***Yes, 1776 by David McCullough would be very suitable for a 13 year old. ***
Patti, thanks for the answer above. My grandson is in public school and I've been researching for a book that would tell the truth about our history, so far w/o any good result. I'll order it today.
1776 doesn't gloss up our history.
But it does cause the author to conclude (during an interview) not in the book, that it was a miracle we won the war.
It also gives one a good idea how the average soldier suffered to defend and insure the improvement of the government of his country during that time, and how much we owe them for sticking it out during the "times that try men's souls."
It makes one realize that a gift like that ... from Providence and from such individual sacrifices by so many...should not be treated lightly.