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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into enchanting worlds for your tween? Look no further! Our roundup of magic books for 12-year-olds is packed with spellbinding adventures that are just right for young readers eager to dive into the mystical and magical. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to captivate and inspire your young reader’s imagination.

Fun Magic 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 iconic series where young Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends, learns magic, and begins to uncover the dark secrets of his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gateway to a magical world that promotes friendship, bravery, and the importance of choices. It's perfect for sparking a love of reading through its engaging story and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure, and anyone new to the magical world.

• 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines Greek mythology with modern adventure, making it not only fun but also educational. The book’s fast-paced plot and humorous tone keep readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology. Great for kids who enjoy action-packed narratives.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Two best friends, Sophie and Agatha, find themselves on opposite sides of a battle between Good and Evil after being kidnapped to an enchanted school where all great fairytales begin.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of good and evil in a highly imaginative setting. It's thought-provoking and packed with twists and turns.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fairy tales, fantasy, and exploring complex characters and plots.

• 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 features a unique blend of high-tech modernity and ancient magic. It's great for encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy clever plots and a mix of technology and magic.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: A story about a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As she grows, her magic begins to emerge with potentially disastrous results.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautifully written narrative that emphasizes the power of love and the importance of questioning the world around you.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate beautiful prose and deep, emotional storytelling intertwined with magic.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents' vast magical preserve, Fablehaven, where mythical and magical creatures are protected. They quickly find themselves entangled in a deep and dangerous mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of magical creatures and thrilling adventures, perfect for sparking imagination and keeping pages turning.
  • Perfect for: Fans of magical creatures and secret worlds, and readers who love an engaging, plot-driven story.

Educational Magic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this thrilling novel, a young magician's apprentice, Nathaniel, summons the powerful djinni, Bartimaeus, to aid him in a dangerous political intrigue.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, understanding of complex narratives, introduction to political themes
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines witty dialogue and a gripping plot with a fascinating magical system that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a mix of humor, fantasy, and adventure.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Dark Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Kara Westfall is shunned in her village due to her mother's use of dark magic. When she discovers a mysterious book that might hold the secrets to her powers, Kara is drawn into a dangerous world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding of moral complexities
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a dark and compelling tale that explores themes of power and redemption, perfect for readers who appreciate a more intense and thought-provoking story.
  • Perfect for: Fans of darker fantasy and stories that explore the nature of good and evil.

• The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Callum Hunt tries to fail the Iron Trial to avoid being trained as a mage, but he fails at failing and is admitted to the Magisterium, uncovering secrets about his past and magical potential.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, understanding of betrayal and trust
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique twist on magical education and friendship, set in a richly crafted magical world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical schools and stories about friendship and overcoming challenges.

• A Tale of Magic... by Chris Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Brystal Evergreen stumbles upon a secret section of the library leading to the discovery of a forbidden book that opens a doorway to a magical realm and her own untapped magical abilities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, understanding of social injustice, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an inspiring story about breaking barriers and finding one's true potential, wrapped in a magical adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of empowerment and magical adventures.

• The Serpent's Secret by Sayantani DasGupta
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Kiranmala discovers on her twelfth birthday that she's a princess from another dimension and must travel there to save her kidnapped parents while navigating magical creatures and prophecies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural knowledge, problem-solving, and understanding of mythological narratives
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to Indian mythology through an action-packed narrative, providing both entertainment and educational value.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in diverse characters and mythological adventures.

Challenging Magic Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua, a young girl, embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other children from a terrible fate at the hands of mysterious and sinister forces.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex themes including theology, philosophy, and physics, intertwined with a richly detailed plot and multifaceted characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and philosophical questioning, while providing a thrilling adventure in a richly imagined world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep themes and are looking for a challenging, thought-provoking fantasy.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, can "read" fictional characters into life. One of these characters abducts them to fulfill a dark prophecy, leading Meggie into a struggle between real and fictional worlds.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex narrative structure with multiple layers of stories within stories, along with a wide range of characters and motivations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores the power of books and the blurred lines between reality and fiction in a captivating way that stimulates imagination and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love books about books, storytelling, and magical adventures.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box that leads them to investigate a magician who vanished under strange circumstances and a secret that must be protected at all costs.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book employs a unique narrative voice and an unconventional plot structure, which includes codes, puzzles, and various forms of wordplay.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever, engaging, and interactive read that encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Curious readers who enjoy puzzles, mysteries, and secrets.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where they must solve a series of puzzles and stop a global crisis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is filled with intricate puzzles and complex logic games, and it discusses themes of free will and the manipulation of truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork, intelligence, and ethical decision-making, wrapped up in an exciting and suspenseful narrative.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love brain teasers, strategic thinking, and teamwork in their adventures.

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, are bound in a magical competition they do not fully understand, set within the enchanting and mysterious circus that only appears at night, "Le Cirque des Rêves."
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's non-linear narrative and elaborate descriptive passages create a lush, vivid world that demands attentive reading and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, magical story that captures the imagination and showcases the beauty and cruelty of magic.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate detailed world-building and a story that is as visually imaginative as it is narratively engaging.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of magic books, you're in for a treat. To make your reading experience even more magical, here are some exercises designed to help you develop good reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also increase your enjoyment of the books. Let’s get started!

• 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 motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and distraction-free environment that can enhance concentration.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and cozy, perhaps with a comfy chair and your favorite blanket.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you're reading with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or join one that focuses on magic and fantasy genres.

• Map Out the Story
  • What it is: Draw or write out the plot and characters in a notebook as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps you keep track of complex plots and subplots, which is common in magic books.
  • Tips: Use a separate notebook for this purpose and update your map after every reading session.

• 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: Spend some time reading the book aloud to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Choose a dramatic passage or dialogue to make it more fun and engaging.

These exercises are great ways to boost your reading habits and make the most out of your magical adventures through books. Remember, the key is to enjoy the process and let your imagination soar. Happy reading!