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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into magical realms for your teen? Look no further! Our curated selection of fantasy books for 13-year-olds is packed with tales that spark the imagination and kindle the spirits of young adventurers. Whether your teen is a budding sorcerer or a fledgling hero, these stories are sure to captivate and inspire. Keep reading to discover our top picks for fantasy books that are just right for 13-year-olds!

Fun Fantasy Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the renowned Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends and uncovers a dark mystery tied to his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces magic in a way that sparks imagination and wonder, making it a captivating read that encourages young readers to continue exploring the series.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and adventure.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling blend of modern adventure and ancient mythology, perfect for engaging young readers and sparking interest in Greek mythology.
  • Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, captures a fairy and holds her for ransom to exploit the magical Fairy People and restore his family's fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a young protagonist who is both brilliant and flawed, providing a unique twist on the fantasy genre that keeps readers guessing.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with anti-heroes and high-tech magic.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves in a school where they are trained to become fairy tale heroes or villains, challenging their preconceived notions of good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly subverts traditional fairy tale tropes, offering a fresh perspective on good vs. evil and providing lots of fun along the way.
  • Perfect for: Those who love fairy tales and exploring the gray areas between good and evil.

• The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 1) by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
  • Synopsis: Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, summons the 5,000-year-old djinni Bartimaeus to assist him in a dangerous revenge plot against a powerful magician.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with witty dialogue, a thrilling magical system, and complex relationships that make it a compelling read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever humor and intricate fantasy worlds.

• Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle, Book 1) by Christopher Paolini
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Epic
  • Synopsis: A young farm boy named Eragon discovers a mysterious stone that turns out to be a dragon egg, leading him on a path to become a Dragon Rider and battle an evil king.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an epic fantasy that offers a rich, immersive world and a classic hero's journey that captivates and motivates young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of adventure and enjoy stories about dragons and epic battles.

Educational Fantasy Books for 13-Year-Olds

• A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the tale of Ged, a young boy with innate magical power, who attends a school of wizardry. As he grows more powerful, he accidentally unleashes a shadowy entity that he must confront to restore balance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-discovery, ethical decision-making, understanding consequences
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of growth and responsibility, woven through with rich, captivating storytelling that encourages deep thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in magic and personal development.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic Realism
  • Synopsis: In this enchanting tale, a girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked as a baby and raised by a witch. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge with potentially disastrous consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends magic with the complexities of growing up, offering young readers a story that celebrates empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with strong female characters and magical adventures.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: After the mysterious murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where ghosts and other supernatural beings raise him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Courage and resilience, understanding diverse perspectives, imaginative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique and captivating tale that mixes the eerie with the heartwarming, encouraging readers to find courage in the face of fear.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure and heart.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo has the ability to bring characters from books into the real world when reading aloud. This power leads them into a dangerous adventure involving a villain from a fictional book.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, problem-solving, love for reading
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the magic of books and reading, while offering an exciting narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Perfect for: Book lovers and young readers who dream of fantastic adventures that leap off the page.

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, translated by Ralph Manheim
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Epic
  • Synopsis: Young Bastian finds a mysterious book that immerses him in the magical land of Fantastica, where he becomes a key figure in an epic quest to save the realm.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, empathy, imaginative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a richly imaginative story that explores themes of escapism, bravery, and the power of storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy losing themselves in detailed, fantastical worlds and epic quests.

Challenging Fantasy Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Sabriel by Garth Nix
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sabriel, a young necromancer, must venture into the mystical and dangerous Old Kingdom to find her missing father, the Abhorsen, and confront an evil that threatens to destroy the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of life and death, and utilizes an intricate magic system that requires careful reading to fully understand.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a strong female lead and a gripping, well-constructed fantasy world that is both dark and enchanting.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a strong heroine and a story that blends magic with a coming-of-age journey.

• The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1) by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic north to save her kidnapped friend and other stolen children from terrible experiments.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel presents a complex plot with philosophical and theological undertones that challenge conventional views on religion and morality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking adventure that encourages critical thinking and questioning of the world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy deep stories that make them think about the nature of their world and their place in it.

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Dragons, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In a world where dragons and humans coexist in an uneasy peace, Seraphina, a talented musician, hides a dangerous secret concerning her dragon heritage as she becomes embroiled in a royal murder mystery.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a sophisticated plot with intricate politics and a unique take on dragon lore.
  • Why we recommend this book: The novel combines mystery with fantasy in a richly detailed world, offering a fresh look at dragon mythology.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love dragons and are looking for a novel that offers more than just a typical fantasy tale.

• The Queen of Attolia (The Queen's Thief, Book 2) by Megan Whalen Turner
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Political Intrigue
  • Synopsis: Thief Eugenides must navigate a web of political intrigue and personal vendettas when he is caught by the Queen of Attolia, leading to far-reaching consequences for himself and his homeland.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex political intrigue and character development, demanding attention to detail and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: This series is known for its clever twists and deep, multifaceted characters, making it a rewarding read for those who enjoy cerebral plots.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate a blend of adventure, politics, and well-crafted storytelling.

• The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: Harry Crewe, an orphan girl, is taken by the king of the Hillfolk, and soon discovers her own mysterious powers and a destiny tied to the magical heritage of the desert kingdom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates a richly imagined world with a complex socio-political backdrop and a detailed magic system.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering story that features a strong female protagonist who rises to meet her destiny in a beautifully described, fantastical setting.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of personal growth and adventure in exotic, magical lands.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of fantasy books and you're around 13 years old, here are some fantastic exercises to enhance your reading experience. These will not only make your journey through fantasy lands more enjoyable but also help you develop great reading habits that last a lifetime.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and improves focus.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Use a Fantasy Map
  • What it is: Track the locations within the book using a map, if available.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the story’s geography and can make the story more engaging.
  • Tips: Refer to the map before and after your reading session to better visualize the events.

• 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 retention of the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what emotions and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to guess what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Keeps you engaged and stimulates critical thinking.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check them as you progress.

• Draw Scenes or Characters
  • What it is: Sketch your favorite scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances your creative skills and helps you connect visually with the story.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfecting your art; focus on how the scenes make you feel.

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

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your understanding and enjoyment of fantasy books but also develop habits that can improve all areas of your learning. Remember, the goal is to have fun and let your imagination soar. Happy reading!