31 Chapter Books for PreTeens Ages 8-12

Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland

Kaitlyn and McKenna were both completely obsessed with this series as preteens. Brinley also really enjoyed it. This is great for people who love fantasy books. Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland follows five dragonets—Clay, Tsunami, Glory, Starflight, and Sunny—who are prophesied to end a devastating war between dragon tribes. As they grow and learn their powers, they face challenges, betrayals, and unexpected alliances. The story explores themes of friendship, destiny, and identity, as each dragonet must choose their own path while unraveling secrets about their pasts. With rich world-building and thrilling action, the series delves into the complexities of war, loyalty, and the quest for peace.

This was Brayden’s favorite as a 12 year old. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann is a dystopian fantasy novel set in the land of Quill, where creativity is banned, and children are sorted into categories based on their skills. Those labeled as “Unwanted” are sent to their deaths, but instead, they are transported to a hidden magical land. Here, they discover they possess powerful creative abilities and are trained to use their talents. The story follows Alex, an Unwanted, who navigates his new life while facing the oppressive regime of Quill, and the looming danger of a battle that could change everything.

A great follow-up for the Percy Jackson fans. If your children enjoyed Percy Jackson, have them read this next! Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan is a five-book series that follows a group of demigods, including Jason, Piper, Leo, Annabeth, Percy, and others, as they navigate the challenges of prophecy and impending war between Greek and Roman gods. The group embarks on dangerous quests to stop the earth goddess Gaea from rising and destroying the world. As they uncover secrets, build alliances, and face numerous trials, they must learn to trust each other and unite the Greek and Roman camps to save humanity from a cataclysmic fate. The series blends mythology, adventure, and humor.

My tweens all loved all of the Brandon Mull books and this was no exception. Five Kingdoms by Brandon Mull follows Cole Randolph, a 12-year-old boy who is transported to a magical world called the Five Kingdoms after being kidnapped at a Halloween party. In this world, people are sorted into different kingdoms based on their abilities. Cole must navigate this strange realm with the help of new friends, including a girl named Jenna and a boy named Dalton, as they face dangerous enemies. Cole’s goal is to find a way to escape and rescue his friends, all while uncovering secrets about the Five Kingdoms and his own hidden powers.

A must-have for any book list. This is Kaitlyn’s favorite series. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling follows the life of a young boy, Harry, who discovers on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he forms close friendships with Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Over seven years, Harry learns about his past, including the truth about the dark wizard Voldemort, who killed his parents. As Voldemort returns to power, Harry must confront him, ultimately defeating him in a battle between good and evil, while uncovering themes of friendship, loyalty, courage, and the power of love.

This is a great fantasy book series. It isn’t one we own, but a good read. The Sorcerer’s Ring by Morgan Rice is the first book in a fantasy series that follows the journey of 16-year-old Gwendolyn, an orphaned farm girl, who discovers her destiny as the Chosen One, destined to wield powerful magic. After her village is attacked, she embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover her true heritage and her magical abilities. Along the way, she forms alliances with a group of unlikely heroes and faces trials that test her strength, courage, and heart. The story blends adventure, magic, and self-discovery, setting the stage for a larger epic.

This is one for a child who loves to read about World War 2. McKenna has always loved books set in that time and absolutely loves this book. I find it to be a really good read, also. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is set in Nazi Germany during World War II and follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl living with foster parents in a small town. Liesel steals books and shares them with others, including her neighbors and the Jewish man hidden in their basement, Max. Narrated by Death, the novel explores themes of loss, love, and the power of words. As Liesel faces personal and collective tragedies, her connection to books becomes a source of solace and resistance in a world filled with fear and destruction.

This is a great series Brayden has read several times. McKenna and Brinley have both really enjoyed it also. Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evans follows the story of a 14-year-old boy, Michael, who has special electrical powers. Diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome, Michael lives a quiet life, until he befriends a girl named Taylor and uncovers a secret group of teens with similar powers. Together, they face off against the sinister Elgen Corporation, led by a powerful man named Dr. Hatch. As Michael learns about his abilities, he must confront personal challenges, battle evil forces, and protect his friends, all while discovering his true potential in a fight for survival and justice.

