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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect spine-tingling read for your tween? Look no further! Our curated selection of vampire books for 12-year-olds offers a thrilling dive into the world of the supernatural, tailored just for young readers. Whether your child is a budding vampire enthusiast or just looking for their next great adventure, we've got something that will capture their imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks for vampire books that are sure to enchant and entertain!

Fun Vampire Books for 12-Year-Olds

• My Sister the Vampire by Sienna Mercer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Olivia discovers she has a twin sister, Ivy, who is a vampire. The duo embarks on various adventures while navigating the normal struggles of middle school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a lighthearted series that combines the thrill of vampire lore with the relatable experiences of school and family life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good mix of humor, mystery, and supernatural elements.

• Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean by Justin Somper
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Twins Grace and Connor are shipwrecked and separated in a world where vampires and pirates reign. Each sibling encounters different dangers including the mysterious vampirates.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an exciting twist on traditional pirate tales with the addition of vampires, providing an imaginative and thrilling read.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who enjoy stories about pirates and supernatural creatures.

• Switched by Amanda Hocking
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: Wendy Everly discovers she is a changeling switched at birth and must face her new reality in a world filled with powers, rivalry, and royal intrigue.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book introduces complex characters and a unique take on the vampire genre, focusing on emotional growth and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a fantasy world with a strong female lead and elements of self-exploration.

• The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Vladimir Tod is a young vampire trying to survive middle school and the perils of thirsting for blood, while uncovering the mystery of his parents' death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It perfectly blends the awkwardness of being a teenager with the excitement of vampire lore, making it both relatable and captivating.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a good mystery mixed with the challenges of growing up.

• Hotel Transylvania: A Novelization by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, based on the screenplay by Peter Baynham and Robert Smigel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Dracula operates a high-end resort away from human civilization and goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teenaged daughter.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and humorous read that explores themes of acceptance and the bond between father and daughter.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy humorous stories with a supernatural twist and heartwarming family themes.

Educational Vampire Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Little Vampire by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg, illustrated by Amelie Glienke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Anton befriends a young vampire named Rüdiger. Together, they navigate the challenges of friendship between a human and a vampire, exploring themes of acceptance and the supernatural.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of friendship dynamics, empathy, introduction to supernatural themes
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that combines the thrill of the supernatural with the everyday challenges of childhood friendships.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are new to the vampire genre and enjoy stories about friendships in unusual circumstances.

• Dear Vampa by Ross Collins
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A humorous tale told through letters, where a family of humans moves next door to a family of vampires. The story explores the misunderstandings and mishaps that occur when the two very different families interact.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Letter writing, understanding perspective, humor in literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a funny and light-hearted look at the clash of cultures, perfect for introducing children to the concept of diversity and acceptance through a fantastical lens.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love humor mixed with a bit of spooky fun.

• Vampire Boy by Aric Cushing
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Alex, a young boy from a family of vampires, tries to fit into human society. His journey is filled with challenges and adventures as he balances his vampire heritage with his desire to live amongst humans.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social adaptation, identity exploration, adventure storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the challenges of being different and trying to fit in, all wrapped up in an adventurous and engaging narrative.
  • Perfect for: Middle schoolers who enjoy stories about overcoming obstacles and finding one's place in the world.

• Night of the Vampire by L.E. Edwards, illustrated by Manton
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Henry and his friends encounter a mystery involving a vampire legend in their town. They must use their wits and courage to uncover the truth and save their community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, understanding of folklore
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mystery that encourages critical thinking and bravery, all while entertaining readers with spooky, supernatural elements.
  • Perfect for: Young mystery lovers and fans of supernatural stories who enjoy a good puzzle.

Challenging Vampire Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Romance
  • Synopsis: A lonely teenage girl named Zoe encounters Simon, a vampire seeking to avenge his mother's death. As Zoe and Simon's friendship deepens, she confronts her own grief and learns about the complexities of life and death.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel tackles dark themes of loss and mortality with sophisticated prose and deep emotional insights.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at human emotions and relationships through the lens of a supernatural romance, providing both thrilling and thoughtful moments.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a mix of horror, romance, and deep emotional storytelling.

• Look for Me by Moonlight by Mary Downing Hahn
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Suspense, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: When Cynda goes to stay with her father and his new family in a remote inn, she meets a mysterious guest named Vincent Morthanos. As she falls under Vincent's spell, she discovers he is a vampire and must decide her own fate.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel weaves a suspenseful and complex plot with gothic elements and rich, descriptive language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the eerie atmosphere of a gothic romance and offers a gripping, suspenseful read that challenges readers to question the nature of love and danger.
  • Perfect for: Fans of gothic tales and suspenseful mysteries who enjoy atmospheric settings and complex characters.

• Companions of the Night by Vivian Vande Velde
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Kerry’s simple trip to the laundromat takes a turn when she stumbles upon a vampire kidnapping. Thrust into a world of supernatural conflict, she must navigate her role in a dangerous game she does not understand.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores moral ambiguities and the concept of good versus evil in a complex plot that demands critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a thrilling adventure and a thoughtful examination of trust and deception, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy intense, thought-provoking stories.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love thrilling adventures with a supernatural twist and are ready to tackle more mature themes.

• Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Horror
  • Synopsis: Vivian Gandillon relishes the change, the sweet, fierce ache that carries her from girl to wolf. As she struggles with her identity as both a werewolf and a girl, she finds herself drawn to a human boy who is both terrified and fascinated by her world.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel delves into complex themes of identity, belonging, and transformation, using sophisticated language and layered character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully combines elements of romance and horror to explore the struggles of adolescence in a unique and captivating way.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in stories about shapeshifters and the challenges of dual identities, wrapped in a tale of love and acceptance.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into the shadowy world of vampire books can be thrilling, especially for 12-year-olds. To make the most of these intriguing reads, it’s great to develop some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can help:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much reading to do each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading consistent and builds a strong habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals, like one chapter a night.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Try to share thoughts about the plot, characters, and your favorite parts.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
  • How it helps: Increases engagement and enjoyment of the book.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to picture the story 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.

• Read Aloud Sometimes
  • What it is: Read parts of the book out loud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps retain more information.
  • Tips: Choose a dramatic scene to make it more fun and engaging.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you’ll not only enhance your reading skills but also deepen your enjoyment of vampire stories. Happy reading, and don't let the vampires bite!