27 Best Books for 12 Year Old Boys to Read Now

If your 12 year old loves adventure, humor, and mythology, this series is a must. Percy starts off as an ordinary kid with ADHD and dyslexia, only to find out he’s actually a demigod. My son devoured these books, and I can’t count how many times he’s reread them. The mix of fast-paced action and snarky humor keeps kids engaged while they unknowingly absorb Greek mythology.

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For kids who finished Percy Jackson and want more, this series flips the script—Apollo, once a powerful god, is punished by Zeus and turned into a powerless teenager. Stripped of his abilities, he has to rely on wits and human allies to survive. It’s packed with the same humor and action as Percy Jackson but offers a fresh perspective, showing kids what it’s like to rebuild confidence after failure.

John Grisham isn’t just for adults—his Theodore Boone series introduces tweens to courtroom drama in a way that’s fun and easy to follow. Theo is a 13-year-old who knows the law better than most adults, and when he gets wrapped up in solving real cases, the suspense is impossible to put down. If your child enjoys puzzles, problem-solving, and mystery, this series is a great choice.

Dystopian fiction with nonstop action—this series hooks kids who love a gripping mystery. Thomas wakes up in a giant maze with no memory of how he got there, and each twist in the story makes it harder to trust anyone. My son raced through this series, eager to piece together the truth behind the maze. Be warned—it’s a bit darker than Percy Jackson, but for kids who love high-stakes thrillers, it’s perfect.

I originally picked this series up because of the name Nicholas Flamel (yes, the same one mentioned in Harry Potter), but it turned out to be one of the most exciting fantasy series for kids. It blends real-world history, mythology, and magic in a way that makes kids curious to learn more. The action is fast-paced, and the twin protagonists, Sophie and Josh, make the adventure relatable for young readers.

Tolkien’s stories are timeless, and while The Lord of the Rings might be a bit dense for some 12 year olds, The Hobbit is a great place to start. My son loved Bilbo’s reluctant hero journey, and the sense of adventure is perfect for kids who enjoy epic fantasy. If your child is ready for a deeper, more immersive world, this series will keep them hooked for weeks.

It’s hard to find a kid who hasn’t at least heard of Harry Potter, but if your child hasn’t read the books yet, now is the perfect time. Beyond the magic and adventure, these books tackle real-life themes—friendship, bravery, and finding where you belong. My son read them straight through and then started over again. If you’re unsure where to start with fantasy, this is always a great bet.

If your child prefers graphic novels or something with a little humor, this series is a fantastic pick. It follows Jack, a kid living in a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies and monsters—but instead of being terrified, he turns it into an adventure. The writing is funny, the illustrations help break up the text, and it’s perfect for kids who like Diary of a Wimpy Kid but want something with more action.

My son went through a phase where he just wanted funny books, and this series delivered. Rafe is a middle schooler who always finds himself in trouble—mostly because of his own wild ideas. The books are packed with humor, doodles, and plenty of mischief, making them great for kids who might not love reading but still want a good laugh.

If your child enjoys solving puzzles, riddles, and cracking codes, this book is a perfect fit. A group of kids is recruited for a top-secret mission, and each one has their own unique skills. My son loved trying to figure out the twists before the characters did. It’s like a mix of a classic mystery novel and a brain teaser in one.

This book is a modern classic for a reason. Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention camp where the kids are forced to dig holes all day, but there’s more to it than punishment—there’s a mystery hidden beneath the desert. My son loved the way the past and present stories intertwined, and the mix of humor, adventure, and mystery made it one of his favorites.

If your child enjoys action-packed thrillers, this book delivers. Greyson, a 12 year old orphan, thinks he’s heading to a normal summer camp—but it turns out to be a secret training ground for a high-stakes mission. It’s full of twists, espionage, and survival skills, making it perfect for kids who love fast-paced stories with a bit of danger.

