educational books for 14 year olds

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Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK

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Year 10 recommended reading list for teens aged 14-15

Year 10 books. This book list contains titles to appeal to children and young adults aged 14-15 in secondary school. Consisting of a range of contemporary and classic titles, these books cover all ability ranges including the less able and the more able. This list of books for year 10 is updated termly and contains novels by Susin Nielsen, Phil Stamper, Lisa Heathfield, Patrick Ness, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, George Orwell, Nelson Mandela, Patrice Lawrence, Jason Reynolds, JRR Tolkien, John Steinbeck, David Levithan, Emily Bronte and more.

Books for Year 10 – our recommendations

The inheritance games by jennifer lynn barnes.

When teen Avery inherits a billionaire’s fortune there’s a catch: she must live in the deceased’s sprawling estate with his mysterious family and solve a series of riddles to claim her legacy. This thrilling mystery unveils secrets and rivalries in a high-stakes game of inheritance. The first in a gripping series that’s addictive to read.

The Kill Factor by Ben Oliver

In this gripping dystopian thriller, young criminals compete in a deadly reality TV show for a chance at freedom. Ben Oliver crafts a suspenseful narrative that delves into the dark truths of the criminal justice system, offering readers a thrilling ride filled with high stakes and unexpected twists. As contestants navigate treacherous challenges, the story raises thought-provoking questions about society, fame, and the concepts of consequences and justice.

Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence

14-year-old Ronny struggles as one of the few Black teens in a nearly all-white Norwich secondary. Facing new challenges after a tragedy prompts a move from East London to East Anglia, Ronny grapples with identity and ambition, finding solace and inspiration in poetry and rap. A highly accessible YA verse novel, Wild East explores themes of city gangs, knife crime, the dangers of drugs, self-expression, and resilience, offering a relatable narrative with contemporary flair. Highly recommended for Year 10 readers.

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher

Written in verse, this gritty and visceral narrative follows teenaged Erik who juggles a difficult home life, school work and the consequences of being groomed by and owing money to a dangerous county lines gang. Crossing the Line is a memorable story of manipulation that will be useful to read and discuss alongside anti-exploitation resources in PSHE and book clubs. Highly recommended. Read our full review .

Needle by Patrice Lawrence

Charlene needs her knitting. It takes her mind off being in care. But when a heated argument leads to her stabbing her foster brother with a knitting needle, her whole life unravels in the criminal justice system. Should she apologize, even if she doesn’t mean it, to help secure her freedom? This emotional story takes a deep dive into the foster care system and how children struggle. Highlighting themes of racial bias and justice, ‘Needle’ is ideal for KS4 book club discussion.

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

Five strangers are stranded in a remote wilderness. As they battle the elements, secrets emerge, tensions rise, and survival becomes a test of trust and resourcefulness. This thriller explores the depths of human resilience in the face of danger. It’s a cracking page-turner for teens who want a fast-paced read.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

A must-read for older teens, this is a stunning story of love in the face of desperate adversity. When terminally ill Hazel meets Augustus the short time she has left to live changes course in ways she could never have imagined.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

An award-winning young adult novel about Conor, a teenager who has the same dream – or nightmare – every night. But this time, when he wakes up, there’s an otherworldly creature from his dream right outside his window. The creature demands one thing – the truth about everything.

Grow by Luke Palmer

When Josh’s father is murdered in a terrorist atrocity, he finds himself both picked out and fascinated by extreme racists who milk his grief and misfortune. He finds himself in a situation where righting wrongs challenges the status quo and not even he is sure which path he will take. With subtle nuance this startling novel will challenge both educators and teenagers – Grow is a gift for KS4 teachers and pastoral coordinators looking for ways to embed PREVENT strategies that will resonate with pupils.

Oxygen Mask by Jason Reynolds, art by Jason Griffin

This is a unique and memorable graphic novel with an intoxicating blend of stirring graphic imagery and perceptive stream-of-consciousness narrative commentary. Oxygen Mask is a benchmark for pandemic-era YA literature, encapsulating the thoughts, aspirations, and fears of a generation lurching from discrimination to COVID and beyond.

As Far as You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper

Marty, a teen, flees a suffocating environment at home to pursue his dreams in the more gay-friendly setting of London. However, financial constraints, loneliness, and reality set in. Can he succeed and avoid returning to his religious upbringing in small-town Kentucky? A powerfully emotional read appropriate for KS4.

We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen

Stewart has a slightly different perspective on life from those around him. He finds life difficult enough before he is thrown together with his new stepsister, the extrovert and social magnet Ashley, Life gets even more interesting at school… Funny and heartwarming, this is a great book to promote resilience and challenge bullying.

13 minutes: A Novel by Sarah Pinborough

Dead for 13 minutes, Natasha doesn’t know how it happened or how she got there. But she is determined to find out. A gripping mystery page-turner set in a nasty and manipulative teenage world. A pacey read for students in Year 10.

Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield

A heartbreaking story about June, who feels trapped in her life full of secrets and lies. She longs to escape, and when she meets Blister, she thinks she might have – but her new hope has unimaginable consequences. Very sad and moving.

Every Day by David Levithan

This thought-provoking story follows ‘A’, who wakes up each day in a different body. ‘A’ knows not to change things or get too involved, until one day ‘A’ meets Rhiannon, who changes everything.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

A modern classic exploring the world of introverted teenager Gene who lives out WW2 at boarding school and his polar opposite Phineas who is carefree and dangerous. A must-read YA novel.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Told as a series of flashbacks, Kathy tried to make sense of her childhood at the seemingly perfect Hailsham School. The story slowly reveals a shocking dystopia that forces the reader to confront the horrors of modern society. A more challenging read for Year pupils.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

A gripping, yet peculiar, story about a man who is released from prison and meets a man who claims to be a godlike King of America. Together, they start to solve murders, sort problems, and make the country great by telling everyone what they want to hear. The climax builds with a storm of biblical proportions.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

A classic love story following the intertwining lives of Catherine and Heathcliffe. Spanning many years and life-changing events, this story of passion, revenge, and betrayal is a classic which has stood the test of time. An ideal Year 10 text.

This Book is Cruelty Free by Linda Newbery

This comprehensive lifestyle guide shows teens in KS3 and KS4 how they can adjust and live their lives in ways that avoid contributing, directly or indirectly, to animal cruelty. Issues including food waste, zoos, wild spaces and meat eating are discussed with diagrams, poignant quotes, infographics, statistics and lucid text. An ideal primer to familiarise children with key themes in the animal rights debate, this book will both inspire and help pupils form their own opinions.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

The life of Pip is explored in this timeless saga filled with unique and memorable characters about one boy’s self-discovery and drive to become a man, despite unremitting adversity.

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

A downtrodden orphan thinks her life has changed for the better after meeting Maxim de Winter in the South of France in a whirlwind romance. But moving to Cornwall reveals an unexpected ghost from the past and a nemesis in the mysterious housekeeper, Mrs Danvers. What happened to the previous Mrs de Winter? An interesting book to analyse in Year 10 book clubs.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The Joad family follow their dreams and head to the West Coast of America. Things don’t go well for them. A classic in American Fiction, exploring characters, and raw emotions; with many parallels to the broken society of today.

Atonement by Ian McEwan

13-year-old Briony Tallis stumbles upon something shocking which leads to a downward spiral and life-changing crime. Can Briony ever put the pieces back together? A modern masterpiece.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K Dick

A must-read classic sci-fi novel. After a devastating world war, Rick Deckard, a ruthless bounty hunter, takes an assignment to beat all others. Promised a huge reward, he soon finds himself in a bad dream of lies, plots, and treachery. A great addition to any Year 10 library.

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

A thought-provoking and emotive autobiography which chronicles the first part of Nelson Mandela’s life, leading up to his time in captivity. An examination of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. A great book for discussion in Year 10.

The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks

16-year-old Frank thinks killing various family members was just a stage he was going through. A brilliantly written horror story with strong themes and an unforgettable twist.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

This multi-award-winning saga follows father and son on a road trip across a post-apocalyptic American landscape heading for the hope of salvation on the coast. Emotive and easy to read, the characters and their emotional scenes are poignant.

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

A dark first-person account, this is a simply told, yet chilling, story of the realities of war. Pressed into action by a fervent and patriotic teacher, Paul soon witnesses conditions in the trenches. A moving story that beautifully illustrates the pointlessness of conflict. Perfect for more advanced readers in Year 10.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré

A gripping page-turner following George Smiley, a calculating and clever Cold War spy tracking an elusive Russian agent.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

Cassandra lives a carefree life in a dilapidated castle in the countryside. But her life changes forever when Americans arrive unexpectedly to claim the castle as their inheritance. An interesting book for group discussion in Year 10.

Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee

Idyllic childhood memories in the Cotswolds are painted in timeless prose in this evocative reminiscence of growing up in an almost forgotten world.

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

The dystopian novel without which the world would not have Big Brother, the Ministry of Truth and the Party. Still highly relevant in the modern world of spin, media and the rise of right-wing populism.

Hitler’s Willing Executioners by Daniel Goldhagen

A book which systematically explores how the human condition can go horribly wrong for seemingly rational reasons. One of those books everyone should try to read before the age of 25. Refreshingly clear and concise, this is an essential read for anyone studying modern European history.

The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien

Sauron seeks complete power over Middle Earth by controlling magical rings. But the all-important ring to rule them all is now in the hands of a Hobbit called Frodo. High fantasy in this three-volume epic.

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

A fantasy classic which satirizes the eighteenth-century world in which it was written. Gulliver visits the strange and mysterious lands of Lilliput, the Yahoos, and the giants in Brobdingnag. Unique and memorable.

Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally

The book which inspired the film and numerous documentaries, Keneally’s account is a touching realisation of determination, adversity, and hope in the unlikeliest setting.

Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson

Jeanette is brought up in a strict world of privilege and expectation as one of “God’s Elect”. But she rebels and leaves the church world at the age of 16 to pursue a dangerous relationship. An ideal book for Year 10 book clubs.

Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

The story of Saleem, one of a thousand children born at exactly midnight. Like the other 999, he finds himself blessed, or cursed with a superpower. A moving story charting India’s journey after independence.

English Dictionary Pocket Edition by Collins Dictionaries

Including 85,000 words and definitions presented in a clear and concise layout, this practical 740-word dictionary is perfectly suited to GCSE students. It also includes useful tips on pronunciation, usage, and spelling punctuation and grammar.

Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this Year 10 book list, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your classroom library.

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Schools & teachers: please respect copyright and don’t copy our Year 10 reading list. If you find our book recommendations useful, please consider sharing on social media or linking to this page instead. Thanks .

For less challenging books, see our Year 9 reading list .

For even books for 14-15-year-old teens, see this list

For further reading suggestions, see our Year 11 reading list .

About Tom Tolkien

Further Reading

• 2016 CILIP Carnegie Medal Shortlisted Books
• Books for 10 year olds
• Emily Windsnap and the Pirate Prince by Liz Kessler
• LGBTQIA+ fiction for secondary aged children and…
• Notes on my Family by Emily Critchley
• 2018 CILIP Carnegie Medal Shortlisted Books

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This booklist was last updated on June 14th, 2024 and first published in 2016 .

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35 Good Books for Teens to Read Before They Turn 18

Editor’s Note: We know raising kids can be hard. That’s why we’re dedicated to making your life easier with the latest and greatest parenting advice and products. We wanted to let you know that if you chose to purchase one of the items featured in this post, we may receive a small commission for it.

Coming-of-age books and young adult literature have always been a way for teens to explore new words and be confronted with new ideas, often for the first time.

The stories we read growing up can shape our perspectives, challenge our ideas, or help us find our own sense of identity — particularly in the teen years when people are starting to shape an identity.

This is the ultimate bucket list of books for teens (and tweens) to read before they turn 18 – including a mix of classics, young adult fiction, and non-fiction.

And while good books push boundaries and challenge kids’ thinking, we’ve also tried to highlight works that won’t make teens and tweens feel bad about who they are, where they come from, or what they look like.

Related: The 27 Best Graphic Novels for Kids

Fiction Books Every Teen Should Read

From classic literature to modern bestsellers, the books on this list range from adventure stories to fantasy to historical fiction and more. No matter what kind of genre or book series your teen prefers, they’ll discover something new.

Incantation by Alice Hoffman

A Massachusetts Book Award winner and a frequent editorial pick, Incantation introduces teen readers to the struggles of Jewish people living under religious persecution during the Spanish Inquisition.

The story follows Estrella, a Jewish girl living a double life as a Catholic to escape detection by Spanish authorities. Through historical novels like this, teen readers can explore multiple religions and religious beliefs, as well as examine the significance of religious freedom and spiritual identity.

Get the book: Incantation by Alice Hoffman.

2. The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

White’s other children’s books like Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little are very well known, but many people may now have heard of her young adult book The Trumpet of the Swan . That’s a shame because this often overlooked tween read is a sweet depiction of how a disabled character can thrive with basic accommodations and inclusion.

Louis the swan was born mute. He cannot vocalize like the rest of his species. But one day, he gets his very own trumpet, and he eventually learns to find his voice by playing jazz to the world. Will it be enough for him to win over the love of his life?

Get the book: The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White.

