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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that combines the joy of adolescence with the love of dogs? Look no further! Our curated list of Dog Books for 13-Year-Olds is packed with heartwarming tales that capture the spirit of friendship and adventure between teens and their furry best friends. Whether your young reader is a dog lover, an aspiring vet, or just looking for their next great book, these stories are sure to wag their way into their hearts. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Dog Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The story centers around 10-year-old Opal who adopts a stray dog she finds at the supermarket named Winn-Dixie. The bond they form helps Opal make new friends and reconnect with her estranged father.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that explores themes of friendship, community, and forgiveness, perfect for encouraging empathy and understanding in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers looking for a touching story about family and friendships.

• Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: An 11-year-old boy named Marty comes across a young beagle in the hills behind his home and names him Shiloh. Marty soon discovers Shiloh is being abused and must decide how far he'll go to save the dog.
  • Why we recommend this book: It deals with complex moral dilemmas and portrays the courage and determination of a young boy standing up for what he believes is right.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional stories and are passionate about animal welfare.

• The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the story of two dogs and a cat as they embark on a treacherous 300-mile journey through the Canadian wilderness to return to their home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure that showcases the resilience and loyalty of the animals, inspiring perseverance and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and young readers who love stories about the enduring spirit of animals.

• Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family, Classic
  • Synopsis: A young boy living in the Ozarks saves up to buy and train two hunting dogs. Together, they explore the hills and river bottoms, forging an unbreakable bond.
  • Why we recommend this book: This classic novel provides a moving tale of hard work, determination, and the deep bonds between a boy and his dogs.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a compelling story of adventure and loyalty.

• A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama
  • Synopsis: Told from a dog's perspective, the story explores the many lives of one devoted dog, finding meaning through his various reincarnations and the humans he meets along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique narrative perspective that can help young readers consider life’s bigger questions and appreciate the role of pets in human lives.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy thought-provoking stories and exploring the idea of purpose and reincarnation.

Educational Dog Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Dog Diaries: A Middle School Story by James Patterson and Steven Butler, illustrated by Richard Watson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Junior, a mischievous but lovable dog who tells his own story of life in middle school with his human friend, Rafe Khatchadorian.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, creative writing, humor appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging read that combines humor with everyday school challenges, all from a dog's humorous perspective.
  • Perfect for: Middle school students and young readers who enjoy stories told from an animal's point of view.

• Survivors: The Empty City by Erin Hunter
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After a huge earthquake, Lucky, a lone dog, must fend for himself until he joins a pack of other stray dogs trying to survive in a world without humans.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, survival skills, understanding animal behavior
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers thrilling adventures and explores themes of leadership and survival from the perspective of a dog, which can be quite captivating.
  • Perfect for: Fans of animal stories and readers who enjoy tales of survival and adventure.

• The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Poetry
  • Synopsis: A dog named Teddy rescues two children during a snowstorm, and through their time together, they explore the beauty of words and the bonds of love and friendship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Appreciation for poetry, emotional intelligence, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that combines the love of language with the deep connection between humans and animals.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are sensitive to poetic expression and stories that delve into deep emotional themes.

• A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Autobiography
  • Synopsis: This book follows the life of Squirrel, a stray dog, narrating her own experiences from birth to old age, and the various people she meets along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of animal welfare, narrative skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an insightful look into the life of a stray dog, fostering empathy and awareness about the challenges stray animals face.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in animal welfare and enjoy stories from an animal's perspective.

• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: This classic novel tells the story of Buck, a domestic dog who is kidnapped and sold as a sled dog in Alaska, where he must adapt to the harsh wilderness and find his place in the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, adaptation to change, survival instincts
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling adventure that also offers a profound exploration of nature and the primal instincts that surface in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy classic literature and stories of adventure and transformation.

Challenging Dog Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: An intellectually engaging tale where the gods Hermes and Apollo grant human consciousness to fifteen dogs to see if they can die happy. The story explores the complexities of human intelligence through the eyes of these dogs as they navigate their new awareness in the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel delves into philosophical questions and moral dilemmas, using sophisticated language and complex narrative structures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages deep thinking about humanity, ethics, and the nature of happiness, which can be incredibly enriching for advanced young readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in philosophy and those who enjoy stories that challenge their thinking.

• The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: This is the story of a mute boy named Edgar who communicates best with his dogs. The plot thickens with the mysterious death of his father and the suspicions that arise around his uncle.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features Shakespearean themes and rich, descriptive prose that demands a higher level of reading comprehension and engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: The novel's complex characters and intricate plot provide a profound experience in storytelling, perfect for developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love intricate narratives and deep, character-driven stories.

• The Plague Dogs by Richard Adams
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: After escaping from a research facility in the Lake District, two dogs, Snitter and Rowf, struggle for survival in the wild while being pursued by humans who believe they carry the plague.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores ethical issues surrounding animal rights and experimentation, using a sophisticated vocabulary and layered narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping adventure that also raises important questions about humanity and animal welfare, encouraging empathy and ethical considerations.
  • Perfect for: Readers passionate about animal rights and those who appreciate stories that promote ethical reflection.

• Timbuktu by Paul Auster
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Mr. Bones, a stray dog who understands English, as he reflects on his life with his homeless owner Willy G. Christmas and their journey through Baltimore, seeking Willy’s high school teacher.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is interwoven with existential themes and uses a stream-of-consciousness style that demands careful interpretation and reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on loyalty, love, and survival, providing emotional depth and intellectual engagement.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy exploring complex characters and themes of existentialism.

• Flush: A Biography by Virginia Woolf
  • Genre(s): Biography, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This imaginative biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s cocker spaniel, Flush, combines factual biographic elements with the fictionalized perspective of the dog, exploring 19th-century society from an animal’s viewpoint.
  • Why this book is challenging: Woolf's use of lyrical prose and the blending of biography with fiction creates a multi-layered narrative that challenges conventional reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully merges historical context with creative storytelling, encouraging readers to think critically about narrative voice and historical perspective.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in historical fiction and fans of innovative narrative techniques.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some fantastic dog books and you're around 13 years old, you're in for a treat. Not only are these books packed with adventures and loyal canine companions, but they also offer a great opportunity to develop some stellar reading habits. Here’s a list of exercises to help you get the most out of your reading experience:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• 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 your concentration.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to relate the plot or characters to real-life situations during discussions.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize an app that can track your reading progress or suggest new books.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes choosing the next book easier.
  • Tips: Look for apps that offer rewards or badges for milestones.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a book club that reads and discusses dog-themed books.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading and lets you share your thoughts with others.
  • Tips: If you can’t find a suitable club, consider starting one with your friends!

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books you read.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your life. Whether you're curling up with a heartwarming story about a heroic dog or discussing a book's themes with friends, each step you take builds a lifelong love of reading. So grab your favorite dog book, pick a couple of these exercises, and start your reading adventure today!