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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect introduction to the Bard for your teen? Look no further! Our curated guide on Shakespeare Books for 13-Year-Olds is designed to help you navigate through the timeless tales of William Shakespeare, making them accessible and engaging for young readers. Whether your teen is a budding thespian or a reluctant reader, this list has something to spark their interest. Keep reading to discover our top picks for Shakespeare books that are just right for 13-year-olds!

Fun Shakespeare Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb, illustrated by Arthur Rackham
  • Genre(s): Classics, Retellings, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This collection presents Shakespeare's works in a form accessible to younger readers. Each play is transformed into a short story or narrative retelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies the complex language of Shakespeare, making the plots and characters understandable and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are new to Shakespeare and looking for a gentle introduction to his stories.

• The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Widge, a young orphan who is instructed to steal Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" from The Globe Theatre. His mission becomes complicated as he becomes enthralled with the world of theater.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also educates about Elizabethan England and the workings of Shakespeare's theatre.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a good mystery and adventure, with a historical twist.

• Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Named after a Shakespearean character, Hero becomes intrigued by the history of her new home and the diamond supposedly hidden somewhere inside it—a jewel that dates back to Shakespeare's time.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines an intriguing mystery with historical elements, making it a captivating read that also subtly educates about Shakespeare.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy mysteries and stories involving historical artifacts.

• King of Shadows by Susan Cooper
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Time Travel
  • Synopsis: A young American actor, Nat Field, travels to London to perform at the Globe Theatre and unexpectedly finds himself transported back to 1599, where he meets William Shakespeare himself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of time travel and historical setting, providing a vivid portrayal of Elizabethan England and Shakespeare's theatre.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and fantasy, especially those fascinated by the idea of meeting historical figures.

• Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt
  • Genre(s): Biography, Non-Fiction, History
  • Synopsis: This biography explores the life of William Shakespeare by connecting the events of his life with his plays, providing insight into how his experiences may have shaped his writing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps young readers understand the man behind the plays, making Shakespeare's work more relatable and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in history, literature, and understanding the context in which Shakespeare wrote.

Educational Shakespeare Books for 13-Year-Olds

• A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories by Angela McAllister, illustrated by Alice Lindstrom
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Classics, Anthology
  • Synopsis: This book includes retellings of twelve of Shakespeare's most famous plays, adapted into stories that are easy for children to understand.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, introduction to classic literature, understanding of theatrical plots
  • Why we recommend this book: The stories are beautifully illustrated and written in a way that captures the essence of the original plays while being accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who are beginning to explore classic literature and enjoy visually stimulating illustrations.

• The Young Reader's Shakespeare: Hamlet by Adam McKeown, illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler
  • Genre(s): Classics, Drama, Adapted Literature
  • Synopsis: A simplified retelling of Shakespeare's tragic play "Hamlet," tailored specifically for young readers with illustrations to help visualize the story.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of complex narratives, empathy, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes one of Shakespeare's most complex plays accessible to younger audiences, encouraging an early interest in classic literature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to tackle more sophisticated stories but still appreciate visual aids.

• Illustrated Stories from Shakespeare by Rosie Dickins et al., illustrated by Christa Unzner
  • Genre(s): Classics, Children's Fiction, Anthology
  • Synopsis: This collection features illustrated retellings of six popular Shakespeare plays, including "Twelfth Night," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Romeo and Juliet."
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Literary analysis, vocabulary development, understanding of dramatic and poetic devices
  • Why we recommend this book: The illustrations bring the stories to life, making the complex language and themes of Shakespeare more engaging and understandable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with rich visuals and those new to Shakespeare's works.

• Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year by Allie Esiri
  • Genre(s): Classics, Poetry, Anthology
  • Synopsis: This book provides a Shakespeare quote for every day of the year, each accompanied by an accessible explanation and commentary.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Daily reading habit, understanding of Elizabethan language, appreciation for poetry and classic texts
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique way to integrate Shakespeare into daily life, making his works more approachable and relevant.
  • Perfect for: Anyone, especially young readers, looking to gradually immerse themselves in Shakespeare's language and themes.

• Shakespeare's Seasons by Miriam Weiner, illustrated by Shannon Whitt
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Classics, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book explores the themes of the seasons in Shakespeare's works, featuring quotes and excerpts from his plays and sonnets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Interpretation of thematic elements, connection between literature and natural world, poetic appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thematic approach to Shakespeare's work, emphasizing the beauty of nature as depicted in his writing.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who have an interest in poetry and nature, and those who appreciate artistic illustrations alongside classic texts.