3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

A stunning story set in Nazi Germany, The Book Thief’s title character is Liesel Meminger, a foster child who cannot resist stealing one thing: stories. In an environment filled with death at every turn, the stolen books become a solace for Liesel and everyone she shares them with, especially the Jewish fugitive hiding in her house.

Get the book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Starr Carter witnessed her best friend’s murder. The police are involved, and not in a good way. Everyone has an opinion. And what she says — or doesn’t say — could get her killed.

This challenging book pushes teens to consider how police shootings affect underprivileged neighborhoods and minority communities within American cities. It has drawn attention and criticism along racial and political divides and was inspired partly by the shooting of Oscar Grant .

Get the book: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

5. The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

A National Book Award winner, this classic middle school story revolves around Gilly Hopkins, a foster child sick of being bounced from house to house. She’s completely incorrigible. Why should she behave herself when the world is so unfair, anyway? This next family, the Trotters, won’t be any different. Or will they?

Open family conversations about foster care, adoption, abandonment, and trauma with this tween-friendly pick. Although the book was published in 1978, a 2015 movie version brought Gilly’s story back into the limelight, making it a relevant read for today’s kids.

Get the book: The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson .

6. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

The House on Mango Street is a series of vignettes surrounding the experiences of Esperanza Cordero, a Latina girl living in Chicago. It will take readers along a coming-of-age story that explores happiness, heartbreak, and everything in between.

Get the book: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros.

7. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Though this classic book recently became popular again due to the release of the movie version, the movie is not a substitute for this beautiful story about family and the process of embracing who you truly are through the angle of space and time exploration.

Get the book: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

8. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

A multi-award-winning book and the start of a blockbuster film franchise, The Hunger Games tells the story of a teenage girl caught up in the machinations of a cruelly dystopian government.

To save her sister from a virtual death sentence, Katniss Everdeen steps in to take her place. Her challenge: to survive a televised tournament against peers (some older, some younger) representing 11 other districts of her country.

For Katniss and her competitors, the choice is to kill or be killed. It’s a story of love and difficult ethical choices that pushes teens to evaluate just what they would do to survive.

Get the book: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

9. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Augie was born with a facial difference that kept him out of school for years. In fifth grade, he discovers what it’s like to crave normalcy and also how difference can be the most meaningful teacher of all.

Get the book: Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

10. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird has been voted as one of the best novels of the twentieth century. Themes of prejudice, beauty, and inequality shine in this must-read classic for everyone aged preteen and above.

Get the book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

11. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner is easily one of the most influential novels of the last 20 years, tells the story of two boys — one Pashtun, one Hazara — being raised as siblings in pre-Taliban Afghanistan. Both enjoy the popular sport of kite fighting, but it all goes wrong after one event. When one boy fails to protect the other from a brutal assault, their life is forever impacted.

Suggested for anyone 14-year-olds and up. Parents should note that, as in To Kill a Mockingbird , much of the storyline is based on the aftermath of a rape.

Get the book: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

12. Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

This middle-grade story from Animorphs writer Katherine Applegate brings us Jack, a young boy facing homelessness, and Crenshaw, the giant, purple, imaginary cat who refuses to leave him alone. It’s a fun yet sensitive way to introduce kids to issues of poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity.

Get the book: Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate.

13. Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling

This one is old — 1897 old, in fact — but such a classic coming-of-age story that it deserves to be on parents’ radar. When a spoiled, rich 15-year-old falls overboard from a luxury cruise, he’s rescued by the crew of a Canadian fishing boat instead. Before he can be reunited with his parents, he has a lot of lessons in humility and maturity to learn as a not-so-cooperative fishing recruit.

Get the book: Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling.

14. I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver

This story is a celebration of friendship, heartbreak, and love and centers around Ben, a character who comes out as non-binary to their parents. Ben struggles with an anxiety disorder, but the friendship that blossoms in this book will be redeeming and inspiring for all readers.

Get the book: I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver.

15. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

This story begins on a Spokane Indian Reservation, and it is both heartbreaking and funny — a perfect combination for young teens.

Get the book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.

16. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This coming-of-age story from the 90s is unforgettable as it explores what it’s like to feel like you’re on the fringe. The characters deal with loss and love and everything in between and can feel very relatable to teens.

Get the book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

17. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Who is the real monster? Dr. Victor Frankenstein, or the creature he’s built out of cadavers? Widely considered both horror and the world’s first sci-fi novel, Frankenstein delves deep into the ethics of manipulating life, death, and quality of living, challenging readers to redefine for themselves what it truly means to be human.

The premise of the book is, at this point, well known, having become the basis for countless films, parodies, and cultural touchstones, but the book’s slower pace lays the foundations for powerful thought questions that rarely make the cut for the big screen.

Famously, Shelley herself was a teenager when she first drafted this story.

Get the book: Frankenstein by Mary Shelly.

18. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

It might seem strange to select such a short novel — really, a novella — from an author perhaps most infamous for his longwindedness, but A Christmas Carol lands here both because of its unique blending of Victorian holiday and ghost stories and its searing social criticism.

Protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly businessman, has become virtuously synonymous with greed in American pop culture. When Scrooge’s dead partner, Jacob Marley, haunts him one Christmas Eve, Marley warns that three spirits (the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet-to-Come) will be visiting Scrooge throughout the night.

He must pay attention to their messages and learn to stop being so self-centered, or he faces eternal consequences. His life, his employees, his relationship with his nephew, and his legacy are all at stake.

Get the book: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

19. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Dumas remains one of the all-time literary greats, and for good reason. He’s perhaps best known for creating The Three Musketeers . However, for teen readers, The Count of Monte Cristo is a more captivating choice.

The novel details the protagonist’s intense thirst for revenge on the men who plotted to destroy his life. Dumas’ writing offers both suspense and grapples with the important idea of revenge vs. justice.

This book is filled with romance, fighting, and double-crosses that will keep teen readers on the edge of their seats. If the original English translation is too difficult, look for any of several young reader adaptations.

Get the book: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

20. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Often included on lists of the best teen books of all time, Salinger’s Holden Caulfield has often fascinated (and frustrated) readers for his honest portrayal of teenage frustration, rebellion, and overall search for identity. Any teen who has ever felt misunderstood by adults can find solace in Holden’s cynical narration.

Get the book: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

21. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

John Green is one of today’s most popular young adult novelists, and his book The Fault in Our Stars was one of the bestselling books of the 2010s! The Fault in Our Stars is a captivating love story of two teens dealing with cancer who are given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet their favorite writer in Amsterdam. Even with their difficult circumstances, the main characters of Hazel and Augustus will be relatable to any teenager who has ever fallen in love or fought to experience something big and important in their lives.

Get the book: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

22. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders is a modern classic coming-of-age novel that tells the story of a rivalry between two teenage gangs. The Outsiders is told through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy nicknamed “Ponyboy” who finds himself without any adult guidance in a world of violence, passion, loyalty and revenge.

Get the book: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

23. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

The Lord of the Flies is a classic survival story about a group of schoolboys who are stranded alone on an unknown island after a plane crash. William Golding’s novel is an unforgettable look at how quickly humans will turn against each other to survive. It will have your teen on the edge of their seat!

Get the book: Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

24. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak tells the story of high school freshman Melinda Sordino who refuses to talk after she suffers a painful, traumatic attack the previous summer at a party. Speak is a heavy, serious novel dealing with issues that many teens will relate to from family challenges, fights with friends, and the trauma of coping with sexual assault.

Get the book: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.

25. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children deals with serious issues like grief and entering adulthood alongside a wondrous fantasy setting of gothic characters and adventures. This YA novel follows Jake, a young boy who investigates mysterious clues left for him by his grandfather. When Jake stumbles upon the secret magic school of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, he has no idea what dangers lurk behind its doors.

Get the book: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

26. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Not many books feature main characters with autism or represent neurodiversity in a positive way. Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time goes deep into the mind of a young autistic boy named Christopher who tries to solve the mystery behind his neighbor’s dog being murdered. This novel is a captivating, funny and surprising look at how people think differently, and why it’s important to see things from the perspective of other people in your life. It was also adapted into a hit play for London’s West End!

Get the book: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.

Nonfiction Books Every Teen Should Read

Even if your teen hates history class, they’ll love these nonfiction books! Our list includes stories of surviving the horrors of war, biographies of modern teen role models who have done amazing things, self-help books for teens, and more!

27. Rising Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

This young readers’ version of Jones’ 2022 book Professional Troublemaker, Rising Troublemaker: A Fear-Fighter Manual for Teens is written to connect with Gen Z kids . Organized into three sections (“Be,” “Say,” and “Do”), the book encourages teenagers to sort out their core values before speaking up and taking action on the issues important to them.

Get the book: Rising Troublemaker: A Fear-Fighter Manual for Teens by Luvvie Ajayi Jones.

28. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

A vital depiction of the Holocaust as seen through the eyes of a teen hiding from the Nazis, The Diary of Anne Frank was found and published by her father after the war. The book covers about two years of Anne’s family and another hiding together in a small office space called the “secret annex” in Amsterdam. It chronicles her experiences and emotions from the time she received the diary until her family’s discovery and arrest by the Gestapo.

Get the book: Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.

29. Night by Elie Wiesel

Night by Elie Wiesel is another true story of a teenager who survived the horrors of the Holocaust. Wiesel recounts his and his family’s experience being ripped from their home in from their home Hungarian Transylvania to perform slave labor in the Nazi concentration camps.

The contrast between the pain Wiesel and those around him experience and the hope he experiences at their eventual liberation and freedom is a deeply moving tale that will touch teens and adults for the rest of their lives.

Get the book: Night by Elie Wiesel.

30. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

Where Anne Frank’s diary remains historically important as the first-person account of a Jewish teen whose family endured Nazi brutality, The Hiding Place describes the same period from the perspective of the Dutch resistance.

Corrie ten Boom’s family was one of the Dutch households that had been actively hiding Jewish families like Frank’s — until they too were caught and arrested. Unlike Anne, Corrie survived her ordeal. She went on to become a popular Christian speaker and lecturer after the war.

Get the book: The Hiding Place, Young Reader's Edition by Corrie ten Boom.

31. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

The popular comedian and ex-host of The Daily Show has always been upfront about his South African roots. Now there is a young reader’s edition of his popular memoir, Born a Crime , about growing up biracial in a country still wrestling with its apartheid legacy.

Get the book: It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah.

32. Unbroken by Lauren Hillenbrand

An utterly compelling memoir and a captivating film, Unbroken is the story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner turned American airman whose plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean in May 1943. What follows is a narrative so unlikely as to be almost unbelievable.

Zamperini survives the crash but finds himself adrift in a tiny raft, fighting off sharks and facing starvation — only to be eventually captured, imprisoned, and tortured by the Japanese. He was freed at the end of World War II, in 1945. It’s an inspirational message for teens to persevere even in horrible or “impossible” circumstances.

Get the book: Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian's Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive by Lauren Hillenbrand.

33. Educated by Tara Westover

An unforgettable memoir for both adults and teens, Educated tells Westover’s story of being raised as a Mormon survivalist in the Idaho mountains. The author describes being kept out of public school, surviving a violent, isolated childhood, and finding the courage to finally pursue her own goals — especially an advanced education.

Parents should be aware that incest is part of Westover’s abuse experience; the book explains how these revelations shook up her family.

Educated also gave Westover a platform to talk about student loans, college financial aid applications, and skyrocketing tuition costs. Keeping these things “imaginable” for average families is important, she says.

Get the book: Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover.

34. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

A highly famous autobiography by poet, Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a timeless exploration of how a love of reading can offer both a temporary escape and long-term coping skills for racial trauma .

The book covers the author’s earlier years, including a lengthy period of being raised by her grandmother. Because it includes references to a childhood sexual assault, parents may want to wait until they are sure their tweens or teens are old enough to process such difficult content.

Get the book: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.

35. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai

The youngest-ever person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala Yousafzai catapulted to the international spotlight with her powerful true story of being shot in the head and left for dead on her school bus as religious and political extremists in her country sought to deny girls and women the right to an education.

Malala has since become a well-recognized public figure and activist for women’s rights, and her story will inspire young girls to fight for equality for themselves and others.

Get the book: I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai.

Looking for more great book recommendations for teens? See our list of the 25 Best Young Adult Novels Teens Will Love !

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The Ultimate Guide to Best Books for Teens by Age

Kelly Jensen

Kelly is a former librarian and a long-time blogger at STACKED. She's the editor/author of (DON'T) CALL ME CRAZY: 33 VOICES START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH and the editor/author of HERE WE ARE: FEMINISM FOR THE REAL WORLD. Her next book, BODY TALK, will publish in Fall 2020. Follow her on Instagram @heykellyjensen .

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If you’re looking for the best books for teens, you’re in luck. We’re in the midst of a strong age for YA, building upon the legacies of early YA books, but now, more than any time before, the best books for teens are showcasing diverse and inclusive voices and experiences. Chances are you can pick up an outstanding book simply by perusing your local library or bookstore. While that’s certainly a boon, it’s also what makes it challenging to narrow down where to begin — or where to continue — your journey into YA books. There’s just so much to choose from.

Whether you’re a first time YA reader or hoping to discover some underrated gems, this guide to the best books for teens by age will help anyone, from the average readers to adults who help readers find books.

