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

Looking for the perfect series books for 12-year-olds? You're in the right spot! Whether your tween is a voracious reader or just getting into the habit, finding a captivating series can transform reading from a chore to a journey of endless fun. Keep reading as we dive into various lists of series books that are just right for 12-year-olds, ensuring your young reader will be hooked from the first page to the last.

Fun Series Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The first book in the Harry Potter series introduces Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and creativity, while also teaching important values like friendship, bravery, and the importance of choices.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and a good battle between good and evil.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with Greek mythology, making it educational in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy action-packed stories and learning about ancient myths.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves in a school where they are trained to become fairy tale heroes or villains, challenging their preconceived notions of good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship and identity through a fresh, fairy tale lens, encouraging readers to question stereotypes and the nature of good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like fairy tales with a twist and stories about friendships that defy expectations.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by 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 to infiltrate a mysterious school and thwart a global crisis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's full of puzzles, mysteries, and clever twists that will keep readers engaged and thinking critically.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and problem solvers who love to crack codes and solve puzzles.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Adventure
  • 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 features a unique blend of high-tech modernity and ancient magic, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy tweens who enjoy anti-heroes and complex, morally ambiguous plots.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book follows the daily life of middle-schooler Greg Heffley through a diary filled with his adventures, challenges, and humorous mishaps.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and funny, making it a great pick for encouraging reluctant readers to enjoy book-reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate humor and stories about the ups and downs of school life.

Educational Series Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: After a plane crash, four children are stranded in the Amazon rainforest. They must work together to survive and find their way back to civilization.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, problem-solving, knowledge about nature and survival skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that teaches resilience and the importance of cooperation.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who dream of exploring the wild and learning survival tactics.

• The Gaither Sisters Series: One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In the summer of 1968, three sisters travel to Oakland, California, to meet the mother they barely know and become involved in the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, cultural understanding, civil rights education
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling view into a significant historical era while exploring family dynamics and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, social justice, and strong, realistic family portrayals.

• The Time Quintet: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey across dimensions to save their father from an evil force.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science and fantasy to challenge the imagination and inspire curiosity about the universe.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy science fiction and are curious about space and time travel.

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Roz the robot is stranded on a remote, wild island and must learn to survive and coexist with the island's animal inhabitants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, technology, empathy, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that blends technology with nature, encouraging readers to think about their relationship with the environment.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in robotics and nature, and those who love stories about unlikely friendships and survival.

• The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Governess Penelope Lumley is charged with the care of three wild children who were apparently raised by wolves. She must tame the children and solve the mystery of their origins.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, problem-solving, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and quirky series that mixes mystery with a bit of history, perfect for sparking interest in Victorian customs and literature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy mysteries, history, and stories about quirky characters and unusual situations.

Challenging Series Books for 12-Year-Olds

• His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This trilogy follows young Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry as they traverse parallel universes and face epic challenges involving magical creatures, dark forces, and complex moral issues.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series introduces sophisticated themes such as philosophy, theology, and science, wrapped in advanced vocabulary and complex narrative structures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a profound, thought-provoking experience that encourages critical thinking about freedom, the nature of evil, and the complexity of human experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep, intellectually stimulating narratives and epic fantasy adventures.

• The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young farm boy named Eragon discovers he is the last of the Dragon Riders, a group sworn to protect the realm. He must learn to use his power to overthrow the tyrant king.
  • Why this book is challenging: This series features an elaborate fantasy world with its own languages and rich in detailed descriptions and complex character developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It immerses readers in a meticulously crafted world, offering an epic tale of power, betrayal, and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love dragons and epic tales of heroes and villains.

• The Queen’s Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Political Intrigue
  • Synopsis: The series features the adventures of the cunning and deceptive thief, Eugenides, who becomes embroiled in a deep web of political intrigue and adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex political plots, moral ambiguities, and a sophisticated level of storytelling that demands attentiveness and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping exploration of power dynamics and personal growth, all through the lens of thrilling adventures and clever machinations.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with deep political intrigue and clever, resourceful protagonists.

• The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternate London filled with magic, a young apprentice magician summons the djinni Bartimaeus but soon finds himself over his head in a world of political and magical intrigue.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with footnotes, adding layers of humor and complexity, alongside its use of historical contexts and intricate plot lines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines witty narrative, engaging characters, and a complex magical system that offers a fresh perspective on the fantasy genre.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and history, especially those who appreciate a mix of humor and seriousness in their reading.

• The Tiffany Aching Series by Terry Pratchett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Tiffany Aching, a young witch in training, navigates the challenges of the magical world while battling creatures from fairy tales and dealing with the everyday troubles of growing up.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pratchett’s work includes a play on words, satirical humor, and philosophical underpinnings that require a higher level of reading comprehension and an appreciation of subtlety.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers humor, wisdom, and a strong female protagonist, wrapped in the engaging trappings of a fantasy adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a blend of humor, fantasy, and insightful commentary on real-world issues.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of series books and you're around 12 years old, developing good reading habits can really enhance your experience. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help you get the most out of your reading adventures. Let's get started!

• 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 consistent and motivated to continue reading.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and sweet; try to stick to three to four sentences.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map or list of the characters and their relationships to each other.
  • How it helps: Helps keep track of characters, especially in books with large casts.
  • Tips: Update your map as new characters are introduced or relationships change.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before you start a new chapter or book in the series, write down predictions about the plot.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and enhances engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Compare your predictions with the actual outcomes to see how close you were!

• Reading Break Discussions
  • What it is: Discuss what you’ve read so far with friends or family members at scheduled breaks.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and can provide new insights.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you during these discussions.

• Book Series Blog
  • What it is: Start a blog to review each book in a series and predict future plot twists.
  • How it helps: Helps with critical thinking and writing skills.
  • Tips: Add personal flair to your reviews to make them more engaging and unique.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can really boost your enjoyment and understanding of series books. Not only will you get more out of your reading, but you'll also develop skills that will be invaluable throughout your life. Happy reading!