Thriller books have become increasingly popular with readers of all ages, including tweens and young adults. Thriller books feature suspenseful plots and thrilling adventures that young readers can’t get enough of. For those looking to start their tweens off on the right foot with their reading, we’ve compiled a list of the best thriller books for 12 year olds. These books feature exciting, action-packed stories and memorable characters that will keep your 12 year old engaged and entertained. So, if you’re looking for an exciting book to get your tween hooked on reading, check out this list!
Best Thriller Books For 12 Year Olds
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
The Girl with the Silver Eyes
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Greyson Gray: Camp Legend (The Greyson Gray Series)
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Asylum 3-Book Box Set: Asylum, Sanctum, Catacomb
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Inspired
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Doglands
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Nightshade (Alex Rider)
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
The Golden Compass / The Subtle Knife / The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials)
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Trapped in a Video Game (Book 1) (Volume 1)
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
The Girl in the Picture
|
7. 2
|
1. Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two
Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two is an inspiring and informative look into a lesser known part of World War Two history. The book follows the story of Ned Begay, a Navajo man who is recruited by the Marines to join their elite Code Talkers unit. The Code Talkers were a group of Navajo Marines whose native language was used to encode messages during the war. Ned’s story of his experience in the Marines is riveting and filled with emotion, as he is faced with not only the horrors of battle but also cultural alienation within the military ranks. In addition to Ned’s story, the book also brings to light lesser-known facts about the Navajo Code Talkers and their legacy. The author does a great job of weaving together history and personal narrative to create a compelling and valuable read. I highly recommend Code Talker to readers who are looking to gain a better understanding of a little-discussed part of World War Two history.
- Historical fiction novel based on the true story of the Navajo Marine Corps code talkers during World War Two
- Explores the struggles and triumphs of the Native American Marines as they fight for their country
- Award-winning author Joseph Bruchac’s gripping tale of courage and loyalty
- Provides a deeper understanding of the important role played by the code talkers in the Allied victory
- Educational resource for classes studying World War Two and Native American history
2. The Girl with the Silver Eyes
The Girl with the Silver Eyes is an amazing book about a young girl named Katie whose eyes are an unusual silver color. She discovers that she has special powers and must find out how to use them to help her friends and family. I found the story to be full of adventure, mystery, and excitement. Katie is a strong and likable protagonist who I was rooting for throughout the book. The other characters are also well-developed and compelling. The author did a great job of creating a vivid world that is both familiar and strange at the same time. The Girl with the Silver Eyes is an enjoyable read that is sure to leave readers wanting more. Highly recommended!
- A captivating coming-of-age story about a girl with extraordinary powers.
- Explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and friendship.
- Features an unforgettable cast of characters that are sure to capture readers’ hearts.
- Beautifully written, with vivid descriptions of the characters and world.
- Appealing to readers of all ages, from young adults to adults.
- Will leave readers wanting more.
3. Greyson Gray: Camp Legend (The Greyson Gray Series)
I really enjoyed reading “Greyson Gray: Camp Legend (The Greyson Gray Series).” This was a great book and a great series. The story follows Greyson Gray and his adventures at a summer camp. The characters are lovable and the plot is entertaining and engaging. The writing is excellent and the story is well-paced. The book is filled with exciting twists and turns and plenty of suspense. I love how the book is full of mystery and suspense, as well as adventure and humor. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a fun and exciting read. It’s sure to keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat!
- Fast-paced and action-packed story
- Captivating characters
- Unique plotlines that keep readers engaged
- Explores topics like friendship, loyalty, and courage
- Features Greyson Gray, a kid with a mysterious past
- Full of unexpected twists and turns
4. Asylum 3-Book Box Set: Asylum, Sanctum, Catacomb
I recently read the Asylum 3-Book Box Set: Asylum, Sanctum, and Catacomb, and I absolutely loved it. The story is incredibly engaging, and the characters are so vivid and real. The horror elements throughout the books are particularly effective, as no reader can anticipate what will happen next. The writing is clever and suspenseful, and I found myself glued to the page until I finished all three books. I would highly recommend this box set to any horror fan, as it’s sure to keep you up late into the night with its thrilling plot and intense thrills.
- 3-book box set featuring the Asylum, Sanctum, and Catacomb novels
- Written by Madeleine Roux, a New York Times Bestselling author
- Award-winning horror series
- Spine-tingling tales of mystery and suspense
- Gripping page-turner
- Set in a mental asylum with a cast of characters readers will come to love
- Printed on high-quality paper
5. Inspired
I recently purchased the 5. Inspired Art Kit and I am very pleased with it. The kit includes all the supplies you need to create stunning art projects. The products are of excellent quality and the instructions are easy to understand. The kit also includes a variety of art mediums and tools, which makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced artists. I have been using this kit for a few weeks now and I am amazed at how much I have learned and grown as an artist. I highly recommend the 5. Inspired Art Kit to anyone looking to start a creative journey or expand their art repertoire.
