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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect chill that's just right for a 12-year-old reader? Finding that sweet spot between too spooky and just spooky enough can be a tricky task. Luckily, we've rounded up some of the best scary books for 12-year-olds that promise to deliver thrills without the nightmares. Whether your young reader is a seasoned fan of frights or just dipping their toes into the eerie unknown, stick with us to explore our top picks that are sure to keep them glued to the pages, eager for more. Keep reading to discover our various lists of scary books for 12-year-olds!

Fun Scary Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Coraline Jones finds a mysterious door in her new home that leads to an alternate universe. Here, everything seems better at first, but soon Coraline discovers dark secrets and must muster all her bravery to save herself and her family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that mixes spooky elements with a strong, relatable young heroine. This book encourages courage and determination in the face of fear.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a good scare and strong female protagonists.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a unique coming-of-age story wrapped in mystery and supernatural elements, teaching about growth, learning, and community.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy ghost stories and tales of adventure and self-discovery.

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young boy stumbles upon a secret gathering of witches, who despise children and have a plan to eliminate them from the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dahl's story is delightfully terrifying and filled with his trademark humor, making it a captivating read that promotes imagination and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate dark humor and fantastical plots.

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: After a chilling encounter with a strange woman, Ollie discovers a creepy story that soon begins to intertwine with her reality. She and her classmates must survive the scarecrows and ghosts that haunt the misty fields around them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping spooky tale that also deals with loss and bravery. It's perfect for enhancing empathy and courage in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of ghost stories and mysteries, and those who love a chilling adventure.

• Doll Bones by Holly Black
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three friends go on an adventure to bury a doll made from the ground-up bones of a dead girl. As they journey, they face personal fears and the realities of growing up.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel explores deep themes of friendship and the transition from childhood to adolescence, wrapped in an eerie, supernatural mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are looking for a story about friendship with a supernatural twist.

Educational Scary Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: Two abandoned Irish siblings, Molly and Kip, work at a decrepit English manor house that is haunted by a sinister presence known as the Night Gardener.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, understanding of themes like greed and courage
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a spooky, atmospheric tale that masterfully builds suspense and explores the moral complexities of human desire.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy ghost stories and moral challenges.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Kara Westfall lives in a village on the edge of the forbidden forest known as the Thickety, where she discovers a powerful grimoire, setting off a chain of events that could either save or doom her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical decision-making, creative problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a gripping mix of fantasy and horror, perfect for stimulating imagination and discussions about right and wrong.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love intense, magical adventures with a dark twist.

• Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Supernatural, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London overrun by ghosts, Lucy Carlyle joins Lockwood & Co., a small psychic detection agency, to tackle deadly hauntings and uncover a mystery that could change the course of history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork and collaboration, historical knowledge, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling ghost encounters with clever detective work, making it not only exciting but also a brain-teasing read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy spooky mysteries and clever, charismatic characters.

• Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh
  • Genre(s): Horror, Supernatural, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Harper Raine, the new girl in town, faces unsettling phenomena in her new home and must delve into her family's past to stop a vengeful ghost.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural knowledge, understanding of family dynamics, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a scary, fast-paced ghost story that also touches on important aspects of cultural heritage and personal courage.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in ghost stories that include elements of family and history.

• The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Folklore
  • Synopsis: Corinne La Mer claims she isn't afraid of anything. But when she comes face-to-face with a jumbie, she must use her courage to save her island and its inhabitants from the eerie creatures creeping out of the forest.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of Caribbean folklore, bravery, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling blend of adventure and Caribbean folklore, providing a fresh, cultural twist on the traditional horror genre.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who like folklore and mythical creatures.

Challenging Scary Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
  • Genre(s): Horror, Historical Fiction, Gothic
  • Synopsis: Apprentice to the reclusive Dr. Warthrop, young Will Henry chronicles their adventures as they study and hunt monstrous creatures in the late 19th century.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex language and themes, dealing with dark and mature content in a historical setting.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a rich narrative that combines horror with a deep dive into human psychology and moral questions, providing a thought-provoking read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings mixed with dark, intense horror.

• The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Supernatural, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London plagued by ghostly disturbances, three young operatives of a psychic detection agency embark on a dangerous mission to lay to rest a deadly ghost.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is complex with sophisticated themes and an intricate mystery at its core.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines suspenseful ghost-hunting action with a clever, intricate plot to challenge and entertain.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love thrilling supernatural mysteries with a strong narrative voice.

• The House With a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs, illustrated by Edward Gorey
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Gothic
  • Synopsis: Orphan Lewis Barnavelt comes to live with his uncle in a strange house with a mysterious ticking heart. Together, they must find the clock built within the walls designed to bring about the end of the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a sophisticated vocabulary and complex narrative structure that involves mystery and magical elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel is a fascinating blend of magic and mystery, providing suspense and intellectual engagement.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate gothic tales with elements of magic and suspense.

• A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story into a winding and wickedly witty tale full of strange — and scary — surprises.
  • Why this book is challenging: It twists traditional fairy tales into darker, more complex narratives that challenge preconceived notions about classic stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively deconstructs and reassembles fairy tales, offering a fresh perspective and a more nuanced understanding of the tales' themes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a new take on classic fairy tales with a dark twist.

• The Nest by Kenneth Oppel, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Horror, Psychological Thriller, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Steve's baby brother is ill, and a mysterious wasp queen makes a chilling offer to fix the baby — at a terrifying price.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep psychological themes and moral dilemmas through an eerie, surreal narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides a gripping, psychological rollercoaster that delves into fears and desires, making it a profound reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in psychological thrillers and existential questions wrapped in a fantastical story.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're diving into the world of scary books for 12-year-olds, you're in for a thrilling ride! But, how do you make the most out of your reading experience? Here are some exercises designed to enhance your reading habits and make every spooky story even more enjoyable.

• Set a Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading and helps build stamina for longer books.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable goal and increase it gradually as you become a more confident reader.

• Read with a Buddy
  • What it is: Pair up with a friend to read the same book.
  • How it helps: Discussing the book can enhance understanding and make reading more fun.
  • Tips: Schedule regular meet-ups to discuss the book's plot, characters, and scary moments.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable, quiet space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Improves concentration and makes reading a special part of the day.
  • Tips: Include cozy seating, good lighting, and maybe even some spooky decorations to set the mood.

• Use a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or challenging words you find in your reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and improves comprehension.
  • Tips: Look up definitions as you read and try to use the new words in your daily conversations or writing.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Helps with retention and understanding of the plot.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and revisit them before continuing with the book.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Make predictions about what will happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them come true as you read.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you'll not only enjoy your scary books more, but you'll also develop strong reading habits that will serve you well throughout your life. So grab your book, pick a spooky corner, and start reading!