Stories For 12 Year Olds

Read Stories For 12 Year Olds Online

This collection of stories for 12 year olds features a variety of tales with themes of personal growth, morality, and adventure. Each story offers a unique insight into human nature through animals, mythical creatures, and everyday situations.

Themes of Wisdom and Consequences
Several stories in the collection highlight the importance of wisdom and the consequences of actions. In The Philosopher, the Ants, and Mercury, a Philosopher criticizes Providence for a shipwreck caused by a criminal, only to be confronted by Mercury about his own hypocrisy when he kills ants for a single sting. Similarly, in The Flea and the Wrestler, a Wrestler complains about the pain caused by a small flea, questioning his ability to handle bigger challenges. The Ass and His Masters tells the story of an Ass who moves from one master to another, only to find each situation worse than the last, demonstrating the consequences of poor choices.

The Dangers of Greed and Desire
Greed and excessive desire are explored in a number of stories. In The Sea King’s Gift, a woman’s insatiable wishes, granted by the Sea King, lead to a tragic confrontation and the loss of all the riches she once had. The Woman and Her Hen tells the tale of a woman who, in her desire for more eggs from her hen, overfeeds it, causing it to stop laying altogether. In The Rich Brother and the Poor Brother, a rich man’s greed leads him to wrong his elder son, but eventually, the younger son helps his brother, showing that generosity often leads to the best outcome.

Friendship and Loyalty
Friendship and loyalty feature strongly in several stories where characters form alliances with unlikely companions. In The Lion and the Hare, a Lion lets go of a captured Hare in favor of chasing a bigger prey, only to regret it when the Hare escapes. The Lion and the Boar depicts a fight between a Lion and a Boar over water, which ends in mutual respect as they recognize that they are both vulnerable to vultures after their battle. Similarly, in The Wild Ass and the Lion, a Wild Ass and a Lion share the spoils of a hunt, but the Lion later claims all the loot, forcing the Ass to leave.

Cunning and Deception
Several stories in this collection explore the themes of cunning and deception. In The Fox and the Crow, a Fox tricks a Crow into dropping a piece of cheese by flattering her, illustrating how deception can lead to personal gain. The Monkey and the Fishermen shows how the Monkey’s curiosity and lack of skill lead him to be trapped in a net, ultimately learning the lesson that he should not engage in things he does not understand. The Cat and the Birds tells of a Cat pretending to be a physician to trick the Birds into trusting him, though they wisely decline his offer.

Personal Growth and Transformation
Stories of personal growth and transformation are also featured in this collection. In The Philosopher, the Ants, and Mercury, the Philosopher’s perspective shifts as he confronts his own actions. Kid follows a street boy who steals from a woman but finds redemption through the kindness of a stranger, changing his life forever. The One-handed Girl tells of a young woman’s personal growth after experiencing betrayal, ultimately leading her to find happiness despite hardships.

These stories present a mix of situations where characters must navigate the complexities of morality, choices, and relationships. Whether through the consequences of greed, the importance of loyalty, or the rewards of personal growth, they offer valuable lessons for young readers.