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

Are you on the hunt for empowering reads for a young teen in your life? Discovering feminist books for 13-year-olds can be a game-changer, offering them perspectives on strength, equality, and resilience. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or just looking for a thoughtful gift, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to explore our curated lists of feminist books that are perfect for 13-year-olds, and find the ideal pick that inspires and educates!

Fun Feminist Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of 11-year-old Parvana who lives under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. When her father is arrested, Parvana disguises herself as a boy to support her family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping story that showcases resilience and courage in the face of extreme challenges. It also provides a window into the experiences of women and girls in a very different culture.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in stories about other cultures and those inspired by tales of resilience and bravery.

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella story follows Ella, who is cursed with the "gift" of obedience. She must navigate her world and find a way to break the curse herself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It flips the traditional fairy tale narrative, empowering the protagonist to take control of her own destiny. It's fun, magical, and ultimately uplifting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales with a twist and strong, clever heroines.

• Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
  • Genre(s): Biography, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This collection features 100 tales about the lives of extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female artists from around the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inspirational, empowering, and visually stunning. Each story is a concise, fact-packed biography that celebrates women's achievements.
  • Perfect for: Young feminists and history buffs who enjoy quick reads that are both informative and inspiring.

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Princess Elizabeth dons a paper bag to rescue her fiancé from a dragon, only to discover she's better off without him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous twist on traditional princess tales with a strong female lead who challenges norms.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a fun, quick read that flips the script on traditional gender roles.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin embark on an adventure through time and space to save their father from an evil force.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction with a coming-of-age story, encouraging readers to think critically about love, family, and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi fans and young readers who enjoy stories about adventure and self-discovery.

Educational Feminist Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This series of vignettes provides a glimpse into the life of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, exploring her personal identity and her cultural surroundings.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, creative writing and expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, poignant exploration of a young girl's struggle to rise above the hardships of her environment.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in poetic narratives and those looking to understand diverse cultural perspectives.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War-era America and learn about resilience, love, and ambition.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, character development, empathy, and literary analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless novel that offers insights into the challenges and aspirations of women in the 19th century, emphasizing themes of personal growth and female empowerment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories about strong familial bonds and personal development.

• Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Margaret Simon, a sixth-grader, who is going through puberty and searching for a single religion that speaks to her while dealing with typical adolescent issues.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional development, religious and cultural understanding, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses topics of religion, puberty, and personal identity in a sensitive and relatable way for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens experiencing or about to experience the challenges of adolescence.

• Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Zita finds herself a reluctant heroine when she's transported to a distant planet under siege and embarks on a journey to save her abducted friend and the strange world they're on.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage, and leadership
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a strong female protagonist in an action-packed adventure, encouraging bravery and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love outer space adventures and graphic novels.

• I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick
  • Genre(s): Biography, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the experiences of Malala Yousafzai, who stood up against the Taliban for her right to education and was targeted for her beliefs.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of global issues, advocacy, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of courage and the fight for education rights, told by a young Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
  • Perfect for: Young activists and readers interested in real-life heroes and education rights.

Challenging Feminist Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Frankie Landau-Banks, a sophomore at a prestigious boarding school, transforms from a geeky girl to a popular girl involved with senior boys and secret societies. She challenges the male-dominated society of the school by covertly running a prank operation.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel deals with complex themes of gender politics, social class, and the nature of power.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sharp and witty novel that encourages critical thinking about gender roles and societal expectations.
  • Perfect for: Teen readers who enjoy stories about high school dynamics and questioning authority.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: This story follows a young girl named Luna, who is accidentally enmagicked as a baby. Luna grows up with a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, coming into her power in a world that fears magic.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate world-building and complex narrative structures that intertwine various characters' stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale of magic, empowerment, and the complexities of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in fantasy and stories about finding one's voice and power.

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: Coraline Jones discovers a parallel universe where everyone has buttons instead of eyes. When her "Other Mother" tries to keep her forever, Coraline must use her wits and bravery to return to her own family and save her parents.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores dark themes and psychological elements that require a mature understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that teaches about bravery, self-reliance, and the importance of challenging oneself.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories and strong, clever protagonists.

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, Calpurnia Tate is a curious 11-year-old girl who navigates the pressures of society and family expectations while exploring the natural world with her cantankerous grandfather.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into scientific concepts and historical societal norms, challenging young readers to think critically about gender roles and the pursuit of knowledge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a historical setting with a spirited female protagonist who defies the expected norms of her time.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and history buffs who are curious about the natural world and women's history.

• The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: A girl genius who survived a lightning strike that gave her extraordinary math skills must navigate middle school after years of homeschooling. She tackles friendship, dog rescue, and finding her place in a world that doesn't always value her unique abilities.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses themes of disability, social challenges, and the pressure of hiding one's talents to fit in.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story about embracing one's differences and the strength found in friendship and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who face their own challenges and those interested in stories about overcoming adversity with courage and self-acceptance.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of feminist books, it's a fantastic way to explore diverse perspectives and empower yourself. To get the most out of your reading, here are some exercises designed specifically for 13-year-olds. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make reading a more engaging and reflective practice.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read in a month or year.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can keep you motivated and excited about reading.
  • Tips: Start with a realistic number and increase it as you go.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Having a dedicated space can enhance concentration and make your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the books you are reading with your friends or in a book club.
  • How it helps: This can deepen your understanding and offer new insights.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provoked in you.

• Reflective Essays
  • What it is: Write short essays on the themes or characters of the book.
  • How it helps: Writing helps consolidate what you have read and understand it more deeply.
  • Tips: Focus on how the book's themes relate to your own life or society today.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out or imagine yourself as a character from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding the characters' motivations and decisions.
  • Tips: Discuss your character's choices and dilemmas with friends or family.

• Visual Reading Maps
  • What it is: Create visual maps that outline the story’s events or connections between characters.
  • How it helps: Visual aids can help you better remember and analyze the story.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the connections clear and engaging.

• Question and Answer Diary
  • What it is: Keep a diary where you write questions and answers about the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and personal response.
  • Tips: Write at least one question and answer per chapter.

These exercises are not just about reading a book; they're about experiencing it. They’ll help you to not only enjoy the stories but also to think critically about the themes and messages. So grab your next feminist book, pick a couple of these exercises, and start a journey that promises growth, insight, and fun! Happy reading!