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

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect blend of giggles and butterflies? Look no further! Our latest roundup of Rom Com Books for 13-Year-olds is packed with stories that are sure to delight and entertain. Whether you’re after sweet first crushes or hilarious misadventures, we’ve got something that will catch your eye. Keep reading to dive into our favorite picks!

Fun Rom Com Books for 13-Year-Olds

• To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The story follows Lara Jean Covey, a high school junior who writes secret love letters to all of her past crushes. Things take a turn when the letters are accidentally sent out.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sweet and charming tale that captures the complexities of young love and family dynamics. It encourages young readers to express their feelings and face their problems bravely.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy heartfelt stories and anyone dealing with the challenges of growing up.

• Geek Girl by Holly Smale
  • Genre(s): Romance, Humor, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Harriet Manners is a geek and not the most popular girl at school, but her life changes dramatically when she's spotted by a top modeling agency.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes humor with life lessons about self-acceptance and transformation. It's an uplifting read that shows it's okay to be different.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel like they don't fit in and anyone who loves a good laugh along with their romance.

• Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel details the ups and downs of young love from the dual perspectives of Juli Baker and Bryce Loski, who see the events of their relationship very differently.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique take on perspective and understanding others, making it a great tool for developing empathy and seeing beyond first impressions.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys a multi-perspective narrative and stories about young love.

• The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
  • Genre(s): Romance, Comedy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Mia Thermopolis' life is turned upside down when she discovers that she is the heir to the throne of a small European principality. The book follows her hilarious journey towards accepting her royal future.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's funny and relatable, providing both escapism and real-life issues that resonate with young teenagers, such as self-identity and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love a good laugh mixed with a bit of royal intrigue and self-discovery.

• Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
  • Genre(s): Romance, LGBT, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Simon Spier is a not-so-openly gay high school junior who prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and sincere story about identity and the courage to be oneself, which is crucial at this formative age.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a story about acceptance, love, and the importance of being true to oneself.

Educational Rom Com Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The story explores the friendship between Macallan and Levi, who meet in seventh grade and quickly bond over a shared love of a British sitcom. As they grow older, their friendship is tested by romantic feelings and high school drama.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of platonic and romantic relationships, emotional intelligence, communication skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It realistically portrays the transition from friendship to romance, which can be complex and confusing but also deeply rewarding.
  • Perfect for: Teens navigating their own close friendships and those curious about the dynamics of male-female friendships.

• The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan misses her flight to London, where she's supposed to attend her father's wedding. She meets Oliver, a British boy who will be attending college in the U.S., and they spend the flight together when she gets on the next one. The book captures their 24-hour experience of connection and the possibility of love.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Statistical concepts through a romantic lens, cultural understanding, time management
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a sweet exploration of fate, love, and the serendipitous moments that can define our lives.
  • Perfect for: Young romantics and anyone who enjoys a good "love at first sight" story with a touch of academic intrigue.

• This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: When teen movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends an email to small-town girl Ellie O'Neill, their exchange sparks an undeniable connection. As they continue to write, their desire to meet grows, despite the challenges fame might pose.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Email etiquette, understanding of privacy and celebrity culture, creative writing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming tale that explores whether a relationship can be as picture-perfect in real life as it can seem in the digital world.
  • Perfect for: Teens who dream about a fairy tale romance and are navigating the digital age of relationships.

• Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Anna Oliphant spends a year at a boarding school in Paris, where she meets the charming Étienne St. Clair. Despite the complications of existing relationships and the challenges of new beginnings, their friendship may evolve into something more.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural exposure to Parisian life, understanding of complex relationships, language skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines the enchantment of Paris with the universal experiences of first love and heartache.
  • Perfect for: Hopeless romantics and anyone who's ever dreamed of an adventure in one of the world's most romantic cities.

• My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Samantha Reed, from a family that seems perfect on the outside, becomes intrigued by her chaotic, warm-hearted neighbors, the Garretts. She falls for Jase Garrett, which complicates her controlled, orderly world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of family dynamics, ethical decision-making, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling look at how love can cross social boundaries and how relationships can teach us about our values.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy realistic stories about family, love, and the choices that define us.

Challenging Rom Com Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel tackles complex issues like domestic abuse and social stigmas, woven through intricate character developments and emotional depth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written exploration of young love and the struggles of teenage life, offering a profound emotional impact that resonates deeply.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a story that combines romance with real-life challenges.

• The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Natasha, a girl who believes in science and facts, meets Daniel, a poetic boy who stands firmly in the realm of destiny. With just hours left before Natasha's family is deported to Jamaica, Daniel convinces her to spend the day with him to prove that love is real.
  • Why this book is challenging: It intertwines complex themes like immigration, fate versus free will, and multicultural identities within a tight narrative timeframe.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel provides a thought-provoking look at the universe's interconnectedness and the impact of our choices.
  • Perfect for: Young adults interested in a romance that challenges their perspectives on fate and reality.

• Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: After her mother's death, Lina is sent to Italy to meet her father, armed only with her mother's old journal. As she uncovers secrets about her mother's past, she encounters new friendships and a potential new love.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative requires readers to piece together a complex puzzle through clues left in journal entries, set against a rich cultural backdrop.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sweet and fulfilling tale of self-discovery, love, and the connections between our pasts and our futures.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy travel, mystery, and romance all wrapped into one.

• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, it's something more. She and her twin sister Wren ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids. Now, as they head to

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading rom-com books can be a blast, especially when you're 13 and just starting to explore the fun, quirky world of romantic comedies. But how can you make the most out of your reading experience? Here are some exercises that can help you develop good reading habits while enjoying your favorite rom-com books!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books you want to read each month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and creates a sense of achievement.
  • Tips: Start with a realistic goal and increase it as you get more comfortable with your reading pace.

• 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.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the books you're reading with your friends.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where everyone reads the same book and discusses it.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a comfortable space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Improves concentration and makes reading a special part of your day.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe some personal touches like posters or plants.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read parts of the book aloud to yourself or others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Choose a character and try reading their dialogues to feel more connected to the story.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a timeline or a map of the story’s events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps in better comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important events and turning points.

These exercises aren't just about making reading more fun; they're about making it a part of your life. By setting goals, discussing with friends, or even just creating the perfect reading spot, you're building habits that can turn you into a lifelong reader. So grab your favorite rom-com book, pick an exercise, and start building those reading muscles!