10+ Best Adventure Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape for your 13-year-old? Dive into our latest blog where we explore the thrilling world of Adventure Books for 13-Year-olds. Whether they love quests filled with mystery or journeys brimming with action, we've curated a variety of captivating reads that are sure to keep them glued to the pages. Keep reading to discover our top picks for adventure books that will ignite their imagination and adventure spirit!

Fun Adventure Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: After a plane crash, thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson must survive alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a hatchet—a gift from his mother.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping survival story that showcases resilience and ingenuity, perfect for encouraging problem-solving and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and survival story enthusiasts.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, captures a fairy and demands a ransom to restore his family's fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines magic, technology, and crime in a unique way that keeps readers hooked. It's great for sparking imagination and interest in reading.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and high-tech adventures.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is thrust into a world of Greek mythology where he must prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting introduction to Greek mythology, woven into a modern-day setting, encouraging both educational and leisure reading.
  • Perfect for: Mythology lovers and those who enjoy fast-paced, fantastical plots.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a city built to sustain humanity for only 200 years, two teenagers discover clues that could lead them out of their decaying city before the lights go out forever.
  • Why we recommend this book: Offers a thrilling mystery and a thought-provoking look at society and sustainability.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction and solving mysteries.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission to infiltrate a mysterious school and uncover its sinister plans.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, teamwork, and the power of individuality, wrapped up in an intriguing mystery.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles, mysteries, and teamwork challenges.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, eerie, and heartwarming tale of growth and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a strong sense of heart and character development.

Educational Adventure Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: Four children are stranded in the Amazon jungle after a plane crash and must find their way to civilization with the help of a mysterious map.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geography, survival skills, teamwork, and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling survival story that emphasizes courage, friendship, and discovery in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and readers who love nature and adventure.

• The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 19th century, this novel follows a young boy on a perilous journey aboard The Boundless, the longest and most luxurious train ever built.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, technological advancements of the era, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines history with suspense and adventure, providing a captivating narrative that also educates about the railway's impact on North America.
  • Perfect for: Fans of history and thrilling train adventures.

• Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In ancient times, a boy named Torak and his wolf companion must journey through the dangerous wilderness to defeat a demon that threatens their world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical understanding of tribal cultures, nature awareness, and the importance of loyalty and bravery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging blend of history, fantasy, and adventure that offers a vivid look at prehistoric times.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, nature, and epic journeys.

• Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, Eska, a girl who has lost her voice, and Flint, a young inventor, embark on a quest to defeat the evil Ice Queen and save their world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, bravery, and the power of friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical story that teaches about resilience, the importance of voice, and standing up against tyranny.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical adventures and heroic tales.

• Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms by Katherine Rundell
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Wilhelmina Silver's world is turned upside down when she is sent from her beloved wild African farm to a boarding school in London, where she must find her place and her strength.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural adaptation, resilience, and self-discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully portrays the journey of adapting to new environments while maintaining one's unique spirit.
  • Perfect for: Readers who face or fear big changes and those who love stories of strong, spirited characters.

Challenging Adventure Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly utopian society where everyone conforms to rules and emotions are suppressed, twelve-year-old Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories. He learns about pain and pleasure of the real world outside his community's boundaries.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes like conformity, control, and the loss of individuality, which are profound and thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking about societal norms and personal freedoms, which is vital during the formative years.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and exploring philosophical questions.

• Airman by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Conor Broekhart was born to fly; or, more accurately, born flying in a hot air balloon at the Paris World's Fair. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is accused of a crime he didn’t commit and must escape from prison to clear his name.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is rich in historical detail and complex plot twists that require careful reading and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale of adventure and ingenuity, filled with detailed descriptions of aerial engineering and early flight.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and history buffs who dream of high-flying adventures.

• Sabriel by Garth Nix
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sabriel, a young necromancer, must venture into the dangerous Old Kingdom to find her missing father, battling the Dead and other sinister forces with her magical bells.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex magical system and mature themes involving death and resurrection, demanding a higher level of maturity and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a strong female protagonist and a well-constructed fantasy world, ideal for readers looking to immerse themselves in a detailed and unique magical system.
  • Perfect for: Fans of high fantasy and strong, capable heroines.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, can "read" fictional characters into life. One of these characters abducts them to fulfill a dark prophecy, and Meggie must learn to harness the magic that has turned their lives upside down.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves multiple storylines and a large cast of characters, requiring readers to keep track of complex interactions and plot developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of books and the joys of reading, wrapped in a captivating fantasy adventure.
  • Perfect for: Book lovers and young readers who enjoy stories about magical adventures and other worlds.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua, a young girl, embarks on a journey to the Arctic in search of her kidnapped friend and uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and a mysterious substance called Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as theology, philosophy, and science, intertwined with a richly detailed plot and elaborate world-building.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also challenges readers to think deeply about issues of freedom and human nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy epic tales and exploring deep, philosophical questions within a fantasy context.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Adventure books can whisk you away to exotic lands, thrilling escapades, and heart-pounding quests, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook. For 13-year-olds, these books not only provide entertainment but also improve reading skills and expand vocabularies. Here are some exercises designed to enhance your reading habits while diving into the world of adventure books:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading habit and builds discipline.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Use a Reading Timer
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific amount of time for reading without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Encourages focused reading sessions and reduces distractions.
  • Tips: Use a simple kitchen timer or a timer app to keep track of your reading time.

• Map the Adventure
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story’s setting or plot as you read.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the story details.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils and a large sheet of paper to make it more engaging.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and analysis of the story.
  • Tips: Try to bring up different viewpoints or predictions about the story’s progression.

• Write a Book Review
  • What it is: Write a short review summarizing what you liked and didn’t like about the book.
  • How it helps: Helps with critical thinking and expressing your thoughts clearly.
  • Tips: Post your review online on platforms like Goodreads or share it with your school library.

• Create a Bookmark
  • What it is: Design and create your own bookmark related to the theme of the book.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more personal and fun.
  • Tips: Use craft supplies like markers, stickers, and ribbons to make your bookmark unique.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can make exploring adventure books even more exciting and rewarding. Not only will they enhance your reading skills, but they'll also deepen your engagement with the stories you read. So, grab your next adventure book, and let's set sail into the thrilling seas of reading!