1. On To Oregon Also known as Seven Alone this is a book based on true accounts. I read this book so many times-- the way John matures throughout the book was always great to read. *This book was edited for language etc*
2. A Matter of Pride by Dorothy Simpson is a sweet and funny growing-up book. I am still amazed how the author could pull such an interesting story simply from the main character's lack of shoes. It spans a few months in Janie's life at school, where she has to adjust to a new teacher.
3. The Wall Trilogy by Robert Elmer is SO good. I still read them like once a year. It is a trilogy--so technically this is three books. The first book is directly after WWII in Berlin and the main character is a thirteen year old boy, Erich. The second is when the Berlin Wall goes up, from the viewpoint of Erich's polio-ridden half sister, Sabine. And the final one is when the Wall comes down, seen through the eyes of Sabine's daughter, Liesl. My favorite was the first one, and I didn't get the last installment till I was sixteen, but when I read it-- WOW! It took my breath away. I think I even cried, and that's rare. The third one is really good, because of how it ties everything up from the books before it--so you have to read the whole series. ;P lol.
4. Tree of Freedom This is by Rebecca Caudill, and was one of my favorites. It is a little slow in parts, but I think that was what I liked-- I felt like it portrayed settlers in Kentucky accurately, because there was boring days, I'm sure! It also incorporates the Revolutionary War, which adds a big plus for me, and I just enjoyed the sweet story throughout it. Watching the family grow closer together was nice.
5. Anne of Green Gables Series And of course, the classic Anne series by L. M. Montgomery. Anne is still my 'happy read'. I read these books over and over, laughing till I cried, making notes of their clothes, and daydreaming.
6. The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth Speare. I actually read this first for school but reread it often in the years following. I was so intrigued by the story, and appreciated the fact that although it was Biblical fiction, it didn't take liberties with people or events of the Bible like many books do. I still get all depressed when I think about poor Marcus and Samson, but the character development is wonderful.
7. Johnny Tremain Another Revolutionary War book, (this one by Esther Forbes) this book is one of the biggest things that made me love the War for Independence. I was distraught over Rab, annoyed by Isannah, and sometimes Johnny was ridiculous. But all that makes for a very real book, and Johnny grows so splendidly throughout it that it was one of my favorites.
8. Silas Marner by George Eliot. This is still a favorite of mine, and I actually have two copies-- a modern paperback with a mini biography of George Eliot in it, and a really old hardback from over a hundred years ago. I first read this book at fifteen and I couldn't put it down, nor can I leave it alone, but keep going back to reread it. A mystery, a be-sure-your-sin-will-find-you-out book, but also just a sweet story of the power of love, I never get tired of it.
9. In His Steps This is the famous book by Charles Sheldon (which, after I read In HIs Steps I read a biography of the author and it's astounding how busy that man kept himself for the Lord!). In His Steps changed the way I thought about things, and definitely challenged me.
10. Pilgrim's Progress Which has been a staple in Christian reading for hundreds of years, is a book I turn to time and time again. In fact, it's so inspirational to me that I keep a copy of it in my book bag (for editing) at all times. If you haven't read Pilgrim's Progress, then you should, because it was even a favorite of Charles Spurgeon. ;)
Those are my 10 books for ages 13-16. What were your favorite books during these ages? Have you read any of the books I listed? I'd love to know, so don't forget to drop me a comment below! :)
Have a lovely day,
Victoria