The best children’s books by age guide went up to 8th grade, or around ages 12 to 14. This guide will go from 9th grade through 12th. These are some of the best books you can read when it comes to YA lit.

As always, remember that every reader is different. Some 12th graders may prefer different books than the ones here, while some 9th graders may seek out the books included on the list for 12th graders. These are meant to be places to begin or continue a journey, not define that journey. The books collected on this list are all young adult books and include fiction, nonfiction, and comics that fall into both categories. Navigating through to additional lists will help you also find great adult literature and classics for teens.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Books for Teens by Age, 14–18

Jump to: books for high school freshmen | books for high school sophomores | books for high school juniors | books for high school seniors

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Books for High School Freshmen | Books for 14-year-olds and Books for 15-year-olds

Freshman year can be scary. There are so many changes that come with entering high school, and both the expectations and responsibilities skyrocket for many 14- and 15-year-olds.

It’s also a challenge in terms of reading, particularly as the workload with school and homework makes precious little free time for leisure available. Here are some of the best books for high school freshmen and books for 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds. These books will hold reader attention while also offering both a place to find themselves and a place into which they can escape from their real world.

Among some of the best books for 9th graders :

Legend by Mari Lu

“Inspired by  Les Misérables , Lu created a teenage version of the conflict between Valjean and Javert in  Legend .

The western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Fifteen-year-old June comes from an elite family living in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts and is being groomed for the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, 15-year-old Day is one of the Republic’s most wanted criminal. 

June and Day are from different worlds and have no reason to cross paths until June’s brother Metias is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. From there, they are caught in a game of cat and mouse as June seeks revenge for Metias’s death. In a shocking turn of events, the truth of what really brought them together is revealed.

The Legend series continues with  Prodigy ,  Champion , and  Rebel .”

A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

“Even with his promising basketball skills, the only place where 15-year-old Matt Wainwright feels like himself is in English class where he can express his inner thoughts in quirky poems and essays. Matt also desperately hopes his lifelong best friend, Tabby, reciprocates his feelings until she starts dating Liam Branson, senior basketball star. Losing Tabby to Branson was bad enough, but Matt soon discovers he’s close to losing  everything  that matters most to him.”

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

“‘Speak up for yourself. We want to know what you have to say.’

From the first day of her freshman year at Merryweather High School, Melinda knows this is a lie. She is a friendless outcast because she called the cops to bust an end-of-summer party. Now, no one will talk (let alone listen) to Melinda.

As time passes, Melinda becomes increasingly isolated and practically stops talking. Her only solace is in art class. Through her art project, she is finally able to face what really happened at that party: Melinda was raped by an upperclassman who also attends Merryweather. When she has another violent encounter with him, Melinda fights back and refuses to be silent again.”

Being Jazz: My Life As a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings

“Jazz Jennings has been one of the youngest voices in the discussion about gender identity. Her many projects included launching a  YouTube channel  and starring in  I Am Jazz . Jazz faced bullying, discrimination, and rejection, but continued to persevere and educate others about her life as a transgender teen.

With the support of her parents, Jazz began her transition at the age of 5. When the general public was less knowledgeable and even less accepting of the transgender community, she shared her story in an  interview with Barbara Walters . Following this groundbreaking interview, Jazz became one of the most recognizable activists for transgender children and teens.

In this memoir, Jazz reflects on her experience in the public eye and how this experience helped shape mainstream attitudes toward the transgender community.”

>>Find 25 of the best books for 9th graders here<<

The above are but the tip of the ice berg. Add a pile more of the best books for 14-year-olds and best books for 15-year-olds with these guides. Note that many of these lists would make excellent resources for sophomores, juniors, and seniors as well:

• The best graphic novels for teens
• Excellent poetry books for teens
• Books for reluctant readers* age 14 and 15
• Fabulous short stories for high schoolers

Books for High School Sophomores | Books for 15-year-olds and Books for 16-year-olds

Sixteen isn’t the universal age when all young people get a driver’s license, but for many teens, this is a rite of passage. Sophomore year can be a tricky one for many teens: you’re not old enough to be completely independent, but you’re getting more and more freedoms, both at home and in school.

Sophomore year is also when a number of teens take on their first part-time jobs.

Where demands on time were tough for teens entering high school, being on that precipice sophomore year can make that time even more narrow.

Here are some excellent books for sophomores, perfect for pleasure reading or for use in school assignments.

Among the best books for 10th graders :

The Perks of Being a Wallflower  by Stephen Chobsky

“ The Perks of Being a Wallflower  is an epistolary novel told from the perspective of Charlie, an introverted high school freshman as he navigates the complexities of daily interactions. It is a novel that deals with many of the issues that high schoolers face as well as touching on mental illness and the ways in which that can affect our ability to relate to others.”

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

“When Daniel falls for Natasha on the eve of her deportation, he makes it his mission to get her back. While the love story is the primary focus of the novel, it also grapples with the very real issues of immigration and other intense topics that affect the lives of people in this country.”

Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound  by Andrea Davis Pinkney

“This book is a great glimpse into the origins of Motown and how this genre of music has shaped so much of the music we listen to today. This is one of the best books for 10th graders that have an interest in music and want to learn more about its origins.”

Seafire by Natalie C. Parker

“After her family is killed by a corrupt warlord, pirate Caledonia Styx is left to chart her own course across the seas in search of vengeance. Her crew, made up of other women who’ve lost everything, join her on this quest for revenge and do all that they can to keep each other alive along the way.”

>>Find 20 of the best books for 10th graders here<<

For even more outstanding books for 15-year-olds and books for 16-year-olds, try these:

• 13 of the best hard-hitting YA books
• A wide range of YA books set around the world
• 100 must-read LGBTQIA YA books
• A roundup of some of the best YA thrillers
• Sink your reading teeth into diverse YA horror

Books for High School Juniors | Books for 16-year-olds and Books for 17-year-olds

If there’s anything most people remember from high school, it’s that junior year was the most challenging. Between even more responsibilities, classes that push you to your limits, standardized tests, college entrance exams for those hoping to go onto higher education, and being still too far away from that coveted degree, it’s hard not to feel the anxiety well in your chest.

But junior year isn’t all bad. There are plenty of great things about being a junior, too: you’re an upperclassman. You’ve got this high school thing kind of figured out. You can see the end line. You might have the chance to attend prom and other big events.

When it comes to reading, books for 16-year-olds and books for 17-year-olds are abundant and packed with exciting stories, compelling characters, and situations that feel so REAL, whether set in the modern world or an entirely fantastical one.

Here are some of the best books for 11th graders:

Dry  by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman

“We’ve seen tons of teens lead the fight against global climate change. For those who aren’t as well-informed about climate change,  Dry  is a perfect read. It imagines a near-future where Southern California has run out of water. Panic ensues and a small group of kids ends up together, all trying to survive. The novel is fast-paced, exciting, and terrifying. It’s a commentary about climate change as well as human behavior.”

I, Claudia  by Mary McCoy

“Don’t sleep on this book: it was a Printz Honor Book and, despite the unfortunate cover art, is a compelling high school political drama. This book is for anyone who loves political and interpersonal drama. It’s narrated by Claudia, a novice historian. She recounts her rise to power in her high school’s prestigious student government. Despite seeing the abuses of her predecessors, Claudia can’t help but fall victim to the corruption of power.”

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

“Juniors are on the cusp of adulthood, and with that comes the right to vote. It’s important for 11th graders to be knowledgable about current events. “Stamped” lays out the history of racist ideas in America, how it affects teens today, and how we can reach an antiracist future.”

>>Find 21 of the best books for 11th graders here<<

Don’t stop there, though. Make your way through these best YA books for juniors, too:

• Young Adult books set in each state
• Must-read YA books with little or no romance
• Award-winning YA books
• Outstanding contemporary YA novels of the 2010s
• YA books about sports
• A roundup of the best short YA books

Books for High School Seniors | Books for 17-year-olds and Books for 18-year-olds

Senior year is both the most exciting and most terrifying year of high school. With it comes tremendous freedom, and that freedom means making a ton of new choices. Do you go to college? Get a job? Attend a trade school? Take a gap year? Are you responsible for family at home and can’t make any decisions until you know what your presence or absence at home might mean?

Many seniors turn 18, too, opening up the door to legal adulthood and many of the rights and privileges therein.

And, of course, senior year means celebrations aplenty, between prom, graduation, and other milestone events honoring a decade and a half of hard work in school.

So what are some of the best books for high school seniors? For those entering into adulthood? Here’s a look:

Finding Yvonne  by Brandy Colbert

“Since she was 7, Yvonne has never been without her trusted violin. With high school graduation around the corner, Yvonne must face the hard truth that even with years of dedication, she might not be good enough for the prestige conservatory she’s dreamed of attending. Full of doubt about her future and frustrated with her strained relationship with her father, Yvonne finds comfort in a street musician and fellow violinist named Omar. He’s mysterious, charming, and the opposite of familiar and reliable Warren, the boy who has her heart. When Yvonne becomes unexpectedly pregnant, she must make the most difficult decision of her life.”

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns  by Julie C. Dao

“Xifeng is 18 years old and beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness as Empress of Feng Lu, if she embraces the darkness within her. Xifeng longs to fulfill that destiny foreseen by the witch Guma, but is the price of the throne worth the cost? In order to achieve her promised greatness, Xifeng must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the dark magic within her.”

The Downstairs Girl  by Stacey Lee

“By day, 17-year-old Jo Kuan is a lady’s maid for the daughter of one of Atlanta’s wealthiest men. By night, she is the author behind “Dear Miss Sweetie,” a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady. As the column gains popularity, Jo uses the power of her pen to challenge society’s ideas on race and gender, but she is not prepared for the backlash. While opponents seek to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. When she crosses paths with Atlanta’s most notorious criminal, Jo must decide if the girl who lives in the shadows is ready to step into the light.”

This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work  by Tiffany Jewell and Aurelia Durand

“From  anti-bias antiracist (ABAR) educator  Tiffany Jewell comes this #1  New York Times  bestseller for young people (and everyone else) who are ready to wake up, take action, and work to become antiracist. Readers will learn about privilege, inclusion, and conscious/unconscious bias with straightforward information and historical facts. Then they will put what they learned to work with action items and prompts for reflection.”

>>Find 21 of the best books for 12th graders here<<

Of course, there are so many more excellent books for 17-year-olds and books for 18-year-olds. Some more starting points:

• YA books for older teen reluctant readers *
• Excellent YA verse novels
• Dig into the longest YA books you can read
• The best Asian American YA books on shelves
• YA books with 19-year-old main characters
• Fantastic adult books for teen readers

*Note: the phrase “reluctant readers” is a loaded one. Consider this particular list, as well as other lists aimed at readers who may be less enthusiastic for reading or who may be challenged by reading for any number of reasons (English isn’t their first language, they have anxiety about their reading skills, they haven’t been given choice in the kinds of materials they consume, among others) a powerful tool for inviting a wide array of more accessible books into the lives of emerging readers.

Don’t miss these guides, either, including compelling YA nonfiction on audio , YA comics for new comic readers , books for the college bound , and must-read queer comics for teens .

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Our expert librarians selected the year's best books for kids, teens, and adults. Explore titles in accessible formats , and learn more about our 2023 picks .

Best Books for Teens 2023

Filter results below, 50 books found, akane-banashi, vol. 1.

Illustrated by Takamasa Moue | When Akane's father is forbidden to become a rakugoka (Japanese storyteller), she decides to become one herself to avenge her father's humilation.

Alonda channels her professional wrestler persona, Alondra, with friends Spider, Pretzel, and King during a fateful summer in Coney Island.

America Redux: Visual Stories from Our Dynamic History

A non-linear, visual portrayal of American history through photography and collage. Explore little-known facts that are rarely talked about in schools today.

Bianca Torre Is Afraid of Everything

When Bianca Torre witnesses the murder of their next door neighbor, they find themselves caught up in a conspiracy they never could have imagined.

A Bright Heart

After her murder by the fiance she helped become king, Mingshin is transported two years into the past with one goal: avenge her own death.

Illustrated by Teo DuVall | Witches fighting racism, ableism, and sexism on brooms in 1930s Mississppi.

Illustrated by Rye Hickman | Isaac is struggling with his recent diagnosis of OCD. When he joins a roleplaying game with his friends, the thoughts get a little quieter and his world a little brighter. Can he convince his mother that the game is actually good for him?

Chloe and the Kaishao Boys

Chloe eagerly awaits her new start at USC, but not before her auntie and dad give her a big traditional Filipino debut to send her off, complete with matchmaking.

A Crooked Mark

Matt has a deadly job: ridding the world of those who are cursed with the devil's mark. But does he have the courage to finish the job when the marked one is also his first crush, Rae?

Dear Medusa

Alicia has been trying to swallow her trauma ever since her teacher sexually abused her. While facing constant scrutiny from her classmates, she disovers she might not be the only victim at school. Alicia’s vulnerable and fierce story unfolds in breathtaking verse.

The Fall of Whit Rivera

Whit Rivera gets diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and learns to navigate her new life. Together with her two best friends, she plans the Fall Fest of her dreams.

Lamb is the peacemaker between her mother and brother, who have different ideas about how to survive in the Jim Crow South while Black. But her conciliatory nature leads to a friendship with a white girl that will change her family’s lives forever. CW lynching, sexual assault.

