You will find everything from the oh-so-famous Harry Potter, to a couple of classics, to one of our favorite graphic novels. All of these book series for 9 – 12 year old boys are page turners.
They are packed with excitement and in all of them at least one of the main characters is a boy.
Best of all these are boy approved selections. I used to run a boys book club and also worked at a middle school library so I do know what boys like and what they will actually read.
These books are all excellent! They hit a lot of the important things that will get boys reading such as excitement, good character development, stories that make them want to turn the page and even go on to the next book in the series.
Try getting a few of these book series for boys and see which one your boy likes best.
This post may contain affiliate links which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. All opinions are our own and we share things we think would be of interest to boys.
Book Series for 9 – 12 Year Old Boys
Mystery Book Series for 9 – 12 Year Old Boys
I read all of the books in the The Mysterious Benedict Society series and I really enjoyed them.
It begins with an unusual letter and a mysterious mission – exciting! The kids in the book are each highly intelligent in their own way. Unusual and unique series not to be missed.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart – 1
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey – 2The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma – 3The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict – 4
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Time Travel Book Series for Boys 9 – 12 Years Old
In A Wrinkle in Time a girl, a boy, a missing father and a mysterious stranger who speaks of a tesseract. Thus begins a quest through space in this wonderous classic book series
A Wrinkle in Time – 1A Wind in the Door – 2A Swiftly Tilting Planet – 3Many Waters – 4An Acceptable Time – 5
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Fantasy Book Series for 9 – 12 Year Old Boys
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia Series) is another classic set of books that deserve attention. Step through the wardrobe to adventures one could only begin to imagine.
Written in the early 50’s these books have endured and are as enjoyable today as they were back then. The order in which to read these books is at question. Some start with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe while others start with the The Magician’s Nephew. This website covers the two different reading orders.
The Magician’s Nephew – 1The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – 2 The Horse and His Boy – 3Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia – 4The Voyage of the Dawn Treader – 5 The Silver Chair – 6The Last Battle – 7
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The series starts with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and moves on through the exciting story of Harry and his friends as they grow up and work to defeat he who must not be named.
The stories do get quite a bit darker as the kids grow up. It was tough to decide which post I should put this series into. It spans quite a few age groups.
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone – 1Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – 2Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban – 3Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire – 4 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – 5 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – 6Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – 7Harry Potter Hard Cover Boxed Set: 1-7
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There is plenty of action and enough humor to keep everyone who reads this series quite happy. This is another series which can be read more than one way – by publication date or in chronological order.
The author (and I) recommend reading them in the order they were written. I have shown the first 6 books. There are 20+ books which should keep those who like Redwall happy for a long, long time!
Redwall – 1Mossflower – 2Mattimeo – 3Mariel of Redwall – 4Salamandastron – 5Martin the Warrior- 6
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The Amulet of Samarkand – 1The Golem’s Eye – 2Ptolemy’s Gate – 3
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Comedy, Dark Humor Book Series for Boys Age 9 – 12
The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (Series of Unfortunate Events) is crazy popular for both its humor and its darkish plot.
A book that starts with the children’s parents dying in a fire isn’t really sunny and happy now is it? Follow the orphans through their sorry tale of woe where although they are quite nice indeed they have a series of terrible (or unfortunate) things happen to them.
The Bad Beginning – 1The Reptile Room – 2The Wide Window – 3The Miserable Mill – 4The Austere Academy – 5The Ersatz Elevator – 6The Vile Village – 7The Hostile Hospital – 8The Carnivorous Carnival – 9The Slippery Slope – 10The Grim Grotto – 11The Penultimate Peril – 12The End – 13The Complete Wreck Books 1-13
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Mythology, Adventure Book Series for 9 – 12 Year Old Boys
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series) has been a big hit and I know of one boy who read through the series so fast that his mom was completely shocked because he had not read chapter books before.
The series starts with Percy at boarding school and his algebra teacher may have just turned into a monster and tried to kill him. Super for fans of greek myth and mythology this series is a winner for boys 9 and up.
The Lightning Thief: Exclusive – 1The Sea of Monsters – 2The Titan’s Curse – 3The Battle of the Labyrinth – 4The Last Olympian- 5Hardcover 5 Book Boxed Set
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Adventure Book Series for Boys Age 9 – 12
The Outcasts (The Brotherband Chronicles) written by the same author as The Ranger’s Apprentice (for info on that series see our 9 Thrilling Book Series for Teen Boys That They Won’t Be Able to Put Down) writes this exciting series that is good for younger boys. Skandians, Wolves and Sharks – bands that fight against each other. Training, friendship, tests and battles all lead to a good set of books.
