10+ Best Romance Books for 13-14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that captures the thrill and sweetness of young love? Look no further! Our carefully curated list of Romance Books for 13-14-Year-Olds offers a delightful selection that resonates with young teens eager to dive into stories of first crushes and heartfelt adventures. Keep reading to discover your next favorite book that's just right for young romantics!

Fun Romance Books for 13-14-Year-Olds

• Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Bryce and Juli, two young neighbors who experience the complexities of love from opposite perspectives. Juli has been smitten with Bryce since the second grade, but as they grow older, their roles begin to reverse.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt and charming story that captures the innocence and confusion of young love. The dual perspectives help readers understand both sides of the story, promoting empathy and insight.
    a Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and those experiencing their first crush.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Fairy Tale Retelling
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella story follows Ella, who is cursed with the "gift" of obedience. She must obey any order given to her, no matter how absurd. The book explores her quest to find a way to break the curse and gain her freedom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and enchanting read that also deals with themes of autonomy and self-respect, encouraging readers to think about personal agency and the importance of standing up for oneself.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales with a twist and strong, resourceful heroines.

• The Secret Language of Girls by Frances O'Roark Dowell
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel explores the ups and downs of the friendship between Kate and Marylin, from the sixth grade onward, as they navigate the challenges of middle school and changing social dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic look at the complexities of young friendships and first crushes, making it relatable for young teens. It's also a gentle introduction to the genre of romance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are navigating their own friendships and looking for stories that reflect their experiences.

• The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Humor
  • Synopsis: Mia Thermopolis is an average New York City teenager who suddenly discovers she's a princess of a small European country. The series follows her hilarious and heartwarming journey as she learns to handle her new royal responsibilities along with everyday adolescent challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's funny, uplifting, and filled with quirky characters. The blend of ordinary teen issues with extraordinary circumstances makes for a compelling read.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy humorous stories with a dash of romance and fantasy.

• Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book introduces Stargirl Caraway, a previously homeschooled girl who enrolls in Mica High and breaks all the conventions of what it means to be "normal." Her kindness, nonconformity, and the romantic tension with Leo Borlock captivate readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates individuality and kindness, encouraging readers to be true to themselves. The romantic elements are sweet and thought-provoking, perfect for young teens.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel different or who appreciate stories about embracing one's uniqueness.

Educational Romance Books for 13-14-Year-Olds

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, Calpurnia Tate is a curious 11-year-old girl who, with the guidance of her grumpy but wise grandfather, navigates the challenges and restrictions placed on females during the Victorian era while exploring her interest in science.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, scientific exploration, gender roles, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It intertwines the themes of romance and personal growth with a rich historical backdrop, providing a thoughtful look at the evolution of societal norms.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, science, and stories of personal discovery.

• The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
  • Genre(s): Family, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story follows the Penderwick sisters as they spend their summer at a beautiful estate called Arundel. Throughout their adventures, they encounter friendship, romance, and the joys and challenges of growing up.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family dynamics, emotional intelligence, social interactions
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of a whimsical and heartfelt summer adventure, filled with charming characters and light romantic elements.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about family bonds and youthful escapades.

• Bloomability by Sharon Creech
  • Genre(s): Coming of Age, Romance
  • Synopsis: When Dinnie Doone is uprooted from her home in the United States to attend an international school in Switzerland, she experiences a world of new possibilities, including friendship, romance, and self-discovery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, adaptability, personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautiful exploration of growth and change, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Swiss Alps, with gentle romantic undertones.
  • Perfect for: Young teens looking to explore themes of change and self-discovery in a global context.

• Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech
  • Genre(s): Romance, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mary Lou Finney is less than excited about her assignment to keep a journal over the summer, but as the season progresses, it becomes a candid and often hilarious look at her family's crazy antics and her burgeoning feelings for a boy named Carl Ray.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Writing skills, emotional expression, family relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and poignant coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the tumultuous but thrilling feelings associated with young love.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a good laugh mixed with some heartfelt moments.

• Ida B...and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan
  • Genre(s): Realistic Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Ida B is a fiercely imaginative and funny girl whose peaceful life gets turned upside down when her mother falls ill. Faced with changes at home and school, Ida B must find a way to adjust and thrive.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional resilience, creativity, coping with change
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and heartache with a touch of romance, providing a realistic portrayal of dealing with life’s unexpected challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are dealing with or preparing for big changes in their lives.

Challenging Romance Books for 13-14-Year-Olds

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Anne's vibrant personality and romantic escapades capture the hearts of everyone around her as she grows up.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style, historical setting, and rich vocabulary provide a more complex reading experience, suitable for advanced young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's spirited nature and the wholesome romance intertwined with themes of growth and acceptance make it a timeless story that inspires and delights.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories set in a historical context, with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments.

• I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Narrated by seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mortmain, the story captures her family's eccentric and impoverished life in a crumbling English castle. As Cassandra navigates her feelings and aspirations, she documents the complex relationships and romantic entanglements that unfold around her.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its intricate plot, character depth, and the reflective, first-person narrative require a higher level of reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of romance and coming-of-age themes, all while providing a deep, introspective look into a young writer's mind.
  • Perfect for: Teens who appreciate a literary style mixed with romantic and philosophical undertones.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Romance, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow from girls into women in post-Civil War America, facing challenges and nurturing dreams alongside various romantic adventures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The historical context and the exploration of varied themes such as poverty, gender roles, and morality add layers of complexity to the narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that combines elements of romance with personal growth, resilience, and sisterhood.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about strong familial bonds and individual growth, with a touch of romance.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Historical Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Sara Crewe, a wealthy and kind-hearted girl, is left in a boarding school by her father. When her circumstances take a dramatic turn, Sara's imagination and kindness transform her life and the lives of those around her, despite the hardships she faces.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sophisticated themes of class disparity, resilience in the face of hardship, and the rich, descriptive language challenge young readers to think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a moving story of perseverance and kindness, coupled with the subtle development of romantic and platonic relationships.
  • Perfect for: Those who love stories of transformation and triumph over adversity, with a historical backdrop.

• The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Romance, Drama
  • Synopsis: Valancy Stirling, an old maid at twenty-nine, breaks away from her oppressive family and stifling life when she receives a shocking diagnosis. This leads her to take control of her own destiny, finding adventure and romance in ways she never expected.
  • Why this book is challenging: The deeper themes of self-discovery, defiance against societal norms, and the eloquent prose present a rich reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a story of empowerment and romantic liberation that encourages readers to find their own paths in life.
  • Perfect for: Mature young readers looking for a story about personal courage and romantic adventure.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of romance books and you're around 13-14 years old, you're in for a treat! Romance novels can be incredibly engaging and fun. But, to get the most out of your reading experience, it's great to develop some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can help you do just that. Let's make reading even more enjoyable and beneficial!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and build a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Start small and gradually increase your daily reading quota.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Arrange a specific area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances your overall reading experience.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you're reading with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match the dialogue and action.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize a digital application to track your reading habits.
  • How it helps: Keeps you organized and motivated by tracking progress.
  • Tips: Explore apps that offer rewards for meeting reading goals.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a book club that focuses on young adult romance.
  • How it helps: Provides a community of readers and exposes you to diverse perspectives.
  • Tips: Be active in discussions to get the most out of every meeting.

• Visualize While You Read
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read through the story.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pause occasionally to picture the characters and settings in detail.

These exercises aren't just about improving your ability to read; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your life. Whether you're curling up with a sweet tale of first love or an adventurous romantic escapade, these habits can greatly enhance your reading experience. Happy reading!