- Designed with high-quality materials for lasting durability
- Features a modern, sleek design
- Easy to install and use
- Offers a variety of customizable settings for optimal performance
- Inspired by nature for a unique and beautiful look
6. Doglands
I just finished reading Doglands by Tim Willocks and it was a great read. The plot was engaging and full of twists and turns. The characters were well-developed and believable. The plot follows the journey of a young boy named Max who is living in a strange, post-apocalyptic world inhabited by dogs. The dogs have evolved over time and are able to communicate with one another and with humans, as well as having their own language. Max is forced to join a pack of dogs, and he quickly learns about the harshness of their world. He also discovers that the world is in danger and must find a way to save it. This book was an exciting read from start to finish and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling adventure story.
format
- Features a large, open-air park for dogs to play and explore
- Features multiple natural and man-made obstacles for dogs to explore and climb
- Safe and secure environment for dogs to roam free
- Provides a variety of fun activities for dogs and their owners, such as agility and Frisbee
- Provides a secure, comfortable place for dogs to rest and relax
- Offers experienced and friendly staff to help and answer questions
7. Nightshade (Alex Rider)
7. Nightshade (Alex Rider) is an action-packed novel that follows the adventures of Alex Rider, a teenage spy for the British government. The book is set in the present day and follows Alex’s mission to infiltrate a terrorist organization and stop them from carrying out their deadly plans. The author, Anthony Horowitz, does an excellent job of creating a suspenseful and thrilling plot. The writing is fast-paced and filled with exciting twists and turns. The characters are well-developed and full of life. The action sequences are intense and well-executed. Overall, 7. Nightshade (Alex Rider) is an entertaining and thrilling read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. I highly recommend this book to fans of espionage and adventure novels.
format
- Adventure novel written by author Anthony Horowitz.
- Tenth installment in the Alex Rider series.
- Set in the United Kingdom and Russia.
- Features protagonist Alex Rider on a mission to stop a terrorist organization.
- Action-packed moments of suspense, intrigue, and danger.
- Themes of identity, loyalty, and courage.
- Includes illustrations by artist Emma Vieceli.
8. The Golden Compass / The Subtle Knife / The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials)
The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass, written by Phillip Pullman, are a gripping, epic trilogy about the struggle between good and evil. These books take readers on a journey through an alternate universe, where Dust particles and daemon animals are commonplace. Pullman creates an incredibly detailed and believable world and his characters are incredibly well-developed and engaging. The story is complex, thrilling and full of suspense, and it will keep readers on their toes as the plot progresses. The series is a classic and a must-read for any fantasy lover. Pullman’s writing style is remarkable – he is able to blend together elements of fantasy, sci-fi, and philosophy, making for an absolutely captivating read. This series is not to be missed, and is a must-read for any fan of fantasy.
- Epic fantasy adventure trilogy
- Themes of courage, good and evil, free will and destiny, truth and falsehood
- Takes place in a multi-world universe
- Explores the nature of relationships between people and their daemons
- Exciting story filled with suspense and action
- Explores the idea of original sin
- Fast-paced, imaginative writing
- Contains elements of science fiction, fantasy, and philosophy
9. Trapped in a Video Game (Book 1) (Volume 1)
This book, 9. Trapped in a Video Game (Book 1) (Volume 1), is an exciting adventure with a lot of action and suspense. The story revolves around Jesse, a twelve-year-old hacker who gets sucked into a virtual reality game. Jesse soon discovers that the world he is stuck in is quite different from his own and he must find a way to escape. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and entertained. The characters are well-developed and believable, making it easy to identify with Jesse’s plight. Overall, this is an enjoyable read and an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. Highly recommended!
- Story of an 11-year-old boy getting trapped inside a video game
- Follows the journey of the boy as he meets new friends and uncovers secrets
- Explores friendship, loyalty, and courage
- First book in a series
- Exciting plot with unexpected twists and turns
- Filled with exciting and suspenseful moments
- Written for middle grade readers
- Available in paperback and digital formats
10. The Girl in the Picture
The Girl in the Picture is an incredible book that I cannot recommend enough. It is an emotional, heartbreaking story about a young Vietnamese girl and her family during the Vietnam War. It is told in a beautiful, poetic fashion that is both captivating and heartbreaking. The story is filled with vivid descriptions of the war, the people affected by it, and the powerful emotions that they experience. It paints a vivid picture of a time and place in history that many of us have never seen before. I found myself completely wrapped up in the story, feeling every emotion along with the characters. This is a must-read for anyone looking for a powerful, emotional story.
- A unique story of family secrets, romance, betrayal, and redemption
- Explores the themes of identity and belonging
- Told through the perspective of two generations of women
- Explores the complex relationships between mothers, daughters, and sisters
- Takes the reader from Vietnam to the United States
- Written by a New York Times bestselling author
- Published in hardcover and paperback editions
- Available as an ebook
- Filled with vivid descriptions of the characters and settings
- Received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal
