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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect quick read for your teen? Look no further! Our curated list of short books for 13-year-olds is packed with engaging stories that fit perfectly into a busy teenager's schedule. Whether they're looking for a weekend read or something to dive into between homework and hobbies, we've got it covered. Keep reading to discover our top picks for short books that are sure to captivate and inspire young readers!

Fun Short Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Comedy
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Stanley Yelnats is wrongfully sent to a boys' detention center where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. There is more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake, and Stanley and his friends might just dig up the truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of adventure and mystery with plenty of humor and a clever plot twist. It teaches lessons about friendship, justice, and fate.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with a mix of humor and suspense, and anyone who likes an underdog story.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a boy named Jonas living in a seemingly perfect world of conformity and contentment. When he begins to spend time with The Giver, the sole keeper of the community's memories, Jonas discovers the dark and deadly truths of his community's secret past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex themes about society, freedom, and individuality in a way that's accessible to younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to start thinking about deeper societal issues and anyone interested in speculative fiction.

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Coraline Jones steps through a door in her family's new house and finds another house strangely similar to her own (only better). But there's another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's delightfully creepy, wonderfully weird, and packs a punch with its brave young protagonist tackling big challenges.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good scare and rooting for strong, clever heroes in their adventures.

• Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This is the story of two boys – a slow learner stuck in a giant’s body and a tiny genius in braces – who pair up to form an unbeatable team, becoming Freak the Mighty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and inspiring tale of friendship and overcoming obstacles despite physical and societal limitations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like stories about friendship and triumph over adversity, or anyone who feels a bit different and finds strength in companionship.

• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-Age, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl, and her life growing up in the Hispanic quarter of Chicago with dreams of moving to a house of her own.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insightful reflections on cultural identity and the power of words through beautiful, poetic vignettes.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in stories of personal growth and those exploring their own cultural identity.

Educational Short Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophical
  • Synopsis: This timeless tale tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting unique adults and learning valuable lessons about life and human nature.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, philosophy, empathy, and imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that speaks to the heart with its simplicity and depth, exploring themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy deep stories filled with meaning and those interested in philosophical questions.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved book follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, who crafts words into her web to save her friend from being slaughtered.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, emotional intelligence, vocabulary development
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about the cycle of life and the power of friendship through engaging, heartwarming storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and any young reader learning about friendship, loss, and resilience.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to rescue their father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific concepts, problem-solving, understanding of good versus evil
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines science fiction with a compelling adventure story, encouraging imagination and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love science fiction and fantasy, and those looking for strong, relatable characters.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Bored and disillusioned young Milo receives a mysterious tollbooth that transports him to the Lands Beyond, where he embarks on a quest filled with puns, wordplay, and wisdom.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary, critical thinking, creativity, and appreciation for language
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inventive and playful journey that celebrates the joys of learning and the nuances of language.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy clever wordplay, imaginative adventures, and exploring new ideas in a fun way.

• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in a bizarre school where the classrooms are stacked vertically, this collection of stories follows the odd, funny, and often surreal experiences of its students.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, creative thinking, humor appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's uniquely quirky and entertaining, perfect for engaging reluctant readers with its humorous approach.
  • Perfect for: Students who appreciate humor and the absurd, and those looking for a light, enjoyable read.

Challenging Short Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Animal Farm by George Orwell
  • Genre(s): Political Satire, Allegory
  • Synopsis: This novella depicts a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free, and happy. Ultimately, the rebellion is betrayed, and the farm ends up in a state as bad as it was before, under the dictatorship of a pig named Napoleon.
  • Why this book is challenging: It employs complex themes of politics, power, and betrayal, making readers analyze and question the nature of revolution and corruption.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sharp critique of totalitarian regimes, disguised as a simple farmyard tale, which encourages critical thinking about politics and history.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, politics, and leadership, or those who enjoy stories with deeper meanings.

• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The story focuses on the conflicts between two rival groups divided by their socioeconomic status: the working-class "Greasers" and the upper-class "Socs". This tale explores themes of friendship, conflict, and the search for identity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex issues like social class, violence, and loss, which are presented in a raw and realistic manner.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling look at the struggles of growing up and the bonds that form through shared hardship and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Teens who are dealing with or interested in issues of social inequality or identity, and those who appreciate gritty, realistic narratives.

• Lord of the Flies by William Golding
  • Genre(s): Allegory, Adventure, Psychological Thriller
  • Synopsis: A group of British boys are stranded on an uninhabited island and, left to govern themselves, descend into savage behaviors. The novel explores the dark side of human nature and the complexities of society.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intense themes and psychological depth, exploring the inherent evil in humanity and the breakdown of societal norms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of power, civilization, and survival.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by psychology, society, and moral dilemmas, or those who enjoy intense, survival-based stories.

• Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Psychological Drama
  • Synopsis: The story is about Charlie Gordon, a mentally disabled man who undergoes an experimental surgical procedure to increase his intelligence. The novel is structured as a series of progress reports written by Charlie, documenting his mental improvements and emotional experiences.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents complex themes of ethics in science, the treatment of the mentally disabled, and the impact of intelligence on human relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that challenges perceptions about intelligence and emotion, encouraging empathy and ethical consideration.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in ethical dilemmas in science and psychology, or those who enjoy stories that explore the human condition.

• Night by Elie Wiesel
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Historical
  • Synopsis: This is a candid, horrific, and deeply poignant autobiographical account of his survival as a teenager in the Nazi death camps. Wiesel reflects on the killing of his family and the erosion of his own humanity along with the humanity of his fellow prisoners.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the atrocities of the Holocaust, requiring readers to confront painful truths about history and human rights.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful and unforgettable reminder of the horrors that occurred during the Holocaust, promoting awareness and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Students learning about World War II, those interested in human rights, and readers who value historical accuracy and deep emotional impact.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of short books and want to make the most out of your reading time, here are some fun exercises to help you develop great reading habits. These exercises are perfect for 13-year-olds and can really enhance your reading experience. Let’s get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read in a month or choose how many pages to read each day.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can keep you motivated and give you a clear target to hit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or spot in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Having a dedicated space can make reading a more enjoyable and regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s cozy, has good lighting, and is away from distractions like TV or loud noises.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you read with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Discussing a book can help deepen your understanding and make reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club or just share thoughts over meals with your family.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology by using an app that can track your reading progress or suggest new books.
  • How it helps: Apps can make organizing your reading list easy and fun.
  • Tips: Look for apps that offer rewards or badges for milestones to keep you excited about reading.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud, either to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Reading aloud improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try to read aloud for at least a few minutes each day to build confidence and fluency.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books you read.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can really boost your reading skills and make your journey through books more enjoyable. Whether you’re setting up a cozy nook or chatting about the latest plot twist with friends, each step you take will help you become a better reader. Happy reading!