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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect enchanting read for a young reader? Dive into our curated selection of books about magic for 12-year-olds, where every page turn brings a new spell of excitement and adventure. Whether your young reader is a budding sorcerer or a curious adventurer, these magical tales are sure to captivate and inspire. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to whisk them away to worlds of wonder and mystery!

Fun Books About Magic for 12-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about magic.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces magic and fantasy in an accessible and engaging way that captivates young readers' imaginations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure, and anyone new to the Harry Potter universe.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest across the United States to catch the real thief and resolve the conflict among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of modern adventure and ancient Greek mythology, perfect for engaging young readers and sparking an interest in classical myths.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves on opposite sides of a battle when they are taken to an enchanted school where heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between Good and Evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the nature of good versus evil in a whimsically magical setting.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales, magical schools, and stories about friendship.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, captures a fairy and holds her for ransom to exploit the magical Fairy People and restore his family’s fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines magic with technology and crime caper elements, offering a unique twist that keeps readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a blend of sci-fi and fantasy, and stories featuring anti-heroes.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with dangerous consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with complex characters and an intriguing plot that explores the power of magic and the complexity of human emotions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate beautifully crafted narratives and strong, intricate characters.

Educational Books About Magic for 12-Year-Olds

• A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book follows Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, as she leaves her home to apprentice with Miss Level, a witch with a unique outlook on life. Tiffany must harness her powers and confront an ancient evil known as the Hiver.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, understanding of personal growth and responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with wisdom, offering a compelling adventure and a deep look at what it means to find one's place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about witches, self-discovery, and overcoming challenges.

• The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Callum Hunt has been warned away from magic all his life, but he fails at failing the Iron Trial and is admitted to the Magisterium, a school for magic. Here, Call learns that everything he’s been told about magic is a lie and must decide whom to trust.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, moral decision making, creative problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting start to a fantasy series that challenges its characters and readers to think about the consequences of choices.
  • Perfect for: Fans of magical schools and stories that twist typical fantasy tropes.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Thriller
  • Synopsis: When Kara Westfall was six years old, her mother was convicted of witchcraft and sentenced to death. Years later, Kara and her brother Taff discover their mother’s grimoire in a cursed forest called the Thickety. The book is powerful, and with it, Kara might be able to clear her mother’s name.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping and eerie narrative that explores the fine line between good and evil through the lens of witchcraft.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy dark fantasy and complex moral dilemmas.

• The Apothecary by Maile Meloy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: It's 1952, and Janie Scott is moved from Los Angeles to London where she meets a mysterious apothary and his son who involve her in a world of magic and espionage. Together, they use ancient books and alchemy to thwart nuclear disaster.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, scientific curiosity, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines historical fiction with magical elements, providing an engaging way to learn about the past while enjoying an adventurous tale.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, science, and mystery mixed with magic.

• Winterhouse by Ben Guterson, illustrated by Chloe Bristol
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Orphan Elizabeth Somers is sent to the Winterhouse Hotel, where she discovers a magical book of puzzles that unlocks a mystery involving the hotel’s owner and his dead family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, vocabulary expansion, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical mystery that engages readers with puzzles and word games, enhancing cognitive skills while telling a compelling story.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and readers who enjoy mysteries with a supernatural twist.

Challenging Books About Magic for 12-Year-Olds

• The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, summons the powerful djinni Bartimaeus to aid him in a risky revenge plot against a ruthless magician, leading to a series of dangerous adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex characters and a sophisticated plot, with themes of power, political intrigue, and betrayal that require advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a thrilling dive into a meticulously crafted magical world, blending humor with high stakes and moral questions.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy a mix of humor, fantasy, and intricate plotlines.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other abducted children from terrible experiments, discovering a series of secrets that involve mysterious phenomena called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex philosophical ideas and a richly detailed universe that intertwines science, theology, and magic.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think critically about freedom, authority, and the nature of the universe.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in deep themes and epic fantasy adventures.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Metafiction
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, can bring characters from books to life when an evil ruler named Capricorn, freed from the book "Inkheart," tries to force Mo to bring out treasure from the printed page.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure involves stories within stories and addresses complex themes about reality and fiction.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating, imaginative tale that celebrates the power of books and reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love books about books and magical adventures.

• Sabriel by Garth Nix
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Dark Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Sabriel, a young necromancer, must venture into the Old Kingdom fraught with deadly spirits and dark magic to find her missing father. She battles with necromantic powers and magical beings to restore balance to the kingdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of life and death and uses a sophisticated narrative structure that requires a higher level of reader maturity.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides a strong female protagonist and a gripping, darkly magical plot.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a dark, atmospheric fantasy world and strong, complex characters.

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: In a world where dragons and humans coexist in an uneasy peace, Seraphina, a talented musician, hides a dangerous secret concerning her true identity, which could unravel the fragile peace between both species.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces a highly original take on dragon mythology with a complex plot and layered character dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, intelligent novel that mixes mystery, intrigue, and ethical dilemmas.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy unique fantasy worlds and stories that explore identity and societal norms.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of books, especially at the age of 12, you're in for an enchanting journey. To make the most out of your reading adventures, here are some exercises that can help you develop excellent reading habits. These exercises are not just fun but will also enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the books about magic you're exploring.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in building a steady reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Magical Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a special spot in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances your reading experience and makes reading time something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Make it cozy with a comfy chair and good lighting, maybe even add some magical decor!

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you're reading with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention, and you can gain new insights.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Map Out the Story
  • What it is: Draw or write out the plot and characters in a notebook as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps in better understanding of the story structure and character development.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols for different types of information to make it fun and organized.

• Predict the Next Spell
  • What it is: Try to predict future events or the ending of the book based on what you've read so far.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check them as you progress through the book.

These exercises are designed to make your reading experience more immersive and enjoyable. By setting goals, creating a perfect reading environment, engaging in discussions, mapping out stories, and predicting outcomes, you'll not only improve your reading skills but also have a lot of fun along the way. So, grab your book, find your cozy corner, and let the magic begin! Happy reading!