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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner for a young teen? Finding the right read can be a bit of a puzzle, but don't worry—we've got you covered with our roundup of bestseller books for 13-year-olds. Whether they're into thrilling adventures, mysterious plots, or heartwarming stories, our carefully curated lists have something that will catch their eye and hold their interest. Keep reading to discover our top picks of bestseller books for 13-year-olds that are sure to captivate and inspire!

Fun Bestseller Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Harry Potter, an eleven-year-old boy who discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he makes friends, learns about magic, and uncovers the dark secrets of his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical gateway into a richly imagined world that emphasizes the value of friendship and courage. It's great for sparking a love of reading through its engaging narrative and imaginative setting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he's a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action-packed adventure with Greek mythology in a modern setting, making ancient stories accessible and exciting. It's great for enhancing imaginative thinking and interest in history.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to replace her sister in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death. She must navigate alliances and moral choices to survive.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling page-turner that discusses themes of survival, totalitarianism, and resilience. It encourages critical thinking about social issues.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced narratives and strong female protagonists.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends a mainstream school for the first time and strives for acceptance and kindness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy and understanding of differences, teaching valuable lessons about acceptance and the impact of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about overcoming challenges and personal growth.

• The Maze Runner by James Dashner
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Thomas wakes up in a maze with a group of boys and no memory of the outside world. Together, they must work to escape the maze and uncover the secrets of their world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exhilarating adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, perfect for developing problem-solving skills and fostering a love of suspenseful narratives.
  • Perfect for: Fans of puzzles, mysteries, and heart-pounding action.

Educational Bestseller Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel follows twelve-year-old Jonas who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. When he begins to spend time with The Giver, who is the sole keeper of the community's memories, Jonas discovers the dark and deadly truths of his community's secret past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, understanding of dystopian literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex themes about society, freedom, and individuality in an accessible way that encourages young readers to question the norms and values of their own society.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in thought-provoking stories and exploring deep ethical questions.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center, where boys are forced to dig large holes every day. Stanley soon realizes there is more to the holes they are digging and uncovers the mystery behind them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, understanding of themes like justice and perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of an intriguing mystery and a survival story that captivates and educates at the same time.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a good mystery and stories about overcoming adversity.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey across dimensions to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific concepts, reading comprehension, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science and fantasy to spark imagination while tackling complex themes like good versus evil and the power of love.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by science and adventure.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II, this story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape from the Nazis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empathy, courage
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive and appropriate introduction to the Holocaust for young readers, emphasizing bravery, friendship, and the importance of standing up against injustice.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of heroism.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a city that's perpetually dark and running out of resources, two teens, Lina and Doon, discover clues that could lead them to the outside world they've never seen.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging adventure that also prompts readers to think about sustainability, resource management, and the importance of questioning authority.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love puzzles and are curious about science and environmental issues.

Challenging Bestseller Books for 13-Year-Olds

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: Set in the American South during the 1930s, this novel follows young Scout Finch and her brother, Jem, as they navigate a world of racial injustice and moral growth, guided by their father, lawyer Atticus Finch.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as racial injustice, moral and ethical issues, and loss of innocence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a profound narrative that encourages critical thinking about human behavior, justice, and ethics.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are ready to explore significant social issues and appreciate powerful storytelling.

• 1984 by George Orwell
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Political Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel presents a chilling depiction of life under a totalitarian regime that exercises extreme control over all aspects of human life, focusing on the life of Winston Smith who begins to question the party's omnipresent rule.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced political concepts and the complexities of totalitarianism, along with a sophisticated vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking read that explores themes of surveillance, freedom, and truth, which are increasingly relevant today.
  • Perfect for: Young adults interested in politics and critical thinking about the future of society.

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel imagines a future world where people are genetically engineered, indoctrinated into their places in society, and kept docile by a happiness-inducing drug, exploring the consequences of state control and consumerism.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes including the use of technology in controlling society, and philosophical questions about happiness and freedom.
  • Why we recommend this book: Offers a deep dive into the implications of technological advancement and societal control, stimulating reflection on personal and societal values.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by science fiction and ethical dilemmas posed by technological progress.

• Lord of the Flies by William Golding
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Psychological Thriller
  • Synopsis: A group of British boys are stranded on a deserted island and their attempt to govern themselves quickly evolves into chaos, exploring the savage underpinnings of civilization.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into dark themes of human nature, societal breakdown, and morality through complex symbolism and narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling study of the conflict between the human impulse towards savagery and the rules of civilization.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in psychology, society, and the dynamics of power and governance.

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found, fireman Guy Montag begins to question his role and the values of the society.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a critical view of societal censorship, conformity, and the role of media, requiring readers to ponder complex philosophical questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking about censorship, the importance of literature, and individuality in the face of societal pressures.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are thinkers and questioners, intrigued by the impact of media and literature on society.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Absolutely! Encouraging 13-year-olds to dive into bestsellers can be a thrilling journey. To make this adventure even more enriching, here are some fun and effective exercises designed to boost their reading habits. Each exercise is simple to follow and offers great benefits.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps in building a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that can enhance concentration.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and free from distractions like TV and smartphones.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a book club with peers who read the same book.
  • How it helps: Stimulates deeper understanding through discussion and peer learning.
  • Tips: Be active in discussions and don’t be afraid to share your opinions.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize an app that tracks reading progress or provides reading challenges.
  • How it helps: Integrates technology with reading, making it more engaging for digital natives.
  • Tips: Choose apps that offer rewards or badges to celebrate milestones.

• Read Aloud to Others
  • What it is: Read books aloud to family members or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in speaking skills.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the characters to make the story come alive.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on the main events and characters.

• Read Across Genres
  • What it is: Choose books from a variety of genres.
  • How it helps: Broadens perspectives and develops a more diverse taste in literature.
  • Tips: Alternate between fiction and non-fiction to keep things interesting.

These exercises are not just about reading more; they're about making reading a more integral and enjoyable part of life. By incorporating these activities, young readers can develop a lifelong love for books and a curiosity that goes beyond the classroom. Happy reading!