The Outcasts- 1The Invaders- 2The Hunters- 3Slaves of Socorro – 4Scorpion Mountain – 5The Ghostfaces – 6
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The False Prince (Ascendence Trilogy) has no magic in it but is instead a book based on politics and a kingdom close to civil war. A search for a puppet prince leads to the main character who has to stay on his toes while surrounded by danger, lies and a whole lot of action.
The False Prince – 1The Runaway King – 2The Shadow Throne – 3
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Science Fiction Book Series for Boys
The City of Ember is an interesting debut to The Book of Ember series. Long ago the city of Ember was built as a refuge for humans after a holocaust-type situation. It was their last hope.
But now the lights begin to flicker and the two main characters, one boy and one girl who are both 12-years-old, need to figure out how to escape – in order to survive.
The City of Ember – 1The People of Sparks – 2The Prophet of Yonwood – 3The Diamond of Darkhold – 4
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Graphic Novel Book Series for Age 9 – 12 Boys
Mouse Guard : Fall 1152 – Book 1
Mouse Guard : Fall 1152 (Mouse Guard Series) is the first in a 3-book graphic novel series that I can’t say enough good things about.
The series is exciting and it is beautifully illustrated.
We read this series so many times! I think your boys will really enjoy it!
Actually, this is one series that we wish was much, much longer. Highly Recommended!
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Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 – Book 2Mouse Guard: The Black Axe – Book 3
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p.s. You can also check out The Legends of the Guard Volume 1, Volume 2, and Volume 3 after reading the series. They are companion books written by guest author/illustrators.
Well, there you have it, the very best book series for 9 – 12 year old boys.
If we missed a series that your boy thinks should go on this list, just leave a comment. We always enjoy hearing from you.
If you like this be sure to check out:
Jennifer
Monday 2nd of March 2020
There is a book series I read as a kid, and I am hoping one of y’all will recognize it, because I cannot remember the title or author.
It was along the lines of something by Judy Blume or Beverly Cleary. A boy ( probably aged 9-12) started out s a very whiny character, but matured. I specifically remember him coming home from school to an empty house, practicing his trumpet, then having an afterschool snack (which was portion controlled because he was pudgy and wanted to lose weight). I think he had trouble making friends, and that his mom being at work rather than home with him was a new thing.
I’m guessing this book was set in the 60’s or 70’s but I’m not positive.
Sheila P
Tuesday 6th of October 2020
Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary maybe?
Sheila Rogers
Saturday 21st of March 2020
I tried all of my resources but was unable to find a book fitting your description. I hope by posting it here, someone will be able to help you find it.
Mariko
Wednesday 5th of June 2019
Wow, I’m glad I found your site! My bookworm 10 year old son devours book series and I’ve been struggling to come up with new series to try. He has enjoyed 9 of the series you mentioned, and I will suggest the rest of them! I will need to check out your other lists, too!
Sheila Rogers
Wednesday 26th of June 2019
I'm so happy to hear that! I hope you enjoy taking a look at the other lists we have. I am working on additional book lists for boys in this age range as well. I would suggest Best Books for 10 Year Old Boys to start. Thanks much for stopping by and for your nice comment!
Natasha
Sunday 30th of September 2018
After we trad Harry Potter the next series that was similar fantasy wise was Fablehaven! What a fantastic series that is absolutely worth mentioning! I was as hooked as my boy!
Sheila Rogers
Monday 1st of October 2018
Hi Natasha,
Thanks for the suggestion! I love that you both read the series. So wonderful <3
~Sheila
Trudie
Friday 24th of August 2018
So pleased to have found your site and your book lists for boys! Thank-you! One series we have thoroughly enjoyed is the Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers. It starts with the Bark of the Bog Owl.
Sheila Rogers
Friday 24th of August 2018
Hi Trudie! Thanks so much for your suggestion. I am excited to check this series out. Happy to have you here, and I am glad you are enjoying the book lists! ~Sheila
Beth
Thursday 12th of April 2018
Thank you for the list - some of these are already favorites, and now we are looking forward to reading the others. My kids have also loved the "Little Britches" series by Ralph Moody, as a read-aloud or on their own!
Sheila Rogers
Wednesday 18th of April 2018
Thank you for your recommendation Beth. I am glad you found some favorites on the list.