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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that combines a love for animals with engaging storytelling? Look no further! Our curated selection of animal books for 13-year-olds is packed with captivating tales that are sure to delight any young reader. Whether your teen is a budding zoologist or just a lover of all things furry and feathered, these books promise to entertain and inspire. Keep reading to discover our top picks in animal books for 13-year-olds!

Fun Animal Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, making complex themes accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers who appreciate stories about friendships and life lessons.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a mall and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages empathy and awareness of animal welfare while captivating readers with its unique narrator and touching narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in animals and those who enjoy stories told from unusual perspectives.

• Watership Down by Richard Adams
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This adventurous tale follows a group of rabbits as they escape their doomed warren and travel across the English countryside, seeking a safe new home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventure with rich, detailed world-building, making it a compelling read that also offers insights into leadership, society, and the environment.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy complex narratives and exploring natural settings.

• Redwall by Brian Jacques
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in a series about the adventures of anthropomorphic animals in the medieval-like setting of Redwall Abbey. The story centers on Matthias, a young mouse who must rise to the challenge to protect his home from an evil rat, Cluny the Scourge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and rich storytelling, providing an immersive escape with strong themes of heroism and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love epic tales and heroic quests, especially those who appreciate detailed animal characters and medieval settings.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This charming story follows Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart, on his quest to save a human princess named Pea.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fairy tale that celebrates bravery and forgiveness, with beautifully crafted characters and a narrative that champions the underdog.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales with a twist and stories of unlikely heroes.

Educational Animal Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: The story follows Roz, a robot who finds herself stranded on a remote, wild island. She must learn to survive and navigate the wilderness, eventually adopting an orphaned gosling.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, problem-solving, adaptation skills, and empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends technology with nature, offering a unique perspective on survival and forming unexpected friendships.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by robotics and nature, and those who love adventure stories with heart.

• Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of the author's experiences owning two pet owls in Saskatchewan, Canada. The owls, Wol and Weeps, become part of the family and the community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of wildlife, empathy for animals, family bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and heartwarming look at the quirks and joys of living with wild pets, offering insights into the behavior of owls.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers, especially those interested in birds, and readers who enjoy family-centered stories.

• Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: The novel centers on Roy, who moves to Florida and becomes involved in a quest to save a colony of burrowing owls from a proposed construction site.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental conservation, activism, social responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and suspense with a serious message about protecting the environment.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and fans of mystery and adventure stories.

• The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This narrative explores the emotional and physical world of octopuses, detailing the author's interactions with these fascinating creatures at the New England Aquarium and in the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Marine biology, empathy for animals, scientific observation
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep, thoughtful look into the lives of octopuses, promoting understanding and appreciation of these often misunderstood animals.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in marine life and those who enjoy scientific exploration with a personal touch.

• My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Sam Gribley runs away from his New York City home to live in the Catskill Mountains, where he learns to live off the land with the help of his pet falcon, Frightful.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Survival skills, independence, connection with nature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of adventure and self-sufficiency that encourages readers to explore and respect the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and nature enthusiasts who dream of living in the wild.

Challenging Animal Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Buck, a domesticated dog who is stolen from his comfortable home and thrust into the harsh environment of the Alaskan Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of survival and transformation, as well as an elevated literary style that includes rich descriptions and historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping narrative that explores the primal instincts within all creatures and the struggle between civilization and the wild.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy intense survival stories and exploring deep themes of nature versus nurture.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This novel is written from the perspective of a horse named Black Beauty, detailing his life from his early days as a colt to his experiences with various owners, both kind and cruel.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex issues such as animal welfare and the impact of human behavior on animals, presented through an unusual narrative perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a moving story that promotes empathy and provides insights into the historical treatment of horses, encouraging kindness to all creatures.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers interested in classic narratives that advocate for ethical treatment of animals.

• White Fang by Jack London
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: This novel is a companion to The Call of the Wild and tells the story of White Fang, a wild wolfdog's journey from wild to domesticated life, exploring themes of survival, trust, and the clash between the natural world and human civilization.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores deep philosophical questions about nature, civilization, and identity through the detailed and sometimes harsh realities of a wolfdog's life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling look at the challenges and changes faced by an animal in different human and wild environments, wrapped in a gripping narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of transformation and the complexities of animal consciousness.

• Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a young Eskimo girl named Miyax, or Julie as she's known in English, who is lost in the Alaskan wilderness and survives with the help of a wolf pack.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines survivalist elements with cultural exploration, presenting complex themes of identity, belonging, and the delicate balance between human and nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a survival tale that also educates about Eskimo customs and the ecology of wolves, providing a unique cultural perspective.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in different cultures, wildlife, and stories of survival against the odds.

• The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of three pets – two dogs and a cat – who embark on a treacherous 300-mile journey across the Canadian wilderness to return to their home.
  • Why this book is challenging: It offers detailed depictions of the challenges faced by the animals, requiring readers to engage with complex themes of loyalty, perseverance, and survival.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure story that also highlights the intelligence and resilience of animals, inspiring respect and empathy for our four-legged friends.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and adventure seekers who enjoy tales of courage and friendship across the animal kingdom.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of animal books and you're around 13 years old, you're in for a treat. Not only are these books fun and engaging, but they can also teach you a lot about empathy, biology, and the environment. To get the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help you develop great reading habits. Let's check them out!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and enhances your focus on the book.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• 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 retention of the content.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or use online platforms to discuss books.

• Vary Your Reading
  • What it is: Mix different types of animal books, from fiction to non-fiction.
  • How it helps: Broadens your perspective and keeps reading exciting.
  • Tips: Choose a different genre every time you finish a book.

• Use Technology Wisely
  • What it is: Utilize e-books, audiobooks, or book-related apps to enhance your reading experience.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more accessible and versatile.
  • Tips: Limit social media use during your reading time to stay focused.

• Reflect on What You Read
  • What it is: Take a few minutes to think about the book after you finish it.
  • How it helps: Helps you connect personally with the story and characters.
  • Tips: Write down your thoughts or discuss them to deepen your understanding.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

These exercises aren't just about making you a better reader; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your life. Give them a try, and see how much more engaging your reading sessions become. Happy reading!