10+ Best Fantasy Books for 12-14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into magical realms for your young reader? Dive into our latest roundup of Fantasy Books for 12-14-Year-Olds, where imagination knows no bounds! Whether your tween is into wizards, dragons, or mystical quests, we've curated a variety of captivating stories that are just right for their age. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to keep those pages turning!

Fun Fantasy Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Harry Potter, an eleven-year-old who discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends, faces a dark villain, and uncovers magical mysteries.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gateway to the magical world that combines excitement with themes of friendship and courage, perfect for sparking a love of reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He must embark on a quest to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of modern adventure and ancient mythology, making Greek legends accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • 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 high-tech modernity with the ancient fairy world, offering a unique twist on the fantasy genre.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with antiheroes and high-stakes adventure.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves in a school where students are trained to become fairy tale heroes or villains. Their friendship is tested as they adapt to their opposite roles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of good and evil in a creatively twisted fairy tale setting.
  • Perfect for: Those who love fairy tales and exploring the gray areas between good and evil.

• 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. She must learn to control her powers as she grows up, facing both her destiny and the truths of the world around her.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with complex characters and a moving plot that emphasizes the power of love and magic.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate beautifully crafted narratives and strong, complex characters.

Educational Fantasy Books for 12-14-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 assist him in a risky revenge scheme against a ruthless magician, but the plan goes dangerously awry.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, understanding of political intrigue, historical context of magic
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines witty dialogue, a fast-paced plot, and a complex master-servant relationship that explores themes of power and exploitation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a mix of humor, adventure, and magical intrigue.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo has the ability to bring characters from books into the real world when reading aloud. They must face a villain released from the book "Inkheart."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, imagination, understanding of narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical adventure that celebrates the power of books and the dangers and delights of reading.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about books and are fascinated by the idea of literary characters coming to life.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After his family is murdered, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of family and societal roles, courage in adversity, cultural history of supernatural beliefs
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique coming-of-age story that is both heartwarming and chilling, set in an enchanting supernatural world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like a touch of horror mixed with fantasy and are intrigued by the idea of growing up among ghosts.

• A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Ged discovers his innate magical powers and attends a school of wizardry, where he must learn to control his abilities and face a dark power he unleashed.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-discovery, ethical decision-making, understanding of elemental forces in nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of growth and responsibility within a richly imagined fantasy world.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in classic fantasy tales with deep philosophical underpinnings.

• 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 the rowdy Nac Mac Feegle clan to rescue her kidnapped brother and prevent a fairyland invasion.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, humor appreciation, understanding of folklore
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines Terry Pratchett's signature wit with a courageous female protagonist and a hilarious band of fairy-tale creatures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a good laugh mixed with their fantasy and are fans of strong, clever heroines.

Challenging Fantasy Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• Sabriel by Garth Nix
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sabriel, raised outside the magical walls of the Old Kingdom, must venture into this dangerous land to find her missing father, the Abhorsen, who maintains the balance between the living and the dead.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex magical systems and themes of death and resurrection, requiring a mature understanding from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping adventure with a strong female lead, offering an intricate fantasy world that challenges and excites.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate detailed world-building and dark fantasy.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Young Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic, unraveling a sinister plot and discovering a phenomenon called Dust, which challenges the oppressive regime ruling her world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex themes such as freedom and predestination, and critiques religious and political institutions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a thrilling narrative with deep philosophical questions, ideal for young readers looking to challenge their perceptions.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in a blend of adventure, science, and philosophy.

• The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Political Intrigue
  • Synopsis: Thief-turned-spy Eugenides must navigate the dangerous political waters of the Queen's court after he is caught stealing from her. His actions could either start a war or end one.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features sophisticated political intrigue and moral complexities that require careful thought and consideration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a smart, twisty plot and a deep dive into the strategies of power and diplomacy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love puzzles and games of strategy within their fantasy tales.

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In a world where dragons and humans coexist in an uneasy peace, Seraphina, a talented musician, has a dangerous secret that could upset the balance and throw her into the center of a brewing conflict.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates a complex plot with themes of identity and acceptance, layered with a richly detailed world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique take on dragon mythology with a compelling mix of mystery and music.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy a cerebral fantasy that challenges their views on coexistence and identity.

• 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 discovers he is part of a larger destiny to save his world from darkness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It draws on complex mythology and features a coming-of-age story interwoven with moral lessons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic hero’s journey filled with adventure and wisdom, perfect for young readers developing their own sense of self.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love epic tales of heroes and mythical creatures.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading fantasy books isn't just about diving into magical worlds—it's about building strong reading habits that can last a lifetime. Here are some exercises designed for 12-14-year-olds to help enhance their reading experiences and develop these habits. Each exercise is simple, fun, and geared towards making the most out of every book!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading and helps in completing books regularly.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• 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 distraction-free environment that enhances concentration.
  • Tips: Make it cozy with pillows, good lighting, and maybe even a small shelf for your books.

• 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: Enhances understanding and retention of the story, and can introduce different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or schedule regular chat sessions to discuss books.

• Map Out the Story
  • What it is: Draw or outline the plot and characters on paper.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing the story better and remembering key details.
  • Tips: Use a large paper and add to the map as you read through the book.

• Use Technology
  • What it is: Utilize e-readers or reading apps that can help track your reading progress.
  • How it helps: Modern tools can enhance the reading experience with built-in dictionaries and note-taking features.
  • Tips: Explore different apps and find one that suits your reading style and needs.

• Reflect on Your Reading
  • What it is: After finishing a book, take some time to reflect on the story, themes, and what you learned.
  • How it helps: Deepens comprehension and allows you to connect personally with the book.
  • Tips: Write a short review or record a video talking about your thoughts on the book.

These exercises are designed to make reading more engaging and productive for young readers. By integrating these activities into your routine, you'll not only enjoy your current fantasy book more but also build a solid foundation for future reading adventures. Dive in, explore, and let your imagination soar!