Fantasy & Sci-Fi
* The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: A dystopian classic with strong female characters and a thrilling plot.
* Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan: Greek mythology meets modern adventure.
* A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle: A time-traveling journey through space and imagination.
* The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: Classic fantasy with timeless themes of good vs. evil.
* The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black: A captivating blend of fantasy, adventure, and family.
* Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: A heist story with a diverse cast of characters.
Contemporary & Realistic Fiction
* The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: A powerful story about race, police brutality, and social justice.
* Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell: A heartwarming and realistic romance set in the 1980s.
* The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie: A funny and poignant coming-of-age story.
* The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: A poignant and relatable story about high school and finding your place.
* Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli: A unique and inspiring story about embracing individuality.
Historical Fiction
* Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: A moving story about a young girl who helps a Jewish friend escape Nazi-occupied Denmark.
* Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor: A powerful story about a black family struggling for equality in the American South.
* The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: A heart-wrenching story about a young girl in Nazi Germany.
* The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne: A heartbreaking and thought-provoking story about the Holocaust.
Mystery & Thriller
* The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: A clever and suspenseful mystery with a unique cast of characters.
* The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon: A unique and thought-provoking mystery told from the perspective of an autistic teenager.
* The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale: A captivating fairy tale with a mystery at its core.
Other Considerations:
* Reading level: It's always a good idea to check the reading level of a book before purchasing it.
* Interests: Talk to the 13 year old about their interests and find books that align with them.
* Diversity: There are many amazing books featuring diverse characters and perspectives.
Bonus: Consider visiting your local library or bookstore to get recommendations from librarians or booksellers! They can help you find the perfect books for the 13 year old in your life.