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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that captures the whimsical and slightly mischievous world of Roald Dahl for a tween reader? Look no further! Our guide to Roald Dahl books for 12-year-olds is packed with picks that are sure to enchant and entertain. Whether your young reader is a long-time fan or just discovering Dahl's magical storytelling, keep reading to explore a variety of books that are tailor-made for their age group. Let's dive into the imaginative world of Roald Dahl together!

Fun Roald Dahl Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a brilliant and sensitive girl named Matilda, who uses her intelligence and magical powers to stand up to her cruel parents and oppressive school principal, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a celebration of intelligence, creativity, and the power of learning, which can be especially empowering for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about triumph over adversity and those who enjoy tales of extraordinary children.

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Young Charlie Bucket wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory, which is a chance of a lifetime to see the magical and peculiar inventions and creations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and creativity, plus it offers a sweet lesson on the virtues of patience and humility.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream big and love whimsical adventures in magical settings.

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A young boy stumbles upon a secret convention of witches who despise children and learns of their plot to turn all children into mice through a magical formula.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes horror and humor in a way that captivates and thrills, perfect for introducing elements of suspense without being too scary.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy a good scare and a bit of dark humor.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, is kind and charming. Together, they embark on a quest to stop the man-eating giants from invading the human world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of friendship and courage, with a lot of linguistic play that makes reading fun.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories about friendships in unlikely places and fantastical adventures.

• Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Danny and his father plot to sabotage the pheasant hunting party of the wealthy, mean Mr. Hazell.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of resilience and ingenuity, plus it portrays a positive father-son relationship.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate tales of cunning plans and heartfelt relationships.

Educational Roald Dahl Books for 12-Year-Olds

• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After the tragic death of his parents, young James Henry Trotter lives with two cruel aunts in England. His life changes when he enters a gigantic, magical peach, and embarks on a journey with several giant insect friends.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, creativity, and problem-solving skills; understanding of themes like adventure and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastical tale that encourages imagination and teaches the importance of friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy surreal adventures and overcoming obstacles through teamwork.

• George's Marvelous Medicine by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: George decides to make a medicine for his grumpy old grandmother, hoping to cure her of her perpetual crankiness. What follows is a series of bizarre and explosive events.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific curiosity, creativity, and humor; introduces basic concepts of cause and effect.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a touch of rebellion, making it a fun and engaging read that sparks creativity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love experimenting and those with a mischievous streak.

Challenging Roald Dahl Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Twits by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Humor, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book features Mr. and Mrs. Twit, a spiteful and vindictive couple who enjoy playing cruel tricks on each other and capturing birds for their bird pie. The story unfolds as the Twits get a taste of their own medicine.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores complex themes of revenge and cruelty in a way that challenges younger readers to think about morality and the consequences of one's actions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a darkly humorous tale that encourages readers to consider the importance of kindness and the effects of negative behavior.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a dose of dark humor and moral lessons.

• Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Biography, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: An autobiographical account of Roald Dahl's childhood, this book shares the joys and sorrows that shaped one of the world's most beloved writers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes sophisticated language and themes of adversity that require a mature understanding, providing a deeper, more introspective reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a glimpse into the formative years of a famous writer, inspiring readers with real-life tales of overcoming challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in biographies or those looking to be inspired by real-life stories of resilience.

• Going Solo by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Biography, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book is the sequel to Boy: Tales of Childhood, detailing Dahl's adventures as a young man working in Tanzania and as a fighter pilot in World War II.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex issues such as colonialism, war, and survival under extreme conditions, offering advanced readers a more nuanced perspective on historical events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an adventurous and gripping tale of Dahl's real-life experiences that also imparts valuable historical insights.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy real-life adventure stories or those interested in history and autobiographies.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl and you're around 12 years old, you're in for a treat. To make your reading experience even more enriching and fun, here are some exercises that can help you develop great reading habits. These are not just about reading the books, but about engaging with them on a deeper level.

• 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 achieving a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new and interesting words you find in Dahl's books.
  • How it helps: Enhances your vocabulary and understanding of the language.
  • Tips: Use a notebook specifically for this purpose and try to use the new words in sentences.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who have read it or are reading it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club or discussion group.

• Draw the Scenes
  • What it is: Sketch your favorite scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing the text and enhances creative thinking.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic perfection; focus on how you imagine the scenes.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to guess what might happen next in the story before you read ahead.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical skills and keeps you hooked on the story.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were right as you read.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: After reading a chapter, write a brief summary of what happened.
  • How it helps: Strengthens memory retention and understanding of the plot.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and to the point.

• 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 are designed to make your reading time more effective and enjoyable. By incorporating these activities into your routine, you'll not only enjoy Roald Dahl's stories more deeply but also enhance your reading skills significantly. So, grab your book, pick your favorite spot, and start reading!