This one surprised me. It’s about a boy named Jack who has a rare condition that forces him to avoid sunlight. When his scientist father disappears, Jack uses his unique ability to jump between shadows to uncover the truth. My son was hooked from the start—there’s mystery, action, and a great friendship at the heart of the story.

One of the best survival stories ever written for kids. Brian, a 13-year-old, crashes in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a hatchet and has to learn how to survive alone. The book is intense and realistic, and my son couldn’t stop talking about how Brian figured things out. If your child loves adventure, this is a must-read.

This book is historical fiction at its best. It follows a girl named Lizzie in WWII Germany, whose family takes in an orphaned elephant from a zoo. As they flee the bombings, they have to keep the elephant hidden while finding safety. It’s a deeply emotional story, but my son found it fascinating, especially because it’s based on real events.

For Marvel fans, this is a great way to get into reading. It follows a young Loki before he becomes the villain we know from the movies, exploring his struggle with identity and belonging. My son loved how it showed Loki’s cleverness and mischief, and it made him want to read more mythology-based stories.

This book is a little more mature but perfect for 12 year olds who are ready for deeper themes. Ponyboy’s story of friendship, loyalty, and class struggles still resonates decades after it was written. My son found it a bit different from his usual reads, but by the end, he really connected with the characters. It’s an unforgettable book.

This book tells two parallel stories—one about Salva, a boy fleeing war in Sudan, and the other about Nya, a girl walking miles every day just to get water. It’s eye-opening and inspiring, and my son had so many questions after reading it. If you want a book that sparks discussion and builds empathy, this is a fantastic choice.

Sam, a twelve year old, runs away to live in the Catskill Mountains, where he learns how to survive on his own. This book made my son want to learn outdoor survival skills, and he loved the idea of living in nature. If your child enjoys stories about independence and adventure, they’ll be hooked.

This beautifully written mystery follows Crow, a girl who was found floating in a boat as a baby. Now 12, she’s trying to uncover the truth about where she came from. It has the perfect mix of adventure, mystery, and emotional depth. My son was drawn to the suspense and the sense of discovery woven through the story.

This is one of those books that sticks with you forever. It follows Billy, a boy who works hard to buy and train two hunting dogs, and the bond they share through triumph and heartbreak. My son was completely drawn into the story, and while it’s an emotional read, it’s also a powerful one about loyalty, perseverance, and love.

A haunting and thought-provoking book set during World War II, told through the innocent eyes of Bruno, a German boy who befriends a Jewish boy inside a concentration camp. This one led to some deep conversations in our house. While it’s a heavy read, it’s an important one that helps kids understand history in a way that feels real and personal.

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If your child prefers humor and adventure, this book is a great pick. It follows Henry, a city kid sent to a survival camp in the woods—only for things to take a disastrous turn. Think action-packed moments mixed with ridiculous comedy. My son laughed out loud reading this one, and it’s great for kids who enjoy books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid but want something with more excitement.

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This one was an instant hit in our house. It’s about a group of kids who sign up for an escape room challenge, only to realize the stakes are way higher than they expected. It’s fast-paced, full of twists, and keeps you guessing until the end. If your child enjoys mysteries or thrillers, they’ll love this one.

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Not every book has to be fiction! This one is packed with practical advice for growing up, covering everything from handling friendships to learning basic cooking skills. My son actually found it interesting (which I wasn’t expecting), and it led to some good conversations about real-life situations. A great pick for kids starting to crave independence.

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My son loves survival stories, and this book feeds that interest in a fun way. It’s full of real-life tips for everything from dealing with natural disasters to handling embarrassing moments at school. The format makes it easy to skim, and it’s perfect for kids who love practical, hands-on knowledge.

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This book is a mix of real-life stories about kids dealing with school, friendships, family, and growing up. Some are funny, some are inspiring, and some are emotional, but all of them are relatable. My son wasn’t sure about it at first, but once he started reading, he kept coming back to different stories. It’s a great one to read in small pieces.