Challenging Shakespeare Books for 13-Year-Olds

• No Fear Shakespeare: Hamlet by William Shakespeare, edited by SparkNotes
  • Genre(s): Classics, Drama
  • Synopsis: This edition of "Hamlet" presents the original text alongside a modern English translation, making it easier to understand the complex themes and language.
  • Why this book is challenging: "Hamlet" involves intricate themes of betrayal, revenge, and existential questioning which are profound and complex for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It allows advanced readers to grasp the subtleties of Shakespeare's language while fully engaging with the story's psychological depth.
  • Perfect for: Teens who are ready to explore complex narratives and appreciate a deep psychological exploration.

• Othello: A Shakespeare Children's Story by William Shakespeare, adapted by Macaw Books
  • Genre(s): Classics, Drama, Adapted Literature
  • Synopsis: This adaptation simplifies the tragic story of Othello, focusing on themes of jealousy, love, and betrayal in a format accessible to younger audiences.
  • Why this book is challenging: Deals with mature themes like racism, manipulation, and tragedy, presented in a way that challenges young readers to think critically about moral questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex and sensitive themes in a manageable way, fostering early discussions on important social issues.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in exploring challenging themes through classic literature.

• Macbeth: A Shakespeare Story by William Shakespeare, adapted by Andrew Matthews, illustrated by Tony Ross
  • Genre(s): Classics, Drama, Adapted Literature
  • Synopsis: This book retells the story of "Macbeth," focusing on his ambitious rise to power and subsequent downfall, in a way that is engaging for young readers.
  • Why this book is challenging: "Macbeth" explores dark themes of power, guilt, and fate, requiring readers to confront complex psychological and ethical dilemmas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It distills Shakespeare's original text into a captivating narrative that maintains the dramatic intensity while being accessible.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy stories with strong moral questions and psychological depth.

• The Tempest: A Shakespeare Children's Story by William Shakespeare, adapted by Macaw Books
  • Genre(s): Classics, Fantasy, Adapted Literature
  • Synopsis: This adaptation of "The Tempest" simplifies the tale of magic, betrayal, and forgiveness on a remote island, making it captivating for younger audiences.
  • Why this book is challenging: Incorporates themes of magic and morality intertwined with Shakespeare's rich, poetic language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical and engaging introduction to Shakespeare's work that balances fantastical elements with deep, thought-provoking themes.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a fondness for stories of magic and moral complexity.

• Julius Caesar: A Shakespeare Children's Story by William Shakespeare, adapted by Macaw Books
  • Genre(s): Classics, Historical Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: This book offers a simplified version of "Julius Caesar," focusing on the political intrigue and personal betrayal leading to Caesar's assassination.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex political themes and historical content that requires understanding of Roman history and civic values.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a great opportunity for young readers to explore historical and political narratives in a dramatic and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in history and politics, looking to explore these themes through classic dramatic literature.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into Shakespeare at 13 can be both exciting and a bit daunting. To make the journey smoother and more enjoyable, here are some tailored exercises that can help develop good reading habits while exploring the works of Shakespeare. These exercises are designed to enhance understanding and retention, making Shakespeare's complex language more accessible.

• Read Aloud with Friends
  • What it is: Gather a group to read a play aloud together.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through hearing the rhythm and emotion in the language.
  • Tips: Assign different characters to each person to make it more engaging and fun.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new or unfamiliar words and their meanings.
  • How it helps: Builds a better vocabulary and aids in understanding the text.
  • Tips: Use a notebook specifically for this purpose and review it regularly.

• Watch a Film Adaptation
  • What it is: Watch a movie based on the Shakespeare play you are reading.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the setting, characters, and action, which can clarify confusing parts of the text.
  • Tips: Try to watch adaptations that stay true to the original script to aid comprehension.

• Summarize Each Act
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each act after reading.
  • How it helps: Reinforces understanding and retention of the plot and main ideas.
  • Tips: Keep summaries concise and focus on major events and character developments.

• Draw Scene Illustrations
  • What it is: Sketch scenes from the play to help visualize and interpret the text.
  • How it helps: Encourages a deeper engagement with the text and aids memory.
  • Tips: Don’t worry about artistic skill; focus on the elements important to the story.

• Discuss with Others
  • What it is: Engage in discussions about the play with classmates or friends.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding through different perspectives.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to spark more thoughtful and detailed discussions.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your comprehension of Shakespeare but also develop skills that are beneficial across all areas of study. Remember, the key to mastering Shakespeare's plays is consistent practice and engagement. So, grab your book, find your favorite nook, and start exploring the rich world of Shakespeare today. Happy reading!