This is a fun series to read, but it is written by multiple authors. I think that has led to some lack of consistency. Still a fun read at least once, but I wouldn’t buy it unless you find your child absolutely LOVES it. Spirit Animals is a fantasy book series by various authors, set in the world of Erdas, where children discover a mystical connection with spirit animals that grant them unique powers. Each child, called a “Greencloak,” is chosen by their animal spirit and must join forces with others to protect their world from the evil Conquerors. The series follows four main protagonists—Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan—whose animal companions help them navigate challenges, confront dangers, and unravel an ancient mystery. Together, they battle dark forces threatening Erdas, forging alliances and discovering the power of teamwork and loyalty.

This is a great historical fiction series. Each book is a standalone. We have purchased all of these and our kids have learned a lot more about historical events than they would have otherwise! The I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis follows young protagonists as they experience historical disasters and challenges. Each book focuses on a different event, such as natural disasters, wars, and shipwrecks, often through the eyes of a child who must navigate life-threatening situations. The series is designed to educate young readers about history while providing thrilling, suspenseful narratives. Through courage, resourcefulness, and perseverance, the characters survive and grow, offering an inspiring and educational look at real-world events from a child’s perspective. The series has been widely praised for its engaging storytelling and historical accuracy.

This is a fun series for horse lovers who are also interested in fantasy books. Kaitlyn absolutely loved these when she was a young preteen. The Unicorn’s Secret series by Kathleen Duey follows the adventures of a young girl named Jessie, who discovers a mystical unicorn named Moonlight in a hidden, enchanted forest. Set in a world where humans and magical creatures coexist, Jessie learns about the secret world of unicorns, the bond between humans and unicorns, and her own destiny. Throughout the series, Jessie embarks on journeys to protect Moonlight and other magical beings, facing challenges and uncovering truths about her heritage, courage, and the fate of the unicorns in a world threatened by dark forces.

Brinley enjoyed Percy Jackson so much and grew to love mythology. Since she enjoyed those things, we got this book for her for this last Christmas. She liked it! Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan follows Ana Dakkar, a high school freshman at the prestigious Harding-Pencroft Academy, a school for future marine scientists and explorers. After a tragic event leaves her orphaned, Ana discovers her mysterious heritage as the descendant of Captain Nemo. She must navigate a dangerous underwater world, uncover hidden secrets, and face rival schools seeking powerful technology. As Ana’s courage and resourcefulness are tested, she learns to embrace her legacy and lead her team in a high-stakes adventure, blending science, history, and mythology.

Brinley loves animals and loves to read books about animals. I knew this would be a big hit for her. An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo is a historical novel set during World War II. It follows the story of Lizzie and her family, who are living in Nazi-occupied Germany. After their zoo is bombed, they rescue an elephant named Marlene. As they journey through war-torn Germany to escape the danger, Lizzie’s grandmother tells her the story of their adventure. The novel highlights themes of bravery, hope, and the bond between humans and animals, with a deep emotional resonance, showing how kindness and compassion can survive even in the darkest times.

McKenna absolutely loves historical fiction. When she was a tween, this was onf of her favorites (and she will still read it over and over today). If your child likes historical fiction, Gratz has a lot of great books. Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz follows the harrowing journey of Yanek, a Jewish boy in Poland during World War II. After Nazi forces invade, Yanek is sent to a concentration camp, where he survives multiple atrocities, including forced labor and death marches. Throughout his ordeal, Yanek’s resilience and hope keep him alive as he endures dehumanization, loss, and brutality. The story is inspired by the true experiences of Holocaust survivor Jack Gruener, offering a gripping account of survival and the human spirit amidst the horrors of the Holocaust.

This was one of my favorite books of all time and all of my kids have enjoyed it, also. Dahl is a great author to turn to when you are looking for a book for your child to read. Matilda by Roald Dahl tells the story of a brilliant young girl named Matilda Wormwood, who is often overlooked and mistreated by her neglectful parents. Despite her extraordinary intelligence and love for reading, she faces cruelty from her school headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. With the help of her kind teacher Miss Honey, Matilda discovers she has telekinetic powers. Using her abilities, she stands up to Miss Trunchbull, ultimately bringing justice and transforming her life. The novel is a heartwarming tale of resilience, empowerment, and the triumph of good over evil.