Skip to content

Books
Articles

wonderlit

The right book for right now.

Books
Articles
About
Terms
Privacy

Discover

Life Moments
Themes
Interests
Ages

© 2026 wonderlit · Support indie bookstores

As an affiliate, Wonderlit earns from qualifying purchases through Bookshop.org and Amazon.

Can’t find a book? Let us know – we’re always adding new titles.

Send Feedback

Books for Welcoming a New Pet for Ages 12–18 – Wonderlit | Wonderlit

Browse → Ages 12–18 → Life Moments → Welcoming a New Pet → Ages 12–18

Books for Welcoming a New Pet for Ages 12–18

Bringing a new animal into the house often shifts the family dynamic, especially for teenagers who are beginning to balance their need for independence with the quiet comfort of a loyal companion. These 239 books explore the unique responsibility and deep emotional connection of pet ownership while speaking to the complex themes of identity and growth that define the adolescent years. Your teen will find stories that reflect the maturity they are developing as they navigate this rewarding new chapter of life.

239 books

Cover of The Lost Foal Mystery

The Saddle Creek Riders #2

The Lost Foal Mystery

Wren Willowbrook

A mysterious cry from the forest leads Emma to a hidden, injured foal that needs urgent help and a safe place to heal.

Cover of Wondrous Rex

Patricia MacLachlan

Rex is no ordinary dog; he is a magical companion who helps a struggling writer find the beauty of words and the power o

Cover of Beware of Dog

Alvin thinks he has found the perfect shaggy companion in McGrowl, but a strange accident and a creepy vet leave his new

1 2 3 4 5...10

Cover of Everything Dog

Everything #1

Everything Dog

Marty Crisp

Why do dogs bark, and what are they thinking? This question-and-answer guide provides a wealth of fascinating informatio

Ages 8–12

Cover of Phoenix

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

For the child who finds solace in the company of animals and is learning to bounce back after difficult times.

Cover of My Friend Flicka

My Friend Flicka

On a Wyoming ranch, young Ken McLaughlin struggles to prove his maturity by taming and earning the trust of a wild musta

Cover of Claws!

Goosebumps Hall of Horrors #1

For the child who loves the thrill of a good scare or a mystery that feels just a little bit dangerous, this spooky tale

Cover of Dear Stray

Kirsten Hubbard

For the child who experiences big, explosive feelings that are hard to manage and needs to see their own struggle reflec

Cover of Trouble Dog

For the child feeling lonely after a big move, this story shows how a mischievous new pet can help you find your footing

Cover of Georgie

For those seeking a gentle way to process profound loss, this moving graphic novel shows how the quiet loyalty of a pet

Cover of The Magnificent Book of Cats

The Magnificent Book of

The Magnificent Book of Cats

For the young animal lover eager to discover the world of felines, from cuddly household pets to majestic wild hunters.

Cover of The Black Stallion

The Black Stallion #1

The Black Stallion

A shipwreck leaves young Alec and a wild black stallion stranded on a deserted island, where they must form a bond of ab

Cover of Junie's Story

Junie the terrier recounts her own emotional journey from a difficult start to a loving rescue, offering gentle lessons

Cover of Elf Dog & Owl Head

Elf Dog & Owl Head

Stuck at home during a global plague, Clay follows a mysterious dog into the woods and stumbles upon ancient secrets and

Cover of Brave Like That

Brave Like That

Lindsey Stoddard

For the child navigating the pressure to fit in when their true self feels a little different from the 'tough' expectati

Cover of Smoky, the Dog That Saved My Life

Smoky, the Dog That Saved My Life

A tiny four-pound dog found in a New Guinea foxhole becomes a WWII hero, saving hundreds of soldiers and eventually beco

Cover of Love, Aubrey

Suzanne LaFleur

After a tragedy leaves eleven-year-old Aubrey alone, she begins writing letters to process her grief and find her way ba

Cover of Ginger Pye

A missing puppy named Ginger and a mysterious man in a yellow hat turn the Pye children’s world upside down in this susp

Cover of Follow My Leader

Follow My Leader

James B. Garfield

After a sudden accident leaves him blind, Jimmy must learn to trust a loyal seeing-eye dog named Leader to find his way

Cover of Rascal

A boy and his pet raccoon share a carefree summer of adventure in a small Midwestern town just as a world at war begins

Cover of Charlie's Raven

Charlie's Raven

Jean Craighead George

Hoping for a miracle cure for his grandfather, Charlie takes a baby raven from its nest and begins a summer of scientifi

Cover of The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

Doctor Dolittle #2

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

Dr. Dolittle sails for the tropical Spidermonkey Island with a crew of animal friends to find a missing colleague and ta

Cover of Annie

An optimistic orphan navigates the tough streets of the Great Depression while searching for a real home and a family to

Cover of Kristy Thomas, Dog Trainer

The Baby-Sitters Club #118

Kristy Thomas, Dog Trainer

For the child who feels overwhelmed by new responsibilities or is struggling to train a headstrong new pet.

More Ages 12–18 Books

Books for Potty Training for Ages 12–18(3)Books for Food Allergies for Ages 12–18(12)Books for Wearing Glasses for Ages 12–18(32)Books for LGBTQ+ Families for Ages 12–18(34)Books for Sharing with Siblings for Ages 12–18(67)Books for Bedtime Struggles for Ages 12–18(68)Books for Visiting the Doctor for Ages 12–18(74)Books for New Sibling for Ages 12–18(90)

Welcoming a New Pet for Other Ages

Books for Welcoming a New Pet for Ages 0–3(544)Books for Welcoming a New Pet for Ages 4–7(1335)Books for Welcoming a New Pet for Ages 8–11(1025)

Also by Format

Chapter Books(782)Picture Books(86)Early Readers(74)Middle Grade(20)Graphic Novels(19)Poetry(14)Young Adult(7)Board Books(4)