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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into magical realms for your tween? Look no further! Our curated selection of fantasy books for 12-year-olds is packed with tales of adventure, mystery, and enchantment that are just right for young readers. Whether they're into wizards, dragons, or mysterious lands, there's something here that will capture their imagination and keep them turning pages. Keep reading to discover our top picks for fantasy books that are sure to delight any 12-year-old reader!

Fun Fantasy Books for 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 renowned Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns on his eleventh 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 in such a fun and engaging way that it's bound to captivate young readers' imaginations and encourage a love for reading.
  • 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, 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 by finding the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of modern adventure and classic mythology, making ancient stories accessible and exciting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy action-packed stories and learning about Greek mythology.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy follows Bilbo Baggins as he is drawn into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug, encountering trolls, elves, giant spiders, and other fantastical creatures along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to high fantasy that's less complex than the Lord of the Rings, making it more accessible and enjoyable for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and enjoy tales of courage and friendship.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Sci-Fi, 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 combines magic, technology, and crime in a unique way that keeps the pages turning. It's also humorous and clever, appealing to kids who like to think outside the box.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good anti-hero and complex, tech-savvy plots.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves on opposite sides of a battle when they are whisked away to an enchanted school where young heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance of good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book flips traditional fairy tale tropes on their heads and explores the gray areas between good and evil, making readers question and think critically about the roles of heroes and villains.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fairy tales, and are intrigued by the idea of exploring the complexities of character and morality.

Educational Fantasy Books for 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 of consequences
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with complex characters and a deep, engaging plot that emphasizes the importance of questioning authority and understanding one's impact on the world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love magical stories with strong female protagonists and deep moral questions.

• The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, summons the powerful djinni Bartimaeus and thrusts them both into a dangerous adventure involving magical artifacts and political intrigue.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, historical context, political understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and fantasy with a thrilling plot and dynamic characters, offering a fresh perspective on magic and power dynamics.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in a mix of humor, magic, and a bit of historical intrigue.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, can "read" fictional characters into life. One of these characters abducts them to fulfill a nefarious plot, and Meggie must learn to harness her own power to influence the story.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, imagination, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating narrative that celebrates the power of books and reading, while also weaving a thrilling and magical adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about stories, and anyone who’s ever wished their favorite book characters could come to life.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, illustrated by Roswitha Quadflieg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Bastian Balthazar Bux discovers a magical book that not only immerses him in a thrilling adventure but also begins to affect the real world, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and change.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-reflection, creativity, understanding of narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique exploration of escapism, the power of storytelling, and the hero’s journey, all while engaging young readers with its imaginative plot and characters.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy immersive tales that blend the lines between fantasy and reality.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella story follows Ella, who is cursed with obedience but determined to break free and forge her own destiny, leading to a series of magical adventures and encounters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, resilience, independence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fresh take on a classic fairy tale with a strong, relatable heroine and a message about the importance of autonomy and self-determination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and strong, resourceful characters.

Challenging Fantasy Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the tale of a young boy named Ged, who discovers his inherent magical powers and attends a school of wizardry. The story deepens as Ged must confront both external threats and his own dark side.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of balance, power, and self-discovery, as well as a sophisticated narrative structure that demands careful reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of growth and responsibility, wrapped in a beautifully crafted magical world, offering young readers a chance to reflect on their own personal development.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready for more mature themes and appreciate deep, philosophical storytelling.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua, a young girl living in a parallel universe, embarks on a journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other stolen children from terrible experiments. Along the way, she discovers a series of betrayals and a secret that involves her mysterious destiny.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts, including parallel universes, theology, and philosophy, intertwined with advanced vocabulary and political intrigue.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a rich narrative that challenges perceptions of reality and authority, encouraging critical thinking and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and complex, well-developed fantasy worlds.

• Sabriel by Garth Nix
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sabriel, a young necromancer, must venture into the Old Kingdom fraught with dangerous spirits and dead creatures to find her missing father. She must learn to wield her father's necromancy to save her world from encroaching evil.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with dark themes and complex magical systems, requiring readers to grasp detailed world-building and mature content.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an excellent introduction to dark fantasy with a strong female protagonist, offering suspense and a deep, engaging magical system.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a darker tone and more sophisticated fantasy elements.

• The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: On his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers that he is no ordinary boy but the last of the Old Ones, tasked with a quest to find and join the Signs of Power that will ward off the forces of darkness threatening the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves together complex mythology and legend with intricate plot developments, demanding significant attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends myth, legend, and modern life in a thrilling adventure that also teaches about the battle between good and evil, resilience, and courage.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories where ancient myths intersect with the modern world.

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Dragons
  • Synopsis: In a world where dragons and humans coexist in an uneasy peace, Seraphina, a talented musician, has a dangerous secret concerning her dragon heritage that could unite the kingdom or destroy it.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with political intrigue and ethical dilemmas, layered with detailed world-building and a unique take on dragons.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a fresh look at dragon mythology with a strong, intelligent female lead, promoting understanding and tolerance through its narrative.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy a blend of mystery, fantasy, and intricate storytelling with a strong moral backbone.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of fantasy books, it's a fantastic way to develop your reading habits and enhance your imagination. Here are some engaging exercises designed specifically for 12-year-olds to help you get the most out of your fantasy reading adventures. Let's make reading even more fun and beneficial!

• Create a Fantasy Glossary
  • What it is: Start a notebook to write down new or unique words and phrases you come across in fantasy books.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and helps you understand the fantasy world better.
  • Tips: Add a definition and use the word in a sentence of your own to reinforce learning.

• Map It Out
  • What it is: Draw maps based on the settings described in the books you read.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps you visualize the story's environment.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils to differentiate elements like mountains, forests, and rivers.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Choose a character you relate to or find interesting and write about their journey.
  • How it helps: Improves empathy and deeper understanding of character development.
  • Tips: Update your notes as the character evolves through the story.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about how you think the story will progress after every few chapters.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and engagement with the plot.
  • Tips: Discuss your predictions with friends or family who are also reading the book.

• Book Review Blog
  • What it is: Start a blog to write reviews of the fantasy books you read.
  • How it helps: Develops writing skills and helps you articulate your thoughts and opinions.
  • Tips: Include both what you liked and didn't like about the book to provide a balanced view.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment of fantasy books but also develop skills that are useful in many other areas of life. So grab your books, unleash your imagination, and let the magic begin! Happy reading!