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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to keep your 12-year-old engrossed? Dive into our curated selection of thick books for 12-year-olds, ideal for young readers looking to embark on lengthy and thrilling literary adventures. From captivating tales that spark imagination to stories that stir curiosity, we've got it all covered. Keep reading to discover our various lists of thick books that promise to keep your tween hooked for hours on end!

Fun Thick Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: In the fifth installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry faces the challenges of his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including the secretive return of the dark wizard Voldemort.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling ride with magical elements that also tackles more mature themes such as loyalty, bravery, and the complexities of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic and adventure, and are ready to tackle more complex themes and longer stories.

• The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Avery Grambs' life turns upside down when a billionaire leaves her his fortune, but only if she can solve an intricate series of puzzles and survive his treacherous family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a gripping mystery with complex puzzles and family drama, keeping readers engaged and eager to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Fans of puzzles and mysteries, and readers who enjoy stories about unexpected adventures and overcoming challenges.

• Eragon by Christopher Paolini
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: A young farm boy named Eragon discovers a mysterious stone that turns out to be a dragon egg, leading him on a path to become a Dragon Rider and fight an evil king.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an expansive fantasy world filled with dragons, magic, and epic battles, ideal for sparking the imagination of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young fantasy enthusiasts and aspiring adventurers who dream of exploring new worlds and battling dark forces.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic north to save her kidnapped friend and other abducted children, uncovering a sinister plot along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a richly imagined world with complex moral questions, making it a thought-provoking read that encourages critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed fantasy worlds and stories that challenge their thinking about morality and freedom.

• City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Clary Fray discovers the world of the Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world, as she searches for her missing mother.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an action-packed urban fantasy with a compelling mix of adventure, romance, and mystery, perfect for keeping young readers hooked.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love supernatural stories and are fascinated by the blend of real-world settings with fantastical elements.

Educational Thick Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Illustrator: Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, 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.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with adventure and intellectual challenges, making it a thrilling and engaging read for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and mysteries, and enjoy stories about teamwork and cleverness.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empathy, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on the horrors of World War II through the eyes of a child, blending historical facts with a compelling narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and those who appreciate stories that explore the impact of war on humanity.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover the Symphony of Smells, a box of vials of magical scents that leads them to a mysterious and secretive spa and a plot that could endanger their lives.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, curiosity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and mysterious read that engages young readers with codes, puzzles, and secrets.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love solving mysteries and delving into secret societies.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • 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 in a magical but dangerous world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, reading skills, understanding of narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of books and reading, weaving a captivating tale that blurs the lines between fiction and reality.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by books and magic, and anyone who loves stories about alternate worlds.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: August Pullman, born with facial differences that have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep and wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social skills, understanding of diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt story that promotes kindness and acceptance, showing the challenges and triumphs of a boy who is different.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating school and social dynamics, and readers looking for a story that teaches compassion and resilience.

Challenging Thick Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in 19th-century England during the Napoleonic Wars, this novel explores the revival of English magic through the efforts of two magicians with very different visions, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features intricate plot lines, a large cast of characters, and a blend of historical and fictional narratives that require careful reading and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly detailed alternative history mixed with magic, providing both entertainment and a complex narrative that encourages deep thinking and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed world-building and complex stories that blend history with fantasy.

• Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This epic novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, primarily focusing on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses complex themes such as justice, religion, and morality in a historical context, with sophisticated language and extensive character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that offers insights into social injustice and personal transformation, encouraging readers to think critically about moral and ethical questions.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in classic literature and historical narratives that explore deep philosophical and ethical issues.

• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This classic tale of wrongful imprisonment, escape, and revenge explores the fate of Edmond Dantès, a young man betrayed by his friends and left to languish in a fortress.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's complex plot, numerous characters, and themes of justice and vengeance are conveyed through rich, dense language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a gripping adventure with a moral discussion on right and wrong, providing both excitement and a chance to ponder personal values.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate thrilling stories with complex plots and moral questions.

• Dune by Frank Herbert
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in a distant future amidst a huge interstellar empire, where a young Paul Atreides navigates political and environmental challenges on the desert planet Arrakis.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex themes of politics, religion, and ecology, presented through sophisticated science fiction constructs and terminology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking exploration of power, survival, and betrayal, offering a deep dive into a well-crafted sci-fi universe.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi enthusiasts and readers looking for a challenging, immersive adventure in an elaborately detailed setting.

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Classic, War
  • Synopsis: This monumental novel centers around the French invasion of Russia and follows the impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society through the eyes of five aristocratic families.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its great length, numerous characters, and intricate detail, the narrative requires significant commitment and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound examination of life and humanity, portrayed through personal and historical events, encouraging readers to reflect on personal and societal issues.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are drawn to epic stories with rich historical details and complex character dynamics.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into thick books can be quite the adventure for 12-year-olds, but sometimes it's hard to know where to start or how to keep going. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help young readers develop good reading habits while tackling those bigger books.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading manageable and prevents feeling overwhelmed.
  • Tips: Start with small goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Allocate specific times of the day for reading.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading time and helps make reading a daily habit.
  • Tips: Pick times when you're most alert, like after breakfast or right before bed.

• Use a Bookmark with Notes
  • What it is: Use a bookmark to jot down thoughts or questions about the book.
  • How it helps: Engages deeper with the material and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Keep a pencil handy so you can write down thoughts as soon as they come.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings or ideas the book stimulates in you.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate some reading time to read aloud, either to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps to better understand the text.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match the action in the story.

• 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.

Tackling thick books might seem daunting at first, but with these exercises, you'll not only get through them, but you'll also enjoy the journey. Remember, the key is consistency and finding joy in the stories you're exploring. Happy reading!