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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect classic books for a 13-year-old girl? Whether she's a voracious reader or just getting into the habit, finding timeless stories that captivate and inspire can be a game-changer. From tales that have stood the test of time to characters that feel like lifelong friends, we’ve curated a selection of must-read classics that are perfect for young teens. Keep reading to discover our top picks of classic books for a 13-year-old girl that are sure to enchant and educate in equal measure!

Fun Classic Books for 13-Year-Old Girl

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-age, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with humor and heartwarming moments, perfect for young readers to explore themes of friendship, ambition, and belonging.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love spirited protagonists and stories about growing up.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-age, Family Drama
  • Synopsis: The novel is a heartfelt tale of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—and their journey from childhood to womanhood in post-Civil War America.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides timeless lessons on love, loss, and the importance of family, encouraging readers to find their own paths in life.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who appreciate stories about sisterhood and strong female characters.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and ill-tempered child, transforms into a kind-hearted girl as she discovers a neglected garden on her uncle's estate and decides to restore it.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of rejuvenation and the healing power of nature, ideal for inspiring creativity and a love of the outdoors.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and anyone who enjoys stories about personal growth and friendship.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Classic
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy and kind-hearted girl, faces numerous challenges when her fortunes change, but she uses her imagination and kindness to maintain her dignity and inspire those around her.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself regardless of external circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy tales of resilience, kindness, and imagination.

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Alice falls through a rabbit hole into a fantastical world where she encounters a variety of peculiar creatures and an unusual adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its whimsical characters and bizarre, often nonsensical world, making reading a fun activity.
  • Perfect for: Those with a vivid imagination and a love for stories that defy logic and reality.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This tender story of friendship and loss centers around Wilbur, a pig destined for slaughter, and Charlotte, a spider who crafts words in her web to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life, resonating with readers on deep emotional levels.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and anyone looking for a heartwarming, meaningful story.

Educational Classic Books for 13-Year-Old Girl

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Set in the racially charged South during the Depression, this novel follows young Scout Finch and her brother, Jem, as they witness their father, lawyer Atticus Finch, struggle against prejudice to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, ethical judgment, historical context of racial issues, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound and compelling story that tackles serious themes such as racial injustice and moral growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in American history and social justice.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance, Bildungsroman
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl, Jane Eyre, endures a lonely and cruel childhood to become a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the mysterious Mr. Rochester. Her quest for identity and love leads her to confront secrets and her own values.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-reliance, emotional intelligence, understanding Gothic literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful narrative of a strong, independent woman who faces life's adversities with unwavering strength.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate stories of resilience and romance amid darker, mysterious backdrops.

• Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter
  • Genre(s): Classic, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Pollyanna Whittier, an optimistic and cheerful girl, moves to live with her stern Aunt Polly after becoming an orphan. Despite facing many challenges, Pollyanna's positive attitude spreads happiness in the community through her "glad game."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Positive thinking, resilience, interpersonal communication
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the transformative power of positivity and kindness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy uplifting stories that inspire personal and communal happiness.

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This tale follows the riverside adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger in Edwardian England, combining elements of mysticism, adventure, morality, and camaraderie.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of pastoral and fantasy literature, themes of friendship and social relations
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful and whimsical story that captures the essence of pastoral English life.
  • Perfect for: Those who love nature, adventure, and timeless tales of friendship.

• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a horse, this novel chronicles the joys and hardships of Black Beauty's life, delivering a poignant tale about the treatment of animals.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy for animals, historical perspective on animal welfare, narrative skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes compassion and ethical treatment of animals through a deeply emotional and personal story.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are interested in stories that encourage kindness and understanding.

Challenging Classic Books for 13-Year-Old Girl

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Tragedy
  • Synopsis: The story unfolds on the isolated moorland of Yorkshire, focusing on the tumultuous and tragic love between Catherine Earnshaw and the brooding Heathcliff, a boy adopted by Catherine's father.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving multiple narrators and a non-linear timeline. The themes are dark and the language is richly descriptive.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves deep into human emotions and the dark sides of love and obsession, providing a profound exploration of the human condition.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate intricate narratives and intense, emotional stories.

• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  • Genre(s): Bildungsroman, Social Criticism
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of an orphan named Pip, who rises from humble beginnings through a mysterious benefactor. Along his journey, he encounters various characters who influence his development.
  • Why this book is challenging: Dickens' use of Victorian English and the exploration of complex social and moral issues make this a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers insights into social class and personal development, wrapped in rich storytelling and memorable characters.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in character development and classic Victorian literature.

• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Detective Fiction
  • Synopsis: A collection of twelve short stories featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson as they solve a series of baffling cases.
  • Why this book is challenging: The stories feature sophisticated plots and Victorian-era language that can be challenging to modern readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sharpens critical thinking and deduction skills, engaging readers with intriguing mysteries and logical reasoning.
  • Perfect for: Mystery lovers and budding detectives who enjoy piecing together clues.

• Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Epic
  • Synopsis: Captain Ahab is obsessed with seeking revenge on Moby Dick, the white whale that maimed him. The novel is a profound exploration of fate, obsession, and the human condition.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes complex themes, diverse narrative styles, and extensive descriptions of whaling and natural history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound literary classic that offers deep philosophical insights into obsession and revenge, intertwined with adventurous storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are not daunted by a lengthy and challenging text and have an interest in epic tales and nautical adventures.

• Emma by Jane Austen
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Emma Woodhouse, a young woman from a wealthy family, prides herself on her matchmaking skills. As she meddles in the love lives of her friends, her actions lead to a series of misunderstandings and, ultimately, self-discovery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel features intricate character development and subtle social commentary, requiring careful reading to fully appreciate its depth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a humorous reflection on the pitfalls of misjudgment and the complexities of relationships, all within a sharply observed social setting.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and social satire.

• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical
  • Synopsis: Edmond Dantès is unjustly imprisoned on the eve of his wedding. After escaping, he discovers a treasure and transforms into the Count of Monte Cristo to exact revenge on those who wronged him.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is lengthy with a complex plot involving many characters and intricate subplots.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption, offering a rich study of character and human motivation.
  • Perfect for: Those who love stories of adventure and intricate plots of justice and revenge.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of classic books, it's a fantastic journey ahead! To make the most out of your reading, here are some exercises designed to enhance your experience and develop great reading habits. These are perfect for 13-year-old readers just like you!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set amount of time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading and gradual progress through books.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and creates a comfortable environment for reading.
  • Tips: Add comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe even some personal touches like art or plants.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the book's themes and characters.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or join one that’s already active.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Create a visual map or timeline of the story’s events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps in keeping track of complex plots and developments.
  • Tips: Use colored pens or markers to differentiate between characters and plot lines.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before reading a chapter, try to predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and enhances your engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Write your predictions down and check how many you got right after reading.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of one of the characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character's motivations and feelings.
  • Tips: Choose a character you feel you don’t understand well or who intrigues you the most.

• Keep a Vocabulary Notebook
  • What it is: Keep a small notebook dedicated to new words and phrases you learn.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and understanding of language.
  • Tips: Review this notebook regularly to reinforce new words.

These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to becoming a more thoughtful, analytical, and engaged reader. As you explore the rich worlds of classic literature, these activities will help you grasp complex themes, appreciate nuanced writing, and, most importantly, enjoy the time you spend with each book. Happy reading!