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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect spine-tingling read for your preteen? Dive into the shadowy corners of literature with our curated selections of Gothic books for 12-year-olds. From eerie mansions to mysterious characters, these tales are sure to captivate and thrill. Keep reading to discover which books made our must-read list!

Fun Gothic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Gothic
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Coraline discovers an alternate universe that initially seems like a better version of her own world. However, this new world holds dark secrets and sinister intentions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that mixes spookiness with courage and determination. Coraline's bravery in facing her fears can inspire readers to confront their own challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy spooky stories with a strong, resourceful protagonist.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Gothic
  • Synopsis: After his family is murdered, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique take on the concept of family and community. The book’s mix of mystery, humor, and suspense makes it a captivating read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like ghost stories and tales of adventure and survival.

• Doll Bones by Holly Black
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three friends embark on a quest to bury a doll made from the ashes of a dead girl, leading them into a series of eerie and haunting events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores deep themes of friendship, growing up, and the power of storytelling, all wrapped up in a spooky adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy creepy tales with a deep emotional core.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Gothic
  • Synopsis: A girl named Kara discovers a mysterious book that reveals she has a connection to a witch and a dark forest known as the Thickety.
  • Why we recommend this book: The story is gripping and full of twists, offering a perfect blend of fantasy and horror elements.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love dark, magical stories and complex heroines.

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After discovering a mysterious book, Ollie and her classmates find themselves caught in a chilling adventure in the countryside, dealing with scarecrows and a sinister "smiling man."
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a page-turner with just the right amount of scare, great for engaging reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like their adventures with a touch of the supernatural and a dash of courage.

• Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Serafina, a secret resident of the Biltmore Estate, unravels a mystery involving missing children and a menacing figure in a black cloak.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical elements with a thrilling mystery and a brave protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings blended with suspense and supernatural elements.

Educational Gothic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Folklore, Gothic
  • Synopsis: Marinka dreams of a normal life, where her house stays in one place long enough for her to make friends. But her house has chicken legs and moves without warning. She is destined to guide spirits between this world and the next, a role she is not ready to accept.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural folklore, empathy, dealing with loss, understanding different life roles
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines Slavic folklore with a coming-of-age story, all wrapped in a gothic atmosphere.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fairy tales with a dark twist and exploring themes of destiny and self-discovery.

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Gothic
  • Synopsis: Two abandoned Irish siblings, Molly and Kip, work as servants at a creepy, crumbling English manor house, where they discover its dark secrets and encounter a sinister presence known as the Night Gardener.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, bravery, moral lessons, vocabulary expansion
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a suspenseful ghost story that also teaches important lessons about greed and the power of storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy ghostly tales and moral challenges.

• The Shadows by Jacqueline West
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Gothic
  • Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Olive and her parents move into a crumbling mansion, Olive discovers that the house's paintings hold sinister secrets, leading her into a mysterious and eerie otherworld.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage, imagination, understanding art and mystery
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating blend of art, mystery, and adventure with a spooky gothic setting.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are intrigued by mysteries and the blending of art with supernatural elements.

• Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn
  • Genre(s): Horror, Gothic, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: A ghost story about a young girl, Heather, whose new stepfamily moves to a converted church in the country. Heather starts communicating with a ghost named Helen, who has a disturbing influence on her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding family dynamics, dealing with change, historical contexts
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic ghost story that explores complex family relationships and personal fears.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like chilling tales with psychological depth and real-life issues.

• The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Gothic
  • Synopsis: During World War II, Kat Bateson and her siblings are sent to a mysterious school in a Scottish castle. The castle holds a dark secret, and the children must unravel a chilling mystery to survive.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, critical thinking, bravery, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical fiction with supernatural elements, providing a thrilling and educational experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings and spine-tingling mysteries.

Challenging Gothic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
  • Genre(s): Horror, Gothic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Apprentice to the reclusive Dr. Warthrop, twelve-year-old Will Henry chronicles their work in the field of monstrumology, the study of monsters, in a series of life-threatening events that redefines his understanding of the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses sophisticated language and complex narrative structures, along with dark, mature themes that challenge young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is a thrilling, intellectually engaging novel that pushes the boundaries of typical middle-grade fiction with its depth and dark themes.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate a blend of horror, historical setting, and scientific intrigue.

• The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Gothic, Horror
  • Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called to investigate the legend of a supernatural hound that haunts the Baskerville family. This classic tale combines logical deduction with elements of the Gothic.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex plot twists and rich language that require careful reading and analytical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterful mix of suspense and mystery. Readers can develop critical thinking skills while enjoying a storied and atmospheric narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and fans of classic literature who enjoy a good mystery with a supernatural twist.

• Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Gothic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After a family tragedy, Jacob explores the ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, uncovering disturbing truths and time loops that reveal extraordinary secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel combines complex concepts of time travel, historical events, and supernatural elements, requiring readers to maintain focus and think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating, eerie adventure into a world of unique characters and time-bound mysteries, encouraging imagination and a love for historical fantasy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fantasy with a dark twist and exploring themes of belonging and the extraordinary.

• A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Gothic, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Victorian England, Gemma Doyle discovers her connection to mystical realms and battles the pressures of a stringent society, all while uncovering family secrets.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as societal expectations, personal freedom, and the supernatural, woven through intricate and poetic prose.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel is rich with thematic depth and historical context, offering a powerful commentary on the constraints of society and the struggle for self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in strong female characters, mystical adventures, and historical settings.

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Gothic, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Cousins Bonnie and Sylvia battle cruel Miss Slighcarp who has taken over Willoughby Chase, plotting to steal their estate as they face wolves and other dangers in a Dickensian England.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates rich, descriptive language and complex characters that engage in morally and emotionally challenging situations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping adventure with elements of bravery and resilience against adversity. The story encourages critical thinking about justice and morality.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling historical narratives with strong, young protagonists and a hint of danger.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into the world of Gothic books can be an exhilarating adventure for 12-year-olds. To make the most out of this experience and develop good reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading habit and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Try sketching some scenes or characters after reading to reinforce the images in your mind.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Form a small book club or join one that focuses on Gothic literature.

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

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in understanding the text better.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Create a Book Timeline
  • What it is: Make a timeline of the main events as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps in keeping track of the plot and understanding the structure of the story.
  • Tips: Use a large piece of paper and add to it as you read through the book.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic part of your daily life. So, grab your favorite Gothic novel, and let’s get started! Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process and improve your reading skills along the way. Happy reading!