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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that will keep your 12-year-old glued to their seat? Look no further! Our guide to supernatural books for 12-year-olds is packed with picks that promise to transport young readers into realms of mystery and magic. Whether they're into spooky spirits or magical mysteries, we've curated a variety of captivating stories they won't be able to put down. Keep reading to discover our top picks for supernatural books that are just right for 12-year-olds!

Fun Supernatural Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Nobody Owens is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he faces adventures and dangers both from the living world and the spectral one.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling and mysterious tale that captures the essence of childhood curiosity and bravery. It teaches important lessons about growth and the meaning of family.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love spooky stories with a heart.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius, kidnaps a fairy to restore his family's fortune, sparking a high-tech magical battle.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magic with technology in a unique way, offering excitement and clever humor that keeps readers engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fast-paced stories with clever plots and a mix of technology and magic.

• City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
  • Genre(s): Supernatural, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Cassidy Blake has a gift that allows her to 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 about her role as a ghost hunter.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a ghostly adventure that’s both chilling and fun, perfect for introducing the concepts of friendship and courage amidst the supernatural.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like thrilling ghost stories and learning about different cultures through supernatural lenses.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Supernatural, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Kara Westfall is shunned because her mother was a witch. When she discovers a mysterious book that belongs to her mother, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous world of magic.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale of magic and witchcraft with a strong female lead, exploring themes of good vs. evil and the power of self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Fans of dark fantasy and stories about witches and magic.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: A girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby when she is given moonlight to drink. Raised by a witch, a tiny dragon, and a swamp monster, Luna must learn to control her powers as she grows up.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautifully written story about love, magic, and the complexities of growing up, filled with whimsical characters and profound life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and vibrant, imaginative worlds.

Educational Supernatural Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Supernatural, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After Ollie saves a book from being destroyed, she finds herself trapped in a creepy, supernatural adventure involving scarecrows and misty figures in a small town. As the story unfolds, she must use her wits to navigate a series of spooky challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a spine-tingling read that perfectly balances the thrill of a ghost story with the challenge of overcoming fears.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good scare but also appreciate a story about personal courage and friendship.

• Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh
  • Genre(s): Supernatural, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Harper Raine, the new girl in town, discovers that her younger brother has been acting strangely. As she digs deeper, she learns about her family's past and her own ability to see spirits, which she must use to save her brother from a vengeful ghost.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural history, understanding of familial duties, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes suspense with elements of Korean folklore, offering a thrilling ghost story that's also a lesson in cultural heritage and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in ghost stories that include elements of different cultures and the concept of inner strength.

• The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Supernatural, Folklore
  • Synopsis: Corinne La Mer claims she isn't afraid of anything. But when a mysterious woman appears at the market, strange things start to happen. Corinne must confront her fear and the jumbies, mythical creatures from Caribbean folklore, to save her island home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of Caribbean folklore, courage, community awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating blend of fantasy and Caribbean folklore, providing a fresh perspective on the battle between humans and mythical creatures.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers interested in folklore and tales of courage and community.

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Supernatural, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Two abandoned Irish siblings, Molly and Kip, work as servants at a creepy, crumbling English manor house and discover that the estate is haunted by a malevolent spirit that visits the manor each night. They must uncover the secrets of the house and confront the ghostly gardener to escape his curse.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, bravery, moral lessons
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a Victorian ghost tale that combines suspense and horror with a moral about the dangers of greed and the power of storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and ghostly mysteries with a strong moral core.

• The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Supernatural, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London overrun by ghosts, Lucy Carlyle and her team of teenage ghost-hunters face deadly spirits and discover a mystery that could change the course of history. They must use their skills to survive and solve the haunting.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, historical intrigue, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an exciting mix of ghostly adventures and mystery with a team of young heroes using their wits and ghost-hunting gear to fight spectral threats.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love thrilling supernatural adventures with a touch of history and teamwork.

Challenging Supernatural Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Witch's Boy by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: After a tragic accident leaves him the sole survivor among his twin brother, Ned must work with the town's witch, Sister Witch, to prevent a powerful magic from falling into the wrong hands.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, interweaving various characters’ perspectives and exploring deep themes like grief and power.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines magical elements with profound emotional depth, encouraging readers to think critically about the consequences of actions and the nature of evil.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a challenging fantasy that offers more than just adventure, but also moral questions and emotional growth.

• The Thickety: The Whispering Trees by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Supernatural, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Kara Westfall continues her journey in the Thickety, facing even greater dangers and darker magic as she battles to clear her mother's name and discover her own powers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a dense plot with complex themes of redemption and the blurred lines between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: This sequel expands on the darkly magical world of the Thickety, providing a gripping and thought-provoking continuation of Kara’s story.
  • Perfect for: Fans of the first book seeking deeper exploration into a richly crafted supernatural world.

• Lockwood & Co.: The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Supernatural, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In the second installment of the Lockwood & Co. series, the team of young ghost-hunters takes on a terrifying new assignment and faces a deadly ghostly opponent that challenges their skills and courage.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is intricate, filled with detailed ghost-hunting technology and a complex mystery to solve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It continues the thrilling adventures of Lucy and her team with even more suspense, humor, and ghostly encounters, perfect for those who love a good scare mixed with mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoyed the first book and are eager for more high-stakes spectral adventures.

• A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other terrifying Grimm-inspired tales. As they venture through dark and dangerous magical worlds, they must face consequences and learn harsh life lessons.
  • Why this book is challenging: It twists traditional fairy tales into darker, more complex narratives that challenge preconceived notions of right and wrong.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique and darker take on classic fairy tales, woven together into a narrative that explores themes of bravery and survival.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are looking for a fresh and darker twist on familiar stories, with plenty of action and moral lessons.

• The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: September, a young girl from Omaha, is whisked away to Fairyland where she encounters a host of strange and magical creatures, embarks on a quest, and battles the wicked ruler to save the land.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book is rich in poetic language and complex themes such as identity, belonging, and sacrifice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully written, imaginative tale that encourages readers to explore and question the fantastical world around them.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy lush, imaginative worlds and stories that encourage deep thinking and creativity.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the enchanting world of supernatural books, you're in for a treat. But, how do you make the most of this magical reading journey, especially if you're around 12 years old? Here are some fun and effective exercises to help you develop stellar reading habits while enjoying every page of your supernatural adventures.

• Set a Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
    - Tips: Start with a small, manageable goal and increase it as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes your reading experience special.
  • Tips: Make sure it's quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or join one that focuses on supernatural genres.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology to track your reading habits.
  • How it helps: Helps organize your reading schedule and keeps you engaged.
  • Tips: Some apps also provide summaries, quizzes, and discussion forums.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read parts of the book out loud to yourself or others.
  • How it helps: Enhances your understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match different characters or scenes.

• 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.

These exercises aren't just about improving your reading skills; they're about making your experience with supernatural books truly magical. So grab your book, pick a cozy corner, and start your adventure into the unknown, all while building habits that will last a lifetime. Happy reading!