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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect spine-tingling read for your pre-teen? Look no further! Our curated selection of horror books for 12-year-olds is packed with just the right mix of chills and thrills to keep young readers on the edge of their seats. Whether they're into ghostly tales or eerie mysteries, we've got something that will capture their imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks in horror books for 12-year-olds!

Fun Horror Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Coraline discovers an alternate universe. However, this new world mirrors her own with sinister differences, and she must use her wits to escape and save her family.
  • 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 young readers to confront their own challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a blend of fantasy and mild horror with a strong protagonist.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a unique take on the concept of family and community. It's both heartwarming and chilling, providing a gentle introduction to horror for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy ghost stories and tales of adventure and belonging.

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A boy stumbles upon a secret gathering of witches, who despise children and are planning to eliminate them by turning them into mice. He must stop their evil scheme to save all the children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating story with just the right mix of humor and horror, making it a great entry point for kids into the genre.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with a mix of magic, mischief, and suspense.

• 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. As they journey, they confront personal fears and the realities of growing up.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel explores deep themes of friendship and the transition from childhood to adolescence wrapped in a spooky tale.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens looking for a story that combines real-life issues with elements of the supernatural.

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: After a chilling encounter with a mysterious woman, Ollie discovers a disturbing local history. She and her classmates must survive the nightmarish creatures they encounter in the misty fields and spooky woods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, atmospheric horror story perfect for kids who love a good scare without it being too overwhelming.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy atmospheric tales with strong, relatable characters and a touch of the supernatural.

Educational Horror Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery
  • 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 the haunting presence of a sinister spectral figure, the Night Gardener.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, vocabulary expansion, understanding of narrative structure and elements of suspense
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully blends spooky elements with a compelling mystery, offering a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy ghost stories and mysteries with a historical setting.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: When Kara Westfall was six years old, her mother was convicted of witchcraft and executed. Years later, Kara discovers a mysterious book that suggests that her mother's powers might have been real, and now she must unravel the truth about her family's past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, understanding of complex narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a dark and intricate fantasy world that challenges readers to consider the nature of good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Fans of dark fantasy and stories about witchcraft and magic.

• Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London overrun by ghosts, Lucy Carlyle teams up with the charismatic Anthony Lockwood and his partner George Cubbins in their small, renegade ghost-hunting agency. Their first major case leads them to one of the most haunted houses in England, where they must face terrifying specters and their own fears.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork and collaboration, problem-solving, historical knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling ghost-hunting adventures with a dynamic team of young protagonists, making for an exciting and suspenseful read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy action-packed stories with supernatural elements and a bit of historical intrigue.

• Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Harper Raine, the new seventh grader in town, faces unsettling whispers and strange visions in her new home. She learns about her family's past as spirit hunters who protect the world from evil spirits, and she must embrace her destiny to save her brother from a malevolent ghost.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural knowledge, understanding of folklore, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping ghost story that incorporates elements of Korean folklore, providing a fresh perspective on the horror genre.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in ghost stories and learning about different cultures through supernatural folklore.

• The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Corinne La Mer claims she isn't afraid of anything. But when she encounters a mysterious creature in the forest, she must delve into the world of the Jumbies, dangerous spirits that her late mother used to tell stories about.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of Caribbean folklore, bravery, self-discovery
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to Caribbean folklore with an adventurous and brave female protagonist, blending myth with a thrilling tale of courage.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy folklore-based stories and strong, resourceful characters.

Challenging Horror Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
  • Genre(s): Horror, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1888, young apprentice Will Henry chronicles his work with Dr. Pellinore Warthrop, a scientist who studies monstrous creatures. Together, they encounter a series of nightmarish beings that threaten their lives and sanity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex language and themes, and delves into graphic and sophisticated horror that demands a mature reading level.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides a gripping, intellectually stimulating horror experience that also explores deep philosophical questions about humanity and monstrosity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are looking for a challenging, thought-provoking horror story with historical elements.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: A witch named Xan rescues babies abandoned in the woods, accidentally feeding one moonlight and imbuing her with extraordinary magic. As the child, Luna, grows, her magic becomes uncontrollable, leading to unforeseen consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: It intertwines complex narrative structures with sophisticated themes such as sacrifice, power, and coming of age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully crafted tale that combines elements of magic and horror with a deep, emotionally resonant storyline.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate beautifully written narratives that blend fantasy with darker themes.

• A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story into a chilling, enchanted forest dotted with other grim fairy tales, facing witches, warlocks, and a slew of monstrous challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book reinterprets classic fairy tales with a dark twist, requiring readers to think critically about the moral lessons and underlying themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh take on traditional fairy tales, packed with action, humor, and just the right amount of horror to keep readers on their toes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic fairy tales with a unique, darker spin.

• The Nest by Kenneth Oppel, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Horror, Psychological Thriller
  • Synopsis: Steve's baby brother is ill, and his family is under stress. He begins to have dreams of angelic beings offering to "fix" the baby. As the line between dream and reality blurs, Steve confronts terrifying choices.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into deep psychological themes and explores complex issues such as fear, desire, and the ethics of human intervention.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel masterfully blends psychological depth with a creepy, suspenseful atmosphere, offering a profound reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in a horror story that challenges both the mind and the nerves.

• The Witch’s Boy by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: When the Bandit King comes to steal the magic that Ned’s mother, a witch, is meant to protect, Ned finds himself entangled in a complex battle of good versus evil as he tries to keep the magic out of the wicked hands.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate plot developments and richly developed characters, all woven into a narrative that explores themes of power, corruption, and redemption.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a compelling mix of magic, adventure, and moral complexity, making it a rich and rewarding read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about magic and moral dilemmas, set against a backdrop of adventure and suspense.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the spine-chilling world of horror books, you're in for a treat. But to make the most out of your reading experience, especially at the exciting age of 12, it's great to develop some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can not only boost your reading skills but also enhance your enjoyment of those spooky stories!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you consistent and motivated to finish the book.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are interested in horror stories too.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where everyone reads the same book.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read through the horror tale.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more vivid and engaging.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to picture the setting and characters.

• 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 Occasionally
  • What it is: Read some passages of the book out loud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you understand the story better.
  • Tips: Choose a dramatic scene to make it more fun and engaging.

• Link the Reading to Real Life
  • What it is: Connect scenarios in the book with real-life situations.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and relevance of the content.
  • Tips: After reading, take a moment to think of any real-world events or stories that relate.

These exercises aren't just about getting through a book; they're about making each page more enjoyable and enriching. Remember, the goal is to grow your love for reading while having fun with those eerie narratives. So, grab your favorite horror book, pick a spot, and let your imagination run wild! Happy reading!