Forgive Me Not

Violetta's drunk driving kills her younger sister Viv. The grueling Trials she must now face are made all the more painful by the fact that the people Violetta wronged are her own family.

Luma Mufleh's struggle to obey and stay with her beloved Muslim family clashes with the growing self-discovery that she's a lesbian. From Jordan to America, Luma must decide what it means to be herself, and what she's willing to sacrifice for that chance.

Give Me a Sign

Lilah is hard of hearing and relies upon lipreading and hearing aids to function in daily life. When she goes to a camp for deaf and blind kids as a counselor to brush up on her ASL, she’s not expecting to make friends and find love.

Godly Heathens

Gem is having fun in high school exploring their sexuality and gender identity, but their life is completely changed when they find out that they are the reincarnation of a god from another world

Going Bicoastal

It's almost summer and Natalya must decide whether to stay in NYC, find odd jobs, and perhaps talk to the cool girl she keeps bumping into. Or take an internship in LA at her mother's marketing firm. But what if there was a way to see what happens in both timelines?

Gorgeous Gruesome Faces

After a scandal ends her career, Sunny Lee joins a K-pop workshop to reconnect with former groupmate Candie and find out what happened the night the third member of their group tragically died.

Hidden Systems

Have you ever wondered about where the things we use every day come from? This graphic nonfiction describes the history, science, and people behind the utilities that run our lives.

I'd Rather Burn than Bloom

Marisol never got along with her mother—but when she suddenly dies in a car crash, Marisol is left to contend with what it means to find peace.

In this coming-of-age graphic memoir, Lee shares her experiences with racism, mental wellness, identity, and parental dynamics with her mother. TW: Eating Disorder, Attempted Suicide

In My Feelings

Dr. Annan succinctly and thoughtfully explores universal teen emotions, unpacking the concept of emotional intelligence. In My Feelings asks readers to reconsider emotions as useful signals or messengers, not scary thoughts that need to be avoided.

Lion's Legacy

After a disagreement while filming a reaity TV show, Tenessee and his archeologist dad have a falling out. After two years of not communicating, his dad unexpectedly shows up and invites Tennessee on a new adventure.

Love's in Sight!, Vol. 1

Morio’s tough exterior usually scares people off, but since Yukiko has low vision, all she notices is the lovesick sweetheart underneath the facade.

Made of Stars

Shane and Ava lead a life of interplanetary crime. Cyrus is fresh out of military school and ready to keep the peace at all costs. But when Cyrus learns that his general has plans that would destroy the world he’s stationed on, he suddenly finds himself allied with the outlaws.

Magic Has No Borders

Edited by Sona Charaipotra, Samira Ahmed | New twists on old tales in this collection of South Asian folklore, legends, and short stories retold by contemporary authors.

The Making of Yolanda La Bruja

Unsure of what to do when the new kid is acting sketchy, Yolanda channels her Brujas Diosas to guide her. With the help of her ancestors and South Bronx community, Yolanda finds a way to protect her loved ones and stand up for what’s right. CW school shooting, gun violence.

Money Out Loud: All the Financial Stuff No One Taught Us

Illustrated by Monique Sterling | Tackle your financial fears and trauma with real conversations about money management in real life.

Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story

Sarah Myer's graphic memoir covers their childhood as a transracial adoptee growing up in the American South during the 1990s. Sarah struggles to connect with the world around them, often finding the only way to truly express themselves is through their art.

The Moon on a Rainy Night, Vol. 1

Saki learns her new classmate, Kanon, has isolated herself because she's extremely hard of hearing, but once she cracks Kanon's cold exterior, she discovers a girl she can't wait to get to know better.

The Next New Syrian Girl

Khadija is not happy when Leene, a refugee from Syria, comes to stay with her family. It only brings attention to the fact that in her mother's eyes, she is not a perfect Syrian daughter. What happens when Khadija and Leene discover their stories may not be so different?

Nigeria Jones

Nigeria has not known life outside of The Movement, a Black separatist group led by her father. When her mother disappears, Nigeria learns that she was preparing a separate life for them.

Only This Beautiful Moment

Moud has always felt more connected to his grandfather than his own father. A visit to Iran not only reveals the country's deep history, but hidden family secrets as well.

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

To protect her careless and free lifestyle, Lady Camembert takes up the guise of a man and intends to lay low in her new city. When Princess Brie of Fromage—activist and fashionista—catches her attention, their growing romance puts both of their futures at risk.

Project Nought

It's 1996 and Ren is suddenly transported 126 years into the future. He finds himself in the year 2122 as part of a time travel experiment. But what happens when the future decides it's done with him?

Promise Boys

When J.B., Ramón, and Trey find themselves as the prime suspects in the murder of their principal, they take matters into their own hands to clear their names.

The Queens of New York: A Novel

Everett, Ariel, and Jia are spending their first summer apart. Despite the miles between them, their friendship is as important as ever as they navigate racism at theater camp, grapple with unresolved grief, and balance family obligations with hopes and dreams of their own.

Tre is the star basketball player of his high school and its up to him to represent his Ojibwe rez and take his team to the state championships for the first time.

Saints of the Household

When brothers Max and Jay step in to help a classmate, the struggle turns violent, leaving them to worry about taking after their abusive father. The once inseparable Bribri American brothers look to their futures, wondering if growing up needs to mean growing apart.

Secret of the Moon Conch

A moon conch connects Sitlali, who's fleeing from Mexico to the US in 2019, and Calizto, in 1521 just before the fall of the Aztec Empire. Can their love truly change history?

Something More

Join Jessie as she navigates her first year of high school right after learning she has autism. What happens when Jessie finds herself torn between two very different boys? Will she find out the true meaning of love and friendship?

Stars in Their Eyes: A Graphic Novel

Maisie looks forward to meeting her hero, an actress who also has a lower leg amputation, at a convention. When she meets Ollie, she gets sidetracked, leading her to wonder if her day with them is what love feels like.

The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 1

Yoshiki's best friend, Hikaru, has just come back from a trip to the mountains. But something is not quite right. Where is the real Hikaru and why is this thing pretending to be him?

Superman: The Harvests of Youth

Following the death of a classmate attached to an online conspiracy theory group, Clark Kent looks to be the support his town needs. But when another student helps the group plot an attack on the people of Smallville, can Superman put a stop to something he can’t fight?

Their Vicious Games

Adina has lost everything after being provoked at her private, predominantly white high school. But everything changes when she's invited by the town's founding family to compete in a high-stakes contest where the winner gets their wildest dreams granted.

Those Who Saw The Sun

Listen up! This collection of interviews with some of our Black Elders sheds light on their childhoods in the Jim Crow South. Reading these oral histories reminds us that we are all connected to the past, and that it’s important to hear about experiences other than our own.

The Twenty-One

"Just look at what random teenagers can do." Twenty-one Americans aged 8 to 18 sue the Federal government for actively working against providing them with a sustainable climate.

What Stalks Among Us

A day of playing hooky leads to a waking nightmare when Sadie and Logan find themselves trapped in a never-ending, ever-changing corn maze with the belongings and bodies of those who visited before them—including those of past versions of themselves.

Where You See Yourself

Effie has spent her life battling odds as a person with a visible disability. But during her senior year, she's overloaded with discrimination, college applications... and a cute boy. How is Effie supposed to navigate these new worlds where she doesn't see herself represented?

Young Queer America: Real Stories and Faces of LGBTQ+ Youth

Hear from queer youth themselves through their collected personal essays and unfiltered photographs, coast to coast!

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Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

Good Books for 14-16-Year-Olds

Finding good books for 14-16 year olds is TOUGH.

You know elementary schoolers have chapter books and tweens have middle grade books for every subject? Older teens (ages 16+) have young adult books, but what happens to the in-between teens? Those who may be too young for the grittier topics, occasional sexual content, drinking scenes, and often strong language used frequently in young adult books.

Younger teens often feel a bit lost looking for the right kinds of books for them. While many enjoy upper middle grade books, these stories might be a bit too young for the average 15-year-old. If you’re looking for good books for 14-16-year-olds, this list is your best bet! I’ve included the sweetest YA books, several of which have no romance arc, only a few instances of strong language, and a couple of kissing scenes at best!

Get a printable of this list to take to your library. Just pop your email address in the form below and it’ll come right to you!

Great Books for 14-16 Year Olds

Here are 28 great books for 14-16 year olds:

Lunar New Year Love Story

This semi-fantastical story about a girl who believes she’s been cursed never to fall in love is unique and poignant. The art in this book is phenomenal, and it is also a sweet YA romance. Readers who love Yang’s work (from Dragon Hoops and American Born Chinese) will enjoy this as it has the same elements as his others do. This is a great pick for younger YA readers as it tackles several important themes (parental abandonment, identity, alcoholism) sensitively.

The Agathas

Rich kid Alice Ogilvie and her new tutor Iris Adams are forced to work together when one of Alice’s former besties (who stole her boyfriend) is found murdered with Alice’s ex-boyfriend as the prime suspect. As the two girls collaborate in this funny, cozy mystery, they end up finding a warm friendship with each other — and the shocking culprit.

This Is Not a Personal Statement

Perla Perez is a 16-year-old high school senior who has been rejected from the college of her (and her parents’) dreams. Much to her dismay, she put all her eggs in this one basket and didn’t give her other college applications half as much care as she did this one — so all the other colleges rejected her too. With her back against the wall and under the immense pressure from her immigrant parents to succeed, she forges an acceptance letter and thus begins months of lying and elaborate schemes to get into the dorms, going through all the motions of a real student. She hopes to re-apply in the next session and get in so her parents never know she was rejected. But will her plans go up in flames? This is a fast-paced, compulsively readable young adult novel about the pressures of college admission.

Rhythm & Muse

This was very sweet! I loved the message of putting yourself out there instead of living in your head. I also liked that while we’re in Darren’s head, we learn enough about his love interest that she’s not just a manic-pixie dream girl. Lovely teen-parent relationships and main characters who attend church without it being a preachy book. Really fun and perfect for younger teens with nearly no language!

The Boy Next Story

The Boy Next Story is an even better installment in the Bookish Boyfriends Series (which does not need to be read in order). I would especially recommend it for YA lovers looking for a sweet, fresh take on the classics. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series! If you’d like a sneak peek at the title, check out my interview with author Tiffany Schmidt.

Breathe and Count Back from Ten

Peruvian-American teen Verónica finds solace in swimming — and not just because it alleviates some of the discomfort from her hip dysplasia. She feels free and nimble under water, but she’s also practicing for a lifelong dream of performing at Mermaid Cove, an underwater sort-of-theme-park in her Florida town. The only problem is that her immigrant parents are overprotective and her father thinks performing as a mermaid is a waste of time when Verónica could be improving her grades ahead of college. But when the chance to audition falls in her lap, Verónica can’t resist. Add to that her new handsome neighbor, Sam and a potential hip surgery in her future and Verónica is set to have a FULL summer. Heads up for discussions about sex, but no sex in the story.

Twice As Perfect

Adanna or Sophie as she’s known at school is the 17-year-old daughter of Nigerian immigrants whose main goal is that she excels at school and become a lawyer. Sophie is on the debate team and has zero hobbies. She does have crushes on two guys: Tayo, a fellow Nigerian-Canadian family friend and another Canadian boy on her debate team. Ada is fairly content with her life until the wedding of her cousin Genny to a popular Afrobeats musician, and her new poetry elective bring her back in contact with her older estranged brother whom her parents effectively disowned a few years ago. As Ada tries to figure out how things went wrong with her parents and brother, she starts experiencing doubts about her pre-charted career plans until things explode in her face. This is a relatable, heartrending young adult novel about choosing one’s own path despite immigrant parental expectations.

Keeping It Real

Keeping It Real follows Marigold Johnson, daughter of the media moguls who own Flexx Unlimited. Marigold’s friend and crush, Justice hates their private school where both kids are part of the token number of Black kids. Marigold on the other hand tries to conform to white expectations and fit in with the kids. When Justice gets into Flexx Unlimited’s fashion program for teens, Marigold wants to get in to avoid summer boredom and spend time with Justice — despite warnings from both parents that she may not fit in with the other kids from lower-income families. But when her parents get her into the program, one girl in particular, Kara can’t seem to stand Marigold. Add that to the tension between Marigold and Justice and Mari’s summer internship seems more stressful than inspiring. This is a riveting upper middle grade book about family, privilege, and conformity in the Black community.

Gloria Buenrostro Is Not My Girlfriend

Gary Vo is a Vietnamese-American soon-to-be junior high schooler. Gary and his friend Preston have been at the bottom of the social totem pole forever, and Preston is determined that this is the summer they rise up the ranks. So when two popular classmates approach them with an offer to join their group, the boys are all ears! The task is to steal a bracelet from Gloria Buenrostro (a popular, but mysterious A+ student) so the boys can add it to their collections of tokens from “the hottest girls” in school. Easy enough, no? That is until Gary Vo befriends Gloria and realizes there’s more to her than meets the eye. This is a richly layered, relatable teen novel about what it means to be a man and how to be a good friend. I’d hand this to readers ages 13 and up.

