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

Are you on the lookout for Charles Dickens books for 13-year-olds that blend timeless storytelling with lessons that resonate with young teens? You've hit the right spot! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or a young reader yourself, navigating through Dickens' classics can seem daunting. But don't worry, we've curated a selection that's just perfect for the curious minds of 13-year-olds. Keep reading to discover which of Charles Dickens' books will captivate and inspire.

Fun Charles Dickens Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Social criticism, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Oliver Twist, an orphan boy who is born in a workhouse and sold into apprenticeship with an undertaker. After escaping, Oliver travels to London, where he meets the Artful Dodger, a member of a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by the elderly criminal, Fagin.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that exposes the harsh realities of the 19th-century English underworld. A fantastic introduction to Dickens' social commentary, it's both educational and highly engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in historical settings and stories that discuss social issues.

• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Bildungsroman, Social criticism
  • Synopsis: The story follows the life of an orphan named Pip, detailing his personal development from a young boy of shallow dreams to a man with depth of character. From his encounters with the escaped convict Magwitch to his unrequited love for Estella, Pip's life is filled with unexpected turns.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers rich themes of personal growth and redemption. It's perfect for young teens beginning to form their own views of the world.
  • Perfect for: Adolescents navigating their own "coming of age" and anyone who enjoys character-driven stories.

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, illustrated by John Leech
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama
  • Synopsis: Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man, is visited by spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Through these visits, he is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that captures the essence of the Christmas spirit and the importance of being generous and kind.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love holiday stories and themes of transformation and redemption.

• David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Bildungsroman, Social commentary
  • Synopsis: This semi-autobiographical novel follows the life of David Copperfield from his youth to adulthood. As David navigates life, he encounters a variety of characters, both cruel and kind, and faces numerous challenges and adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's considered one of Dickens' most autobiographical works, offering insights into Victorian society along with a compelling story of personal development.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy detailed narratives and exploring characters' growth over time.

Educational Charles Dickens Books for 13-Year-Olds

• A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Historical fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: Set before and during the French Revolution, this novel contrasts life in London and Paris. It follows characters such as Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a dissipated English lawyer, who are both in love with the same woman.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical events, critical thinking, themes of sacrifice and redemption
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep dive into the complexities of the French Revolution and explores rich themes of resurrection and transformation.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and readers who enjoy stories with complex characters and dramatic settings.

• Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Social criticism, Comedy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of young Nicholas Nickleby who must support his mother and sister after his father dies. His journey takes him from the cruelty of a Yorkshire boys' boarding school to the heart of London.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social awareness, vocabulary development, understanding of 19th-century English society
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with satire and humor, providing a critical look at social injustices of the time while being highly entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a mix of comedy and social commentary.

• Hard Times by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Social criticism, Tragedy
  • Synopsis: Set in the fictional Coketown, this novel explores the lives of several individuals including Thomas Gradgrind, a school board superintendent, and his children, whom he educates in the ways of factual and practical knowledge, eschewing all else.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking about industrialization and education, understanding of utilitarianism
  • Why we recommend this book: It critiques the industrialization of the era, focusing on the dehumanizing effects of factory work and the limitations of an overly factual education system.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and philosophy, and those who question educational and societal norms.

• The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Drama, Tragedy
  • Synopsis: This story follows the life of Nell Trent and her grandfather, who live in The Old Curiosity Shop. They are thrown into poverty and must wander the countryside seeking a peaceful existence, away from the evil moneylender Quilp.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, historical context of Victorian England, narrative and descriptive skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that explores themes of virtue and vice, with vivid characterizations and emotional depth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven tales and exploring historical settings.

Challenging Charles Dickens Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Bleak House by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Drama, Legal fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel is known for its complex narrative structure and its portrayal of the British judiciary system, focusing on the long-running legal case Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The story weaves together the lives of numerous characters, including the kind-hearted Esther Summerson, the ruthless lawyer Tulkinghorn, and the benevolent John Jarndyce.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate plot and numerous subplots involve a large cast of characters, making it a demanding read that requires attention to detail and the ability to follow complex narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a critical look at the Victorian legal system and social issues, wrapped in a compelling mystery. It's excellent for developing analytical skills and understanding complex storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mysteries and complex narratives, as well as readers interested in legal drama and social commentary.

• Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Social criticism, Serial novel
  • Synopsis: This novel explores themes of imprisonment and constraints, telling the story of Amy Dorrit, who was born and raised in the Marshalsea prison for debtors. The narrative critiques the British government and society, highlighting the disparities between the rich and the poor.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of social injustice and personal integrity, requiring readers to think critically about societal issues and character development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insight into the conditions of Victorian England's debtor prisons and offers a story of resilience and personal growth amidst adversity.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy deep, thought-provoking narratives and stories about overcoming hardships.

• Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Satire, Comedy
  • Synopsis: The novel centers around the greedy, selfish titular character, Martin Chuzzlewit, and his eventual moral redemption. The story satirizes various aspects of society, including selfishness and hypocrisy.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its satirical style and the critique of societal norms require a sophisticated level of understanding and appreciation of irony and humor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous yet insightful critique of human vices, providing both entertainment and a lesson in ethics and morality.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate satire and are interested in character development and societal critique.

• Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Historical fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Set during the Gordon Riots of 1780, this novel follows Barnaby Rudge, a simple young man who is caught up in the chaos of the riots. It explores themes of mob rule, justice, and human fallibility.
  • Why this book is challenging: The historical context and the depiction of complex social dynamics make it a challenging read that requires understanding of historical events and social critique.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a dramatic and engaging depiction of a significant historical event, along with a deep exploration of social and personal conflicts.
  • Perfect for: History enthusiasts and readers who enjoy a blend of fiction with historical facts, exploring themes of justice and social unrest.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into the world of Charles Dickens can be both exciting and a bit daunting, especially for 13-year-olds. His rich narratives and complex characters are a treasure trove of learning and entertainment. To make the most out of reading Dickens, here are some tailored exercises that can help develop good reading habits, enhance comprehension, and make reading more enjoyable.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in systematically exploring the book.
  • Tips: Start with a small, manageable goal and gradually increase it.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and helps in understanding the plot and characters better.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and to the point; bullet points can work well.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the relationships between different characters.
  • How it helps: Helps keep track of the numerous characters, which is especially useful in Dickens' novels.
  • Tips: Update your map as new characters are introduced.

• Question and Answer Sessions
  • What it is: Formulate questions about the text and try answering them without looking at the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and recall abilities.
  • Tips: Do this exercise with a friend or family member for added fun and challenge.

• Context Research
  • What it is: Research the historical and cultural context of the time when Dickens wrote the book.
  • How it helps: Provides deeper insights into the themes and characters of the novel.
  • Tips: Use reliable sources and maybe compile a small presentation of your findings.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to predict future events in the story based on what you've read so far.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and enhances engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were right as you progress.

These exercises are designed to enhance your reading experience and help you get the most out of Charles Dickens' fascinating novels. Not only will these activities improve your comprehension and analytical skills, but they'll also make your reading journey more interactive and fun. Give them a try, and watch as the world of Dickens opens up like never before!