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

Are you on the lookout for French books for 13-year-olds that will captivate and inspire your young reader? Whether you're aiming to boost their language skills or immerse them in captivating stories, finding the right books can be a game changer. Keep reading as we dive into a variety of French books perfect for 13-year-olds, each promising to be a delightful addition to their reading journey.

Fun French Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Le Petit Nicolas by René Goscinny, illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempé
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life
  • Synopsis: This series of books tells the adventures of Nicolas, a mischievous French schoolboy, through his humorous everyday experiences with family and friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with humor and mischief, making it a delightful read that captures the essence of childhood.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about school life and friendship, and those who appreciate a good laugh.

• Les Malheurs de Sophie by Comtesse de Ségur
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sophie is a young girl who often finds herself in trouble due to her curious and rebellious nature. The story explores her various misadventures and the lessons she learns along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless lessons about growth and responsibility, wrapped in engaging and often humorous storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like classic tales with spirited protagonists and moral lessons.

• Le Club des Cinq by Enid Blyton
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of a group of children who form 'The Famous Five' and solve exciting mysteries during their holidays.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages teamwork and problem-solving, while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with suspense and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Young mystery lovers and fans of adventure stories.

• La Belle Lisse Poire du Prince de Motordu by Pef
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Prince de Motordu lives in a topsy-turvy world where words are delightfully scrambled, leading to amusing misunderstandings and adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It plays with language in a fun way, encouraging young readers to engage with reading and vocabulary creatively.
  • Perfect for: Children who love wordplay and imaginative stories.

• L'École des loisirs by Various Authors
  • Genre(s): Various
  • Synopsis: This publisher offers a wide range of books for children and young adults, featuring stories that cater to diverse interests and ages.
  • Why we recommend this book: With a vast selection of genres and themes, L'École des loisirs provides something for every young reader, fostering a love for reading through variety and quality.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a wide range of topics and storytelling styles.

Educational French Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Le Grand Meaulnes by Alain-Fournier
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: When a mysterious boy named Meaulnes arrives at a rural school, he soon becomes involved in an enchanting and elusive quest, searching for a lost estate and a young girl named Yvonne.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of themes such as nostalgia and loss, character development, French cultural context
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant exploration of youthful idealism and the bittersweet transition into adulthood.
  • Perfect for: Teens who appreciate deep, reflective stories and classic literature.

• Sans Famille by Hector Malot
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the journey of an orphan boy named Rémi, who is sold to a street musician at a young age and travels across France, learning about life and survival.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, resilience, historical context of 19th-century France
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a moving narrative that teaches valuable life lessons through the adventures and trials of its young protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories of adventure and personal growth.

• Zazie dans le métro by Raymond Queneau
  • Genre(s): Modernist, Comedy
  • Synopsis: Zazie, a precocious and irreverent girl, spends a few days in Paris with her uncle. The story captures her misadventures in the city, particularly her obsession with riding the metro.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Language play, understanding of post-war French society, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and inventive novel that plays with language and explores societal norms through the eyes of a cheeky child.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy quirky characters and linguistic creativity.

• Le roi Arthur by Morpurgo Michael
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A reimagining of the classic tales of King Arthur and his knights, focusing on young Arthur's rise to power and the challenges he faces in uniting a fractured kingdom.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mythological elements, moral lessons
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical and fantastical elements to create a compelling narrative that also teaches about leadership and ethics.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by legends and tales of heroism.

• La sorcière de la rue Mouffetard, et autres contes de la rue Broca by Pierre Gripari
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This collection of stories is set in Paris and features a mix of humorous and whimsical tales, including witches, magic, and everyday wonders.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, French urban culture, moral lessons
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a playful and engaging series of stories that blend the magical with the mundane in a uniquely French setting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories that mix reality with fantasy.

Challenging French Books for 13-Year-Olds

• L'Enfant et la rivière by Henri Bosco
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The story follows a young boy named Pascalet and his adventures along the river with his friend Gatzo. Together, they explore the wild, untamed nature and face various challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and vocabulary are rich and complex, providing a deep and immersive reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of childhood adventures and the beauty of nature, encouraging readers to explore their world and the depth of human friendships.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and nature lovers who enjoy detailed, vivid storytelling.

• Les Déracinés by Maurice Barrès
  • Genre(s): Political, Historical
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the lives of seven young provincials who move to Paris to pursue their ambitions, dealing with themes of displacement and the search for identity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex themes of nationalism, personal identity, and the impact of societal changes, which are presented through sophisticated language and narrative techniques.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers insights into French political and cultural history, making it a great read for those interested in deep, thought-provoking themes.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in history and politics, and those who appreciate novels that challenge their thinking.

• Vendredi ou la vie sauvage by Michel Tournier
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: A reimagining of the classic "Robinson Crusoe" story, this book follows Robinson and his companion Vendredi as they adapt to life on a deserted island, exploring themes of civilization and freedom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The philosophical undertones and the exploration of complex themes such as freedom and human nature require deep thinking and reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating survival story that also invites readers to ponder big questions about life and society.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy survival stories and philosophical questions.

• Le Silence de la mer by Vercors
  • Genre(s): War, Psychological
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi-occupied France, this novel tells the story of an old man and his niece who silently protest against the German officer lodged with them, exploring themes of resistance and human dignity.
  • Why this book is challenging: The subtle yet powerful narrative requires readers to understand and appreciate the nuances of silent resistance and moral choices under duress.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a profound look at the impact of war on individuals and the quiet, personal forms of resistance that can take place.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical narratives and psychological depth.

• Les Enfants Terribles by Jean Cocteau
  • Genre(s): Drama, Psychological
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the complex and intense relationship between a brother and sister, Paul and Elisabeth, who live in a fantastical world of their own creation, isolated from the outside world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate exploration of family dynamics and psychological depth presents a challenging read for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling exploration of sibling relationships and the power of imagination, offering a unique and introspective look at human behavior.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by complex character studies and psychological narratives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of French books at 13, you're setting yourself up for a fantastic journey. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help you develop good reading habits. These exercises are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial in enhancing your understanding and retention of what you read. Let’s get started!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: This helps in building a consistent reading habit and keeps you motivated.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Summarizing helps in reinforcing what you've read and improves comprehension.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and focus on the main events and characters.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Discussing the book can provide new insights and deepen your understanding.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Make a list of new words you encounter and look up their meanings.
  • How it helps: Enhances your French vocabulary and makes reading easier over time.
  • Tips: Use the new words in sentences to better memorize them.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes described in the book as if you were watching a movie.
  • How it helps: Visualization aids in better memory retention and makes reading more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pay attention to descriptive passages to help form clearer images.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and fluency in French.
  • Tips: Focus on enunciating each word clearly and use proper intonation.

• Connect the Content to Real Life
  • What it is: Relate events or characters in the book to your own experiences or current events.
  • How it helps: Makes the book more relatable and interesting.
  • Tips: Write down any connections you make to discuss or reflect on later.

These exercises are designed to make your reading sessions more productive and enjoyable. By incorporating them into your routine, you’ll not only improve your French language skills but also deepen your appreciation for literature. So, grab your favorite French book, and let’s put these exercises into practice. Bonne lecture!