21 Best Books for 13 Year Old Girls | Must Read YA Picks
Finding the best books for 13 year old girls isn’t just about picking popular titles, it’s about finding stories that truly resonate with them.
At this age, reading is more than just a pastime; it’s a way to explore emotions, navigate friendships, and dive into new worlds.
I’ve talked to parents, teachers, and even a few 13 year olds to put together this list of books they actually love. Ones that kept them reading late into the night, made them laugh, and even brought a few tears.
Whether they’re drawn to thrilling mysteries, relatable coming of age stories, or unforgettable fantasy adventures, these books are the kind that stick with you long after you turn the last page.
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Top Books for 13 Year Olds
From bestselling YA novels to hidden gems, these books have captured the attention of young readers everywhere.
Whether your teen loves suspenseful plots, unforgettable characters, or stories that transport them to new worlds, these must-read YA picks will keep them hooked.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Genre: Mystery/Thriller If your teen loves crime shows or detective stories, this fast-paced mystery is impossible to put down. Pippa Fitz-Amobi starts investigating a local murder for a school project, but what begins as research spirals into a real-life crime thriller. With unexpected twists and a strong female lead, this book is perfect for fans of true crime, suspense, and smart storytelling.
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The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Genre: Mystery/Thriller Imagine waking up to find out you’ve inherited a billionaire’s fortune from a stranger. Avery Grambs is suddenly thrust into a world of riddles, hidden clues, and family drama as she competes to solve a mystery. If your teen enjoys books like Knives Out, they’ll love this one.
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You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Genre: Contemporary Fiction A fun, uplifting story about a girl running for prom queen—not because she cares about popularity, but because she needs the scholarship. It’s a funny, heartwarming book about self-confidence, friendship, and first love.
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Five Survive by Holly Jackson
Genre: Thriller/Suspense From the author of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, this book delivers non-stop tension and jaw-dropping twists. A road trip turns deadly when six friends get stranded and realize someone wants them dead. If your teen loves edge-of-your-seat survival thrillers, this is a must-read.
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Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse
Genre: Historical Fiction Set in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, this gripping historical fiction follows Hanneke Bakker, a teenager drawn into the Dutch resistance when she’s tasked with finding a missing Jewish girl. A powerful and suspenseful story about courage, morality, and survival.
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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Genre: Contemporary Fiction This book is raw, emotional, and deeply relevant. Starr Carter’s life changes after she witnesses a police shooting, and she’s forced to navigate family, friendships, and activism. If your teen likes books that make them think, this is one of the most powerful YA novels out there.
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Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Genre: Contemporary Fiction This book is a deeply personal and emotional read. It follows Aza Holmes, a girl struggling with OCD while trying to solve a mystery. If your teen enjoys thought-provoking stories about mental health, friendship, and self-discovery, this book will stick with them long after they finish it.
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The Girl Who Looked Beyond The Stars by Sheena Meyer
Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction For readers who love magical realism and adventure, this book delivers. Aria discovers she has extraordinary abilities that connect her to the universe in ways she never imagined. A fantastic pick for fans of self-discovery and cosmic mysteries.
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Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Genre: Contemporary FictionA book that celebrates being different. Stargirl Caraway is quirky, fearless, and completely herself, but not everyone at school appreciates that. A perfect read for teens learning to embrace their individuality and navigate social pressures.
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The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
Genre: Historical Fiction A fun, sharp, and inspiring historical fiction novel. Jo Kuan secretly becomes an advice columnist in 1890s Atlanta, tackling racism, gender roles, and societal norms. A great mix of history, humor, and strong female characters.
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Teen Girl’s Survival Guide by Michelle Cretella
Genre: Self-Help/Guide Geared towards empowering tween girls, this book offers practical advice on self-confidence, handling peer pressure, and navigating the challenges of adolescence.
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The Giver by Lois Lowry
Genre: Dystopian Fiction A book that makes you question everything. Jonas lives in a world without pain, suffering, or choices—until he’s chosen to receive the community’s hidden memories. If your teen enjoys books that challenge their perspective on society, this classic is a must-read.
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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Genre: Dystopian Fiction This modern classic is still one of the most gripping books for teens. Katniss Everdeen’s fight for survival in a ruthless, televised competition is filled with action, strategy, and moral dilemmas. Even if they’ve seen the movies, the books offer deeper character insights and richer storytelling.
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Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Genre: Thriller/Indigenous Fiction A slow-burn thriller about an Ojibwe teen who goes undercover to solve a crime in her community. Smart, thought-provoking, and absolutely gripping.
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Legend by Marie Lu
Genre: Dystopian Fiction If your teen loved The Hunger Games, this is a perfect next read. Two teens from opposite worlds—a criminal and a soldier—collide in this high-stakes dystopian thriller.
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The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Genre: Coming of Age Fiction
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This is one of those books that sticks with you long after you finish it. It’s raw, emotional, and perfectly captures the struggles of growing up in a world that feels stacked against you. Ponyboy and his friends, the Greasers, fight to survive in a society that judges them for where they come from, and their rivalry with the privileged Socs leads to moments of heartbreak, loyalty, and self-discovery. If your teen enjoys realistic, emotional stories about friendship, identity, and belonging, this is a must-read classic that still feels just as relevant today.
The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set by Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Fantasy A fantasy adventure following Alina Starkov as she discovers her power and is drawn into a world of magic, war, and betrayal.
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The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) by Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy/Mythology The thrilling finale to the Percy Jackson series! If your teen has read the first books, they won’t want to miss this action-packed conclusion. Full of Greek mythology, humor, and epic battles, this series is always a winner.
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Shadow Jumper by J.M. Forster
Genre: Mystery/Adventure A fast-paced, unique adventure about a boy with a rare skin condition who must avoid sunlight. When his father disappears, he uncovers a mystery that changes everything. Great for teens who love exciting, unpredictable stories.
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The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya
Genre: Contemporary Fiction A funny, heartfelt story about family, food, and standing up for what’s right. If your teen enjoys stories with strong cultural themes and humor, they’ll love Arturo’s journey.
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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Genre: Mystery/Drama A unique, brilliant mystery told from the perspective of a boy with autism. When Christopher investigates a neighborhood dog’s death, he uncovers more than he expected. A great choice for teens who enjoy deep, character-driven mysteries.
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More Great Reads & Gift Ideas for 13 Year Olds
Need more ideas? Whether you’re searching for another great book, a fun game night pick, or the perfect gift, these lists have you covered.
- Best books for 13 year old boys – If you’re looking for books that middle school boys actually enjoy, this list is packed with exciting and relatable reads.
- Best board games for teens – Whether they love strategy, teamwork, or a little friendly competition, these board games are a hit with teenagers.
- Best gifts for 13 year old boys – Finding the right gift can be tricky, but these unique ideas are sure to impress.
- Books about elves for teens – From magical quests to epic battles, these fantasy books bring elves to life in unforgettable ways.
- Best card games for teens – Fast, fun, and easy to play—these card games are perfect for game nights with friends or family.
Last Updated on 7 April 2025 by Clare Brown