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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect Roald Dahl books for 13-year-olds? You're in luck! Roald Dahl's stories have captivated readers of all ages with their unique charm and wit, making them a fantastic choice for young teens. Whether you're looking for a gift or just some great additions to your teen's reading list, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover various lists of Roald Dahl books that are sure to enchant and entertain any 13-year-old reader.

Fun Roald Dahl Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story centers on Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers, who faces off against her cruel parents and the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of reading and the resilience of children, inspiring readers to believe in their own abilities to overcome challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories of triumph and have a keen sense of justice.

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Charlie Bucket wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory, which is a journey filled with fantastical inventions and unexpected challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative setting and quirky characters, while also imparting lessons about greed, kindness, and humility.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy magical adventures and whimsical tales.

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: A young boy stumbles upon a secret gathering of witches, who despise children and have a plan to eliminate them from the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling and slightly spooky read that captivates with its engaging plot and the battle between good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like a bit of a scare mixed with humor and fantasy.

• Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: Danny and his father devise a plan to sabotage the wealthy, greedy landowner Mr. Hazell's pheasant shoot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of family bonding and cleverness over brute force, encouraging creative thinking and closer familial relationships.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate stories about teamwork and clever schemes.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the man-eating giants.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of friendship and courage, filled with unique language and imaginative settings that engage young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantastical worlds and stories about unlikely friendships.

Educational Roald Dahl Books for 13-Year-Olds

• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After the tragic death of his parents, young James Henry Trotter lives with two dreadful aunts. His life changes when he enters a gigantic, magical peach, and embarks on a journey with a group of friendly, talking insects.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, creativity, and understanding of complex emotions; introduces elements of fantasy and adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that encourages imagination and teaches valuable lessons about friendship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love thrilling adventures and magical narratives.

• George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: George decides to make a medicine to cure his grandmother's grouchy disposition, but his concoction has some bizarre and oversized effects.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity; encourages experimentation and exploration of cause and effect.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a touch of rebellion, making it a fun and engaging read that stirs the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any child who enjoys mischievous plots and laugh-out-loud scenarios.

• Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Biography, Memoir
  • Synopsis: This autobiographical book provides a look into the early years of Roald Dahl's life, sharing stories from his childhood and school days.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, autobiographical storytelling, and comprehension of narrative nonfiction.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a glimpse into the formative years of a beloved writer, filled with both humorous and poignant moments.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in the real-life stories behind one of their favorite authors, and those who appreciate autobiographical works.

• Going Solo by Roald Dahl
  • Genre(s): Biography, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The sequel to Boy: Tales of Childhood, this book follows Dahl's adventures as a young man working in Tanzania and flying with the Royal Air Force during World War II.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical events, resilience, and exploration; enhances knowledge of different cultures and wartime experiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting and inspirational look at Dahl's life beyond his childhood, filled with adventure and real-world challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young adults and teens interested in history, adventure, and stories of personal growth.

Challenging Roald Dahl Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This charming tale follows a young boy named Billy who meets a giraffe, a pelican, and a monkey running a window-cleaning service. Together, they embark on an adventure involving a wealthy duke and a burglar.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story introduces business concepts and economic principles in a whimsical context, challenging young readers to think about entrepreneurship and teamwork.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a delightful story that combines humor with lessons about friendship and business, encouraging creativity and strategic thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young entrepreneurs and fans of animal adventures.

• The Twits by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mr. and Mrs. Twit are two nasty, repulsive people who enjoy playing cruel pranks on each other. Eventually, the animals they have mistreated turn the tables on them.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses dark humor and satire to explore themes of revenge and justice, requiring readers to think critically about the moral questions it raises.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a unique look at cause and effect, and the consequences of one's actions, all wrapped up in Dahl's signature entertaining narrative style.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a darker sense of humor and tales of justice.

• Esio Trot by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Mr. Hoppy, a shy old man, devises a plan to win the heart of his neighbor, Mrs. Silver, by helping her tortoise grow using a fake magical spell.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure involving a plan of deception introduces complex themes of ethics and honesty in relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a heartwarming story that also challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of the characters' actions, all while enjoying a quirky romance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a blend of romance and ethical dilemmas.

• The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: A girl with magical powers punishes her hunting-enthusiast neighbors by turning them into birds to give them a taste of their own medicine.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a moral lesson on the consequences of one's actions and the empathy needed towards animals, wrapped in a fantastical narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book encourages readers to think about animal rights and ethical hunting, promoting empathy and moral reasoning.
  • Perfect for: Young readers passionate about animal welfare and justice.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl books, you're in for a treat. To make the most of your reading experience, especially if you're around 13 years old, here are some exercises designed to develop your reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also increase your enjoyment of the books.

• Set 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 create a consistent reading habit and builds anticipation for each reading session.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new or interesting words you find while reading Dahl's books.
  • How it helps: Enhances your vocabulary and helps you better understand the themes and humor in Dahl's writing.
  • Tips: Use a notebook specifically for this purpose, and try to use the new words in your daily conversations.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it too or have read it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club or discussion group to keep the conversation going.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book based on your interpretation.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and helps you connect visually with the story.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic perfection; focus on how the scenes make you feel.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before you start a new chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Engages your analytical skills and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Write your predictions down and check how many of them were right as you read.

• Connect the Themes
  • What it is: Identify themes in the story and connect them to your own life or other books you've read.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the book’s messages and enhances empathy.
  • Tips: Keep a theme journal specifically for this exercise.

• Retell the Story
  • What it is: Summarize the book in your own words, either written or orally.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and comprehension of the story.
  • Tips: Try to retell the story to a family member or friend who hasn’t read the book.

Exploring Roald Dahl's books with these exercises will surely make your reading journey even more magical and rewarding. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to incorporate these exercises into your daily reading routine. Enjoy your adventure through the fantastical realms Dahl has created, and happy reading!