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

Are you on the hunt for sad books for 13-year-olds that tug at the heartstrings and spark deep conversations? Whether it’s the emotional depth or the complex characters, these books have a way of touching young hearts and minds. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of sad books perfect for 13-year-olds, each promising to be a memorable read.

Fun Sad Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Jesse Aarons and his friend Leslie Burke as they create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia, which becomes a refuge from the difficulties of their everyday lives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that deals with friendship, loss, and the power of imagination, helping young readers navigate their own feelings about friendship and grief.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional stories and exploring imaginative worlds.

• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old cancer patient who reluctantly attends a support group where she meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters.
  • Why we recommend this book: Despite the heavy themes, it's filled with humor and life-affirming moments that make it a compelling read for young teens.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a love story that is both beautiful and bittersweet.

• A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Conor, a boy dealing with his mother's illness, is visited by a monster who tells him dark and twisted stories. These stories help him to face the truth about his life and his loss.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy elements with real-life issues in a way that is accessible and profoundly moving for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens dealing with tough situations at home or anyone who appreciates stories that blend reality with fantasy.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, the story follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape from the Nazis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping and educational read that highlights the courage and resilience of young people during challenging times.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and stories of heroism and friendship under adversity.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Narrated by Death, this novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany, who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the horrors of war and the power of words and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in history, especially World War II, and the impact of literature on life.

Educational Sad Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of a young boy named Billy and his two coonhounds during the Great Depression. They share a bond and adventures in the Ozarks, which ultimately lead to both triumph and tragedy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of historical contexts, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant tale that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pain of loss, providing a deep emotional experience for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers who appreciate stories about personal growth and perseverance.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: This classic story follows a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, who tries to save him from being slaughtered.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, reading and comprehension, vocabulary development
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about friendship, change, and letting go, all wrapped up in a beautifully written narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are dealing with or fearful of loss and those who enjoy stories of unlikely friendships.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, goes on an epic journey where he experiences love and loss after being separated from his owner.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Compassion, understanding of narrative elements, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that explores the depth of love and loneliness through the eyes of a toy rabbit, encouraging readers to appreciate the value of connection.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional journeys and stories about self-discovery.

• Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Children's literature
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this book follows young Sadako Sasaki who becomes ill due to the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima and decides to fold one thousand origami cranes in hope of recovering.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empathy, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look at the impact of war on children and the power of hope and determination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and inspirational stories of courage.

• Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: The novel follows 13-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle as she tells the story of her friend Phoebe's missing mother while on a cross-country trip with her grandparents to find her own mother.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of narrative structure, emotional intelligence, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It masterfully weaves together tales of loss and discovery, encouraging readers to look beyond the surface of people's actions and words.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy complex narratives and exploring the emotional landscapes of characters.

Challenging Sad Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The story follows Nobody "Bod" Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he encounters various creatures and must face the man who killed his family.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's setting and characters delve into dark themes and complex moral questions, which can be challenging for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that teaches about growth, bravery, and the meaning of life and death, all while exploring a unique, supernatural world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spooky stories with a strong sense of adventure and deep themes.

• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
  • Genre(s): Drama, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his struggles with right and wrong in a society in which he believes he is an outsider. As he deals with the challenges of growing up, he learns valuable lessons about loyalty, friendship, and the loss of innocence.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with complex themes such as social class conflicts, violence, and identity, which are mature topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a raw look at the hardships and bonds that define one's coming of age, making it a timeless tale for young adults.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in realistic stories that reflect societal issues and personal growth.

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Written in a series of letters to an anonymous friend, this novel follows introverted teenager Charlie as he navigates the complexities of high school, family drama, and new friendships while dealing with his troubled past.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style and the themes of mental health, trauma, and adolescence present complex ideas that require advanced comprehension and emotional maturity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a deeply personal and poignant look at the struggles of adolescence that encourages empathy and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are dealing with or curious about the challenges of growing up and the impact of past experiences on personal development.

• Lyddie by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Lyddie Worthen, a young girl who is determined to gain independence by working in the harsh conditions of a 19th-century mill to pay off her family's debts and reunite her family.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex themes such as labor rights, poverty, and the pursuit of freedom in the context of pre-Civil War America, requiring readers to think critically about historical and ethical issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping narrative that highlights the resilience and determination of a young girl in the face of adversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in American history and stories of strong, determined characters overcoming difficult circumstances.

• Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the life of Winnie Foster as she discovers the Tuck family's secret to immortality and faces the profound choice of eternal life or a natural life and death.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents philosophical questions about life, death, and immortality, challenging readers to think deeply about the implications of eternal life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written exploration of the meaning of life and the natural order of the world, offering a thoughtful perspective on personal choices and consequences.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories that blend real-life dilemmas with fantastical elements and provoke deep thinking.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Navigating through sad books can be quite an emotional journey, especially for 13-year-olds. To help manage these emotions and enhance the reading experience, here are some tailored exercises. These will not only improve their reading habits but also help them process the themes and emotions found in these stories.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps maintain a consistent reading pace and builds a regular reading habit.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages reflection on what's read and helps process complex emotions.
  • Tips: Try to write in your journal immediately after reading to capture your fresh reactions and thoughts.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and helps cope with sad themes by sharing feelings.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club meeting to discuss the book's themes, characters, and your feelings.

• Create a Book Map
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of events as they happen in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in keeping track of the storyline and the development of characters, making complex plots easier to understand.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark significant events, turning points, or emotional moments.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of different characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and a deeper understanding of each character's motivations and feelings.
  • Tips: Choose characters that you feel the most and least connected with to explore different perspectives.

Implementing these exercises can transform your reading experience, making it more structured and insightful. Whether it's keeping a journal or discussing with friends, each activity is designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the books you're diving into. So, grab that sad book off the shelf, and let's get started on a journey that's not only about reading but also about growing and learning. Happy reading!