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

Are you on the hunt for engaging and enlightening nonfiction books for 13-year-olds? You're in the right spot! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or a young reader yourself, finding the perfect blend of fact-filled pages that captivate the curious minds of teenagers can be a challenge. Luckily, we've curated a diverse selection of reads that are just right for their age. Keep reading to discover our top picks of nonfiction books for 13-year-olds that promise to educate and inspire!

Fun Nonfiction Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Science, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from famine.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of innovation and determination that shows how creativity can literally change the world.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and anyone interested in stories about overcoming adversity through ingenuity.

• Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
  • Genre(s): History, Science, Thriller
  • Synopsis: This gripping narrative non-fiction book explores the scientific discoveries and espionage involved in the creation of the atomic bomb.
  • Why we recommend this book: It reads like a spy thriller and provides a compelling introduction to a pivotal historical event, making it both educational and exciting.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and young readers who love suspense and spy tales.

• Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Genre(s): Biography, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book reveals the untold story of the African American female mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA during the space race.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the contributions of these brilliant women, inspiring readers with powerful examples of perseverance and intelligence.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and mathematicians, and anyone interested in stories of unsung heroes.

• 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): Autobiography, Inspirational, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: This memoir tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, a young girl from Pakistan who fought for her right to education and survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the fight for education and equality.
  • Perfect for: Young activists and anyone interested in human rights and inspirational stories.

• The Omnivore's Dilemma: Young Readers Edition by Michael Pollan
  • Genre(s): Health, Environment, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores the complexities of the modern food industry and the choices consumers face, tracing the origins of food sources from plant to plate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking about the environmental and health impacts of our food choices.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and health-conscious readers interested in understanding where their food comes from.

Educational Nonfiction Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe by Theodore Gray
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This visually stunning book provides a detailed look at every element in the periodic table, accompanied by fascinating facts and photographic examples of each element in real life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Chemistry knowledge, scientific curiosity, visual learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms the abstract concepts of chemistry into a colorful, understandable, and engaging resource that captures the beauty of the building blocks of our universe.
  • Perfect for: Young science enthusiasts and visual learners interested in the fundamentals of chemistry.

• How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World by Steven Johnson
  • Genre(s): History, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book explores six essential innovations—glass, cold, sound, clean, time, and light—and how they shaped the modern world in unexpected ways.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of technological impacts, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of innovation and its profound impact on society, encouraging readers to think about how simple changes can lead to revolutionary outcomes.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love to connect the dots between history, science, and everyday life.

• An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, adapted by Jean Mendoza and Debbie Reese
  • Genre(s): History, Social Studies
  • Synopsis: This book reinterprets the history of the United States from the perspective of Indigenous peoples and challenges the founding myths that have shaped US history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical perspective, cultural awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a necessary and often overlooked perspective of American history, promoting understanding and respect for the complexities of Indigenous experiences.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in a more comprehensive and truthful account of American history.

• Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson, with Gregory Mone
  • Genre(s): Science, Astronomy
  • Synopsis: Adapted from the adult version, this book offers a clear and concise explanation of the universe, tailored to capture the interest of young readers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of astrophysics, scientific literacy, curiosity about the universe
  • Why we recommend this book: It distills complex concepts into accessible explanations, sparking curiosity about the cosmos in a fun and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring astronomers and young readers who wonder about the stars and the universe.

• Eyes Wide Open: Going Behind the Environmental Headlines by Paul Fleischman
  • Genre(s): Environment, Science, Social Studies
  • Synopsis: This book helps teens understand the environmental challenges facing the world today, from climate change to energy wars, and encourages critical thinking about media coverage and what actions can be taken.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, critical media literacy, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers readers by providing the tools needed to understand complex environmental issues and encourages informed, responsible decisions.
  • Perfect for: Young environmental activists and critical thinkers interested in real-world issues.

Challenging Nonfiction Books for 13-Year-Olds

• A Short History of Nearly Everything: Special Illustrated Edition by Bill Bryson
  • Genre(s): Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book covers the origins of the universe, the rise of civilization, and everything in between, explained in an accessible way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex scientific and historical concepts, requiring readers to engage with a range of disciplines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes the vast scope of scientific knowledge approachable and entertaining, sparking curiosity about the world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a thirst for knowledge about the universe and our place in it.

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Ethics
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks and the immortal cell line, known as HeLa, that came from her cancer cells without her permission.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves complex scientific and ethical issues, including the implications of genetic research and medical consent.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights important issues in medical ethics and the impact of scientific research on individuals and their families.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science, ethics, and the intersection of the two.

• The New Way Things Work by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Technology, Engineering
  • Synopsis: This book explains the mechanics behind how machines and various technologies work, from levers to lasers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires understanding of mechanical and physical principles, often introducing complex engineering concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies everyday technologies and encourages a deeper understanding of the engineered world.
  • Perfect for: Young engineers and anyone curious about how things work.

• Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel
  • Genre(s): History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book narrates the quest of John Harrison to invent the first chronometer, a device crucial to navigation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into detailed historical and scientific analysis, requiring readers to grasp both the historical context and technical content.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fascinating story of innovation, determination, and how a single invention can change the world.
  • Perfect for: History enthusiasts and young scientists interested in the history of navigation and invention.

• The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements by Sam Kean
  • Genre(s): Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book explores the fascinating stories behind the elements on the periodic table, including tales of the people, places, and science that have shaped our understanding of chemistry.
  • Why this book is challenging: It blends complex chemical concepts with historical narratives, requiring readers to think critically about both science and history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique and engaging perspective on chemistry through storytelling, making it both informative and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Chemistry buffs and anyone who enjoys stories where science meets history.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of nonfiction books and you're around 13 years old, you're in for a treat. Nonfiction books can open up new worlds, real-world knowledge, and incredible stories. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help you develop great reading habits:

• Set Specific 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 can make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and helps you concentrate better on your reading.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you are reading with friends or family members who might be interested.
  • How it helps: Enhances your understanding and retention of the book’s content.
  • Tips: Try to express what you felt about the book’s themes and what you learned.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy to look up new words that you come across in your reading.
  • How it helps: Improves your vocabulary and comprehension of the material.
  • Tips: Consider using a dictionary app on your device for quick access.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish reading it.
  • How it helps: Helps reinforce what you’ve read and remember the key points.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on the main ideas.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a book club that focuses on nonfiction books for young readers.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation to read and a platform to discuss insights with peers.
  • Tips: If there isn’t a book club at your school or library, consider starting one with your friends.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your nonfiction books more, but you'll also enhance your learning and retention skills. Remember, the key to developing good habits is consistency, so try to stick with these exercises. Happy reading!