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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for a young superhero fan? Dive into our curated selection of superhero books for 12-year-olds, where adventure leaps off every page! Whether your young reader is into capes and crusades or heroes and heart, we've got something that will capture their imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to keep them hooked!

Fun Superhero Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. He embarks on a quest across the United States to find it and restore order to Olympus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling introduction to Greek mythology, wrapped in modern adventure, making ancient stories accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy adventures and discovering mythical creatures and gods.

• Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson, illustrated by Adrian Alphona
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Graphic Novel, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: Kamala Khan, a teenage girl from Jersey City, gains extraordinary powers and takes on the mantle of Ms. Marvel, learning to balance her personal life with her responsibilities as a superhero.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a relatable superhero who deals with everyday adolescent issues, encouraging readers to find their own inner strength.
  • Perfect for: Fans of comics and young readers looking for diverse characters and modern superhero tales.

• The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Doreen Green, a teenager with the powers of both squirrel and girl, moves to a new neighborhood, battles villains, and makes new friends while keeping her identity as Squirrel Girl a secret.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with humor and heart, showcasing that being a superhero is as much about wit as it is about strength.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy laughter mixed with their action and those who appreciate quirky heroes.

• Sidekicked by John David Anderson
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Adventure, Friendship
  • Synopsis: Andrew Bean, a middle schooler and sidekick to one of the world's most powerful superheroes, struggles with his own abilities, middle school drama, and a supervillain threat.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores the challenges of being a young sidekick, offering a fun and thoughtful look at heroism and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superhero stories but also appreciate tales of personal growth and teamwork.

• Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Superhero
  • Synopsis: Diana, Princess of the Amazons, risks exile to save a mortal girl, Alia, who is a Warbringer—a descendant of Helen of Troy, fated to bring about an age of bloodshed.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fresh, action-packed take on Wonder Woman’s origin, emphasizing themes of duty, friendship, and destiny.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy strong female protagonists and epic battles woven with historical elements.

Educational Superhero Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Project Superhero by E. Paul Zehr, illustrated by Kris Pearn
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Science, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: Jessie, a middle school student, uses her school project as an opportunity to explore what being a superhero means by interviewing real-life experts and analyzing superheroes' abilities through the lens of science and ethics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, scientific inquiry, ethics in science, understanding of physics and biology as they relate to human capabilities
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines real science with the alluring world of superheroes, making it a unique educational resource that sparks curiosity about how science applies to fictional scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and superheroes, and those who enjoy projects and experiments.

• My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Luke Parker was just a regular kid until his older brother Zack unexpectedly gains superpowers and the responsibility to save the world. Luke, now the superhero's brother, must navigate this new dynamic while dealing with typical adolescent challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, family dynamics, problem-solving, and creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and heartwarming tale that explores family relationships through an exciting superhero lens, making it relatable and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good laugh with their adventure and those who might sometimes feel overshadowed, finding their own way to shine.

• Almost Super by Marion Jensen
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Fantasy, Family
  • Synopsis: Each member of the Bailey family gets superpowers on their twelfth birthday. However, when Rafter and his brother Benny receive powers that seem useless, they must find a way to combat their sworn enemies, the Johnsons, with these new, disappointing abilities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and understanding the value of seemingly insignificant abilities
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches that not all powers (or talents) need to be flashy to be valuable, promoting creativity and perseverance in facing challenges.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy humorous takes on superhero themes and stories about underdogs finding their strengths.

• Zeroes by Scott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan, and Deborah Biancotti
  • Genre(s): Superhero, Science Fiction, Ensemble Cast
  • Synopsis: Six teens with unique abilities that make them heroes in their own right must work together to solve a dangerous mystery that threatens their town. Each has a different power that can be both a blessing and a curse.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, ethical decision-making, and development of empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a complex look at the responsibilities that come with power and the dynamics of working as a team with diverse abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like ensemble casts and stories that blend action with thoughtful examinations of personal and social issues.

Challenging Superhero Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Superhero, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a world ruled by supervillains known as Epics, David seeks revenge against Steelheart, the invincible Epic who killed his father. To succeed, he must join the Reckoners, a group of resistance fighters who aim to kill Epics and end their tyranny.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features complex world-building and moral ambiguities that challenge readers to think critically about justice and power.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping and intricate plot with a twist on the typical superhero narrative, focusing instead on ordinary people fighting back.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy fast-paced, thought-provoking stories with a dark twist.

• Renegades by Marissa Meyer
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Superhero
  • Synopsis: Nova, an Anarchist with a desire for vengeance against the Renegades, a syndicate of superheroes, goes undercover to bring them down from the inside. However, her allegiance is tested when she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice and heroism.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes of justice, vengeance, and morality intertwined with dual perspectives that enhance its depth and complexity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a layered superhero story that explores the gray areas between good and evil, providing readers with a nuanced perspective on heroism.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate morally complex characters and intricate plots in their superhero tales.

• Vicious by V.E. Schwab
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Superhero
  • Synopsis: Two college friends discover the key to gaining superpowers: near-death experiences. Years later, they become archenemies—each believing the other is the villain of their story. The novel is a gritty exploration of ambition, power, and human limitations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The non-linear narrative and morally ambiguous characters challenge readers to question the nature of heroism and villainy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a dark and compelling take on superheroes, focusing on the consequences of wielding great power.
  • Perfect for: Mature readers looking for a sophisticated, dark, and morally complex superhero story.

• Archenemies by Marissa Meyer
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Superhero
  • Synopsis: In this sequel to Renegades, Nova and Adrian struggle to keep their identities secret as they grapple with the implications of a new weapon that could end the age of superheroes—or destroy society itself.
  • Why this book is challenging: It expands on its predecessor’s exploration of morality and justice, introducing complex debates about the ethics of power and governance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It continues the deep dive into the blurred lines between hero and villain, making readers question their own definitions of right and wrong.
  • Perfect for: Fans of the first book and readers who enjoy sequels that deepen the original’s themes and character developments.

• Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Superhero
  • Synopsis: Nimona, a young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy, teams up with Lord Ballister Blackheart to prove that the heroes of the kingdom aren’t really as heroic as they seem.
  • Why this book is challenging: The graphic novel format combined with themes of identity, heroism, and societal expectations invites readers to interpret visual and textual cues in complex ways.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a subversive take on traditional superhero tropics, packed with humor and heart, encouraging readers to think about the nature of good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy vibrant artwork and stories that challenge traditional roles of heroes and villains.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of superhero books and want to make the most of your reading experience, here are some fun and effective exercises to help you develop great reading habits. Whether you're exploring the streets of Gotham or flying high with the Avengers, these activities will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the 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 focused and helps in building a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Superhero Bookmark
  • What it is: Craft a bookmark featuring your favorite superhero.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading process more enjoyable and personal.
  • Tips: Use this as a creative break between reading sessions.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the books with friends who are also reading them.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to link plot points or characters to real-life events or personal experiences for deeper discussions.

• Draw Scene Sequences
  • What it is: Sketch your favorite scenes from the book.
  • How it helps: Improves memory retention and helps you pay more attention to detail.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic skill; focus on the key elements of each scene.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical skills and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many were right as you read.

• Character Journal
  • What it is: Keep a journal from the perspective of one of the characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of character development and motives.
  • Tips: Choose a different character for each book to explore various viewpoints.

These exercises aren't just about improving your reading skills; they're about making your journey through superhero books even more thrilling and engaging. Grab your cape, and let’s get reading!