you read. Here are a few exercises that can help you get the most out of your reading adventures:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you want to spend reading each day or how many books you want to read each month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your daily routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances your focus and makes your reading time special and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you are reading with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves your comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what you liked about the book and what you didn’t, and hear what others think.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book out loud, either to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves your pronunciation and helps you understand the text better.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match the dialogue and action parts of the story.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your head as you read, like a movie playing in your mind.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to close your eyes and picture what you just read.

These exercises are not just about reading more; they're about reading better. By incorporating these habits into your routine, you'll not only enjoy your current selection of romance books but also build a strong foundation for a lifetime of reading. Happy reading!