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

Are you on the lookout for engaging Islamic books for 13-year-olds that are both educational and enjoyable? Finding the right reads for young teens can be a challenge, especially when you want to provide them with content that resonates with their values and sparks their curiosity. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a book-loving mentor, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to discover a variety of Islamic books perfect for 13-year-olds, each promising to enrich their understanding and appreciation of their faith.

Fun Islamic Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Cultural
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book uses colors to introduce children to the culture and customs of Islam, from the red prayer rug to the blue hijab.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's visually stunning and offers a simple, engaging way for young readers to learn about Islamic traditions through everyday objects.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy learning about different cultures through vivid illustrations and simple, poetic text.

• The Green Bicycle by Haifaa Al Mansour
  • Genre(s): Middle Grade, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the movie "Wadjda," this novel follows a young girl in Riyadh who dreams of owning a green bicycle and racing against her friend Abdullah, despite the societal expectations placed on girls.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes themes of perseverance and the importance of following one's dreams, which is particularly resonant for teenagers navigating their own paths.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories about personal growth and overcoming obstacles.

• Nadia's Hands by Karen English, illustrated by Jonathan Weiner
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Cultural
  • Synopsis: The story centers around a young Pakistani-American girl named Nadia who is chosen to be a flower girl at her aunt's traditional Pakistani wedding. She worries about what her classmates will think of the henna designs on her hands.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to cultural traditions and the beauty of embracing one's heritage, encouraging acceptance and pride in one's identity.
  • Perfect for: Children who are beginning to explore their own cultural identities or those interested in learning about the traditions of others.

• Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Family
  • Synopsis: Rubina is invited to her first birthday party and her mother insists that she take her younger sister along. This story explores themes of sibling rivalry and cultural differences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses family dynamics and cultural integration in a relatable and heartfelt way, making it a great conversation starter.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are navigating sibling relationships or experiencing the challenges of blending different cultural expectations.

• Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi, illustrated by Lea Lyon
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Religious
  • Synopsis: Lailah is in a new school in a new country and is excited that she can finally participate in Ramadan fasting, but she's nervous about explaining this to her teachers and classmates.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the challenges and joys of observing Ramadan and helps demystify the practice for non-Muslim peers.
  • Perfect for: Children experiencing their own religious practices for the first time or those curious about the practices of others.

Educational Islamic Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Tales from Rumi: Mathnawi Selections for Young Readers by Rumi, adapted by Maryam Mafi
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Spiritual
  • Synopsis: This collection presents simplified tales from the famous "Mathnawi" by Rumi, offering spiritual lessons and timeless wisdom through engaging stories.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral reasoning, understanding of spiritual and philosophical concepts, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the depth of Sufi poetry and philosophy in an accessible manner, encouraging introspection and a deeper understanding of human emotions and spirituality.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in poetry and spiritual growth.

• The Genius of Islam: How Muslims Made the Modern World by Bryn Barnard
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History
  • Synopsis: This book explores the many contributions of Muslim scholars, scientists, and artists to the modern world, from the invention of the algorithm to advancements in medicine.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, scientific understanding, cultural awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive overview of the significant impact of Islamic civilization on the modern world, fostering appreciation and respect for these contributions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love history and science, and those interested in learning about the contributions of different cultures to global knowledge.

• Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman, illustrated by Sue Williams
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Religious
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book celebrates the holy month of Ramadan through the eyes of a young child observing the moon and engaging in family traditions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of Islamic practices, family bonding, observational skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It is a gentle introduction to the practices of Ramadan, emphasizing family and community.
  • Perfect for: Young readers and families looking to celebrate or learn more about Ramadan together.

• The Wise Fool: Fables from the Islamic World by Shahrukh Husain, illustrated by Micha Archer
  • Genre(s): Folktales, Cultural
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of stories about Mulla Nasruddin, a legendary character known for his wit and wisdom, who uses humor to expose truths and teach lessons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, humor, ethical judgement
  • Why we recommend this book: The tales are not only entertaining but also impart important life lessons through the clever and often humorous exploits of Nasruddin.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy humor and learning through storytelling.

