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

Are you on the hunt for epic books for 12-year-olds that will keep them glued to the pages? You're in the right place! Whether your young reader is into thrilling adventures, mysterious tales, or captivating stories, we've got a selection that will satisfy their ever-growing imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks of epic books for 12-year-olds, perfect for adding some excitement to their reading list!

Fun Epic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Harry Potter, an eleven-year-old boy who discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends and enemies and uncovers the truth about his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical entry into a richly imagined world that emphasizes the value of friendship and courage. It's a great way to get kids excited about reading through its engaging story and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• 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 sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines exciting adventures with Greek mythology, making it both educational and entertaining. It also deals with themes like identity and belonging.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he attends school for the first time and strives to be seen as just another student.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, regardless of their appearance. It's a heartwarming read that encourages kindness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories about overcoming challenges.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where ghosts raise him. He grows up among the supernatural residents, learning about both the living and dead worlds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating and slightly spooky story about growing up and finding one's place in the world. The illustrations add a wonderful depth to the storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy ghost stories and mysteries with a touch of humor.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center, where boys are forced to dig large holes daily. He uncovers the truth behind the camp's strange practice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a unique plot with complex characters and a clever intertwining of past and present narratives. It's a great introduction to themes of justice and destiny.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like stories that are both funny and thought-provoking.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a city shrouded in darkness, two children find an old set of instructions that they believe will help them escape to the outside world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging dystopian novel that explores themes of perseverance and hope. The mystery of the city and its potential escape captivates readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science fiction and solving mysteries.

Educational Epic Books 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 creativity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines brain-teasing puzzles with thrilling adventures, making it both intellectually stimulating and exciting to read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and secret missions.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and must learn to control her powers with the help of a wise swamp monster, a tiny dragon, and a witch who raises her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, empathy, and imaginative thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully written tale that explores complex themes like love, growth, and sacrifice through a magical lens.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy beautifully crafted fantasy worlds with deep, emotional narratives.

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set in 1930s Paris, this illustrated novel follows Hugo Cabret, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station and is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, problem-solving, and artistic appreciation (due to the unique blend of text and illustrations).
  • Why we recommend this book: The integration of visuals and text offers a unique reading experience that captivates and engages the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate art and mystery wrapped into one.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Animal Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal rights awareness, and creative thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that speaks to the importance of compassion and the power of a promise.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are passionate about animal welfare and conservation.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This memoir told through poetry shares the author's experiences growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, poetic techniques.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends poetry and memoir, providing a powerful and personal perspective on racial issues and identity in America.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, poetry, and personal development through introspective reflection.

Challenging Epic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg's father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of physics and metaphysics, intertwined with heavy thematic elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and critical thinking, while offering a thrilling adventure that challenges conventional notions of space and time.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and readers interested in science and adventure.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua, a young girl, ventures into a cold, Arctic world filled with witch clans, armored bears, and a mysterious substance called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with philosophical and theological undertones that require deep thinking and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a complex fantasy world full of intrigue and moral questions, making it a captivating read that stimulates deeper thought.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed world-building and philosophical questions wrapped in fantasy.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this story is narrated by Death and follows Liesel Meminger as she finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others, including the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with heavy themes such as death, war, and the power of words, all narrated by an unconventional narrator.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of human resilience and the impact of literature on life, offering a unique perspective on historical events.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in history and deep, thought-provoking narratives.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored young Milo receives a magic tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest to save the princesses Rhyme and Reason.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is filled with puns, wordplay, and abstract concepts that challenge the reader's understanding of language and logic.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and ideas, encouraging readers to think differently and appreciate the nuances of words and meanings.
  • • Perfect for: Word lovers and young thinkers who enjoy clever humor and imaginative adventures.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly utopian society where everyone conforms and emotions are suppressed, twelve-year-old Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories, the person who stores all the past memories of the time before Sameness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents complex themes of conformity, control, and the importance of human emotions, prompting philosophical and ethical questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking story that encourages readers to question the value of conformity versus individuality and the importance of human emotions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in dystopian societies and philosophical questions about human nature and society.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 12 or have a 12-year-old at home, diving into epic books can be an incredible adventure. But how can you make the most out of these reading experiences? Here are some fun and effective exercises to help develop great reading habits that can last a lifetime. Let’s get started!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Designate a special place at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and distraction-free environment that can enhance focus and enjoyment.
  • Tips: Add comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe even a small shelf for favorite books.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month or set specific times for reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps to make reading a priority.
  • Tips: Keep goals realistic and rewarding; celebrate when you meet them!

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: Read a book and discuss it with friends or family members who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and analytical skills by verbalizing thoughts and opinions.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or schedule regular book discussions.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story’s plot, characters, and settings.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the narrative structure and helps in retaining and recalling details.
  • Tips: Use drawings, diagrams, or digital tools to make your story map colorful and detailed.

• Book-Based Projects
  • What it is: Undertake a project based on a theme or setting from a book, like creating art or writing a short story.
  • How it helps: Deepens engagement with the book and applies what you've read in a creative way.
  • Tips: Choose a project that excites you and share your work with others if possible.

• Time Travel Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries as if you were a character from a historical or fantasy setting in your book.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps in understanding the characters and their choices better.
  • Tips: Really think about how living in another time or world would affect your daily life and feelings.

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

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can really amplify your enjoyment and understanding of the books you dive into. Not only do they make reading more interactive, but they also help in developing lifelong skills that go beyond just reading. So, grab that epic book, pick an exercise, and start building those brilliant reading habits today! Happy reading!