10+ Best Horse Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for a horse-loving teen? Look no further! Our roundup of horse books for 13-year-olds is packed with tales that capture the majesty and bonds formed with these beautiful creatures. Whether your young reader is a budding equestrian or just a horse enthusiast, these books are sure to gallop right into their hearts. Keep reading to discover our top picks!
Table of Contents
Fun Horse Books for 13-Year-Olds
- The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
- Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
- Synopsis: A young boy, Alec Ramsay, gets stranded on a deserted island with a wild Arabian stallion. Together, they form an unbreakable bond and survive incredible odds.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting tale that combines survival, adventure, and the deep bond between a boy and his horse. It's perfect for sparking a love of reading through thrilling storytelling.
- Perfect for: Adventure seekers and animal lovers who dream of forming deep connections with nature.
- War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
- Synopsis: This novel follows Joey, a farm horse who is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of World War I. Despite the chaos of war, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on the impacts of war, not just on humans but through the eyes of a horse, blending emotional depth with historical context.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of courage and resilience.
- Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
- Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
- Synopsis: This book tells the story of Paul and Maureen Beebe, siblings who set their hearts on owning a wild pony from the herd on Chincoteague Island.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that captures the excitement of owning a pony and the challenges that come with it. The illustrations by Wesley Dennis also add a magical touch to the tale.
- Perfect for: Young readers who fantasize about horses and love an engaging, heartwarming story.
- National Velvet by Enid Bagnold
- Genre(s): Sports, Fiction
- Synopsis: A 14-year-old girl, Velvet Brown, wins a spirited horse in a village lottery and decides to train him for the Grand National steeplechase.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of determination and ambition, showing that with passion and hard work, even the wildest dreams can be achieved.
- Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and anyone who loves an underdog story.
- Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
- Genre(s): Fiction, Classic
- Synopsis: Told from the perspective of a horse, this novel explores the highs and lows of life through the experiences of Black Beauty.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and kindness through the eyes of an animal, encouraging readers to consider the feelings and sufferings of others.
- Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers who appreciate stories told from unique perspectives.
Educational Horse Books for 13-Year-Olds
- King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Children's Literature
- Synopsis: The story of the Godolphin Arabian, one of the founding sires of the modern Thoroughbred race horse. Follow the journey of this beloved horse from the Sultan of Morocco's stables to the courts of France and finally to England.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, cultural awareness, reading comprehension
- Why we recommend this book: It combines historical facts with a compelling narrative, making it both educational and engaging.
- Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and animal stories.
- Riding Freedom by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Biography
- Synopsis: A fictionalized account of the life of Charlotte Parkhurst who, disguised as a man, rose to become a legendary stagecoach driver.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Gender studies, American history, courage and resilience
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of bravery and independence, showcasing a strong female protagonist breaking societal norms.
- Perfect for: Readers who love stories of empowerment and historical adventures.
- The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Set in the world of Narnia, this novel follows a young boy named Shasta and a talking horse named Bree as they journey to escape from a life of servitude and discover their true identities.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Mythological literacy, moral themes, imaginative thinking
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating adventure filled with moral lessons and fantastical elements.
- Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and readers looking for a story with depth and adventure.
- Paint the Wind by Pam Muñoz Ryan
- Genre(s): Adventure, Coming of Age
- Synopsis: This is the gripping story of Maya, a young girl who is liberated from her restrictive life with her grandmother and discovers a new world among wild horses in the Wyoming wilderness.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, self-discovery, connection with nature
- Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful tale of healing and personal growth through the bond between a girl and her horse.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are discovering themselves and enjoy stories set in nature.
Challenging Horse Books for 13-Year-Olds
- The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Every November, riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. Puck Connolly is different; she never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. The race will change both of their lives forever.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel features a complex plot and sophisticated themes such as survival, economic hardship, and the clash between tradition and change, which are advanced for younger readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling and beautifully written fantasy that offers a unique blend of mythology and adventure. Readers can explore themes of bravery and perseverance in a high-stakes setting.
- Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and mythology who enjoy intense, atmospheric stories.
- Fly By Night by Frances Hardinge
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Set in a world where reading is forbidden, Mosca Mye and her homicidal goose Saracen, decide to follow a smooth-talking con man into a tangled plot of rebellion and deceit.
- Why this book is challenging: It uses rich, complex language and constructs a detailed, original world that requires careful reading to fully understand.
- Why we recommend this book: This book offers a gripping adventure and a clever, courageous young protagonist. It challenges readers to think about the power of language and the importance of questioning authority.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love intricate plots and a strong, intelligent female lead.
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich during WWII. She scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel is narrated by Death and deals with complex themes such as mortality, the horror of war, and the power of words, which are profound and thought-provoking for young readers.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a profound, soul-stirring book that teaches about the impact of war and the enduring power of friendship and compassion.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in historical events and those who appreciate stories that explore deep, emotional themes.
- The Girl Who Rode the Wind by Stacy Gregg
- Genre(s): Adventure, Coming of Age
- Synopsis: An epic adventure about a New York City girl and a wild horse who are an unlikely pair, each searching for freedom and a sense of belonging.
- Why this book is challenging: It explores complex family dynamics and cultural history, intertwining personal growth with a thrilling sports narrative.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines an exciting plot with emotional depth, offering insights into family, heritage, and the thrilling world of competitive horse racing.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about personal challenges and triumphs, set against the backdrop of intense competition.
- Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
- Genre(s): Biographical Fiction
- Synopsis: Told in first-person, this "true-life novel" covers the life of Lily Casey Smith, the author's grandmother, who grew up breaking horses in Texas, at a time when women's choices were often limited.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative style blends factual biographical elements with fictionalized anecdotes, requiring readers to discern and contemplate the nature of storytelling.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a spirited and inspirational tale that showcases resilience and the pioneering spirit of an extraordinary woman in American history.
- Perfect for: Readers who are inspired by strong historical figures and those interested in American history through the lens of personal narrative.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the world of horse books and you're 13, you're in for a treat! Not only are these books full of adventure and heart, but they also offer a great opportunity to develop some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can help you get the most out of your reading experience. Let's saddle up and get started!
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you'll read.
- How it helps: Helps you stay committed 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 spot at home where you can read without interruptions.
- How it helps: Enhances focus and makes your reading time special.
- Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.
- Discuss What You Read
- What it is: Talk about the books with friends or family members who have similar interests.
- How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives.
- Tips: Join a book club or start one with your friends.
- Visualize the Story
- What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
- How it helps: Increases understanding and enjoyment of the book.
- Tips: Pause after a few pages to picture what you've just read.
- 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.
- Read Aloud
- What it is: Read the book out loud, either to yourself or to someone else.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
- Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more fun.
These exercises aren't just about improving how you read, but also about making reading a fun and integral part of your life. Whether you're exploring the rolling hills of a countryside on horseback or solving mysteries with your favorite four-legged friends, these habits will enhance your journey. So grab your next horse book, and let these tips guide you to a galloping start! Happy reading!