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

Looking for the perfect read for your teen? Dive into our curated selection of award-winning books for 13-year-olds that promise to captivate and inspire young minds. Whether you're on the hunt for a birthday gift or just want to enrich your teen's reading list, these titles are sure to make an impact. Keep reading to discover our top picks of award-winning books for 13-year-olds that can't be missed!

Fun Award Winning Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Nobody Owens is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is mysteriously murdered. As he grows up, he faces adventures and dangers from both the living and the dead.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the eerie setting of a graveyard with a heartwarming coming-of-age story. This book is excellent for expanding imagination and exploring themes of growth and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Fans of supernatural stories and young readers looking for a thrilling yet touching tale.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys' detention center where they are made to dig holes every day. He realizes they are looking for something buried and the story unfolds revealing family secrets and a curse that stretches through generations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of adventure and mystery with a multi-layered plot that keeps readers engaged. It's great for improving critical thinking and connecting historical contexts.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and adventure seekers who enjoy stories with rich, interwoven plots.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Auggie strives to be treated as an ordinary kid, but his extraordinary journey teaches everyone around him about compassion and acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes understanding and empathy, crucial qualities for personal development at this age. It also encourages readers to be kind in the face of challenges.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity and those looking to understand diverse life experiences.

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Sixth-grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the future and soon realizes they're related to her own life. She must piece together the clues to prevent a tragic death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly mixes elements of science fiction with a gripping mystery. This book is great for stimulating the imagination and developing problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love puzzles and time-travel stories with a twist.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: In a town that sacrifices a baby each year to the witch in the forest, one child, Luna, is raised by the witch herself. Luna's magical abilities begin to surface as she approaches her thirteenth birthday, leading to unexpected discoveries about her past and her town.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale of magic, love, and betrayal that encourages critical thinking about morality and the nature of evil.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy complex characters and richly built fantasy worlds.

Educational Award Winning Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This poetic memoir details Jacqueline Woodson's experiences growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her awakening to her writing talent.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context of civil rights, poetic techniques, self-expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends poetry and memoir, offering a powerful look into the African American experience through the eyes of a young girl.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, poetry, and personal growth stories.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this story follows Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and hardly ever misses his life in the jungle—until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, animal rights awareness, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that speaks to the importance of compassion and the power of a promise.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young activists.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The story of brilliant and witty Melody who, despite being confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak due to cerebral palsy, refuses to be defined by her disability.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of disabilities, resilience, communication skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound perspective on challenges and triumphs of differently-abled people, encouraging empathy and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of overcoming adversity and finding one's voice.

• The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during WWII, this novel follows Ada, a young girl born with a clubfoot who is evacuated from London to the countryside, discovering a new life of freedom and belonging away from her abusive mother.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge of WWII, understanding of physical disabilities, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a moving tale of transformation and redemption, set against the backdrop of a significant historical event.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and readers who appreciate stories of personal growth and survival.

• El Deafo by Cece Bell
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Memoir
  • Synopsis: This is a semi-autobiographical graphic novel about the author’s childhood experiences with hearing loss and how she turns her bulky hearing aid into a superpower.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of hearing impairments, social skills, self-acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It uniquely uses the graphic novel format to enhance its storytelling, making the challenges of hearing loss accessible and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Fans of graphic novels and stories about overcoming personal challenges with creativity and humor.

Challenging Award Winning Books for 13-Year-Olds

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin as they travel across dimensions to save their father from an evil force.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex scientific concepts, including tesseracts and space-time travel, blended with deep philosophical questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science fiction with a deep emotional journey, encouraging readers to think critically about love, courage, and the nature of evil.
  • Perfect for: Young sci-fi fans and readers who enjoy stories about family and resilience.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich who survives by stealing books and sharing them with others. Under the stairs in her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the harsh realities of war and the Holocaust from an unusual perspective, using rich, descriptive language and a unique narrative voice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound look at the impact of war and the power of words and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and those who appreciate powerful, thought-provoking narratives.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This story centers around Jonas, a boy who lives in a seemingly perfect global society that has eliminated pain and strife by converting to "Sameness," a plan that has also eradicated emotional depth from their lives.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes about societal control, individuality, and the importance of memory and emotion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling introduction to dystopian literature that encourages readers to question the importance of human emotions and freedoms.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in science fiction and exploring profound societal questions.

• His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a journey in a parallel universe where all humans have animal companions called daemons, which are manifestations of their souls.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series tackles complex themes including theology and philosophy, wrapped in a narrative that challenges the norms and beliefs of society.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly imagined world with complex characters and a thrilling, thought-provoking plot.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy detailed fantasy worlds and philosophical challenges.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story, set in the Depression-era South, follows young Scout Finch, whose father, Atticus, is a lawyer defending a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores profound and mature themes such as racial injustice, moral growth, and the loss of innocence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a seminal piece of American literature that provides valuable insights into human behavior and prejudice.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in American history and exploring complex social issues through compelling storytelling.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of award-winning books, you're in for an adventure. But how can you make the most of your reading experience? Here are some exercises designed specifically for 13-year-olds to help develop strong reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make your reading journey more enjoyable.

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

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and enhances 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: Enhances comprehension and gives new perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Vary Your Reading
  • What it is: Mix different genres and authors in your reading list.
  • How it helps: Prevents boredom and broadens your understanding of different writing styles.
  • Tips: Alternate between a novel, a science book, and maybe a piece of classic literature.

• Use Technology to Enhance Reading
  • What it is: Utilize e-readers, audiobooks, or reading apps.
  • How it helps: Offers convenience and can make reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Try listening to an audiobook while following along with the text.

• Reflect on Your Reading
  • What it is: Take time to think about the book after you finish it.
  • How it helps: Helps in retaining information and understanding the themes deeper.
  • Tips: Write down your thoughts or discuss them to solidify your reflections.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in or start a book club with peers.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading and provides motivation through social interaction.
  • Tips: Choose books that all members will enjoy and encourage open discussion.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only improve your skills but also make reading more fun and interactive. Remember, the key to becoming a better reader is consistency and engagement, so pick the exercises that best fit your lifestyle and start turning those pages! Happy reading!