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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect page-turner that will keep your 13-year-old on the edge of their seat? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide to survival books for 13-year-olds is packed with thrilling reads that are sure to captivate young minds and spark their sense of adventure. From tales of wilderness bravery to stories of overcoming extraordinary odds, we've got it all covered. Keep reading to discover our top picks for survival books that will not only entertain but also inspire your teen!

Fun Survival Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: After a plane crash, 13-year-old Brian Robeson must survive alone in the Canadian wilderness with only his wits and a hatchet, a gift from his mother.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping story that showcases resilience and resourcefulness, which can inspire young readers to appreciate nature and their own capabilities.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and those interested in tales of survival against the odds.

• The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: A deadly virus wipes out everyone older than 12, leaving Lisa to protect and lead a group of children in creating a new society.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and leadership skills, as the protagonist must make tough decisions and solve complex problems.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring leaders and fans of post-apocalyptic settings.

• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Survival
  • Synopsis: Karana, a young Native American girl, is left to fend for herself on an island off the California coast for 18 years.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a tale of perseverance and courage that also offers a profound look into solitude and self-reliance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical narratives and stories of personal triumph.

• My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: Disenchanted with city life, Sam Gribley runs away to the Catskill Mountains where he lives off the land and learns about nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes independence and a deep respect for nature, as Sam crafts a life in harmony with the environment.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and those who dream of outdoor adventures.

• The Maze Runner by James Dashner
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Thomas wakes up in a maze with a group of boys and no memory of the outside world. Together, they must try to escape.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, thrilling adventure that keeps readers guessing and taps into themes of identity and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Fans of puzzles and suspenseful, action-packed stories.

Educational Survival Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Wilderness by Roddy Doyle
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: Two siblings embark on a thrilling and perilous journey through the Arctic wilderness after their sled dogs go astray.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, understanding of natural environments, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure that also imparts valuable lessons about survival and the importance of working together.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and animal lovers interested in thrilling survival stories.

• Surviving Bear Island by Paul Greci
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: After a kayaking accident, a teenager finds himself stranded on the harsh and unforgiving Bear Island in Alaska.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resilience, outdoor survival skills, self-reliance
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic portrayal of survival in a remote setting, focusing on the physical and emotional challenges faced alone.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy intense survival tales and learning about wilderness survival tactics.

• Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Julie escapes an arranged marriage by fleeing into the Alaskan wilderness, where she is adopted by a pack of wolves.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, animal behavior, survival strategies
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an intriguing look at human-animal relationships with a poignant survival story.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in animal behavior, survival stories, and tales of personal growth.

• Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: A Polynesian boy named Mafatu confronts his fear of the sea by embarking on a solo journey across the Pacific, proving his bravery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Courage, self-discovery, cultural history
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless tale of overcoming fears and discovering one's own strength.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a story about courage and self-reliance in a unique cultural setting.

• The Cay by Theodore Taylor
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Survival
  • Synopsis: After their ship is torpedoed, a young boy and an old man are stranded on a tiny Caribbean island, where they must work together to survive.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Racial understanding, resourcefulness, historical context of World War II
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling exploration of friendship and survival against the backdrop of a historical conflict.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in historical settings and stories of unlikely friendships and survival.

Challenging Survival Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Road by Cormac McCarthy
  • Genre(s): Post-Apocalyptic, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: A father and his young son journey across a grim, ash-covered America, struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where law and order have collapsed.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's bleak and stark narrative, combined with McCarthy's unique, sparse writing style, poses a complex challenge for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful examination of the bonds of love and survival instincts in the face of overwhelming despair.
  • Perfect for: Mature young readers interested in deep, thought-provoking themes and stark literary landscapes.

• Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Young Adult, Post-Apocalyptic
  • Synopsis: After an asteroid hits the moon and brings it closer to Earth, Miranda and her family must adapt to a new world of terrifying climate changes and dwindling resources.
  • Why this book is challenging: The realistic portrayal of survival and the psychological depth explored in Miranda's diary entries provide a challenging perspective on disaster and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, personal account of survival that encourages readers to think about crisis management and the importance of family.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in science fiction and realistic portrayals of survival in extreme conditions.

• Nation by Terry Pratchett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After a massive tsunami destroys his island, a young boy named Mau meets Daphne, a shipwreck survivor from another culture. Together, they rebuild a new society amidst the chaos.
  • Why this book is challenging: Pratchett weaves complex themes of cultural identity, societal development, and existential questions into a narrative that challenges young readers to think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking story that mixes humor with deep philosophical questions, ideal for young readers looking to expand their worldview.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about survival, culture, and society, all wrapped up with a bit of humor.

• The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Young Will Everett embarks on a cross-country adventure on the Boundless, the largest and most advanced train ever built. Along the way, he encounters danger, conspiracy, and mythical creatures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blending of historical elements with fantastical ones offers a complex narrative that challenges readers to differentiate and integrate these aspects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling ride that combines history, technology, and fantasy, providing excitement and educational value.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by history, trains, and epic adventures with a fantastical twist.

• The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Feo and her mother are "wolf wilders," tasked with rewilding domesticated wolves to survive in the wild. When her mother is arrested by the Russian army, Feo sets out on a dangerous mission to save her.
  • Why this book is challenging: The setting in historical Russia with its harsh climates and political unrest provides a complex background for young readers to understand.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an adventurous spirit with a deep respect for nature and animals, encouraging readers to think about the relationship between humans and the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in stories of bravery and resilience in historical settings.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of survival books, you're in for some thrilling adventures and valuable lessons. To make the most out of your reading experience, especially if you're around 13 years old, here are some exercises that can help develop good reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make reading more fun!

• 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: Helps you stay focused and committed to reading regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the story as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps you better understand the plot and setting of the book.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important events or turning points.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Before you start a new chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Engages your imagination and analytical skills.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many were right as you read.

• 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.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you're not just reading a book; you're stepping into a larger world of learning and adventure. Whether you're exploring wild forests, surviving on deserted islands, or navigating post-apocalyptic landscapes, these habits will enhance your journey and deepen your understanding of the survival stories. So, grab your book, pick a cozy corner, and let the adventure begin!