10+ Best Books Like Harry Potter for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for magical adventures that captivate the imagination just like the beloved series about the boy wizard? Look no further! Our curated list of books like Harry Potter for 12-year-olds is packed with enchanting reads that are perfect for young readers eager to dive into new worlds of wonder and mystery. Keep reading to discover your child’s next favorite book in our exciting roundup of books like Harry Potter for 12-year-olds!

Fun Books Like Harry Potter for 12-Year-Olds

• 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' lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest to find the true thief and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action, humor, and mythological adventures that make reading both fun and educational about Greek mythology.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and learning about different mythologies.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a young criminal mastermind, kidnaps a fairy to ransom her for gold. As he delves deeper, he discovers an entire underground world full of advanced technology and magical creatures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magic, technology, and crime in a unique way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about anti-heroes and fantastical technology.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe and find themselves caught up in a battle between the noble lion Aslan and the evil White Witch.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a magical escape with strong themes of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy epic battles between good and evil and exploring magical worlds.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha are taken to an enchanted school where young heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between Good and Evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fresh take on fairy tales with lots of twists and turns, exploring the nature of good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like reimagined fairy tales and exploring complex characters and themes.

• The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi (illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After moving into the decrepit Spiderwick Estate with their mother, three siblings discover a magical world filled with faeries and other creatures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling series with beautiful illustrations that bring the magical creatures to life.
  • Perfect for: Children who love fantasy creatures and mysteries.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
  • Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth visit their grandparents' estate, only to discover it's a sanctuary for magical creatures and that a battle between good and evil is brewing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a hidden magical world, complex characters, and a plot full of surprises.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about magical creatures and secret worlds.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
  • Synopsis: Young Meggie learns that her father has the ability to bring book characters to life when he reads aloud. They must fight a villain who has escaped from the world of fiction.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating story that celebrates the power of books and the adventures that lie within them.
  • Perfect for: Book lovers and anyone who enjoys a story where reality and fantasy intertwine.

Educational Books Like Harry Potter for 12-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and logic
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and adventure with intellectual challenges that keep readers engaged and thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and mysteries, and those who enjoy stories about gifted youngsters.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Luna, who was accidentally given magical powers as a baby, must figure out her destiny with the help of a wise swamp monster and a tiny dragon.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of complex narratives, vocabulary expansion
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with complex characters and a unique plot that explores themes of love, growth, and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate beautiful storytelling and magical realism.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Nobody Owens, known as Bod, is a normal boy who was raised by ghosts and lives in a graveyard. As he grows up, he faces adventures and dangers from both the living and the dead.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, understanding of human emotions, cultural and historical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique setting and imaginative plot that captures the essence of growth and learning.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a heart and lessons about life and friendship.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Bastian Balthazar Bux discovers a magical book that transports him into the fantastical world of Fantastica, a land being destroyed by a mysterious force called The Nothing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, reading comprehension, empathy, and resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an epic fantasy that encourages readers to become part of the adventure and explores deep themes like courage and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Those who love immersive fantasy worlds and stories about the power of imagination and storytelling.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box that leads them into a secret society and a fight against an alchemist who seeks immortality.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of secrets, codes, and puzzles that make reading both fun and intellectually stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love cracking codes and solving mysteries, with a good dose of humor and suspense.

Challenging Books Like Harry Potter for 12-Year-Olds

• A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the journey of Ged, a young boy with innate magical power, as he attends a school of wizardry and battles a shadow creature he inadvertently releases.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes such as identity, power, and the balance between light and dark, requiring readers to think critically about the story's deeper meanings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a foundational fantasy novel that offers a rich, detailed world and a compelling coming-of-age story, encouraging readers to reflect on personal growth and responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Young fantasy enthusiasts interested in a deeper, philosophical exploration of magic and self-discovery.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua, a young girl, embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and discovers a series of kidnappings and a mysterious substance called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series introduces complex concepts, including parallel universes and philosophical questions about freedom and predestination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with thought-provoking themes and richly imagined worlds, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy complex narratives.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like their fantasy with a side of science and deep philosophical questions.

• Sabriel by Garth Nix
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Dark Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Sabriel, a young necromancer, must venture into the dangerous Old Kingdom to find her missing father, battling the Dead and other sinister forces along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a unique system of magic and necromancy that is intricate and detailed, requiring readers to engage with the text actively to understand the rules of the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a strong female protagonist and a gripping, dark narrative that doesn't shy away from exploring themes of death and courage.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate a darker, more intense fantasy experience with a strong, capable heroine.

• The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
  • Synopsis: Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, summons the powerful djinni Bartimaeus to aid him in a risky revenge plot against a powerful magician, but soon finds himself in over his head.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex political intrigue and a morally ambiguous cast of characters, requiring readers to consider motives and consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's witty, clever, and packed with magical action, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre with its dynamic duo of a young magician and a sarcastic djinni.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy a mix of humor, magic, and a more cerebral type of adventure.

• The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Taran, an assistant pig-keeper, embarks on a quest to find a lost pig and ends up involved in a much larger adventure to save his land from evil forces.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series is inspired by Welsh mythology and includes a variety of characters and themes that are interwoven into a complex tapestry of tales.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a classic hero's journey filled with challenges and growth, set in a richly drawn mythical world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a traditional fantasy adventure with deep roots in mythology and character development.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're diving into the magical world of books like Harry Potter, developing good reading habits can make your experience even more enchanting. Here are some exercises tailored for 12-year-olds to help cultivate these habits, ensuring that every page turned is a step toward becoming a lifelong reader.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps in building a steady reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that can enhance concentration and enjoyment.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe even some themed decorations to make it enticing.

• Book Discussion Club
  • What it is: Form a club with friends who are also reading similar books.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and can motivate you to read more.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meetings to discuss the book, themes, characters, and plot developments.

• Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Participate in or create a reading challenge with a set list of books to complete.
  • How it helps: Introduces a fun competitive element to reading.
  • Tips: Choose challenges that are interesting and have achievable targets to keep the motivation high.

• Visual Reading Map
  • What it is: Create a visual map that outlines the story's settings, characters, and major events.
  • How it helps: Helps in better retention of the story and aids in understanding complex plots and connections.
  • Tips: Use colors, symbols, and drawings to make the map engaging and easier to remember.

• Use Technology
  • What it is: Utilize e-readers, tablets, or reading apps designed for young readers.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more accessible and can offer interactive features that enhance the reading experience.
  • Tips: Set time limits for reading on devices to avoid eye strain and ensure a balanced reading habit.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, not only will you enhance your skills and enjoyment, but you'll also be well on your way to becoming a seasoned reader. Remember, the goal is to make reading a fun and integral part of your daily life. Happy reading!