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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect chill and thrill in your next read? Ghost books for 12-year-olds pack just the right amount of spook without being too overwhelming, making them a fantastic pick for young readers eager to explore the supernatural realm. Whether you're looking for a ghostly mystery to solve or a haunting adventure to experience, we've gathered a variety of ghost books that will captivate and entertain. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Ghost Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Nobody Owens is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is mysteriously murdered. As he grows, he learns about the living world and faces dangers both spectral and human.
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends the eerie with the heartwarming, offering a unique coming-of-age story that captivates and encourages imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure and mystery.

• City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: Cassidy Blake has a peculiar gift; she can see ghosts. Her parents, who write about paranormal phenomena, take her to Edinburgh, Scotland, where she meets a girl who shares her abilities and learns more about the spectral world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling ghostly adventure that combines historical elements with supernatural occurrences, perfect for engaging young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy ghost stories and mysteries with a strong, relatable protagonist.

• The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: When Mo and Dale, the Desperado Detectives, are hired to investigate a haunted inn, they uncover much more than just ghostly happenings. The mystery leads them through a series of thrilling and humorous events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a perfect mix of humor, mystery, and ghostly fun, making reading enjoyable and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good mystery with a side of laughs and ghostly intrigue.

• A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano
  • Genre(s): Paranormal, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Pram Bellamy can talk to ghosts, but she seeks the ghost of her lost mother. Along with her best friend Clarence, she delves into the mysteries of the afterlife, uncovering secrets better left undiscovered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written with a blend of melancholy and light, offering a thoughtful exploration of friendship and the unseen world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are drawn to poignant, supernatural stories that delve into deeper emotional themes.

• The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn
  • Genre(s): Horror, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: When Florence goes to live with her uncle at gloomy Crutchfield Hall, she soon encounters the ghost of her cousin Sophia, who met a tragic death and now seeks companionship—and perhaps revenge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a chilling ghost story that also deals with themes of family and resilience, great for thrilling young readers while keeping them engaged in the plot.
  • Perfect for: Fans of classic ghost stories and young readers looking for a spine-tingling yet accessible tale.

Educational Ghost Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Thriller
  • Synopsis: After stumbling upon a creepy old book and a chilling warning, Ollie and her classmates find themselves trapped on a haunted farm where scarecrows come to life and sinister forces lurk.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage in facing fears, understanding of folklore
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, spine-tingling adventure that balances fear with bravery, making it a captivating read for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good scare but also appreciate stories about overcoming fears and sticking together with friends.

• The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street by Lindsay Currie
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Tessa Woodward isn't thrilled about her family's move to a spooky, old house in Chicago. Soon, she encounters eerie crying sounds and mysterious happenings that lead her and her friends on a ghostly mystery adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical knowledge, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of history with a suspenseful ghost story, providing both chills and educational content.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives who enjoy uncovering historical mysteries with a supernatural twist.

• The Ghost Road by Charis Cotter
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: When Ruth moves into her dad's old family home, she discovers a hidden ghost road that leads her to an unexpected friend and a century-old family mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, interpersonal relationships, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of ghostly encounters and historical intrigue, making it an engaging and thoughtful read.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in ghost stories that delve into family histories and mysteries.

• The Girl in the Locked Room by Mary Downing Hahn
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Jules's family moves into an old house with a mysterious locked room. Inside, she finds the ghost of a girl who has been trapped there for over a century, and Jules becomes determined to help her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, historical awareness, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a haunting yet touching story that teaches compassion and determination through solving a historical mystery.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by ghost stories and mysteries, and who are drawn to tales of redemption and friendship.

• Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Harper Raine, the new girl in town, faces unsettling occurrences in her new home and discovers her family's connection to the spirit world. She must use her newfound abilities to confront a dangerous ghost.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural knowledge, bravery, self-discovery
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of ghostly encounters and Korean folklore, providing a culturally rich storyline that's both educational and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy ghost stories with a strong cultural element and themes of self-discovery.

Challenging Ghost Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London overrun by ghosts, three young operatives of a Psychic Detection Agency work to solve an especially frightening case, the mystery of the screaming staircase.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex plot lines and a sophisticated vocabulary that go beyond typical middle-grade books.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines suspense, humor, and some genuinely scary moments, providing a rich narrative that stimulates imagination and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love thrilling ghost stories and complex mysteries.

• The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel comprises four interlinked stories set at different times in history, all revolving around the theme of spirals. From a prehistoric girl discovering the first writing, to a futuristic space traveler with a mission, the stories explore the mysteries of the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its nonlinear narrative and philosophical depth provide a challenging read for sophisticated young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to think about big ideas like time, existence, and connectivity, all through engaging, ghostly tales.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thought-provoking stories and those interested in how different historical periods can connect through shared themes.

• Lockwood & Co.: The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: In this sequel to The Screaming Staircase, the young operatives of Lockwood & Co. tackle a dangerous new assignment and uncover a mysterious jar that is far more deadly than they ever anticipated.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book builds on its predecessor with increasingly complex mysteries and a deeper exploration of the dark and ghostly world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a blend of eerie atmosphere and tight, suspenseful plotting that keeps readers engaged and eager to solve the mysteries alongside the characters.
  • Perfect for: Fans of the first book looking for more advanced mysteries and those who enjoy stories about paranormal investigations.

• Doll Bones by Holly Black
  • Genre(s): Horror, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Three friends embark on a quest to bury a doll made from the ashes of a dead girl. As they journey, the line between play and reality blurs, and they must face a haunting challenge.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes of growing up, friendship, and the power of storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating blend of adventure and horror that also thoughtfully explores the difficulties of leaving childhood behind.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a good ghost story with deeper emotional and psychological layers.

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Two abandoned Irish siblings find work in a creepy, crumbling English manor house and discover that the house’s sinister family is plagued by a malevolent entity known as the Night Gardener.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate storytelling with a gothic atmosphere and addresses complex themes like greed and hope in adversity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines suspense and moral lessons within a deeply atmospheric setting, making it a compelling and enriching read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy gothic tales and stories with strong moral underpinnings.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there, young readers! If you're diving into the spooky world of ghost books, you're in for a treat. But how can you make the most of your reading experience? Here are some fun exercises designed just for you to develop good reading habits while enjoying those ghostly tales. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you want to spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: This helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a special spot in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Having a specific place for reading can boost your concentration and make your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable, has good lighting, and is away from noisy distractions.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the books you are reading with your friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: This can deepen your understanding of the book and enhance your enjoyment.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where everyone reads the same book and then discusses it.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read through the ghost stories.
  • How it helps: Visualization makes the story more engaging and can improve your memory of what you’ve read.
  • Tips: After reading a chapter, close the book and try to replay the main scenes in your mind.

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

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book aloud to yourself or to a younger sibling.
  • How it helps: Reading aloud improves your pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace based on the action in the story to make it more exciting.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your ghostly tales more but also strengthen your reading habits. Happy reading, and don't let those ghosts spook you too much!