10+ Best Fantasy Books for 11-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into magical worlds for your tween? Look no further! Our guide to the best fantasy books for 11-12-year-olds is packed with picks that promise to enchant and spark the imagination of young readers. Whether they're into wizards, dragons, or mysterious quests, you'll find something to keep them hooked. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of fantasy books that are just right for 11-12-year-olds!

Fun Fantasy Books for 11-12-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 famous Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He is summoned from his life as an unwanted child to become a student at Hogwarts, an English boarding school for wizards.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces magic and fantasy in such a compelling way that it's hard not to get hooked. The themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery are perfectly suited for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and a good underdog story.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, 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's a fast-paced adventure that mixes Greek mythology with modern life, making ancient stories accessible and exciting. It also deals with issues like dyslexia and ADHD in a positive light.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy action-packed stories and learning about mythology.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, illustrated by Roswitha Quadflieg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A lonely boy named Bastian happens upon a magical book that tells a story of a young warrior whose task is to save a dying world called Fantastica.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the imagination with its rich, fantastical landscapes and the idea that a story can never truly end. It encourages creativity and the importance of storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love escaping into worlds filled with magical creatures and epic quests.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, 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: It features a young protagonist who is both a villain and a hero, offering a unique twist on the fantasy genre. It's clever, funny, and filled with high-tech gadgetry.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like a mix of technology with their fantasy, and stories that feature gray moral areas.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves on opposite sides of a fairy tale when they are swept away into a school where young heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between Good and Evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It turns the classic fairy tale narrative on its head and explores themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of good versus evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales, and stories that explore deeper themes within a fantastical setting.

Educational Fantasy Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting story, a young girl named Luna is accidentally infused with moon magic after being left in the woods as a sacrifice. Raised by a witch, a tiny dragon, and a swamp monster, Luna must learn to control her powers as she grows up.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines magic with complex characters and deep, emotional storytelling. It also highlights the power of love and the complexities of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with strong female characters and rich, magical worlds.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, are evacuated to the countryside during WWII and discover a magical wardrobe that leads to the land of Narnia. There, they join the mystical lion Aslan in a battle against the evil White Witch.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding allegory, historical context, moral reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic that offers adventure and fantasy while also providing a deeper understanding of courage, sacrifice, and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic tales and exploring mythical lands.

• Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Cimorene is bored with her proper royal life and runs away to live with a dragon. Instead of being a damsel in distress, she becomes an active participant in her own story, dealing with wizards, witches, and other dragons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, independence, challenging stereotypes
  • Why we recommend this book: It flips traditional fairy tale roles on their heads and presents a heroine who chooses her own path, making for an empowering and humorous read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy strong female leads and unconventional fairy tales.

• The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, must use her wits and the help of a rowdy clan of small, blue, kilt-wearing fighters called the Nac Mac Feegle to rescue her brother and confront a dangerous fairy queen.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, humor, understanding of folklore
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with adventure and fantasy, providing a delightful and insightful read with a strong, clever protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate wit, bravery, and a bit of mischief in their fantasy adventures.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents' vast estate, Fablehaven, is actually a secret preserve for mythical and magical creatures. They must navigate a world of fairies, witches, and other magical beings as they protect the preserve from dark forces.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of mythology, environmental conservation, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of magical creatures and thrilling adventures, making it a captivating read that also touches on the importance of responsibility and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about magical creatures and secret worlds.

Challenging Fantasy Books for 11-12-Year-Olds

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Young Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other children from terrible experiments. Along the way, she discovers a series of secrets that have vast implications for her world and beyond.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex themes such as freedom of choice, the conflict between science and religion, and the nature of human consciousness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly imagined world with a strong, intelligent female protagonist and a plot that combines adventure with deep philosophical questions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready for more sophisticated narratives and themes, and who enjoy stories that challenge their understanding of the world.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, has the power to bring characters from books into the real world when he reads aloud. Their lives intertwine with a cast of characters both friendly and villainous, from a story called "Inkheart."
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves multiple storylines and requires the reader to keep track of a large cast of characters and their complex motivations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of books and reading, and it's a thrilling adventure that also explores the consequences of our desires.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who love books about books and stories within stories.

• The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, summons the powerful djinni Bartimaeus to assist him in a risky revenge plot against a powerful magician, but soon finds himself in over his head.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with political intrigue and moral ambiguity, and it uses a dual narrative perspective that includes footnotes from the djinni's point of view.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's witty and clever, with a mix of magic, adventure, and humor that challenges readers to think about power, ambition, and loyalty.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a blend of humor and fantasy with a bit of historical context.

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Romance
  • Synopsis: In a world where dragons and humans coexist in an uneasy peace, Seraphina Dombegh, who harbors a dangerous secret about her own heritage, becomes involved in investigating a royal murder that points to a dragon as the culprit.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces a highly detailed world with its own set of laws and customs, and tackles complex themes of identity and social prejudice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique take on dragons and integrates mystery and music into its storytelling, offering a rich and immersive experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed world-building and stories that explore issues of identity and belonging.

• A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This follows the story of Ged, a young boy with innate magical power, as he attends a school of wizardry, where he accidentally releases a shadow creature that he must then hunt down to restore balance to the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is dense and lyrical, and the story delves into deep themes like the balance of power and the journey of self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a foundational text in fantasy literature, offering a deep, introspective look at a hero's journey that is both personal and epic.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a more philosophical approach to their fantasy adventures and enjoy stories about wizards and magic.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of fantasy books, it's a great idea to develop some solid reading habits that'll make your journey even more enjoyable. Here are some exercises tailored for 11-12-year-olds that can help you get the most out of your reading time. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes your reading experience special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• Use a Reading Timer
  • What it is: Set a timer for how long you want to read.
  • How it helps: Helps manage reading time efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Tips: Begin with short sessions like 15-20 minutes and increase as you get more comfortable.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or a timeline of the events in the story as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of complex plots and characters typical in fantasy books.
  • Tips: Use pencils and colors to make it more fun and detailed.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Before you start a new chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances engagement and anticipation while reading.
  • Tips: Write your predictions down and check how many were right as you read.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can really boost your engagement with fantasy books and help you develop lifelong reading habits. Whether you're exploring distant lands or meeting fantastical creatures, these tips will ensure that your reading adventure is as rewarding as it is entertaining. Happy reading!