Piecing Me Together

Jade believes she must get out of her poor neighborhood if she’s ever going to succeed. Her mother tells her to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. And Jade has: every day she rides the bus away from her friends and to the private school where she feels like an outsider, but where she has plenty of opportunities. But some opportunities she doesn’t really welcome, like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for “at-risk” girls. Just because her mentor is black and graduated from the same high school doesn’t mean she understands where Jade is coming from. She’s tired of being singled out as someone who needs help, someone people want to fix. Jade wants to speak, to create, to express her joys and sorrows, her pain and her hope. Maybe there are some things she could show other women about understanding the world and finding ways to be real, to make a difference.

Karthik Delivers

14-year-old Karthik Raghavan is spending his last summer of middle school delivering groceries for his father’s Indian grocery store. When he’s not playing delivery boy, he’s hanging out with his best friends and sneaking glances at his crush whenever he runs into her. It’s the early 2000s in Boston, Massachusetts, and the recession is causing store closures. Karthik’s father’s store becomes at greater risk of closure when Juhi’s family opens an Indian restaurant (also selling pre-packaged ready-to-cook items). But the most interesting part of Karthik’s summer? A university student wants him to act as Leonard Bernstein in her play. Can Karthik deliver? Karthik Delivers  is a unique, refreshing look at a family dealing with financial struggles and a young teen discovering his passions.

The Space Between Here and Now

Seventeen-year-old Aimee Roh has Sensory Time Warp Syndrome, a rare condition that causes her to time travel to a moment in her life when she smells something linked to that memory. Her dad is convinced she’ll simply grow out of it if she tries hard enough, but Aimee’s fear of vanishing at random has kept her from living a normal life. When she experiences an unusually long disappearance into a memory of her estranged mother, Aimee discovers that she might be missing a vital piece of her history with her mom. I love the way this story addresses mother-daughter relationships, the impact of chronic illness, and the value of community. There’s also a sweet romance subplot.

The Queens of New York

Jia, Everett, and Ariel are high school besties whose summer plans could not be any more different. Jia is a Chinese-American helping out at her family’s restaurant in Chinatown while looking after her little sister and grandmother. Everett is a Vietnamese-American off to theater camp in Ohio, while Ariel, the genius Korean-American, is in pre-college grieving the death of her older sister months before. As the summer progresses, all three girls will need their friendship to anchor them through the waves of grief, first loves, and standing up for themselves. I LOVED the depiction of friendship in this book and the way the author brings cities and characters to life. If you loved  The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants  and can’t get enough of emotional, fast-paced YA stories — this book is for you! Nearly no language and no sexual content.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them…all at once? Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

Thieves Gambit

Ross Quest and her family are known for their stealing prowess. But when her mom is kidnapped on one of their missions, Ross is forced to enter the Thieves’ Gambit, a stealing contest, to pay the ransom. There, she encounters old frenemies, new first loves, and shocking revelations. This is a propulsive story that feels more like a thriller with just a touch of mystery but is enjoyable regardless. Good for ages 15 and up for some gun violence and mature content.

Olivia is grieving the death of her older brother and feels like her parents don’t feel as much grief as she does. She’s found solace in planning out every second of her life and struggles to relinquish control–until her parents take her and her younger twin brothers on a cruise. She meets some other kids, including an old close friend, who does a fair amount of underage drinking and encourages her to loosen up. She also falls in love with a guy on the cruise. I loved the cruise setting and it kept me reading through the book’s slow start. This is a solid book about grief, opioid addiction, coming-of-age, and living in the moment. Good for teens ages 15+

Tokyo Ever After

Izumi Tanaka finds out that her father (the one her single mother never wants to talk about) is the crowned Prince of Japan. Immediately, she’s whisked away to Japan to meet her father and the family she didn’t know she had. Of course, this means she had to leave close to the end of her senior year in high school, hoping to return in time for graduation. When she gets to Japan, however, she’s met with a new (handsome) bodyguard, Akio; cunning cousins, and a whole lot of royal etiquette to learn. Will she survive and finally find belonging? Or will she crash and burn? This is a royal coming-of-age story perfect for fans of The Princess Diaries.

Treasure Island

Zane and his mom are struggling to make ends meet after his father’s death. His mom rents out rooms in their home to boarders, one of whom is an old, eccentric woman, Captain Maddie, who keeps talking about treasure and pirates. Before Maddie dies after an attack by a group of skateboarders, she asks Zane to be her First Mate and find the treasure. Armed with his skateboard, his two best friends, Kiko and Jack, and his dog Hip-hop, Zane goes on an adventure in Manhattan, learning a lot about Black history, slavery, and trust. I liked many things about this book, from the skateboarding/seafaring parallels to the friendships, the adventure, and the fact that there are illustrations every few chapters. I also learned a lot about Black history in New York. Kids who enjoy any of these elements will love this one. 

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder follows British teen Pippa Fitz-Amobi who’s decided to do her senior capstone project on a local murder case that was closed 5 years ago. Five years ago, high schooler Andie Bell went missing and her boyfriend Sal Singh sent his father a text admitting to the crime, after which he was found in what seemed like an apparent suicide. But Pip doesn’t buy it. With the help of Sal’s younger brother, Ravi, she investigates the events surrounding Andie’s disappearance and Sal’s murder. But the culprit won’t let her find the truth so easily. Can Pippa hack the crime?This is a thrilling clean teen murder mystery with a clever, likeable protagonist.

Happily Ever Afters

Tessa Johnson and her family have moved into a new neighborhood, hoping for a fresh start. Tessa will attend a high school for the arts where she can have dedicated writing classes and be surrounded by other creative kids. Her brother, Miles, has disabilities due to a form of cerebral palsy and Tessa looks after him a lot of the time. As Tessa starts at the new school, she reluctantly cultivates a relationship with Sam, the culinary arts kid who lives next door to her and drives her to school, but also with a couple of the other kids. When she attends her first creative writing workshop, she develops a crush on Nic, a guy in her class, as well as a major case of writer’s block mostly due to her severe anxiety around sharing her work with others. Suddenly, the wonderful experience at her school (where she’s finally not the token Black person) is under strain — until Caroline encourages her to try living out a love story for some inspiration.

Promise Boys

This book is FANTASTIC — and the audiobook is even better (a top-class  full-cast audiobook  that feels like a movie). When the principal of the Urban Promise Prep school is murdered in his office, three boys are high on the suspect list: J.B., Trey, and Ramon. They were either in the wrong place or have the wrong reputation or affiliation. Now they must join forces, along with their loved ones to find the real killer. I’d hand this to readers ages 14 and up, especially if they loved  One of Us Is Lying .

We Are the Perfect Girl

This book is a retelling of the Cyrano de Bergerac play. It’s also a teeny bit similar to the premise of the movie, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser. Aphra Brown in her own words, has a “big nose.” In fact, the nose which she and her sister inherited from their dad is so conspicuous to both girls that her sister undergoes plastic surgery to fix it. Understandably, Aphra is hurt by her sister’s decision; she stops talking to her. The central plot, though, is Aphra and her friend Bethany’s relationship with the handsome and sweet, Greg D’Agostino. Greg seems to like Bethany, who is conventionally beautiful — one of the most beautiful girls in the school. But Bethany is painfully shy and cannot even string a conversation together with anyone besides Aphra and her immediate family. On the other hand, Aphra is quick witted and outgoing — always ready with the perfect comeback.Aphra and Greg — unknown to Greg and Bethany — begin to talk via an agony aunt-type program Aphra created for her programming class. In a hilarious turn of events, Greg assumes that the girl behind the texts is Bethany. This starts a ridiculously funny chain of deceitful events. I really liked this book — so many elements all worked together.

The Do-Over

After a horrific Valentine’s Day, Emilie Hornbie is ready for a do-over — or so she thinks. Her boyfriend is cheating on her, her dad is planning to move away without asking how she feels, and her car is totalled after an accident with a schoolmate. But she feels better after arriving at her grandma’s house that evening. Except… when she wakes up the next day, it’s Valentine’s Day again! Stuck in the time loop, Emilie tries to undo the calamities, but she keeps running into the same schoolmate, Nick — and falling for him too.The Do-Over by Lynn Painter is a charming romance with substance that delves into grief, family, and perfectionism.

Something More

Jessie is a fifteen-year-old Palestinian-Canadian who’s getting into high school soon after an autism diagnosis. She feels “abnormal,” especially as she doesn’t have a cellphone, but is determined to belong to a friend group and fall in love this school year. However, when she finds herself caught between two very different boys, she realizes that things don’t always go to plan.Something More by Jackie Khalilieh is an original, relatable, and funny young adult novel about autism, family, and coming-of-age.

A First Time for Everything

A First Time for Everything is Dan Santat’s new graphic memoir about his school trip to Europe at the end of middle school. Middle school Dan is shy and socially awkward. He spends most of his time helping his mom, who has Lupus, and gets made fun of a bit by some girls in his grade. Thankfully, his parents are determined that he sees the world, and they support his Europe trip. As they visit Germany, France, Switzerland, and England, Dan is swept up in many, many firsts, making for a life-changing trip.A First Time for Everything is a stellar, relatable graphic novel about growing up, wading through the awkward tween years, and finding one’s voice.

I Love You So Mochi

Japanese-American, Kimi Nakamura is fashion-loving teen who spends her time designing and sewing bold, creative outfits. The only problem is that her mother — a graphic designer who always wanted to be an artist — expects Kimi to become a “real artist.” To her, Kimi’s designs should remain a “hobby.” Although Kimi has already been accepted to a reputable fine art college, she hasn’t told her mother that she’s dropped out of Advanced Fine Art and hasn’t painted anything all semester. When her mother finds out and is sorely disappointed, Kimi takes advantage of her estranged grandparents’ offer to visit Kyoto.I Love You So Mochi is a delightful, delicious young adult novel, perfect for anyone desperate for a trip to Japan on a page.

Almost American Girl

Almost American Girl is Robin Ha’s graphic memoir detailing her move from South Korea to Huntsville, Alabama. Robin is 14 when she and her mother leave for one of their regular visits to the US. Except, this time it’s not Hawaii or any other vacation hotspot — it’s Alabama. Robin’s mother has been encouraging her to learn English like she has been doing, but Robin is uninterested, preferring to enjoy her Korean comics and spending time with her friends buying stationery and Korean street food. When they arrive in Huntsville, Robin realizes that her mother is there to visit a man she has been corresponding with. His family welcomes them, but Robin feels out of place since she can neither speak nor understand English. She dreams of returning to Korea when the vacation is over. However, Robin is in for a shocker as her mom announces that she’s marrying this man, and she and Robin are staying put in America. Her whole life changes forever, as she struggles to assimilate, while handling the ups and downs in her mother’s relationship.Robin Ha’s Almost American Girl is a moving exploration of the joys and misfortunes of immigrant life — especially for a teen.

10 Blind Dates

Sophie is looking forward to getting time away from her parents for the holidays. They’re visiting her heavily pregnant sister over the holidays. But she’s especially happy because she’s looking forward to spend time with her boyfriend, Griffin. So she’s thrown for a loop when she overhears Griffin discussing his desire to break up with her — and then of course, she breaks up with him. Sophie’s large family is very happy to have her with them for the holidays, particularly her cousins Olivia and Charlie whom she’s closest to. The family wants Sophie to enjoy the holidays and decide they will set her up on a date every day for the last 10 days of the year. 10 family members get to choose a different date — location, person, and all — for each day. She has the ability to decline one date. In the midst of all the chaos, Sophie begins to rediscover her connection with Charlie’s friend, Wes.10 Blind Dates is an entertaining young adult novel, perfect for lovers of Hallmark movies or anyone looking for a festive, fluffy read.

These are some of the best books for 14-16 year olds you’ll find! I’ve read nearly all of them and also linked my reviews if you’d like to read them to get a better feel for their content. If you’ve read any of these books, which ones did you love? And which YA books with younger protagonists would you recommend?

More YA Book Lists

• Books for teen girls
• Books for teen boys
• Great YA books about boarding school

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• About Afoma Umesi

Afoma Umesi is the founder and editor of Reading Middle Grade where she curates book lists and writes book reviews for kids of all ages. Her favorite genre to read is contemporary realistic fiction and she'll never say no to a graphic novel.

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What do you think leave a comment cancel reply.

March 31, 2023 at 6:58 pm

Book publishing is failing teen boys. What do you read when you’ve outgrown Wimpy Kid, Spy School, Explorer Academy, and The Last Kids on Earth? I have boys 14 and 16 who used to read every day. They don’t want to read romance. And they’re not mature enough for mainstream adult novels. If publishers think boys don’t read, they have created a self-fulfilling prophecy.

April 1, 2023 at 4:23 am

You’re sadly right! I’ll try to hunt down some book recommendations specifically for teen boys!

April 1, 2023 at 4:26 am

Also, they might like some of the graphic novels on this list https://readingmiddlegrade.com/graphic-novels-for-teens/

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Our Top 16 Best Books for Teens

• October 4, 2021

What are the benefits of reading for teenagers?

Interesting books for teenagers today, books for teenagers who have read everything, books for 12-13-year-olds, books for 14-16-year-olds, books for 17-18-year-olds, famous books for teenagers.

• What books should every teenager read?
• Books for teenagers who do not want to read

The UK's Secondary school curriculum is crammed with some important books for teenagers to read such as The Crucible , Lord of the Flies and Of Mice and Men . 📕

However, studying a book in the classroom is not the same as devouring a book during your free time and being transported to another world for a while. 

We’re sure that you already know a lot of famous and interesting books that are usually recommended for teens such as the Harry Potter series , The Hunger Games , Twilight and Divergent . 

In this article, we’ve passed by some of the obvious, but nonetheless brilliant books for teenagers to give you some inspiration for more original reads. This list explores 16 titles of our top books for teens that will genuinely interest and engage you in reading. ✔️

If you’re a teenager currently going to school in the UK, you may have noticed that your required reading list features almost no BIPOC writers – in fact, recent research shows that less than 1 per cent of GCSE students in England study a book by a writer of colour. There’s no doubt that pupils in the UK should have access to a diverse range of books during their educational experience, and several organisations are currently campaigning for a more inclusive curriculum. 

Some of the best titles have been separated by age, but we’d encourage you to do your own research on the key themes and age demographic of books on our list before you begin reading. Keep in mind that some teens can handle more mature works than other people their age, while others may enjoy a book we’ve recommended for a younger age group. 

This is all about fostering a love of reading, so it doesn’t matter what you read as long as you’re enjoying the book! If you’re a pre-teen reader, check out this excellent list of books we’ve hand-picked for children in primary school.

A teenager's literacy level can’t be underestimated as a stepping stone for academic success. Almost all major exams in secondary school require teens to read and carefully consider questions using a large range of vocabulary. 

In addition to this, reading for pleasure as a teenager has been shown to have the following benefits in a report published by the UK Department for Education: 

• Reading attainment and writing ability;
• Text comprehension and grammar; 
• Breadth of vocabulary; 
• Greater self-confidence as a reader; 
• Pleasure in reading in later life;
• General knowledge; 
• A better understanding of other cultures; 
• A greater insight into human nature and decision-making

We’d be lying if we said that we hadn’t enjoyed reading or re-reading many of the books on this list into adulthood – reading really can bring lots of enjoyment and fun as well as learning! Many of our Top 16 Books for Teenagers can be read and enjoyed into adulthood, as a love of good stories is universal across all ages! 📚  

Timely and significant commentary on the world that relates to headlines today in these interesting books for teenagers.

1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood:

A frightening tale that creeps under the skin, set in an alternative land in the not-so-distant future. Get to know this misogynistic society where women are not allowed to read and an environmental disaster has caused infertility among most women. 

‘Handmaids’ refer to the minority of women who can biologically have children. The Handmaids face a terrible fate as they are assigned to high-ranking households to reproduce and hand over the children for another family to raise.

2. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini:

Gripping from the start, teens will be swept away by this story of our imperfect protagonist growing up in Kabul, Afghanistan. Against the backdrop of his country's destruction, Amir searches for redemption after badly letting his friend down and seeking his father's approval. Scenes are painted in a vivid warmth but cover serious content including an assault, which may be disturbing for some teen readers.

So, you’re an avid reader who has read just about everything in the Amazon bestseller list? That’s fantastic – but you probably haven’t read these great books!

3. Educated by Tara Westover:

A girl raised by parents in the USA who did not believe in going to school won a scholarship to study at Cambridge University. This is a powerful memoir of Tara’s tumultuous start in life through the 1990s.

Her mother is a self-taught herbalist and midwife, her father owns a junkyard where Tara spent many of her days doing dangerous and gruelling work. Her parent’s total distrust of modern medicine and the government made for an isolated start to life. At the age of 17, Tara entered a classroom for the first time and began to experience formal education. She inhales the opportunity, while Tara’s parents turn their back on her for pursuing academia. 

4. The Children Act by Ian McEwan:

A judge in London must decide on an emotionally complex case. In this case, a boy named Adam who is a few months shy of his eighteenth birthday denies a life-saving blood transfusion as it conflicts with his religious beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witnesses. Adam writes letters to the judge from his hospital bed to supplement his point of view showing an articulate, kind and talented young man.

High Court judge Fiona must decide whether the hospital may proceed with the transfusion or if the patient is allowed to refuse the treatment, leading to certain death.  

The adventures of life are told in an entertaining way with these great books for 12-13-year-olds.

5. Going Solo by Roald Dahl:

Before becoming a well-known author, Dahl lived a very adventurous life. In this autobiography of early adulthood, he tells stories of sailing from England to Africa in search of excitement after finishing school. Then joining the Royal Air Force and surviving an aeroplane crash, even being bitten by a poisonous snake and seeing a lion carry a woman in its mouth. 

Going Solo is written with the humour and charm of a classic Roald Dahl story. A truly fascinating account of some of the life experiences that created one of the UK's most cherished children's authors.

6. My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher:

A 10-year-old boy, Jamie tells in his own words of life after the death of his older sister 5 years earlier. His sister died suddenly in a London terrorist attack. Jamie tries to come to terms with the new and sad dynamics of a family torn apart by sadness.

Jamie tells his story with simplicity and innocence. This is a fresh and timely exploration of the many colours of grief as well as sensitively addressing prejudices in the UK, mental health issues and alcoholism.

Make history come alive with some great books that are well-suited to 14-16-year-olds.

7. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne:

Two boys aged 9 years old meet through a barbed fence of Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. The boy outside the fence is the son of a high ranking military commandant, the other is a Jewish boy who wears striped “pyjamas” every day. They strike up a friendship and meet up daily to share stories, leading to tragic consequences. 

The story is narrated from the perspective of a young boy who is naïve to the realities of Poland in the 1940s and how exactly his father plays a part in the suffering of his Jewish friend. This is a work of Holocaust fiction, written as a fable that portrays friendship, bravery and ultimately tragedy.

8. Animal Farm by George Orwell:

It may have been some time since your teen has read a book all about farm animals, but Animal Farm is a good one to break the ice. At a surface level, the farm reflects society today as we know it. The pigs take the place of good, strong leaders (at the start of the novel at least) with each animal having their part to play in the rebellion against the farmer to finally be free. 

Reading between the lines, your teen may notice the political satire laced throughout this short story which resembles the Russian Revolution of 1917.  Farmer Jones represents Tsar Nicholas and a large Boar named Napoleon is in the place of Joseph Stalin.

The hardships of life aren’t sugar-coated-in these brilliant books for 17-18-year-olds. However, you should be aware of content warnings that include language, abuse, assault, mental health issues and death.

9. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou:

A famous writer tells her coming-of-age story in the 1960s USA compellingly and directly. The early years were not easy for Angelou, facing a  childhood riddled with racism and sexism. Some days love of literature was her only crutch. 

Angelou thoroughly inspires with her strength of character and maturity to overcome some of the cruellest fates that life has dealt her up until the age of sixteen. The book is not needlessly graphic, but matter-of-factly describes horrendous situations, interspersed with poetry, beauty and sensitivity.  

10. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon:

A mystery novel is written from the perspective of endearing 15-year-old boy Christopher. One night Christopher finds the neighbour's dog has been viciously murdered by a pitchfork, he sets out to investigate who committed this violent act. 

Christopher is a brutally honest voice in his own story, and it’s heavily implied that he has autism . The investigation leads Christopher to discover some unexpected truths closer to home that will intrigue readers until the last page.

These well-known titles suitable for older teens feature on many “must read”-lists. Even if you’re a voracious reader, you may not have read these famous books yet – now could be a perfect time!

11. On the Road by Jack Kerouac:

This is classic Americana literature telling the story of a young man with little money in his pocket going on a series of road trips across the United States. This is a revealing story of the underbelly of American culture and lost youth in the context of life after war, and life with jazz, poetry and drugs.

The story was written while the author traversed America in search of inspiration, and many have credited a desire to take a road trip in their youth to reading On the Road . In fact, this book is generally considered to have paved the way as the first of many novels about road trips.

12. The Catcher in the Rye by JD. Salinger:

A teenage story that conveys how the Second World War shaped Americans growing up. The narrator, Holden, is a likeable albeit flawed 16-year-old boy whose voice is fairly modern despite the fact that the story is set in the early 1950s. Holden takes the reader on a journey through a few days of his life in December, grieving the loss of his brother Allie and carrying the burden of expectation from his private school education. His own worries lead Holden to have a psychological crisis that unfolds on the page.

At one time the book was banned from the classroom for themes including strong language, sex and violence. Today, the novel is considered ultimately to be about preserving the innocence of children.

What book should every teenager read?

Powerful, essential and poignant messages are communicated in these timeless books for teenagers that every teen should read.

13. The Help by Kathryn Stockett:

The novel is an example of historical fiction, and it is set in 1960s Mississippi. The voices of three women Aibileen, Skeeter and Minny show courage as they try to publish a book about life as an African-American maid during the civil rights movement taking care of prominent white families.

The author encapsulates some of the hypocrisy of American society during this time and demonstrates the complex relationship between black maids and the families that they worked for including both hate and love, distrust and dependency, abuse and attachment.

14. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank:

A Jewish teenager receives a blank diary on her 13th birthday just a few weeks before she and her family are forced to hide in an attic in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. The diary of Anne Frank details the daily musings of an incredible, spiritual and resilient teenager enduring the horror of war.

The book stands apart from other accounts of the Second World War since it was written in real-time and with all the honesty of a teenager who would never have imagined that their diary would one day be read by millions of people across the world. 

Books for teenagers who don't want to read 

If you feel as though you should read more but are struggling to make it happen, check out these intriguing and relatable novels for teens that are sure to draw you in and spark an interest in reading.

15. Solitaire by Alice Oseman:

A realistic and comforting portrayal of the trials and tribulations of secondary school without falling into any clichés. The main character Tori battles undiagnosed depression as she tries to find joy in her life. 

The book touches on tricky topics such as growing up in the UK as a young person identifying as LGBTQ+ and juggling secondary school alongside mental health issues. The author herself has written a list of content warnings to help guide teens and their parents to determine whether this book is suitable.

16. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman:

The first book in a powerful trilogy portrays segregation in a parallel universe where the Noughts (light-skinned people) are underclass to the ruling class Crosses (dark-skinned people). Two childhood friends, one a Nought and another a Cross grow up and begin to develop a romance that is forbidden and dangerous.

The universe in which Noughts and Crosses live is similar technologically to Britain today, and the trilogy is a new way to explore prejudice, power and racism. 

We think it’s fantastic that you’d like to read more, and you’re likely aware that reading for teenagers has important advantages not just for your schoolwork but also for your quality of life outside of school. If you’d like some help with developing an interest in reading, get in touch with us at GoStudent – we’d be happy to help you, and you can book a trial session for free!

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20 tried-and-tested books for 13/14-year-old girls

21 tried-and-tested books for 13/14-year-old boys

15 more tried-and-tested books for 13/14-year-old boys (+ 13 expert choices)

Books for teens are hard! By the time we get to this point, the homogeneity of the Wimpy Kid/Treehouse years are well-and-truly behind us and kids splinter off, some diving headfirst into particular genres, some leap-frogging over YA into adult books, some putting books aside in favour of other pursuits.

But parents, teachers, librarians, friends, aunts, uncles and other interested parties do not give up trying to put quality, engaging reads into their kids’ hands. I know this because the Your Kid’s Next Read community is full of such parties, enquiring about books for their voracious readers, their reluctant readers and their over- or underwhelmed readers.

One such group that’s getting a lot of attention at present in the YKNR community are girls aged 13 and 14, particularly with Christmas on the way and parents keen to find just the right book for the teen in their lives.

To help, I turned to one of the most engaged and interested readers that I know, the lovely Jazzy of the Jazzy’s Bookshelf blog . Jazzy is 14 and is an experienced, thoughtful book reviewer, having maintained her blog since she was nine years old. She is also a fellow MS Readathon ambassador so she knows a thing or two about books and the power of reading.

I asked Jazzy to nominate brilliant books for 13/14-year-old-girls and she not only came up with ten terrific picks of her own, but canvassed her friends for 10 others to round out the selection.

Take it away Jazzy!

Natalie is an 18-year-old girl who has just come out of school, with recently separated parents. She despises her appearance and has a skin disorder. She judges herself extremely harshly, which means that when problems keep piling onto her – the divorce, her first romance and friendship troubles – she can’t deal. What good could possibly come out of this?

I loved this book. The author Nina Kenwood has done a fantastic job in building Natalie’s character in a fascinating way, so I will be looking out for more of her novels in the future. I recommend it to anyone looking for a good laugh.

Read Jazzy’s full review.

When Lex’s brother Ty took his life, her entire world took a drastic turn for the worse. Lex’s mother turns to alcohol and both mourn Ty’s loss miserably. Lex breaks up with her boyfriend and pretends nothing is wrong; but within, she is a complete wreck.

Only the most amazing book would make me emotional and this novel certainly achieved just that. It was so realistic and heartbreaking. If you read this book, expect to get teary…

Imagine a time where blood is life’s currency. Where you can survive for hundreds of years – or die in your 20s.

Seventeen-year-old Jules Ember and her father lead miserable lives; they exist in a world where blood is money. The Gerlings rule, outliving others by melting blood coins into their drinks. Rent is payed through these coins and Jules and her father are behind on rent.

In an attempt to escape the relentless assault of poverty, Jules ignores her father’s warning and seeks work at Everless, the Gerlings’ palace. Jules discovers their merciless, greedy ways and uncovers some truths about herself.

