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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect dragon books for 12-year-olds? Whether it's the thrill of winged creatures or the magic of mythical tales, finding the right book can ignite a lifelong love of reading. Dive into our curated lists of dragon books that are sure to captivate any young reader's imagination. Keep reading to discover your next great adventure!

Fun Dragon Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Eragon by Christopher Paolini
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young farm boy named Eragon discovers a mysterious dragon egg that hatches into a dragon named Saphira. Together, they must navigate a world filled with magic, power, and danger as they aim to overthrow a tyrant king.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling introduction to fantasy epics, full of rich world-building and exciting adventures, which can spark a love for reading in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic tales and anyone interested in dragons and magic.

• How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This series follows the adventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a young Viking who must capture and train a dragon as a rite of passage. Hiccup's unconventional methods turn traditional dragon training on its head.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with exciting dragon lore, making it an engaging read that encourages creativity and thinking outside the box.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy humor, adventure, and underdog heroes.

• Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A dragon named Firedrake seeks a mythical place called the Rim of Heaven to save his species from being displaced by human encroachment. Along with a human boy and a brownie, he embarks on a magical journey across the globe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a story of friendship and adventure that also teaches about bravery and the importance of protecting nature.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love epic journeys and stories about unlikely friendships between species.

• The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire, Book 1) by Tui T. Sutherland
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Five young dragons, prophesied to end a long and bloody war, struggle to escape their hidden upbringing and change their predestined fate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective from the dragons’ point of view, with themes of destiny versus free will, making it a compelling read for young thinkers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with complex characters and rich, fantastical settings.

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Folklore
  • Synopsis: Inspired by Chinese folklore, this story follows a girl named Minli who sets off on a quest to find the Old Man on the Moon to change her family’s fortune. Along the way, she meets magical creatures, including dragons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends folklore with adventure, offering moral lessons and a touch of whimsy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in other cultures and mythical creatures.

Educational Dragon Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Ice Dragon by George R. R. Martin, illustrated by Luis Royo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novella features Adara, a young girl who befriends an ice dragon to protect her family and village from fiery invaders.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of allegories, character development, and narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that combines the thrill of dragon lore with deeper themes of sacrifice and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intense, emotionally resonant stories.

• Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons by Dr. Ernest Drake, illustrated by Dugald A. Steer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: Purportedly the last remaining copy of Dr. Drake’s comprehensive guide to dragons, this book offers a detailed study of the types, behaviors, and physiology of dragons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, critical thinking, mythological history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an educational yet thrilling exploration of dragons as if they were real creatures to be studied, sparking both imagination and intellectual curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young dragon enthusiasts and budding mythologists.

• Kenny & the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kenny, a young rabbit, befriends a peaceful dragon named Grahame, who is targeted by the townsfolk. Kenny must find a way to save his friend and teach the village about acceptance and friendship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Themes of friendship, conflict resolution, and societal acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a heartwarming story that teaches important social values while keeping readers engaged with its whimsical charm.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories about friendship and overcoming misunderstandings.

• The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: In a world where stories are forbidden, Asha, the daughter of the king, is both feared and revered as the Iskari, a fierce dragon slayer. She must confront her past and the dragons she hunts to uncover her true destiny.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of complex narratives, development of critical thinking, and exploration of cultural myths.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a strong female protagonist and a richly built world, providing both action and depth in its storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a more mature dragon tale with strong themes of redemption and power.

• A Dragon’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans by Laurence Yep and Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Mary GrandPré
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humorous
  • Synopsis: Miss Drake, a centuries-old dragon, finds herself the caretaker to a tenacious human girl, Winnie. Together they navigate a magical world hidden within our own.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Perspective-taking, emotional intelligence, and imaginative problem solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: It flips the usual human-pet relationship, offering humorous insights and a fresh viewpoint on our world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy clever twists and playful adventures.

Challenging Dragon Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In a world where dragons and humans maintain an uneasy peace, Seraphina Dombegh, who harbors a deep secret about her own heritage, becomes embroiled in a royal murder mystery that threatens to reignite long-standing hostilities.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of identity and social acceptance, woven into a dense plot with intricate political intrigue.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a unique take on dragon lore, emphasizing themes of empathy and the struggle for coexistence, which are profound and thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a blend of fantasy and mystery with a strong, introspective female lead.

• The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim by E.K. Johnston
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Alternate History
  • Synopsis: In an alternate modern world where dragons are real and dragon slayers are necessary, Owen Thorskard moves to a small town in Canada to protect it. His story is told through the eyes of his bard, Siobhan McQuaid, who chronicles his battles and the realities of modern-day dragon slaying.
  • Why this book is challenging: It integrates complex societal and environmental issues into its narrative, challenging readers to think critically about the world around them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively mixes the fantastical with the contemporary, offering a fresh perspective on dragon lore and its implications for our world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in a modern twist on the traditional dragon slaying tale.

• Talon by Julie Kagawa
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Ember Hill, a dragon disguised as a human, has been trained by a secretive dragon organization called Talon to infiltrate human society. As she becomes involved with a rogue dragon and a dragon hunter, she begins to question where her loyalties should lie.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into themes of identity, freedom, and morality, all while maintaining a fast-paced, complex plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: This series opener provides an exciting mix of action, betrayal, and romance, making it captivating while also prompting readers to consider deeper ethical questions.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy thrilling narratives with elements of romance and moral dilemmas.

• Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In ancient China, a slave girl named Ping escapes her brutal life with a mystical dragon, Danzi. Together, they embark on a journey across the Han Empire to reach the ocean, where Danzi's destiny awaits.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates historical elements with complex language and themes, providing a rich, immersive experience that challenges readers to think historically and mythologically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written adventure that combines history with fantasy, offering insights into Chinese culture and the universal themes of freedom and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of historical fiction and epic journeys.

• The Wearle (The Erth Dragons #1) by Chris d'Lacey
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story explores the adventures of a group of dragons who have settled in a new land and the tensions that arise with the local human population. A young boy, Ren, becomes involved with the dragons, uncovering secrets that could change the future of both species.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex narrative structure with multiple viewpoints and a deep exploration of coexistence and conflict.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a detailed, imaginative take on dragon lore and human interaction, promoting themes of understanding and cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate intricate world-building and stories that explore interactions between different species.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the thrilling world of dragon books, you're in for some fiery adventures. But why not make your reading experience even more rewarding? Here are some fantastic exercises to help you develop good reading habits while exploring the realms of dragons. Perfect for 12-year-olds, these exercises are sure to keep your reading journey organized and engaging!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule.

• 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.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club meeting to discuss the book.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Improves concentration by providing a designated reading environment.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and perhaps a small shelf for your books.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Look up any unfamiliar words you come across while reading.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and understanding of the book.
  • • Tips: Keep a dictionary or a dictionary app handy while reading.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and comprehension of what you read.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and revisit them before continuing with the book.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
  • How it helps: Increases immersion and enjoyment of the story.
  • Tips: Think about how characters look and sound; picture the setting details.

Wrapping up, integrating these exercises into your reading routine while enjoying dragon books can make your experience even more magical and productive. Not only will these activities improve your reading skills, but they'll also deepen your connection with the fantastical worlds you're exploring. So grab your book, find your favorite dragon, and set off on an adventure that's both thrilling and beneficial! Happy reading!