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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect dragon books for 13-year-olds? Whether your young reader is a seasoned dragon enthusiast or just dipping their toes into the realm of mythical creatures, we've curated a selection of captivating reads that are sure to ignite their imagination. Keep reading to discover our diverse lists of dragon books, each promising adventure, mystery, and a touch of magic!

Fun Dragon Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Eragon by Christopher Paolini
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young farm boy named Eragon discovers a mysterious blue stone that turns out to be a dragon egg. When the dragon hatches, Eragon is thrust into a new world of magic and power, with the fate of an empire resting on his shoulders.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating introduction to fantasy novels with a rich, detailed world and classic elements of heroism and epic battles. It helps young readers develop their imagination and rooting for the underdog.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic adventures and dreaming of discovering hidden powers.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This prelude to the famous "Lord of the Rings" series follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who enjoys a quiet life until he is swept into an epic quest by Gandalf the wizard and a group of dwarves seeking to reclaim their homeland from the fierce dragon Smaug.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a fantastical world filled with rich lore and languages, perfect for expanding vocabulary and sparking creativity.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys stories of adventure and mythical creatures, and readers looking to delve into a classic fantasy world.

• Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Part of the "Zoey and Sassafras" series, this book introduces young readers to Zoey, a resourceful girl who can see magical creatures. With the help of her cat Sassafras, she uses science to help a sick baby dragon.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science with fantasy, encouraging problem-solving and scientific inquiry, making it an educational yet fun read.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and animal lovers, especially those who enjoy blending learning with magical adventures.

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore
  • Synopsis: In this beautifully crafted tale inspired by Chinese folklore, a young girl named Minli sets out on a journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family’s fortune. Along the way, she meets an assortment of magical creatures, including dragons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's rich with lessons about gratitude and determination. The story's beautiful illustrations and unique narrative structure can captivate and inspire creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories with moral lessons and those interested in other cultures and folklore.

• Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story follows Firedrake, a silver dragon, who embarks on a magical journey to find the mythical Rim of Heaven, a safe haven for his dragon kin. Along with a boy named Ben and a brownie named Sorrel, they face incredible challenges and adversaries.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that emphasizes the themes of friendship and the quest for a safe home, resonating well with young readers’ understanding of loyalty and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and fantasy lovers who enjoy stories about quests and mythical creatures forming bonds with humans.

Educational Dragon Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young dragon named Aventurine is transformed into a human girl after drinking enchanted hot chocolate. She discovers her passion for chocolate making and navigates her new life while maintaining her fierce dragon heart.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, adaptability, understanding of transformation and personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It uniquely combines fantasy with a heartwarming coming-of-age story, encouraging readers to find their passion and stay true to themselves amidst challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and are interested in stories about personal discovery and transformation.

• The Ice Dragon by George R. R. Martin, illustrated by Luis Royo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Adara, a winter child, befriends a fearsome Ice Dragon and uses her connection to protect her family from war. The bond between the girl and the dragon shows the power of friendship and bravery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of conflict resolution, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping tale of courage and sacrifice with beautifully detailed illustrations that enhance the storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic tales and young readers who appreciate stories of heroism and mythical creatures.

• Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Korean Mythology
  • Synopsis: Min, a teenage fox spirit, embarks on a space adventure to find her missing brother and clear his name, using her shape-shifting abilities and wits to navigate different worlds influenced by Korean mythology.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural knowledge, strategic thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling interstellar adventure that blends Korean mythology with space opera, offering a fresh perspective and diverse characters.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi enthusiasts and readers interested in mythology who enjoy fast-paced, culturally rich narratives.

• The Last Dragon Chronicles: The Fire Within by Chris d'Lacey
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When David moves in with Liz and her daughter Lucy, he discovers that they are caretakers of clay dragons that come to life. David becomes involved in an adventure that challenges his beliefs about magic and reality.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, imagination, understanding of the coexistence of science and magic
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively merges the everyday with the magical, engaging readers with its unique dragon lore and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, and those fascinated by the blend of mystical creatures with modern life.

• Dragon's Green by Scarlett Thomas
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After a magical catastrophe changes the world, Effie Truelove promises to protect a magical book, discovering her destiny to become a hero and defender of the magical world known as the Otherworld.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, bravery, responsibility
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a new magical universe with complex characters and a compelling plot that emphasizes the importance of knowledge and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy complex fantasy worlds and stories about young heroes rising to challenges.

Challenging Dragon Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In the kingdom of Goredd, dragons and humans maintain an uneasy peace. Seraphina Dombegh, who has a secret that could have deadly consequences, gets involved in a royal murder investigation that may disrupt the fragile harmony.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate world-building and complex themes of identity and social conflict, requiring readers to engage deeply with the text and its underlying messages.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique take on dragon lore, presenting dragons as intellectual beings who can take human form, which adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the narrative.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy who enjoy a blend of mystery and intricate storytelling.

• The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Five young dragons, prophesied to end a long and gruesome war among their kin, struggle to escape their captors and change their fate, which leads them on a dangerous adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: The series features a large cast of characters and a detailed plot, which requires readers to track multiple perspectives and complex motivations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an epic story of destiny and warfare, encouraging readers to consider themes of prophecy, choice, and the moral complexities of conflict.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love epic tales and are ready to tackle more sophisticated themes.

• Talon by Julie Kagawa
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ember Hill, a dragon disguised as a human, is trained by the secretive Talon organization to infiltrate society. Her loyalty is tested when she becomes involved with a rogue dragon and a dragon hunter.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and freedom, with a complex narrative that challenges readers to question the boundaries between right and wrong.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action, romance, and moral dilemmas, providing a multifaceted story that appeals to a broad range of interests.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling narratives with elements of romance and ethical questions.

• A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This classic tale follows the journey of Ged, a young wizard whose pride leads to unleashing a terrible shadow upon the world. His quest to undo this evil brings him face to face with dragons and the darker sides of magic.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of power, identity, and redemption, woven into a richly detailed and philosophical narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a foundational text in fantasy literature, offering profound insights into human nature and the responsibilities that come with power.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate deep storytelling and the exploration of philosophical themes through fantasy.

• Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A sequel to Seraphina, this book follows Seraphina as she travels the lands to gather other half-dragons to aid in the war effort against a powerful dragon leader who seeks to seize control of the human kingdoms.
  • Why this book is challenging: It expands on its predecessor’s complex world, introducing more characters and exploring the political and cultural tensions in greater depth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It continues the intricate exploration of a world where humans and dragons coexist, deepening the original themes of identity and conflict.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoyed Seraphina and readers looking for a continuation of a rich, challenging fantasy saga.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of dragon books, you're in for a thrilling adventure. But how can you make the most out of your reading experience, especially if you're around 13 years old? Here are some exercises designed to boost your reading habits and help you get the most out of every page:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Join a book club or start one with your friends.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story and keep track of complex plots.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important events or characters.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter, try to predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances engagement and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Write your predictions down to compare with the actual outcomes.

• 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.

These exercises aren't just about improving how you read, but also about making reading your own adventure, especially with something as exciting as dragon books. Try them out and see which ones ignite your passion for reading the most. Happy reading!