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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into magical realms for your tween? Dive into our latest roundup of Fantasy Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds, where imagination knows no bounds! Whether they're into daring quests or enchanting worlds, we've got a selection that will captivate and inspire. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to spark a love for reading in every young adventurer.

Fun Fantasy Fiction 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 magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his magical heritage and faces various adventures along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a magical world full of possibilities, encouraging imagination and a love for reading through its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure, and anyone new to the fantasy genre.

• 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 by finding the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling mix of modern adventure and ancient mythology, making it not only fun to read but also educational, as it introduces Greek mythology in an accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology, and readers who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed plots.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: In this novel, best friends Sophie and Agatha are taken to the School for Good and Evil, where they are trained to become fairy tale heroes or villains. Their friendship is tested as they adapt to their opposite roles in their new fairy tale world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the nature of good and evil, wrapped in a captivating fairy tale setting that keeps readers guessing.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and stories about friendships and rivalries.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a young criminal prodigy, kidnaps a fairy to restore his family’s fortune through ransom, setting off a dangerous battle of wits with the magical creatures of the underworld.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magic with technology and crime caper elements, offering a unique twist on the traditional fantasy genre that captivates and stimulates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy readers and fans of antiheroes and complex, morally ambiguous plots.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: This story follows a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with potentially disastrous consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s beautifully written with complex characters and a compelling plot that delves into the power of love and the importance of questioning authority.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate lyrical writing and deep, thought-provoking stories about growth and self-discovery.

Educational Fantasy Fiction Books for 12-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 quickly spirals out of control.
  • 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 thrilling plot, and a unique master-servant relationship that flips traditional power dynamics on their head.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever humor, complex characters, and magical adventures.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, has the unusual ability to bring characters from books into the real world when he reads aloud. This gift thrusts them into danger after an evil ruler from a fictional book seeks to exploit it.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, imagination, understanding of metafiction
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of books and reading, weaving a captivating narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and reality.
  • Perfect for: Young 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 ghosts raise him. As he grows, he confronts challenges from both the living and the dead, unraveling the mystery of his family's death.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Courage in adversity, understanding of family and identity, cultural history of supernatural beliefs
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a touching and mysterious tale that combines elements of horror and fantasy to explore themes of growth and survival.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like spooky stories with a heart, and those interested in ghost tales and mysteries.

• 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 troupe of tiny blue pictsies to rescue her kidnapped brother and face the Queen of the Fairies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, humor, understanding of folklore
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s full of wit, wisdom, and a unique perspective on bravery and responsibility, all delivered in Pratchett’s incomparable comedic style.
  • Perfect for: Fans of strong female protagonists, humorous fantasy, and clever storytelling.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific concepts, problem-solving, resilience in the face of fear
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends scientific inquiry with mystical elements, creating a compelling adventure that challenges the imagination and intellect.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who enjoy stories about family and courage.

Challenging Fantasy Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Sabriel by Garth Nix
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sabriel, a young woman from a family of Necromancers, must venture into the dangerous Old Kingdom to rescue her father, who has gone missing. Armed with her father's tools and her own powers, she faces spirits and monsters in a quest that will test her courage and her abilities.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex themes of life and death, and uses a sophisticated narrative structure that challenges younger readers to think critically about the story’s deeper meanings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a strong female protagonist and a richly built world, providing a compelling narrative that encourages persistence and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy dark fantasy and stories with strong, resourceful characters.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua, a young girl, embarks on a journey through a universe parallel to our own, where human souls manifest as animal companions called daemons. The plot thickens as she uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and a mysterious substance called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book deals with complex themes such as theology, philosophy, and physics, woven into the narrative in a way that requires advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s intellectually stimulating and encourages readers to question and think deeply about the nature of freedom and authority.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are not only looking for adventure but also for a story that makes them think critically about the world around them.

• The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Taran, an assistant pig-keeper in the mythical land of Prydain, dreams of being a hero. He embarks on a daring adventure to save his homeland from evil, accompanied by a diverse group of companions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates elements of Welsh mythology and features archaic language and complex moral dilemmas, providing a rich reading experience that requires careful thought and reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to heroic quests and moral complexities, fostering an understanding of personal growth and responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy mythology, heroic tales, and stories of personal development.

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In a world where dragons and humans coexist in a fragile peace, Seraphina, a talented musician, hides a dangerous secret concerning her true identity. Her journey reveals shocking truths about her family and the tensions between species.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a sophisticated plot with intricate political intrigue and ethical dilemmas, challenging readers to keep pace with its twists and turns.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a unique take on dragon lore, combined with a strong, intelligent female lead who navigates complex social issues.
  • Perfect for: Those who love fantasy that includes mystery, dragons, and a strong emphasis on music and art.

• The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Political Intrigue
  • Synopsis: This sequel to The Thief sees Eugenides, the former thief, facing off against the Queen of Attolia in a high-stakes political and emotional game that could change the fate of several kingdoms.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is dense with political intrigue and complex character dynamics that require readers to engage in critical thinking and analysis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and redemption that explores the consequences of one's actions on a grand scale.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy stories with deep political plotting and clever twists.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of fantasy fiction books and you're around 12 years old, you're in for an adventure! To make your reading experience even better, here are some fun exercises to help you develop good reading habits. These activities are designed not just to improve your reading skills, but also to enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the books you read.

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

• Create a Fantasy Map
  • What it is: Draw a map based on the settings of the fantasy book you are reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances your understanding of the story’s world and improves your ability to visualize scenes.
  • Tips: Use the descriptions in the book to add detailed elements to your map.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Allows you to share ideas and insights, and see the story from different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to bring up specific scenes or characters to make the discussion more engaging.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before you finish the book, try to predict what will happen next.
  • How it helps: Improves your analytical thinking and helps you connect with the story more deeply.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check them as you read to see if you were right.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of one of the characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps you understand the characters’ feelings and motivations better.
  • Tips: Choose a character you like or find interesting for a more enjoyable exercise.

These exercises are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial in strengthening your reading habits. By engaging actively with what you read, you'll find yourself more immersed in the fantastical worlds and maybe even inspired to create your own stories one day. So grab your book, pick an exercise, and start your adventure in fantasy fiction today! Happy reading!