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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner to keep your 12-year-old on the edge of their seat? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of thriller books for 12-year-olds is packed with stories that are sure to captivate and thrill young readers. From mysterious circumstances to heart-pounding adventures, each book promises to be a hit. Keep reading to discover our top picks for the best thriller books for 12-year-olds!

Fun Thriller Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' juvenile detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys build character by spending all day digging holes. However, there's more to these activities than meets the eye.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of an intriguing mystery and a survival story that keeps readers guessing and engaged. It also touches on themes of friendship, justice, and fate.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with a mix of humor, adventure, and a bit of a mystery.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, teamwork, and the power of individuality. The puzzles and mysteries are engaging and stimulate critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and stories about secret missions.

• City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In an underground city that's running out of light and power, two young friends, Lina and Doon, discover clues that could lead to the salvation of their city and its people.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also teaches important lessons about perseverance, hope, and the quest for knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy dystopian settings and stories about young heroes making a difference.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Crime
  • 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 combines magic, technology, and crime in a way that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s perfect for getting kids excited about reading through its fast-paced plot and clever protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a good mix of sci-fi and fantasy with a dash of humor.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: Sixteen heirs who are brought together to solve the puzzle of Sam Westing’s will must uncover the secret of his death, through clues and challenges, to win a massive fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brain-teasing mystery that challenges readers to think critically and deduce alongside the characters. It’s also a great introduction to complex narratives and ensemble casts.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and budding detectives who enjoy unraveling complex plots and engaging in a good mystery.

Educational Thriller Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Ted's cousin Salim disappears from the London Eye, Ted and his sister Kat become detectives in their own right to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, critical thinking, understanding of Asperger's syndrome and different perspectives
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping mystery that also provides insight into the mind of a protagonist with Asperger's syndrome, making it both educational and thrilling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy mysteries and learning about diverse characters and perspectives.

• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Art
  • Synopsis: Two sixth-graders, Petra and Calder, combine their talents to solve an international art scandal surrounding a missing Vermeer painting.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, pattern recognition, logic
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates art history with a suspenseful plot and encourages readers to think about the bigger picture and notice fine details.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and art enthusiasts who enjoy puzzles and mysteries.

• The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two adventurous friends, Cass and Max-Ernest, discover a mysterious box and get wrapped up in a secret society and the history of an ancient, magical secret involving immortality.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity, history of alchemy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and mysterious read that engages imagination and curiosity, perfect for sparking interest in historical and fantastical subjects.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love secrets, codes, and conspiracies mixed with a dose of humor.

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kyle Keeley is an avid gamer and a fan of all kinds of games. When he wins a coveted spot to be one of the first to enter an exciting new library designed by the world-famous game maker Luigi Lemoncello, he finds that the exit will require more than just smarts—it will require clever problem-solving.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logic, problem-solving, knowledge of library systems
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of a game with the intellectual challenge of solving puzzles, all set within the fascinating environment of a uniquely designed library.
  • Perfect for: Gamers and puzzle solvers who enjoy a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating adventure.

Challenging Thriller Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Apothecary by Maile Meloy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In 1952, fourteen-year-old Janie Scott moves from Los Angeles to London where she meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin. Together, they become entangled in a plot involving espionage, alchemy, and a fight against nuclear weapons.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel intertwines historical events with fantasy elements, presenting complex themes like war, sacrifice, and the moral implications of science and magic.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich tapestry of history and fantasy that not only entertains but also educates about the Cold War era, encouraging deeper understanding and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings with a magical twist and stories that blend reality with fantasy.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future and unlock a puzzle that she must solve. The story is set in 1979 New York and is heavily influenced by Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving time travel and subtle clues that require the reader to pay close attention to detail and think critically about the plot and characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking puzzle of a book that combines elements of science fiction and mystery, providing a compelling challenge for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of brain teasers and stories that make you think, as well as readers who enjoy a strong, relatable protagonist.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, encounters a strange group of guests who each have a story connected to the inn's past. As items start to go missing, Milo and his friend Meddy must solve the mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is layered with complex narratives and a large cast of characters, each with their own secrets and stories that intertwine.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, atmospheric mystery that encourages problem-solving and deduction, perfect for young readers looking to dive into a more intricate and detailed story.
  • Perfect for: Mystery lovers and those who appreciate a well-developed setting that feels like a character itself.

• Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Emily and her new friend James discover an unusual book, which they realize is part of a game hiding books across the country. However, they soon find out the game's creator has been attacked and the entire game is at risk.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves ciphers, puzzles, and a variety of literary references which require a higher level of reading comprehension and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book is perfect for readers who love codes and secrets. It combines adventure with intellectual challenges, making the reading both thrilling and educational.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and young detectives who enjoy cracking codes and solving mysteries.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of thriller books, you're in for some pulse-pounding excitement. But, how can you make the most out of your reading experience, especially if you're around 12 years old? Here are some fun and effective exercises to help you develop great reading habits while enjoying your thrilling tales!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

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

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match the action in the story.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Look up words you don’t understand.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and better comprehension of the thriller.
  • Tips: Keep a dictionary handy or use a dictionary app.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading more enjoyable and memorable.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to picture the events 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.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical skills and keeps you hooked.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check them as you read.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only enhance your enjoyment of thriller books but also improve your reading skills. So, grab your next thriller, find a cozy corner, and let the adventure begin. Happy reading!