10+ Best Christmas Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Searching for the perfect festive read? Our curated list of Christmas books for 13-year-olds is here to sprinkle some magic into your holiday season! Whether your teen is a seasoned bookworm or just looking for a seasonal escape, these picks are sure to ignite the joy and wonder of Christmas. Keep reading to discover our top Christmas books for 13-year-olds that promise to keep them hooked this holiday season!
Table of Contents
Fun Christmas Books for 13-Year-Olds
- A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christmas
- Synopsis: This enchanting tale follows a young boy named Nikolas, nicknamed 'Christmas', who sets out on a snowy adventure to find his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of Elfhelm.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines the magic of Christmas with an adventurous journey, making it an engaging read that captures the spirit of the season while promoting bravery and kindness.
- Perfect for: Young adventurers and fans of magical Christmas stories.
- Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Holiday
- Synopsis: Set during the Christmas season in New York, this book follows Lily, who leaves a red notebook full of challenges on a bookstore shelf, waiting for the right guy to come along and accept its dares.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and heartwarming read that explores themes of love and identity during the festive season, perfect for encouraging young teens to believe in the magic of Christmas and the power of connection.
- Perfect for: Teens who enjoy romantic adventures and holiday spirit.
- The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christmas
- Synopsis: When Christmas is in jeopardy, it's Amelia Wishart, a girl with the hope to fuel Santa’s sleigh, who must save the day. This story weaves together magic, hope, and determination.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a spirited and uplifting story that emphasizes the importance of hope and resilience, ideal for inspiring young readers during the holiday season.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love magical adventures and stories about heroism.
- Winterhouse by Ben Guterson, illustrated by Chloe Bristol
- Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Holiday
- Synopsis: Orphan Elizabeth Somers is sent to the mysterious Winterhouse Hotel, where she uncovers a magical book and a family secret.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a mix of puzzles, mystery, and magic in a wintry setting, perfect for keeping readers engaged and fostering a love for reading.
- Perfect for: Puzzle solvers and mystery lovers who enjoy a good magical twist.
- Greenglass House by Kate Milford
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Christmas
- Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his family's inn, Greenglass House, unexpectedly fills with secretive guests who all seem to be connected to the house’s past.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping mystery that unfolds in an old smuggler's inn, filled with intrigue and ghost stories, ideal for readers who love a good plot twist and a cozy, atmospheric setting.
- Perfect for: Young detectives and lovers of ghost stories and mysteries.
Educational Christmas Books for 13-Year-Olds
- The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid by Dylan Thuras and Rosemary Mosco, illustrated by Joy Ang
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, Adventure, Educational
- Synopsis: This book takes readers on a journey to 100 of the world’s most mesmerizing and mysterious places, from natural wonders to historical landmarks.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Geography, cultural awareness, curiosity about the world
- Why we recommend this book: It expands horizons and encourages exploration and learning about diverse cultures and places beyond the usual tourist spots.
- Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about the world and its hidden wonders.
- The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller
- Genre(s): Fiction, Science, Coming of Age
- Synopsis: Natalie's science teacher uses a botany unit to teach the class about how things grow, including a special project that could help Natalie's struggling mother.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific method, emotional intelligence, resilience
- Why we recommend this book: It beautifully intertwines emotional growth with scientific inquiry, making complex topics accessible and relatable.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in science and those dealing with personal challenges.
- The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, Inspirational
- Synopsis: This true story follows William Kamkwamba, a boy from Malawi who builds a wind turbine to save his village from drought and famine.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Innovation, environmental science, perseverance
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of how ingenuity and determination can change communities and foster hope.
- Perfect for: Young inventors and environmentalists passionate about DIY projects and sustainability.
- Hidden Figures: Young Readers' Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, History, Science
- Synopsis: This book uncovers the incredible true story of the black women mathematicians at NASA who played a crucial role in America’s space program.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mathematical concepts, racial and gender equality
- Why we recommend this book: It highlights significant yet often overlooked contributions to science and technology, promoting diversity and the importance of perseverance.
- Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and historians, and those interested in social justice and space exploration.
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic, Social Issues
- Synopsis: The story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream school for the first time and strives for acceptance and kindness.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social skills, acceptance
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable life lessons about kindness, resilience, and the importance of looking beyond appearances.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a heartwarming story that encourages understanding and compassion in social interactions.
Challenging Christmas Books for 13-Year-Olds
- The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: On his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, destined to seek the mystical signs of Light to combat the forces of the Dark.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates complex themes of good versus evil, mythology, and British folklore, requiring readers to engage with a layered narrative.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling and intellectually stimulating experience, blending historical richness with magical adventure.
- Perfect for: Fans of high fantasy and mythology.
- The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
- Synopsis: Four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where nothing is as it seems.
- Why this book is challenging: The book features complex puzzles, codes, and sophisticated themes about individuality and society.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, wrapped in an engaging, suspenseful story.
- Perfect for: Young strategists and puzzle solvers who love a mental challenge.
- 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 save Meg's father from an evil force.
- Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex concepts of physics, philosophy, and the battle between good and evil.
- Why we recommend this book: Its blend of science and fantasy inspires imagination and curiosity about the universe.
- Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and readers who enjoy stories about space and time travel.
- The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other children from terrible experiments in a world where human souls manifest as animal companions called daemons.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep philosophical and theological themes, challenging readers to think critically about freedom and authority.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking adventure that questions moral and spiritual norms.
- Perfect for: Readers who like to explore complex themes and enjoy epic narratives.
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
- Why this book is challenging: It presents the harsh realities of war through a unique narrative voice and complex characters, dealing with themes of mortality and human nature.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides historical insights and emotional depth, encouraging empathy and understanding.
- Perfect for: History buffs and those interested in a deeper, emotional narrative that challenges perspectives.
- Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: In 19th-century England, two magicians emerge to change history: the reclusive Mr Norrell and daring novice Jonathan Strange, whose partnership evolves into a rivalry that transforms the nature of magic and the course of the Napoleonic Wars.
- Why this book is challenging: The book's intricate plot, detailed footnotes, and blend of historical events with magical realism require a sophisticated level of reading comprehension.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly detailed world with a complex narrative that combines magic with historical accuracy.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a blend of history, literature, and fantasy with a touch of academic challenge.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into some festive Christmas books this season and you're around 13 years old, here are some fun exercises to help you develop awesome reading habits. These activities will not only enhance your reading experience but also make those Christmas stories more engaging and memorable.
- Set 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: Keeps you focused and helps you finish books more consistently.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Create a Cozy Reading Nook
- What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home where you can read comfortably.
- How it helps: Enhances your reading experience by making it more enjoyable and relaxing.
- Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe a small shelf for your Christmas books.
- Discuss with Friends
- What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading the same book or have read it.
- How it helps: Deepens understanding and lets you see different perspectives on the same story.
- Tips: Try forming a mini book club where you can share thoughts and discuss characters.
- Map the Story
- What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the main events in the book.
- How it helps: Helps you better understand the plot and the progression of the story.
- Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important events or turning points in the story.
- Predict What’s Next
- What it is: Before you start a new chapter, guess what might happen next based on the story so far.
- How it helps: Engages your imagination and analytical skills.
- Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them turn out to be right.
By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your Christmas books more but also strengthen your reading habits. Whether you're exploring the magical worlds within the pages or discussing the adventures with friends, each step you take will bring a new layer of enjoyment to your holiday reading. So grab your book, find your cozy corner, and let the festive reading begin!