• Time to Pray by Maha Addasi, illustrated by Ned Gannon
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Cultural
  • Synopsis: A young girl visits her grandmother in the Middle East and learns the Muslim prayer rituals, experiencing the beauty and peace of Islamic prayer practices.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural understanding, religious practices, family relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a warm portrayal of Islamic daily practices and the importance of family guidance in religious education.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about their own religious practices or those interested in understanding the practices of others.

Challenging Islamic Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Conference of the Birds by Alexis York Lumbard, illustrated by Demi
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Spiritual
  • Synopsis: This adaptation of the classic Persian poem by Attar tells the story of birds embarking on a perilous journey to find their king, symbolizing the Sufi path to enlightenment.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses symbolic language and allegorical storytelling to convey deep philosophical and spiritual ideas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to classic Sufi literature in a visually captivating way, encouraging them to think deeply about life's journey and spiritual growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy mythology, poetry, and exploring complex spiritual themes.

• Snow in Amman: An Anthology of Short Stories from Jordan edited by Ibtihal Mahmood and Alexander Haddad
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Anthology
  • Synopsis: This collection features diverse short stories by Jordanian authors, offering a window into Jordanian life and culture through various narratives.
  • Why this book is challenging: The anthology presents a range of writing styles and themes, requiring readers to adapt to different voices and perspectives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It exposes readers to modern Arab literature and the rich cultural fabric of Jordan, enhancing their global awareness and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in cultural diversity and literary exploration.

• The Story of the Holy Prophet Muhammad by Humera Malik
  • Genre(s): Biography, Religious
  • Synopsis: This book recounts the life of Prophet Muhammad from his early days in Mecca to the spread of Islam across Arabia.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed historical contexts and religious teachings that require thoughtful engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive and respectful overview of the life of one of the most influential figures in history, fostering a deeper understanding of Islam.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in religious history and biographies.

• I Wonder About the Qur'an by Ozkan Oze
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Religious
  • Synopsis: This book answers questions about the Qur'an in a clear and thoughtful way, designed to engage young minds.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex theological questions that invite readers to think critically about religious texts and concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity and a deeper understanding of the Qur'an, making it accessible and relevant to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who have questions about Islamic teachings and enjoy exploratory learning.

• When Wings Expand by Mehded Maryam Sinclair
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Spiritual
  • Synopsis: The story follows a young girl coping with the loss of her mother, finding solace and understanding through her faith and the beauty of nature.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of grief and resilience through a deeply spiritual lens, requiring emotional maturity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines storytelling with lessons about coping with loss and the importance of faith, offering comfort and understanding to young readers facing similar challenges.
  • Perfect for: Readers dealing with personal loss or those interested in stories about personal growth and faith.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of Islamic books and you're around 13, you might be wondering how to make the most out of your reading experience. Here are some exercises that can help you develop good reading habits while exploring these enriching texts.

• 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: Keeps you focused and helps in achieving consistent reading progress.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Summarize What You Read
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of the chapters or sections you finish.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to write your summaries without looking at the book to test your memory and understanding.

• Discuss With Others
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested in similar topics.
  • How it helps: Provides deeper insights and different perspectives on the same material.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club meeting to discuss what you’ve read.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a list of new words and their meanings that you come across in your readings.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and understanding of the language used in Islamic texts.
  • Tips: Use the new words in your daily conversations to better assimilate them.

• Reflect on the Lessons Learned
  • What it is: Think about the moral and ethical lessons in the book and write them down.
  • How it helps: Helps apply the teachings of Islamic books to real-life situations.
  • Tips: Try to relate the lessons to personal experiences or current events to make them more meaningful.

These exercises are not just about improving your reading skills; they're about making your journey through Islamic books more insightful and enjoyable. Give them a try, and see how much more engaged you feel with your books. Happy reading!