40+ Best Books For 13 Year Old Boys That They Can’t Put Down
My son loves to read, I mean really loves to read. So I wanted to share with you his absolute best books for 13 year old boys that he can’t put down.
He is a self-confessed geek and loves all things Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel. So a lot of these kids’ books fall into this category. But that’s ok, he is still reading.
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Best reads for middle schoolers
According to my teenage son, the Harry Potter series is a must-read for middle schoolers. He started reading them last year, and even now, he’s still immersed in the magical world of Hogwarts. It’s amazing to see how these stories captivate his imagination.
What I appreciate most about the Harry Potter series is how it opens up opportunities for deeper learning and engaging discussions.
After Freddie finishes each book, we make it a fun project by watching the movie together. We then use a movie vs book comparison worksheet to discuss the differences and similarities. It’s become a tradition for us and has turned reading into a more interactive and memorable experience.
Now, not every book on this list is purely for fun—some have an educational twist too (I know, surprise!). But whether your teen loves learning new things or just wants an exciting story, these books are sure to keep them hooked.
- Best Nerds Forever by James Patterson
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K.Rowling
- The Wizenard Series: Training Camp created with Kobe Bryant
- Slider by Pete Hautman
- The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
- The Untouchables by Gordon Korman
- Steve Jobs: Insanely Great by Jessie Hartland
- Holes by Louis Sachar
- I Have a Bad Feeling About This by Jeff Strand
- The Final Four by Paul Volponi
- Greyson Gray: Camp Legend by B.C. Tweedt
- Boy21 by Matthew Quick
Popular series for teenagers
In our house, a good book series can become a long-term obsession, and we’ve seen quite a few of them take over our shelves.
Freddie loves getting lost in these stories, and it’s amazing how they spark conversations and even debates between us.
From magical worlds to thrilling adventures, these series have not only become his favorites but also great ways for us to bond and explore different genres together.
Here are some of the top picks that have kept him hooked:
- Harry Potter. Always a classic and a favorite for Freddie.
- The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings is one of the best books about elves.
- Star Wars Shakespeare. This series blends classic Star Wars stories with Shakespearean language. There are nine books, and we’ve collected six so far. If your teen loves the Bard, you’ll also enjoy our guide on Shakespeare books for kids, where we share our top picks.
- Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan. For fans of mythology with a modern twist.
- Theodore Boone by John Grisham. A captivating legal thriller series for young teens.
- I Funny a Middle School Story by James Patterson. Though aimed at younger readers, Freddie still finds these hilarious.
- Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz. An action-packed series perfect for adventure lovers.
- The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken. A gripping dystopian series for older teens.
- Divergent by Veronica Roth. A popular dystopian favorite among teens.
- The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. An exciting, magical series full of historical twists.
- The Maze Runner by James Dashner. A thrilling dystopian adventure that’s hard to put down.
If your child is a year younger, these books for 12 year old boys might also be perfect!
Must-read Star Wars books
If your teen is anything like mine, they can’t get enough of Star Wars.
Whether they’re new to the galaxy or have been fans for years, these books offer thrilling adventures and fascinating insights into the Star Wars universe.
Freddie and I love exploring these stories together, and each book gives us a new piece of the galaxy to uncover. Here are some of our favorites:
- Star Wars: The Secrets of the Sith. Uncover the dark side of the Force and the lore behind the Sith.
- Ultimate Star Wars, New Edition: The Definitive Guide to the Star Wars Universe. A comprehensive guide perfect for any Star Wars enthusiast wanting to learn more about the entire galaxy.
- Star Wars Thrawn Ascendancy. Dive into the story of one of the most cunning and strategic villains in the Star Wars universe.
- Star Wars: The Secrets of the Jedi. An essential read for any young Jedi, revealing the mysteries and philosophy of the Jedi Order.
- Dooku: Jedi Lost. Follow Count Dooku’s transformation from Jedi Knight to Sith Lord in this captivating narrative.
- Star Wars: Secrets of the Galaxy. A collection of hidden stories and lore, perfect for expanding any fan’s knowledge of the galaxy.
- Star Wars Year By Year. Explore the history of Star Wars, from its creation to its cultural impact, with this visually engaging timeline.
They may also enjoy our recommendations for teen girls.
Top Marvel & DC books for young superhero fans
If your teen is anything like mine, they can’t get enough of superheroes. Whether they’re fascinated by the intricate worlds of Marvel or the epic tales of DC, these books provide exciting insights and adventures.
Freddie loves diving into these stories, and they’ve sparked some great conversations about his favorite characters and their journeys. Here are some of the top picks that have become favorites in our home:
- The DC Book: A Vast and Vibrant Multiverse Simply Explained. A perfect guide for exploring the complex world of DC superheroes, villains, and epic storylines.
- Marvel Greatest Comics: 100 Comics that Built a Universe. A must-read for any Marvel fan, showcasing iconic comics that shaped the Marvel Universe.
- The Marvel Book: Expand Your Knowledge Of A Vast Comics Universe. A detailed look into Marvel’s extensive lore and characters, ideal for young enthusiasts wanting to dive deeper.
- Marvel Encyclopedia. An essential resource packed with character profiles, story arcs, and behind-the-scenes information about the Marvel Universe.
- The DC Comics Encyclopedia. A comprehensive guide to DC’s legendary heroes and villains, offering a treasure trove of facts and history.
- Superman: Dawnbreaker. Follow the story of a young Superman as he faces challenges and discovers his true power.
- The Comic Garage Super Box. This children’s book subscription delivers 10 comics each month, perfect for young readers looking to expand their collection. You can select your favorite characters or enjoy a surprise each month. My son has been loving this for over six months, so much so that we’ve invested in comic covers to keep them safe!
Older teens could also enjoy our top books for 14 year old boys!
Best self help books for teen boys
Navigating the teenage years can be a challenge, but these self-help books provide practical advice and guidance to help teens build confidence, develop life skills, and manage stress.
Whether your teen is exploring career options or learning how to manage emotions, these books are great tools to empower them:
- What color is your parachute? This is a great career exploration book, check out our free worksheets and printables to help your teen think about the next steps.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey.
- Life Skills for Teens. Learn how to cook, clean, manage money, fix your car, perform first aid, and everything in between.
- How to Survive Anything. shark attacks, lightning, embarrassing parents, pop quizzes, and other perilous situations.
- The DBT Skills Workbook for Teens. A fun guide to managing anxiety and stress. Understand your emotions and learn effective communication skills.
- 52 Modern Manners For Today’s Teens
For a spooky read they will love our top Halloween books for middle schoolers.
Last Updated on 10 October 2024 by Clare Brown