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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect comic books for 13-year-olds that will keep them hooked and entertained? You’ve come to the right place! Whether your teen is a seasoned comic reader or just starting to explore this vibrant world, our curated lists cater to all interests. Keep reading to discover our top picks of comic books that are just right for 13-year-olds, ensuring they enjoy every page-turning moment!

Fun Comic Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Autobiography, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel is a true story about the author's tumultuous adolescent years after she accidentally knocks out her two front teeth, leading to a long and frustrating journey with braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly relatable for middle schoolers going through their own changes and challenges. The story is told with humor and empathy, making the uncomfortable parts of growing up a bit easier to handle.
  • Perfect for: Teens navigating their own awkward middle school years and anyone who enjoys true stories about overcoming personal challenges.

• Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After moving to an ancestral home following a family tragedy, Emily and her brother Navin discover a magical amulet. They are quickly thrust into a fantastical world of man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, and a talking fox as they struggle to save their mother.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines suspense and action with stunning artwork, making it a thrilling read. It also deals with themes of bravery and family loyalty, which are great lessons at this age.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy adventures and stories about heroic quests.

• Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Nimona is a young shapeshifter who teams up with a supervillain named Lord Ballister Blackheart to prove that the heroes of the kingdom aren’t really as heroic as everyone thinks.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a subversive take on the traditional hero and villain roles, packed with humor and heart. The dynamic between Nimona and Blackheart adds depth to what could just be another fantasy adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a mix of humor and action, and those who enjoy exploring themes of ambiguity in heroism.

• Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Paranormal, Family
  • Synopsis: Catrina and her family move to the coast of Northern California for the sake of her sister's health. Here, Catrina learns about the local ghosts who seem more lively than frightening. As the Day of the Dead approaches, Cat must overcome her fears for her sister’s sake.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces cultural traditions about death and the afterlife in a gentle, accessible way. The story also emphasizes the importance of family support and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers dealing with change or loss, or those interested in other cultures and familial bonds.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a reluctant heroine when she impulsively presses a button that transports her and her best friend Joseph to a distant planet under siege. Now, Zita must muster the courage to become a space-traveling hero and save her friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an action-packed adventure that showcases the importance of bravery and friendship. Zita’s transformation from an ordinary girl to a space hero is inspiring.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream of adventures in outer space and fans of strong female protagonists.

Educational Comic Books for 13-Year-Olds

• March: Book One by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This powerful graphic memoir recounts Congressman John Lewis's experiences during the Civil Rights Movement, including his youth in rural Alabama, his meeting with Martin Luther King Jr., and the birth of the Nashville Student Movement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, civil rights education, understanding of nonviolent protest
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an essential and personal perspective on the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of one of its key figures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in American history and civil rights.

• Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by Mike Holmes
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Mystery, Educational
  • Synopsis: This series starts with 12-year-old Hopper discovering her school is filled with puzzling mysteries and secrets. She and her friends use their wits and coding skills to solve them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, basic coding and programming concepts, logical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates coding lessons into fun and engaging stories, making it a great way to introduce computer science to kids.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring coders and mystery lovers.

• Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani, illustrated by Maris Wicks
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel tells the intertwined stories of three of the most important scientists in the field of primatology: Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of primatology, scientific research methods, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the groundbreaking work and challenges faced by three pioneering women in science, inspiring readers with their dedication and discoveries.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and animal enthusiasts.

• Science Comics: Rockets: Defying Gravity by Anne Drozd and Jerzy Drozd
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This engaging comic dives into the history and science of rockets, from the ancient Chinese inventors through modern space exploration.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Physics concepts, history of technology, space exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting, encouraging a deeper interest in science and technology.
  • Perfect for: Future astronauts and rocket scientists.

• The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Computer by Sydney Padua
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, History, Biography
  • Synopsis: This whimsical comic imagines an alternate universe where Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage build the first computer and use it to fight crime and have adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, computer science fundamentals, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with history to create a captivating story about two of computing's most important figures.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and tech-savvy teens.

Challenging Comic Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Historical, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This autobiographical comic depicts Marjane Satrapi's childhood and early adulthood in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as politics, identity, and revolution, providing a deep, nuanced perspective on life in a turbulent Iran.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a personal and engaging view of historical events and cultural shifts through the eyes of a young girl growing up in Iran, enhancing understanding and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and personal narratives, and those looking to understand diverse cultural perspectives.

• Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 by David Petersen
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: In a world without humans, mice struggle to live and thrive amidst predators. The Mouse Guard, defenders of the realm, uncover a treacherous plot against the mouse community.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex storytelling and richly detailed illustrations that require careful reading and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines high adventure with beautifully crafted artwork, offering both visual and narrative depth.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic tales and animal protagonists, and those who appreciate detailed world-building.

• Bone: Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three cousins—Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone—are run out of Boneville and find themselves in a vast, uncharted desert that leads them into a mysterious valley filled with wonderful and terrifying creatures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative builds a complex fantasy world with a sophisticated plot and multi-layered character developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous and thrilling adventure that also explores themes of heroism and morality.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantasy worlds mixed with humor and epic quests.

• Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: Mirka, an 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish girl, wants to fight dragons. Despite the expectations of her family and community, she sets out to win a sword from a mystical witch.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uniquely blends cultural traditions with fantasy elements, presenting both in a context that encourages critical thinking about gender roles and cultural expectations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a story of courage and unconventional dreams, encouraging readers to think differently about personal and cultural challenges.
  • Perfect for: Those who like stories of adventure and self-discovery, and readers interested in diverse cultural backgrounds.

• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Silent Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This wordless narrative follows the journey of an immigrant who leaves his troubled homeland to build a new life for his family in a bewildering city filled with strange creatures and unfamiliar customs.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lack of text requires the reader to interpret complex visual narratives, enhancing observation skills and empathy through detailed imagery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful visual experience of the immigrant’s journey, fostering understanding and empathy without the use of words.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and those interested in storytelling through art, as well as readers exploring themes of displacement and hope.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the colorful world of comic books, it's a fantastic way to enhance your reading skills and have a ton of fun along the way. To make the most out of your comic book adventures, here are some exercises designed specifically for 13-year-olds. These will not only improve your reading habits but also deepen your appreciation for the stories and artwork.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many comic books you want to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Helps to maintain a consistent reading habit and creates a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Character Mapping
  • What it is: Create a map or chart of the different characters and their relationships within the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the story and helps in keeping track of complex plots and numerous characters.
  • Tips: Use a notebook or digital tool to update character maps as you read more about them.

• Comic Book Reviews
  • What it is: Write short reviews for each comic book you read.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and helps articulate your thoughts and opinions.
  • Tips: Share your reviews with friends or on a blog to engage with other readers.

• Visual Analysis
  • What it is: Take time to analyze the artwork and visual storytelling techniques used in the comics.
  • How it helps: Increases appreciation for the art and enhances your understanding of how visuals contribute to storytelling.
  • Tips: Look at various elements like color, framing, and facial expressions and think about what they convey in the story.

• Discussion Groups
  • What it is: Join or start a comic book reading group with peers.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of different perspectives.
  • Tips: Choose diverse genres and authors to broaden the scope of discussion.

• Adaptation Comparison
  • What it is: Compare comic books with their adaptations in movies or TV shows.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding different storytelling mediums and their unique approaches.
  • Tips: Take notes on what changes are made and think about why these changes might have been necessary.

These exercises are not just about reading more; they're about reading better and getting more out of every page. So, grab your favorite comics and get started. Happy reading!