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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce big ideas to young minds? Philosophy books for 13-year-olds can be a fantastic gateway to exploring complex thoughts in an accessible way. Whether your teen is a budding philosopher or just starting to ask those big "why" questions, the right book can open up a whole new world of thinking. Keep reading to discover our top picks for philosophy books that are ideal for 13-year-olds, sure to engage their curiosity and spark insightful conversations.

Fun Philosophy Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Sophie Amundsen, a teenager who embarks on a fascinating journey through the history of philosophy, guided by a mysterious philosopher.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex philosophical ideas in an engaging and accessible way, weaving them into a compelling narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that make them think and question the world around them.

• The Pig That Wants to Be Eaten: 100 Experiments for the Armchair Philosopher by Julian Baggini
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book presents 100 philosophical thought experiments, each posing a dilemma or question designed to spark thinking and discussion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, interactive way to engage with philosophical concepts, encouraging readers to ponder big questions.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who love puzzles and intellectual challenges.

• The Philosophy Files by Stephen Law, illustrated by Daniel Postgate
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Children’s Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book breaks down complex philosophical issues into manageable questions that are relevant to the lives and experiences of young people.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes philosophy relatable and understandable, using clear language and humorous illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy exploring ideas through stories and drawings.

• What Does It All Mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy by Thomas Nagel
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Education
  • Synopsis: Nagel introduces nine philosophical issues, including the mind-body problem, the meaning of life, and free will, in a straightforward and concise manner.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear explanations without assuming any prior knowledge, making it a great starting point for young philosophers.
  • Perfect for: Beginners to philosophy who want a clear and concise introduction to the subject.

• The Kids' Book of Philosophy by Michael Leventhal
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Children’s Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This illustrated guide explores deep questions about life, truth, and the universe in a way that is engaging for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses fun illustrations and real-life examples to explain philosophical concepts, making them easy to grasp.
  • Perfect for: Kids who ask big questions about life and the world around them.

Educational Philosophy Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Philosophy for Kids: 40 Fun Questions That Help You Wonder About Everything! by David White
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a series of thought-provoking questions designed to challenge the minds of young readers and introduce them to philosophical thinking.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, logical analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents philosophy in a fun, question-based format that encourages kids to think deeply and articulate their own views.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers who enjoy questioning the "why" and "how" of the world.

• Big Ideas for Curious Minds: An Introduction to Philosophy by The School of Life
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to some of the most important ideas in philosophy, relating them to everyday life and personal experiences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, philosophical concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children understand complex philosophical ideas through relatable scenarios and practical applications.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in understanding themselves and the world better through philosophical inquiry.

• The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained by DK
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Reference
  • Synopsis: Using simple language and clear illustrations, this book explains some of the most intriguing philosophical thoughts and theories throughout history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, conceptual understanding, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies complex philosophical ideas with visual aids and concise explanations, making it accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love to connect ideas across time and cultures.

• Can You Outsmart an Economist? 100+ Puzzles to Train Your Brain by Steven E. Landsburg
  • Genre(s): Economics, Philosophy, Puzzles
  • Synopsis: This book challenges readers with puzzles and questions that incorporate economic and philosophical reasoning to solve everyday problems.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Economic reasoning, logical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses puzzles and real-world scenarios to make economic and philosophical concepts engaging and practical.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy challenges and are curious about the intersection of economics and philosophy.

• Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy by Simon Blackburn
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Educational
  • Synopsis: This introduction to philosophy covers key topics such as knowledge, mind, free will, and ethics, encouraging readers to think critically about them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Analytical thinking, ethical reasoning, philosophical discourse
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a clear and engaging overview of philosophical thinking, encouraging young readers to explore and develop their own ideas.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring philosophers and critical thinkers looking to delve deeper into philosophical studies.

Challenging Philosophy Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the works of six great philosophers, exploring how their ideas can be applied to solve everyday problems and improve personal happiness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex philosophical theories and relates them to real-life issues, requiring readers to think critically about their own lives and beliefs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides practical applications of philosophical ideas, making ancient concepts relevant and accessible to modern readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking to find philosophical insights into common life challenges.

• At the Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails by Sarah Bakewell
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This book offers a lively narrative about the lives and ideas of existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Martin Heidegger among others.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers complex existentialist ideas and philosophical jargon that require thoughtful engagement and understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It brings philosophy to life through engaging stories and biographical sketches, making challenging concepts more understandable and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in the dramatic history and challenging ideas of existentialism.

• The Fallacy Detective: Thirty-Eight Lessons on How to Recognize Bad Reasoning by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Logic, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces readers to logical fallacies through fun, engaging lessons and examples from real life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires readers to analyze arguments critically and identify logical errors, a sophisticated skill at any age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses humor and practical examples to teach important thinking skills that are applicable in everyday life.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy puzzles and games and are ready to start thinking more critically about the information they encounter.

• Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? by Michael J. Sandel
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Ethics, Political Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores different approaches to justice and invites readers to confront their own ideas about what it means to live ethically.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses diverse and often conflicting ethical theories, challenging readers to evaluate and debate complex moral issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages deep reflection on personal and societal values, promoting a better understanding of justice in a pluralistic world.
  • Perfect for: Young thinkers interested in ethics, politics, and how to make moral choices in a complex world.

• The Art of War by Sun Tzu, translated by Thomas Cleary
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Strategy, Military Theory
  • Synopsis: This ancient Chinese text outlines strategies for winning in war and, by analogy, other fields of life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses metaphorical language and ancient wisdom that require interpretation and application to modern contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers timeless strategic advice that encourages strategic thinking and foresight, skills valuable in many areas of life.
  • Perfect for: Teens who are interested in history, strategy, and applying old wisdom to modern challenges.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Are you ready to dive into the world of philosophy but aren't sure how to tackle these big ideas, especially at 13? Don't worry! Here are some fun and effective exercises designed to help you develop great reading habits while exploring philosophy books. These exercises will not only make your reading sessions more engaging but also deepen your understanding of the concepts.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in gradually understanding complex ideas.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals like one chapter a day.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book and its ideas with friends who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention through discussion.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club or discussion group.

• Create a Concept Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that connects different ideas in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the relationships between concepts, making them easier to remember.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the map visually appealing and organized.

• Teach Someone Else
  • What it is: Explain the philosophical concepts you’ve learned to someone else.
  • How it helps: Teaching is a great way to deepen your own understanding.
  • Tips: Try to use simple language and examples to explain complex ideas.

• Write a Book Review
  • What it is: Write a summary and your opinion about the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and personal reflection.
  • Tips: Include what you liked, didn’t like, and how the book impacted your thinking.

• Question and Answer Diary
  • What it is: Write down any questions you have while reading and research or think about the answers.
  • How it helps: Stimulates curiosity and active learning.
  • Tips: Review and add to your diary regularly to track how your understanding evolves.

Wrapping up, these exercises are designed to be fun and fruitful, making your journey through philosophy books not just educational but also enjoyable. Remember, the key to getting the most out of these books is to stay curious and engaged. Happy reading!