Hey there, fellow bookworms and parents on the lookout for captivating reads! If you’re in search of the perfect chapter books for boys aged 9-12, you’re in the right place. I know that choosing the perfect book can sometimes be a challenge, but that’s what I’m here to help with!
What makes these recommendations so special? Well, they’ve been carefully considered by a young book lover (AKA my son 😅) right in this age group! You might already know that all 3 of my children are book addicts connoisseurs… Who better to guide you through the adventurous realms, fantastic plots, and captivating characters than a boy who’s been there and read that?!?
In this blog post, we’re diving into a world of fantasy, packed with thrilling adventures, brave (and funny!) heroes, and suspenseful stories that will keep your own young reader turning the pages.
So, get ready to embark on a fun journey that combines laughs, thrills, excitement, and the joy of reading. It’s time to discover the best chapter books for boys aged 9 to12!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
Reading recommendations for kids
My children have always been avid book-readers and it’s a rare day around here when I don’t find them lying in bed with a book in front of their nose! Obviously, not all kids are as addicted to reading as my bookworms are, which is why we love sharing book ideas to inspire you and your own children.
Naturally, the book series here recommended for young readers is a guide and parents should always choose what is appropriate content for their kids.
In case you’re looking for even more kids’ book ideas, check out these other blog posts also written by my kids! 👇👇👇
📖 Book series for boys aged 6-9
📖 Book series for girls aged 6-9
📖 Book series for girls aged 9-12
📖 More book series for tween girls aged 9-12
But for now, let the adventures and laugh for your little guy begin with these brilliant book series for 9 to 12 year olds!
Fun action & adventure chapter book series for boys aged 9 to 12
“Wings of Fire” by Tui Sutherland
The “Wings of Fire” book series by Tui Sutherland is a must-read for those who love epic dragon adventures! There are currently 15 books in this series, divided into 3 ‘arcs’ each following particular ‘dragonets’ (young dragons) as they each attempt in their own way to solve major conflicts threatening their dragon world. If these 15 books aren’t enough, there are also several Wings of Fire short stories published to keep your young reader busy!
Master 10 says: “This book series is often thrilling and great for dragon fans and adventurers. The series starts with 3 daughters of the Sandwings Queen. After their mother unexpectedly dies, Burn, Blister and Blaze start a war alongside almost all of the other dragon clans. But there is still hope. A rebel group of dragons want to make the dragon Prophesy come true. But Burn destroys one of the eggs of the Prophesy. What happens next?“
“Mob Squad” by Delilah S. Dawson
In the perfect village of Cornucopia safety and fitting in are paramount. Unless you are one of the Mob Squad kids who are the outsiders who don’t fit in and dream of adventure. And adventure is what they get when mysterious creatures enter the village and the Mob Squad find themselves out in the big scary world trying to save their village! There are 3 books in this “Mob Squad” series by Delilah S. Dawson.
Master 10 says: “This book series plays out in Minecraft. The series is very exciting and sometimes really funny and makes me laugh. My favourite characters are Tok (a person) because he is really smart and good at crafting and Thingy (a pig) because he is funny and a pig! The stories are about 4 children who live in a village surrounded by a wall. One day a grey creature with wings flies through the wall and destroys the harvest. The children sneak out of the village to stop the creature and have many big adventures. Not only for Minecrafter.“
“Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior” by Cube Kid
In the 6-book “Diary of an 8-bit Warrior” series, the young protagonist Runt want to be more than just a regular Minecraft villager. He wants to be a warrior, just like his hero Steve. Follow Runt in his daily adventures and trials in his Minecraft village and the world beyond as he discovers his own inner hero. Tip: Volume 7 in this series is due to be released in 2024!
Master 10 says: “Laugh out loud funny book series with some action. Runt the villager in Minecratia wants to become a warrior. Steve the adventurer helps him train a bit with a wooden sword. The school delivers a message: the 5 best students have the chance to become warriors. Runt is really motivated to be chosen. With his best friend Stump, he makes plans to be one of the 5 best students. But 499 other students also want to be warriors… How can Runt save the village?”
“GameKnight999” by Mark Overton
In the “GameKnight999” series Tommy, an avid Minecraft player, finds himself unexpectedly IN the Minecraft world. There he finds the people are not players but actually exisiting and fighting real monsters and more! Tommy finds himself no longer attacking villagers but helping them fight all sorts of evil enemies and trying to save the (Over-)world.
Master 10 says: “The main character is Tommy, a boy who is a griefer. A griefer is a Minecrafter who attacks other players and villagers in the Minecraft world. Tommy’s dad is often away for his job selling his inventions that don’t always work. Tommy accidentally makes one of his dad’s inventions work and gets pulled into a real Minecraft world where he helps the villagers that he had attacked not long ago to fight the monsters and Herobrine (a bad guy). Is Gameknight999 really a player-who-isn’t-a-player? If he and his friends can save Minecraft you’ll see in the 6 small book series.”
“Beast Quest” by Adam Blade
There are a mind-blowing number of books in this series (currently over 140!) that will keep your reader busy for endless hours! With each new book Tom must battle ever more extravagant and fantastical beasts and mighty wizards that are threatening the land of Avantia. Can he save Avantia from these never-ending dangers?
Master 10 says: “Tom and his friend Elenna need to defeat LOTS of beasts, whether it’s on Avantia or in other kingdoms like Henkrall. But they often have other obstacles to deal with too, whether it’s an evil magician or bad weather. The 2 heroes never give up. This exciting book series guarantees to keep you holding your breath. Every book is full of action and beasts. I like the heroes, but I like the beasts more!”
More book series that tween boys say are awesome
Here are a few more book recommendations for 9 to 12 years olds, including several for my German-speaking friends!
The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris (available in both English and German)
School of Talents by Silke Schellhammer (available only on German)
Bitte nicht öffnen by Charlotte Habersack (available in German only)
Krypto by Hans Jorgen Sandnes (available in German and loads of other languages but unfortunately not English 😥)
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (available in English and German)
Die geheime Drachenschule (available only in German)
In the world of brilliant chapter books for boys aged 9-12, endless adventures await. With these recommendations, you can help to encourage a lifelong love of books and create cherished memories with your young guy. Happy reading!
Psst! Did you notice that funky bone-shaped, colourful pillow my little guy loves having close by when he’s reading? It’s great for neck support, leaning a book against, or just generally snuggling with! You can easily sew your own too with this reading bone pillow pattern!
Have you got any other fabulous book recommendations? Share them with our community in the comments below!
