Maybe all the teachers on the EF could give me some advice here: I'm looking for a book for a 13-year old boy. He is not native English speaker, but his language skills are good. I hate graded readers because I think you cannot simplify classic novels and should read them when you are able to understand them plus they would be too simple.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Hello,
What about the Artemis Fowl series of books by Colfer, about the adventures of a teenage 'anti-hero'?
Or Anthony Horowitz books are also good for young teenage boys. Hope you fnd something!

Thank you for your suggestions. I have never heard of these two authors and will check them out.

What does he like ? Fantastic, Sci-Fi, romance, adventure ?

I read Sci-Fi books in English with pleasure, even if I don't understand every words, but you will never see me reading something I don't like....

Len Deighton http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_IPCRESS_File
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_Under_Water

Ian Fleming http://www.tjbd.co.uk/james-bond-books.htm

Maybe not scifi, rather something adventurous I would say or a detective novel.

How about the Stephanie Plum series (the numbered ones) from Janet Evanovich ?

Aren't 13 year olds not more interested in magazines with pictures in 'm ? Is also easier, no need to care about language.

Surprisingly enough he wants to read a real book

hmmm I am going old school and suggesting the Hardy Boys which will be right up your street for detective stories! Alternatively, Lemony Snicket's series of unfortunate events is great. And if he is up for it, Narnia is absolutely fantastic.

It's the age, he'll get over it

that sounds good, thanks! I have been thinking about Enid Blyton books -Adventure series or The Famous Five or The Adventurous Four - but somehow I think I was younger when I read them. Would that be too childish for him?

A few recommendations:

Philip Pullmann 'Northern Lights' trilogy (I'd recommend them to anyone, actually - these are modern classics!)
Isaac Asimov - short stories especially (ditto)
Rosemary Sutcliff - historical children's novels
Gerald Durrell - nonfiction, highly exciting books about his animal collecting expeditions - not aimed at children but I loved them at that age
Diana Wynne Jones - awesome creative children's/YA fantasy

If this boy is reasonably mature for his age, I would guess some of the other suggested books (e.g. Lemony Snicket) might be a bit young for him...

Think the Janet Evanovich suggestion might not be suitable - it's pretty adult humour and from what I remember there are a fair few romance/bedroom scenes. (Suppose that could be either an encouragement to keep reading or cause for an awkward 'why did this person want me to read this??!!!' moment!) They are entertaining books though!

Yeah I reckon they'd put him off big-time. You never know though! Plus the language is pretty simple, so it might be a good place to start... maybe give him a few options and let him choose.

you know the child best. Personally, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys were my favourites when I was around that age! Lemony Snicket came later and I enjoyed his books regardless of my age - like Harry Potter. Has he been exposed to HP? I've yet to come across a child who has not been intrigued by HP.

He read them in German.

Does anyone know "Diary of a Whimpy Kid"?

I have seen the film, it's pretty good and I believe there is a secon film in the making. Didn't realise there is a book on it. Going off how the film was I'd reccpmmend the book.

If he likes detective novels I haven't the foggiest but I could recomend of Mice and Men. Its one of my ultimate favourites. Or down and out in London and Paris .. Or Noughts and Crosses trilogy. Or the girl with the dragon tattoo... try those and see

Hm, there is a "childrens book" from Terry Pratchett that I really liked, NATION

I can absolutely recommend that, I loved the story. Only downside is, that he might read through it rather quickly...

I suppose that would be too heavy stuff and put him off - you are talking about the Steinbeck novel, right?