Finding the right book for your 13-year-old reader can be a challenge. These readers are positioned right in between the “middle grade” and “young adult” genres, and their interests and preferences often change rapidly. To help, we’ve curated a list of books sure to pique your picky reader’s interest. From murder mysteries to an exposé on fast food in America, these are our top picks for your 13-year-old!
Historical Fiction
1. Luck of the Titanic
From bestselling author Stacey Lee comes this captivating tale inspired by the tragedy of the Titanic. This book takes a close look at the role of ethnic groups and societal issues in this time period. It’s written from the perspective of a young, hopeful Chinese acrobat who becomes a stowaway on the ill-fated ship.
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2. Salt to the Sea
Salt to the Sea provides four amazing stories of four very different World War II refugees whose paths cross in tragic and inspiring ways. This is a top book recommendation for young readers interested in historical fiction. Readers looking for an emotional read may have just found their new favorite book.
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3. I Must Betray You
Another Ruta Sepetys book tops our list of historical fiction. I Must Betray You is action-packed with a thickening plot and inspiring characters. Set in 1989 Communist Romania, protagonist Cristian Florescu finds himself at odds with the secret police, and he must decide where his loyalties truly lie.
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Realistic Fiction
4. The Body of Christopher Creed
This book will leave a permanent mark. Originally framed as a story of a missing teen, The Body of Christopher Creed dives into themes of bullying and the struggle to belong. Ideal for middle school and high school readers, this story about the loss of innocence is truly timeless.
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5. The Poet X
The Poet X is a poignant novel written in verse from the perspective of a young high school student living in Harlem searching for her voice. This is a more mature read that is sure to appeal to fans of poetry and readers who enjoy pushing boundaries and wordplay.
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6. The Field Guide to the North American Teenager
Ben Phillipe’s novel explores the dangers of stereotypes through the eyes of a black Canadian teen trying to bide time in Texas before he can move back home where he thinks he belongs. This is another more mature read with themes of romance, race relations, and mental health issues.
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7. Lily and Dunkin
Lily and Dunkin is a dual narrative told by one tween dealing with a mental health disorder and the other facing backlash from exploring her sexuality. This amazing book opens the door for important conversations and offers teens two unique perspectives rarely chronicled in fiction today.
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8. Dear Martin
Dear Martin can be a challenging book not because of its Lexile level, but because of the difficult but crucial and timely themes, it addresses. Racial violence and the hungry media combine in this powerful story of injustice and empowerment. Justyce plays an unforgettable and compelling protagonist in this award-winning novel.
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Mystery, Fantasy, and Dystopian
9. Children of Blood and Bone
Fans of The Hunger Games and similar series will be blown away by this fantasy thriller focused on the violent political-based oppression of a group of magical natives. With film rights now acquired by Paramount Pictures and the last of the trilogy soon to be published, this is a must-read!
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10. Nimona
A spirited and magical teen tangles with an unlikely villain-hero duo in Noelle Stevenson’s graphic novel, Nimona. This superhero remix of a story approaches themes of political injustice and finding your true self in surprising ways that are sure to entertain readers of all ages.
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11. Shadowshaper
Sierra Santiago is an artist, but when her murals begin to come to life, she wonders if this is really a gift or a family curse. Daniel José Older’s first book in The Shadowshaper series provides adventure, story, and a ton of heart!
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12. Love & Other Great Expectations
Set in the English countryside, this romantic adventure is perfect for fans of Emily in Paris or The Summer I Turned Pretty. Scavenger hunts, dreams, and lots of adventure combine in this positively charming and inspiring read.
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13. The Face on the Milk Carton
Based on a true story, The Face on the Milk Carton quickly became a classic after its 1990 publication and is the first in a five-part series. This thriller begins when a young high schooler recognizes the picture of a missing child on a milk carton… it’s her!
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14. Red Queen
Red Queen is an excellent choice for late-middle schoolers and high schoolers to make the transition over to young adult books. The first in the series, this novel is fast-paced and harrowing with the protagonist, Mare, caught in the crosshairs of a mythical civil war where loyalties and love come to die.
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15. The Giver
Lois Lowry’s, The Giver, is a beloved and timeless classic set in a dystopian future where everyone’s role is assigned and life appears balanced on the surface. Once Jonas is given his assignment, the ugly truth is revealed; he alone has the knowledge that can disrupt the injustice fueling his world.
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16. Murder on the Orient Express
Murder on the Orient Express is another classic and the perfect murder mystery to introduce your reader to the one and only Agatha Christie. With three movie adaptations and stage versions abound, this is a best-seller for all the right reasons.
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17. Freak the Mighty
Kevin and Max are an unlikely duo with Kevin’s physical disability, but a sharp mind, and Max’s learning disability, but strong stature. Combined, they make “Freak the Mighty”. Although this book is leveled for ages 10 and up, the heavier themes and layered plot make this ideal for your 13-year-old reader.
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18. Need
Need takes social media addiction to a hyperbolic, but eerily realistic level. Adolescent angst and the desperate quest for acceptance and gratification lead Nottawa High students down a dangerous path that quickly becomes grisly.
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Nonfiction
19. Everything Sad is Untrue
Daniel Nayeri’s autobiography is “Like nothing else you’ve read or ever will read”, according to award-winning author Linda Sue Park. This book takes readers through Nayeri’s journey as a refugee; painting the narrative with authentic folklore and rich history.
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20. Poisoned Water
Written about a modern disaster still unfolding, Poisoned Water looks closely at the Flint, Michigan, water crisis through first-hand accounts and top-notch research. This is an ideal read for those looking to stay informed on current events and their effects on history and our future.
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21. Spooked!
This true story of paranoia and epic storytelling is written in a YA-friendly manner but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages! This is a great pick for a book club or a shared read.
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22. Phineas Gage
The gruesome story of Phineas Gage comes alive in John Fleischman’s YA-friendly book by the same name. This is a great choice for your blossoming scientist, anthropologist, or any teen curious about the workings of the human brain!
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23. Chew on This
Written by the same author of Fast Food Nation, this YA edition of the story behind America and fast food is eye-opening! This exposé equips readers with little-known secrets behind the golden arches and happy meals; making them more informed consumers of knowledge and food!
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24. Discovering Wes Moore
This YA version of bestseller The Other Wes Moore breaks down the intricacies of race, poverty, luck, and perseverance. This 2015 finalist for the Louisiana Young Reader’s Choice Award looks at two boys by the same name whose childhoods in the same neighborhood were more different than they could have ever imagined!
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25. The Stonewall Riots
This account of the Stonewall Riots of 1969 bounces off the page with illustrations, artifacts, and interviews that color the history of this momentous uprising. This is an accessible read that is engaging for all!
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