10+ Best Animal Books for 14-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 list of animal books for 14-year-olds is packed with captivating tales that are sure to delight any young reader with a passion for the animal kingdom. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will not only entertain but also inspire a deeper appreciation for our furry, feathered, and finned friends.

Fun Animal Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows a young pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to spare his life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about friendship, love, and the cycle of life, making it a touching read that resonates with young teens.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers who appreciate stories about friendship and survival.

• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Buck, a domestic dog who is kidnapped and sold into the brutal life of an Alaskan sled dog, where he must adapt to survive the harsh wilderness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure that also explores themes of nature versus nurture, survival, and the call of the wild instincts within all creatures.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and those interested in stories about animals overcoming adversity.

• Watership Down by Richard Adams
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A group of rabbits escape their doomed warren and journey to find a new home, facing many dangers along the way. This epic tale explores their adventures, friendships, and struggles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventure with thoughtful reflections on society, leadership, and the environment, making it both entertaining and enlightening.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex narratives and animal protagonists.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, this novel follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall, and his journey to improve the conditions for himself and his friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale that addresses issues of captivity and animal welfare through the eyes of its memorable characters.
  • Perfect for: Those who are passionate about animal rights and fans of stories told from an animal’s perspective.

• Redwall by Brian Jacques
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In the first book of the Redwall series, the peaceful Redwall Abbey is threatened by the evil rat Cluny the Scourge, and the young mouse Matthias embarks on a quest to find the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging fantasy that features heroism, epic battles, and a richly detailed world, all centered around animal characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic tales and medieval settings, with a cast of courageous and cunning animals.

Educational Animal Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: This fascinating exploration delves into the emotional and physical world of the octopus, a surprisingly complex, intelligent, and spirited creature.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy for animals, understanding of marine biology, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep, personal look into the lives of octopuses, blending scientific facts with heartfelt narratives.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in marine life and those curious about animal intelligence and emotions.

• H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Nature, Biography
  • Synopsis: Following the death of her father, the author adopts a goshawk to help cope with her loss. This memoir is an account of the challenges she faces while training her hawk, Mabel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Grief management, nature and wildlife appreciation, personal reflection
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant narrative that combines the personal journey of the author with the natural history of hawks.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate stories of human-animal relationships and personal healing.

• The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: This book provides an insightful look into the lives of birds, showcasing their intelligence, social behaviors, and survival strategies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of ornithology, appreciation for animal intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges the traditional view of birds' intelligence and offers fascinating stories of their survival and adaptability.
  • Perfect for: Bird enthusiasts and anyone interested in animal psychology and behavior.

• The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Nature, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores the complex life of trees and forests, revealing how trees communicate, support each other, and maintain a thriving ecosystem.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, understanding of ecosystems, scientific curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a new perspective on the natural world, highlighting the interconnectedness of life in forests.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and young environmentalists interested in the deeper workings of ecological systems.

• The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild by Lawrence Anthony with Graham Spence
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Animal Behavior, Conservation
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the experiences of conservationist Lawrence Anthony, who accepted a herd of 'rogue' wild elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in South Africa.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Conservation awareness, understanding of elephant behavior, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of cross-species understanding and compassion, showing the deep bonds that can form between humans and animals.
  • Perfect for: Anyone passionate about wildlife conservation and stories of extraordinary animal interactions.

Challenging Animal Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Life of Pi by Yann Martel
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Psychological Fiction, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: The novel follows Pi Patel, a young Indian boy who survives a shipwreck and is left stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker for 227 days.
  • Why this book is challenging: It integrates complex themes of spirituality, practicality, and survival, intertwined with philosophical questions and the nature of truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking exploration of faith and resilience, wrapped in a tale of survival against impossible odds.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories that challenge their perception of reality and explore deep existential questions.

• Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic, Epic
  • Synopsis: This epic tale recounts the voyage of the whaling ship Pequod, commanded by Captain Ahab, who is obsessed with seeking revenge on Moby Dick, the white whale that maimed him.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate narrative styles, including soliloquies, asides, and complex descriptions of whaling, all of which demand advanced reading skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly symbolic and dense narrative that tackles themes of obsession, revenge, and the human condition.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate complex narratives and are interested in American literature classics.

• The Plague Dogs by Richard Adams
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Animal Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: After escaping from an animal testing facility in the Lake District, two dogs, Snitter and Rowf, struggle for survival and to evade their pursuers, while trying to find a proper home.
  • Why this book is challenging: It confronts moral and ethical issues regarding animal testing and society’s treatment of animals, wrapped in a narrative that also demands emotional resilience from its readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, emotionally charged novel that encourages readers to think critically about animal rights and the impact of human actions on nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are passionate about animal welfare and enjoy stories that feature animals as central characters.

• The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-Age, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the rural backwoods of Florida, this novel follows a year in the life of a young boy, Jody Baxter, who adopts an orphaned fawn that becomes a beloved companion.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of maturation, loss, and the harsh realities of life, requiring a mature understanding from its readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the pain and beauty of growing up, and the poignant lessons about responsibility and personal loss.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are dealing with or ready to explore the challenges of adolescence and the transition to adulthood.

• Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Environmental Science, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is an account of the author’s experiences observing wolves in the wilderness of subarctic Canada. Mowat challenges the stereotype of the wolf as a ferocious carnivore.
  • Why this book is challenging: It blends humor with serious ecological concerns and requires readers to question preconceived notions about wildlife and conservation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an enlightening and humorous look at the life of wolves, promoting greater understanding and conservation of these often misunderstood animals.
  • Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts and anyone interested in wildlife conservation, with a mix of adventure and humor.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of animal books and you're 14, you're in for a treat! Not only are these books entertaining, but they can also teach you a lot about empathy, biology, and the environment. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are a few exercises that can help you develop good reading habits:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in completing books systematically.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal based on your schedule and stick to it.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances concentration.
  • 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 material.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy to look up new words.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and comprehension.
  • Tips: Write down the new words you learn for later review.

• Reflect on the Reading
  • What it is: Take a few minutes to think about the book after you finish reading for the day.
  • How it helps: Helps in better understanding and remembering the story or information.
  • Tips: Consider how the story relates to your own life or to the wider world.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a book club that reads and discusses animal books.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation to read and a platform to share ideas.
  • Tips: If you can't find a suitable club, consider starting one with your friends!

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your animal books more, but you'll also gain a lot from them. Keep up the great work, and happy reading!