Here is a list of “Must-Reads By Age 13”. These are excellent books to read aloud to your child or share with each other after both have read.

1. THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD – by Lynne Reid Banks.
Omri gets more than he bargains for when his plastic toy comes to life.

2. THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALL – by John Bellairs.
A mystery waits to be solved within the walls and corridors of the mansion of an eccentric uncle, but the clock is ticking.

3. THE WISH GIVER – by Bill Brittain.
Four wishes are granted to four small-town folks, no trade-backs, no-nothing-backs.

4. FLAT STANLEY – by Jeff Brown.
Crushed by a bulletin board, Stanley makes use of his new shape.

5. IDA EARLY COMES OVER THE MOUNTAIN – by Robert Burch.
Like an Appalachian Mary Poppins, this energetic young woman comes to help run a home in Depression-era Georgia.

6. BEEZUS AND RAMONA – by Beverly Clearly.
An older sister seeks to find redeeming qualities in her bratty little sister, and in herself.

7. FRINDLE – by Andrew Clements.
A boy invents a new word and makes an adversary of his dictionary-devout teacher.

8. LOVE THAT DOG – by Sharon Creech.
Jack’s opinion of poetry changes after connecting with an author.

9. THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM, 1963 – by Christopher Paul Curtis.
A turbulent time told through the cross-eyes of little brother Kenny.

10. CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – by Roald Dahl.
Willy Wonka opens his door and reveals his candy-making secrets to five children, of which four are near-fatally flawed.