10+ Best Christian Books for 13-Year-Old Girl w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect Christian books for a 13-year-old girl? Whether you're looking to inspire, educate, or entertain, finding age-appropriate Christian literature can be a fantastic way to enrich a young teen's life. In this blog, we'll explore a variety of books that are sure to resonate with her growing faith and curiosity. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of Christian books perfect for any 13-year-old girl!

Fun Christian Books for 13-Year-Old Girl

• The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: A group of middle school friends are transported to another world, where they are transformed into warriors and given the mission to fight against spiritual forces of evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging fantasy that introduces themes of spiritual warfare and the armor of God in a context that's relatable and exciting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young teens who enjoy action-packed stories and learning about spiritual principles.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey across dimensions to save their father from an evil force.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction and fantasy with Christian values, and it's a thrilling adventure that also explores complex concepts like love and faith.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love science fiction and are curious about the intersection of faith and science.

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe and find themselves caught up in a battle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless fantasy that teaches important Christian values through a captivating story that's both magical and meaningful.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic adventures and readers who appreciate allegorical storytelling.

• Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie receives mysterious letters that take her on a journey through the history of philosophy intertwined with a peculiar personal mystery.
  • Why we recommend this book: While not exclusively Christian, it provides a broad overview of philosophical thought, including Christian philosophy, in an accessible and intriguing way.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in the big questions about life, existence, and faith.

• Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex and Brett Harris
  • Genre(s): Christian Living, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book challenges teens to rebel against societal low expectations by choosing to do hard things for the glory of God.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's motivational, pushing young readers to see they're capable of much more than society often tells them.
  • Perfect for: Motivated teens who want to make a difference and seek a deeper purpose in their actions.

Educational Christian Books for 13-Year-Old Girl

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in a gloomy mansion in Yorkshire. There, she discovers a neglected garden and, with the help of new friends, begins to bring it back to life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, responsibility, the healing power of nature, and interpersonal relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: While not overtly Christian, it offers themes of rebirth and redemption that resonate with Christian values, wrapped in a beautifully told story that encourages personal and communal transformation.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy heartwarming stories of transformation and the beauty of nature.

• Heaven for Kids by Randy Alcorn, adapted by Linda Washington
  • Genre(s): Christian Living, Theology
  • Synopsis: This adaptation of Randy Alcorn's bestselling book about heaven answers common questions in a way that's understandable for younger readers, explaining what heaven is like according to the Bible.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of Christian theology, spiritual growth, and biblical concepts of heaven.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex theological concepts into digestible pieces for young minds, fostering an early interest in and understanding of spiritual matters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers curious about spiritual topics and those seeking comfort about the afterlife.

• The Light Princess by George MacDonald, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: A princess is cursed to be without gravity, both physically and emotionally, leading to whimsical and poignant adventures as she learns about love, sacrifice, and the importance of gravity in life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Literary analysis, understanding allegories, emotional depth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique fairy tale that offers layers of meaning behind its seemingly simple story, with Christian undertones about sacrifice and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales and fantasy who appreciate stories with deeper meanings and moral lessons.

• The Bark of the Bog Owl by Jonathan Rogers
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Part of the "Wilderking Trilogy," this book follows the adventures of Aidan Errolson, who comes face-to-face with wild creatures and embarks on a mission that parallels the biblical story of King David.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding biblical parallels, creativity, courage, and leadership.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively retells a biblical story in a captivating fantasy setting, making it both educational and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic adventures and exploring biblical stories in new ways.

• Always Enough, Never Too Much by Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan
  • Genre(s): Devotional, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: A devotional book designed to help young girls understand their worth in God's eyes, with 100 devotions split into messages of being "Always Enough" and "Never Too Much."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, spiritual growth, understanding of God's love.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses common struggles of young girls with truths from the Bible, encouraging them to see themselves as God sees them.
  • Perfect for: Young girls needing affirmation of their value and strength in a world that often sends mixed messages about their worth.

Challenging Christian Books for 13-Year-Old Girl

• Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
  • Genre(s): Christian Allegory, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This allegorical novel follows Much-Afraid on her spiritual journey through difficulties and fears towards the High Places of love and joy with her shepherd.
  • Why this book is challenging: The allegory used in this book requires readers to think deeply about the spiritual metaphors and their personal application.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the Christian journey of faith, overcoming fears and obstacles through trust and obedience.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a deeper understanding of personal faith and spiritual growth.

• The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in biblical times, this story follows a young boy named Daniel who is consumed by hatred for the Romans but learns about love and forgiveness through his encounters with Jesus.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes like revenge, redemption, and the true meaning of strength in faith.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides historical insights into the time of Jesus while exploring timeless themes of forgiveness and the power of love.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and those who enjoy stories that incorporate biblical characters and lessons.

• Christy by Catherine Marshall
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: Nineteen-year-old Christy Huddleston leaves home to teach school in the Smoky Mountains and confronts the complexities of faith and love amidst poverty and tradition.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel tackles issues of faith, education, and social change, requiring readers to consider ethical and moral questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of a young woman's courage and her impact on a community, which also challenges readers to think about their own contributions to society.
  • Perfect for: Teens who are interested in social issues and the role of faith in personal and community change.

• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Christian Satire, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A series of letters from Screwtape, a senior demon, to his nephew Wormwood, a junior tempter, advising him on how to secure the damnation of a human known only as "the Patient."
  • Why this book is challenging: The satirical style and reverse psychology used to explore Christian theology and morality offer a complex and intellectually stimulating read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insightful and often humorous reflections on human nature and Christian life from an unusual perspective.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever, thought-provoking discussions on faith and human behavior.

• Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
  • Genre(s): Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: This allegorical story describes the journey of Christian, an everyman character, from his hometown, the City of Destruction, to the Celestial City.
  • Why this book is challenging: The old English language and deep theological themes require careful reading and reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's one of the most significant works of religious English literature, offering profound insights into the Christian faith and the human soul.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate literature that encourages deep thinking about life's spiritual journey.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of Christian books and you're around 13 years old, developing a solid reading habit can really enhance your experience. Below are some exercises designed just for you to get the most out of your reading sessions. These simple yet effective strategies will help you engage more deeply with what you're reading and enjoy every bit of your journey through different books.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading pattern and builds discipline.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• 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 your reading space cozy and inviting, with good lighting and minimal noise.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family 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 during these discussions.

• Use a Reading App or Timer
  • What it is: Utilize technology to track how long you spend reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages a more disciplined approach to reading.
  • Tips: Set a daily timer on your phone or use apps that track your reading habits and provide summaries.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a book club that focuses on Christian books for teens.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation to read and a platform to share ideas.
  • Tips: Actively participate in discussions and don't be afraid to share your own insights.

• Reflect Through Writing
  • What it is: Write a brief summary or a personal reflection after finishing a book or a chapter.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows you to connect personally with the book.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and focus on what struck you the most.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book out loud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you process the information better.
  • Tips: Try to read aloud in a clear and expressive manner to make the reading enjoyable.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Christian books but also develop lifelong reading habits that will serve you well. Remember, the key is consistency and finding joy in what you read. Happy reading!