Best YA Books for 13 Year Old Boys: 5 Compared

He finishes the last book and asks what is next. The best ya books for 13 year old boys keep the momentum going; we compared five titles on story, age fit, and length.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	One of Us Is Lying by McManus	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Hooper	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	One of Us Is Lying Set	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Life as We Knew It	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Payback Time	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

One of Us Is Lying by McManus

Karen M. McManus·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A high school detention turns into a murder investigation when four classmates become suspects in a classmate's death.

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Pros

• The premise features four alternating viewpoints that keep readers guessing
• 416 pages provides a substantial, immersive mystery for teen readers
• Reprint edition published February 28, 2023 with clear series labeling
• Both grade level (9 - 12) and reading age (14+ years) align with high school readers

Cons

• The reading age of 14+ years is marked as from customers rather than publisher guidance
• The description states the plot involves murder and drug dealing on probation, which may not suit all readers
• Being Book 1 of 3 means readers must buy sequels to finish the wider series
• 416 pages may feel lengthy for reluctant readers

2

Hooper

Geoff Herbach·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A basketball novel for ages 13 and up, 352 pages.

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Pros

• Ages 13 and up; exact match
• Basketball story for sports fans
• 352 pages; grade 8-9

Cons

• No warranty term stated
• Single book; not a series
• 2019 title

3

One of Us Is Lying Set

Karen M. McManus·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 3-book boxed set, 1168 pages, for ages 14 and up.

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Pros

• Three books; 1168 pages total
• Mystery series; complete set
• Paperback boxed set

Cons

• Ages 14 and up; above 13
• No warranty term stated
• Longer commitment for reluctant readers

4

Life as We Knew It

Susan Beth Pfeffer·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A post-apocalyptic novel, 352 pages, for ages 11 and up.

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Pros

• Ages 11 and up; accessible
• Post-apocalyptic survival story
• Book 1 of 4; series continues

Cons

• No warranty term stated
• 2008 title
• Journal format may not suit all

5

Payback Time

Carl Deuker·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A football mystery, 304 pages, for ages 12 and up.

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Pros

• Ages 12 and up; close fit
• Football mystery; sports angle
• 304 pages; quick read

Cons

• No warranty term stated
• 2012 title
• Single book; not a series

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More picks to compare

• Help! I'm So Bored!Activity book; ages 12-17.Check on Amazon
• Joke Book for TeensJokes and puns; ages 13-17.Check on Amazon
• Strange but TrueFacts and quizzes; ages 12-14.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Specifications are as listed, collected 22 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs story, build, value, age fit and warranty. For books, age fit means the listed reading age and grade level. None of the five picks states a warranty, so none earns warranty points.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best ya books for 13 year old boys

Match the age range

Hooper lists ages 13 and up, an exact match. Life as We Knew It lists 11 and up; Payback Time lists 12 and up. The One of Us Is Lying set lists 14 and up, better for older teens. See the young adult section for more.

Pick the genre he likes

Hooper and Payback Time suit sports fans; Life as We Knew It and One of Us Is Lying suit thriller readers. Match the book to his interests.

Consider length and series

The boxed set runs 1168 pages; the others run 304 to 352 pages. A series keeps him reading if he likes the first book.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age: 11 and up to 14 and up across these picks.
• Note the grade levels: 7 to 12 depending on the title.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is Hooper for?

Ages 13 and up, grade 8 to 9, 352 pages.

How many books are in the set?

Three, 1168 pages total.

Is Life as We Knew It a series?

Book 1 of 4.

Still deciding? Our top pickOne of Us Is Lying by McManus

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Related lists

See every young adult books list.

More lists: kids and teens books.