Everless  is an intense dystopian novel that keeps you gripped until the last page. I was entranced by Sara Holland’s style of writing, particularly the way she weaves detail into the story. It made  Everless  a lot more enjoyable and painted vivid imagery inside my mind.

Read Jazzy’s full review .

In the midst of a horrifying drought, 16-year-old Alyssa Morrow’s life is turned up-side-down from “The Tap-Out”. With water a rare commodity and her small Californian town rife with violence and crime, Alyssa is forced out of her house.

To avoid death by dehydration, she hits the road with her brother and the “freak” who lives next door. Picking up strangers on the way and watching the thirst bring out the worst in people, two questions remain; how long can they survive without water and where can they find it?

I enjoyed  Dry  because of the plausibility of the situation happening in real life. I was delighted by the way the tone constantly changed throughout the story; there were nail-biting scenes, sad moments and humorous parts.

Jacob O’Leary of Palmerston is forced to live with cerebral palsy and is desperately waiting for a chance to prove himself. When livestock are murdered in his small Australian town, a newcomer is unfairly blamed and Jacob seizes the moment to fight for justice. Will he solve the Palmerston case, or fail and be forever ridiculed?

This is an entertaining and inspirational read and I admired how many obstacles Jacob overcomes. He experiences great personal growth and doesn’t give up on his fight for righteousness.

In medieval times a jester performs his new play, The Anger of Angels, which ridicules the Prince of Goretti. At the same time, his 17-year-old daughter Giovanna meets Raffaele and falls madly in love with him.

The play has dire consequences, wreaking havoc in everyone’s lives. People are dying and the prince is blackmailing the jester in order to get a hold of the script. Giovanna is forced to travel to Goretti and hand it over so as to stop the misery it is causing.

With love in the air and separation anxiety from her papa, Giovanna feels great pressure to complete her mission. The prince promises not to kill her, but Giovanna is untrusting. Will the prince be true to his word?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading  The Anger of Angels . It is well-written and kept me hooked until the end. I would definitely vouch for this book if someone was looking for a medieval romance.

Fourteen-year-old Stevie is having it rough. Her dad has passed away, leaving her mum severely depressed so she is unable to work. Stevie has a passion for her dad’s music and that is what gets her by in tough times.

Hafiz is a football-loving refugee from Syria. After his friend is hurt in a terrifying accident, Hafiz’s parents had to send him away. He has been mistreated on the boat journey and arrives, scarred, in the UK.

Can these teens from two different worlds solve their problems together?

This is a thoughtful and utterly beautiful story of friendship that is literally begging for a sequel (or even better, a prequel).

Riya and Abby are inseparable friends. They part when Riya moves from California to Germany. During that time, Abby’s parents divorce and she is left unsure of herself and upset. The next year, Riya invites her to fly to Europe and tour the main cities and towns, together. However, they seem more distant than ever and there now are hidden secrets between them…

I think this is an interesting novel. It has all of the elements of a good narrative drama – wonderfully-developed characters, romance, friendship and personal growth.

In the future, technology has advanced – perhaps too much. Death is nearly inexistent, and pain is reduced. The only way to die is through a Scythe – which are cloaked, weapon-wielding killers appointed by the government as an attempt to stop overpopulation. Some scythes are compassionate and feel empathy for the people they glean (kill), while others are the complete opposite, and glean for fun.

For Citra and Rowan, being chosen to be apprentices to the same scythe is just the beginning of the journey of potential love, loss and murder.

I absolutely loved the futuristic ideas in this book, especially about death – I believe that one day, death could possibly be defeated, and this novel further explores this and the possible solutions.

Maddy is an 18-year old girl who has been kept inside for the majority of her life. The reason? She has a disease that could kill her if she is exposed to germs from the outside world.

Every day seems exactly the same as the last until a family moves in next door – with a son named Olly. Maddy liked him from the moment she saw him, but how can she ever see him – let alone fall in love with him – if she’s trapped inside her own home?

This beautiful romance is filled with real empathy and emotion.

Jazzy’s friends recommend

When talking about this book, there are so many things that can be said: the amazing writing, the plot that keeps you on your seat for the entirety of the book or the fact that once started you simply can’t put it down.

The real hero of this book, though, is the character: Celaena Sardothien is a character to whom you not only connect but who inspires the best in everyone and shows how bravery in the face of danger is one of the most important aspect of someone’s personality.

The author perfectly combines the use of tension throughout the book through the third person perspective and creatures that would scare anyone, as well as showing the lengths people will go through to get what they want. In a nutshell, betrayal, murder, romance, and an amazing storyline – what else could you need? – Abby, age 14

In fantasy books especially, I have always had a love for books that merge the world of magic with the mortal world and this book achieves it perfectly. Skulduggery Pleasant and Stephanie Edgley are the perfect team with a mixture of witty humour and the kickass fighting we all know and love.

The suspense created throughout the book is amazing and the characters truly made the book as enjoyable as it is with them being able to make you laugh one minute, and cry the next.

Although I could talk about this book for hours, overall, it is, and always will be, one of my most favourite books of all time and I suggest all teenagers to try this one on for size. –Abby, age 14

Now, I could read this book over 20 times and I still would get shocked by the betrayal and romance that appears in the book. Jude is one of those characters which you cannot help but admire as she battles through hardships that most people wouldn’t be able to go through, showing how, even in an unknown world with everything stacked against you, being intelligent can be one of the only factors which keeps you alive. Her determination to do what she believes is right will have you cheering for her!

This is a book which I highly recommend as it blurs the line between the mortal world and the Fae Lands, right and wrong, and betrayal and romance, in total must-read. –Abby, age 14

This is the third book of the Harry Potter series. Throughout the series, we see the adventures of a boy who goes to a school for people who are born wizards and witches. In the school, they learn how to use their powers as well as being able to contain them in certain situations. The school also prepares them in using their powers as defence mechanisms against wizards who wish to abuse their magical powers for selfish reasons. One of these wizards is Lord Voldemort and Harry Potter alongside his friends has been trying to stop Voldemort from his schemes.

The series mainly focusses around the Harry and Voldemort rivalry, however, the Prisoner of Azkaban gives us an opportunity to dive into the life of Harry’s family. It gives an opening to a side plots that in the end, contributes to the main plot. It has a fresh story in it that gives us a break from a repetitive cycle of Voldemort planning something and Harry trying to stop him and it makes the overall plot rich in complexity. –Sarvani, age 14

This book is a historical fiction set in a time where Hitler was gaining power over Germany. The main focus of the story is about what an average life of a young girl living in this time would look like. The girl has endured much tragedy and suffering in her life and in the book, we see her live through it and how she deals and copes with the pain she’s going through.

The book is written in a fresh perspective as well, as there are other plots that all come together in the end, like a puzzle. This book makes you burn with curiosity as the story fits together. –Sarvani, age 14

This book follows the story of three children who lost their parents in a fire. Their parents left them a massive fortune but a greedy man intends to steal it. In each book, the children go from place to place, and the families they live with try to protect them from this man, however, the children are mostly left to themselves.

Throughout the course of the series, they learn more about their history and the death of their parents. The books make us see things from a wide view. While the children’s perspective is what the book focusses on, it shows that there are always two sides of a story.

While reading the series, there are some good morals that can be carried in real life situations. It teaches us to work with our skill sets and the spirit and hope that can be achieved by solving problems rather than brooding on them. –Sarvani, age 14

This book is in the science fiction genre. Regardless of this, the book is written in such a way that anyone can enjoy the book even if they don’t have a scientific background or previous knowledge. Humour is a big part of the book as some of the characters in the book are present for comedic relief.

It follows the adventures of man who is the only survivor of the Earth blowing up and he goes along with some beings from other planets and ends up having a tour of space. The concepts of science in the book are basic and are explained in an understandable manner.

This book also makes you appreciate the real wonders of the universe. There are numerous take home lessons that we learn throughout the course of the book and we see the characters develop from beginning to end as they learn these lessons. –Sarvani, age 14

This is about the story of a rich man called Henry Sugar who’s wrapped up in his own world. He’s played poker and gambled in some of the biggest bars and hotels in the world. The day comes where he finds a doctor’s report on Imraat Khan, the man who could see without his eyes. Here, we are now thrown into another story on the journey of this man and how he came to achieve this.

The thoughts of Henry Sugar during this are made known to us, and we see that he has learned the values of finding an inner whole to yourself. His character develops from a shallow man to having a personality with depth and full of experience. The book tells a story in a way that in some moments, we can relate to Henry in learning these lessons.

This book is one of the few books that can build on your own character as you see things from both Imraat Khan’s perspective and Henry’s. –Sarvani, age 14

Babysitting younger siblings is one of the most arduous and tedious tasks that one must perform, however, for Che Taylor, a 17-year-old Australian boy, his duties are more difficult than most. Che’s parents are constantly moving them around the world for their work, leaving behind sporting clubs, schools, family and friends.

With the parentals away more than at home, Che is looking after his sister – a smart, talented, pretty girl; a psychopath. With dreams of his own, Che must balance his life with his sister’s trying to protect her from the world and protect the world from her dark and complex games.

With romance, competitions, friendships, family relationships, and the dark world a young psychopathic girl, this book is impossible to put down – a different twist at the turn of every page. –Molly, age 14

Jasmine de los Santos has always done everything right. Popular, beautiful cheerleader with her life together more than most teenage girls, she had studied hard and was ready to reap the rewards of a full college scholarship. Then her whole world falls apart.

Being invited to a national awards night finally pushed her parents to reveal the truth; their visas had expired years ago. Her family was illegal. Everything Jasmine had worked for was out of the picture as the major threat of deportation loomed over her head every second of the day.

For the first time in her life, Jasmine does all the teen things she never had the opportunity to do in the past as she tries to discover where and even if she fits in to the American dream at all.

This is an extraordinary novel about family, friendship, romance and the determination to stay in a country that is trying to deport you. – Molly, age 14

Thank you Jazzy, Abby, Sarvani and Molly!

*Click on the title of each book to learn more about it or to buy on Booktopia

  You can find out more about me here , and more about my books here

Fantastic! Thanks to Jazzy and her friends.

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50 Best Books of All Time for Teenagers

These awesome books definitely won't feel like homework

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Because middle grade and young adult books have more to offer than ever before, there's an absolute wealth of great literature available that speaks directly to the life and times your Gen Zer is living through right now. That's especially true for teens who are struggling with bullying, LGBTQ+ issues, or run-of-the-mill high school angst.

You're probably already familiar with seminal works by literary giants like Harper Lee and J.D. Salinger , and the heartstring-tugging teen romances that made John Green a household name. But if those don't get your teen reaching for their library cards, we've also got some stellar teen romance books , eye-popping graphic novels for kids and teens and a lot more. No matter where your teen falls on the book-loving spectrum, we've got something on this list that won't get an eye-roll.

Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalie Sylvester

Verónica, a Peruvian-American teen with hip dysplasia, spends a lot of time in the pool to manage her disability and because she secretly dreams of becoming a Mermaid Cove performer. But her conservative parents would never go for it, and they wouldn't love her crush on her cute new neighbor, either. This is a beautiful novel about first love, self-acceptance and following your dreams.

Chronicle Books When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb

Whether your teen grew up on Yiddish folk stories or this is their first foray, it's a beautiful read full of stories about immigration, family, gender and of course, lots of love.

Delacorte Press A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Got a budding Harriet the Spy on your hands? They'll love this tale of a high school senior who decides to investigate her town's most famous murder as a final project — and finds herself in hot water as she gets deeper and deeper. It's a trilogy, so your teen will have plenty more to devour if they like this one.

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

When a billionaire dies and leaves Avery Grambs his entire fortune, she has to move into his mysterious estate, Hawthorne House, to claim it. But what awaits her there are the four boys who thought they'd be the old man's heirs, and they're not happy. This series is as full of twists and turns as the mansion itself, and great fun for puzzle fans.

imusti I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Widely considered one of the greatest works of American literature out there, Angelou's memoir deals with some heavy subjects: sexual assault, racism and teen pregnancy among them. But it's also a story of hope, finding one's own voice and survival that will resonate with many teens also trying to figure out their own path.

Margaret K. McElderry Books Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale

In a world where faeries are real, nomadic teen Kaye finds herself caught in the middle of two warring faerie kingdoms, a battle that could turn deadly. Teen angst, power struggles and plenty of fantastical suspense make this a must-read.

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Hilarious, heartbreaking and poignant, this is the story of Junior, who leaves his struggling school on the Spokane Indian Reservation where he lives to attend an all-white school in town. With illustrations that reflect the budding cartoonist's work, this book is as beautiful as it is a joy to read.

Houghton Mifflin The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Gift your teen this introduction to Middle Earth and watch them fall in love with the world that has hooked generations on magic. It also makes a great read-aloud bedroom story, for younger readers who can handle a little thrill.

Square Fish The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set by Leigh Bardugo

If your teen hasn't already torn through this Tiktok sensation fantasy series, better get them caught up. Alina Starkov has discovered dormant powers, and not a moment too soon, as the threat to the kingdom of Ravka continues to grow. Can she harness her magic to save her people? You'll just have to read to find out.

Quill Tree Books They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

When a service called Death-Cast calls Mateo and Rufus to let them know they'll be dying that day, both are in need of a friend — albeit for totally different reasons. Through an app called Last Friend, they meet up for one last adventure. We promise: It's not as sad as it sounds.

Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

This delightfully weird boxed set starts out when Jacob Portman journeys to a mysterious island off the coast of Wales following a terrible family tragedy. There, he finds the ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and so, so much more.

RELATED: 40+ Gifts for Your Favorite Bookworm

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

When Dante and Aristotle first meet at the pool, they don't seem to have anything in common. But as they get to know each other, they form an unlikely friendship — that soon reveals the possibility of something more.

RELATED: 15 YA Romance Books That Perfectly Capture Teenage Love

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Esperanza Cordero is a young Latina who's just trying to figure herself out while growing up in Chicago. Sandra Cisneros first penned The House on Mango Street more than 25 years ago, but her lessons on challenging stereotypes of the immigrant experience still hold up today.

Every Body Looking by Candice Iloh

In this National Book Award finalist, a young woman named Ada goes away to college and begins to find herself. Her journey to explore her sexuality, processing her mother's struggle with addiction and how she wants to be in the world will ring true to many.

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison

Between her temperamental cat, accidentally shaving off her eyebrows and all of the cringeworthy hijinks that come with being an awkward teenager, this book is laugh-out-loud hilarious and almost too relatable. Guaranteed to boost any bad day within the first five pages.

RELATED: The 40 Children's Books That Belong in Every Family Library

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Then-18-year-old S. E. Hinton set the groundwork for YA fiction when she wrote The Outsiders in high school, with a book that spoke directly to her peers. Ponyboy's journey shows that things can go too far very quickly when you're willing to do anything to belong.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

It's been 20+ years since we first met the boy who lived, but the adventures of Harry and friends Hogwarts still resonate with teens today. Relieve the experience by reading along with your kids, right from the book that started it all.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

The winner of a whole list of awards, this book takes place in a tight 60 seconds, the time it takes 15-year-old Will to decide whether to retaliate against the guy who killed his brother. It feels as powerful as a loaded gun.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez

After Julia's sister Olga passes away tragically, her broken family looks to her to hold them together. But Julia isn't the perfect daughter her sister was. Then again, was Olga? This story delves into the pressures of being a Mexican-American daughter and what it means to carry the weight of loss on your shoulders.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume

Since the 1970s, Judy Blume has won more than 90 awards for her ability to perfectly capture the inner turmoil of being a teenager. In one of her most well-known, Margaret Simon longs to just grow up already in a story that's just as relatable as the day it came out.

Lindsey works with the Good Housekeeping Institute to test and review products including appliances, bedding, baby items, pet products and more.

Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping , where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room. 

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} All the Best Books to Read Next

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More From Forbes

35 must-read books for teens everywhere.

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J.K. Rowling's bestselling "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is one of the best books for ... [+] teens.

Teens may act like they have the world figured out, but they are often less than confident and crave insights and guidance as they create their identities. These formative years are a great time to sample books for teens of all genres by authors of different backgrounds to help expose them to new ideas. Good or best books for teens include romance, mystery and classic novels as well as book series that can take them to new worlds. The top books to read for teens may be written for this age level, or they may be meant for adults or sometimes even children. This list includes young adult books , middle grade novels, memoirs and more to give teens a broad look into other people’s lives as they come of age.

Good Books For Teens

Popular teen books include authors from every background. They include fantasy books like J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, coming of age tales like S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, and books about being different like Judy Blume’s Deenie . Popular authors of teen-focused books include Jason Reynolds, Jay Asher, Nic Stone and Walter Dean Myers.

This list of teen book rankings is based on honors the books have received, reader ratings on sites like Goodreads and Amazon, popularity of the works in popular culture, and how many copies the books have sold.

The cast of the 2019 adaptation of "Little Women," starring Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Florence ... [+] Pugh and Eliza Scanlen. The book is one of the best books for teens.

35. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1868)

A classic that has never lost its appeal, Little Women follows four sisters navigating post-Civil War society in Massachusetts. The novel follows their pursuit of love and career, trying to balance their passions with the realism of constraints on women’s actions in the 19 th century.

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This book is best for teens interested in the classics. Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is available from publisher Simon & Schuster .

34. Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro (2018)

Selected as one of the best YA books of 2018 by Buzzfeed, Vulture and Book Riot, Anger Is a Gift tells the story of sweet nerd Moss Jeffries, whose father was murdered by police when Moss was just a child. Moss, who is queer, leads a stand against police brutality at his own school.

This book is best for teens who want to explore a serious social issue through fiction. Mark Oshiro ’s Anger is a Gift is available from publisher Macmillan .

33. All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung (2018)

One of several memoirs on the list, All You Can Ever Know documents Nicole Chung’s adoption. After her Korean parents put her up for adoption, a white couple raised her in Oregon. Chung explores how, despite her parents’ best intentions, they couldn’t always see or acknowledge her difficulties as an Asian American woman.

This book is best for teens curious about the positives and negatives of transatlantic adoption. Nicole Chung ’s All You Can Ever Know is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

32. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (1978)

Ellen Raskin won the 1979 Newbery Medal, the most prestigious award for children’s literature, for this work about a millionaire who manipulates all his heirs into moving into an apartment building and searching for his murderer. The clever, engaging plot moves quickly and ends with a fantastic twist.

This book is best for teens who want a light read with outstanding character development. Ellen Raskin’s The Westing Game is available from publisher Scholastic .

31. The Midnight Years by Jane De Suza and Sangita Unni (2021)

A party has unintended consequences for a foursome of Indian teens, who face problems from keeping secrets to living up to family expectations in this insightful novel. Co-author Sangita Unni is a psychologist, and her insights into teen behavior coupled with De Suza’s smooth writing style make for a compelling read.

This book is best for teens struggling with difficult decisions who want some guidance. Jane De Suza and Sangita Unni’s The Midnight Years is available from publisher Hachette India .

30. Dear Martin by Nic Stone (2018)

When police unfairly detain honor student Justyce, it sparks his own personal reckoning with the nonviolent teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Justyce begins keeping a journal where he writes to King, as the media fallout from his detention threatens his present and future.

This book is best for teens interested in learning how to fight racism. Nic Stone ’s Dear Martin is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone, who wrote "Dear Martin," one of the best books for ... [+] teens, offers her thoughts on book banning around the country.

29. When We Make It by Elisabet Velasquez (2021)

First-generation Puerto Rican teen Sarai and her family, including beloved older sister Estrella, live in Bushwick, which, like the rest of Brooklyn, is gentrifying fast. Sarai fights for her family and her cultural identity while resisting the toxic masculinity that surrounds her. Elisabet Velasquez depicts Sarai with intelligence and light.

This book is best for teens who love Elizabeth Acevedo’s work. Elisabet Velasquez ’s When We Make It is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

28. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (2007)

The bestselling book that spawned a hit Netflix series follows the story of Hannah Baker, a high school freshman who commits suicide and leaves a recording explaining the 13 reasons why she did it. The unique format and propulsive plot make this a book you can read in a day or two.

This book is best for teens looking for entertainment that also makes them think. Trigger warning for sexual assault and bullying. Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

27. Me (Moth) by Amber McBride (2021)

Me (Moth) , a finalist for the 2021 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, is gorgeously told in verse. Teenager Moth lost her family in an accident, and when she connects with Sani, who struggles with depression, they set off on a road trip to find their family roots.

This book is best for teens who yearn to know more about their ancestors. Amber McBride’s Me (Moth) is available from publisher Macmillan .

26. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (2020)

This New York Times bestseller, the first in a fantasy series, follows trans teen Yadriel, whose traditional Latinx family has not accepted his transition. When Yadriel and his BFF summon the ghost of their murdered cousin, chaos ensues—because this ghost has his own decidedly real agenda.

This book is best for teens who love fantasy and want to know more about Latinx culture. Aiden Thomas ’s Cemetery Boys is available from publisher Macmillan .

25. The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1982)

Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning novel, which has spawned two films and a hit Broadway musical, follows Celie, a poor Black girl abused by the men in her life. She forges a bond, and later a romance, with her husband’s mistress.

Note that this book contains descriptions of domestic violence. It is best for older teens who enjoy epistolary novels. Alice Walker’s The Color Purple is available from publisher Macmillan .

Oprah Winfrey attends the Los Angeles premiere of Warner Bros.' "The Color Purple," based on Alice ... [+] Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning book.

24. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (1962)

Another children’s classic, A Wrinkle in Time kicks off Madeleine L'Engle’s Time Quintet series and was made into a 2018 movie. It follows teen Meg, her brother Charles and a schoolmate on a celestial journey to find Meg’s and Charles’s lost father, who’s been working on a project that bends time and space.

This book is best for teens who love fantasy and science fiction. Madeleine L’Engle ’s A Wrinkle in Time is available from publisher Macmillan .

23. Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Korrham (2018)

Adib Korrham’s book offers an unflinching look at depression and its impact on families. Darius and his family travel to Iran after his grandfather becomes deathly ill. As they say goodbye, Darius learns to trust his feelings and accept himself.

This book is best for teens looking for gentle explorations of queerness and mental health. Adib Korrham ’s Darius the Great Is Not Okay is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

22. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri (2003)

Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri’s first novel, The Namesake , shows the journey of the Gangulis from Calcutta to America, where they settle into an arranged marriage and spar over just how much to assimilate into their new culture.

This book is best for older teens interested in immigration. Jhumpa Lahiri ’s The Namesake is available from publisher HarperCollins .

21. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman (2019)

Alice Oseman’s bestselling Heartstopper graphic novel series has become a sensation, earning a popular Netflix adaptation as well. It follows shy drummer Charlie and cool rugby player Nick as they fall in love and navigate the hurdles of Charlie’s insecurities and Nick coming out.

This book is best for teens who love romance or graphic novels. Trigger warnings for depictions of an eating disorder. Alice Oseman ’s Heartstopper is available from publisher Scholastic .

A bookseller of Hungarian retailer Lira Kiskereskedelmi shows the British graphic novel ... [+] "Heartstopper" in their shop in Budapest on July 17, 2023. One of the best books for teens, it has become a worldwide bestseller.

20. The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim (2019)

Another true-to-life depiction of the impact of mental illness, this time of a parent’s on a child, The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling follows teen Anna Chui as she tries to cover for her mother’s depression—because her traditional Chinese Australian family would rather look away than deal with it.

This book is best for teens looking for realistic depictions of mental illness and some mouth-watering food descriptions. Wai Chim ’s The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling is available from publisher Scholastic .

19. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)

Nazi book burnings inspired Ray Bradbury’s dystopian novel about a future where books are illegal, and the government employs “firemen” to burn the ones that still exist. Fireman Guy Montag is happy with this status quo until he meets a young woman who shows him what it was like before the bans.

This book, which has received two movie adaptations, is best for teens interested in exploring big ideas through dystopian themes. Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is available from publisher Simon & Schuster .

18. Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson (2017)

Coretta Scott King Author Award winner and Newbery Honor honoree Piecing Me Together follows Jade, a Black high school student who buses to a private school but feels misunderstood by the mentor who did the same before her. Jade wants to find a way to make a real difference instead of just talking.

This book is best for teens who want to step out of their comfort zones. Renee Watson ’s Piecing Me Together is available from publisher Bloomsbury .

17. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (1937)

A staple of high school English classes nearly a century after its publication, Of Mice and Men follows displaced farm laborers George and Lennie, who is developmentally disabled, as they search for new work. Like all John Steinbeck works, it explores the American dream as well as alienation.

This book is best for younger teens beginning to explore adult themes in books. John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

16. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2005)

A Best YA Books of All Time selection by Time , this New York Times bestseller follows Liesl, a foster child in 1939 Nazi Germany who steals books while helping her family hide a Jewish man in their basement. Her thirst for knowledge contrasts with the Nazi ideals.

This book is best for older teens who want to learn more about World War II. Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

Markus Zusak's "The Book Thief," set in Nazi Germany in 1939, is one of the best books for teens.

15. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sánchez (2017)

This National Book Award finalist follows Julia, a teen whose older sister, Olga, dies in an accident, fracturing her Mexican American family. Julie tries to uncover truths Olga kept hidden while maintaining her family loyalties—but it becomes clear something has to give.

This book is best for fans of Jane the Virgin -style drama. Erika Sánchez 's I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

14. The Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Yo (2021)

A historical fiction novel about two young women falling in love in 1954, this New York Times bestseller and National Book Award winner depicts both the challenges of queer love in the Red Scare era and the harsh realities for Chinese immigrants at the time.

This book is best for teens seeking queer fiction set in another time. Malinda Yo ’s The Last Night at the Telegraph Club is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

13. I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver (2019)

One of the first widely read novels with a nonbinary protagonist, I Wish You All the Best follows Ben after they are kicked out of their home for coming out. They move in with their older sister hoping simply to graduate high school. But an unexpected new friendship leads to a potential new love interest.

This book is best for teens questioning their gender identities or who want to learn more about those who identify as nonbinary. Mason Deaver ’s I Wish You All the Best is available from publisher Scholastic .

12. This is My America by Kim Johnson (2020)

Tracy, a Black teen, desperately wants an innocence project to take up the case of her father, who is on death row for a crime she knows he didn’t commit. When her older brother is accused of murder, Tracy begins her own investigation to clear the men she loves.

This book is best for teens interested in social justice issues. Kim Johnson ’s This is My America is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

11. With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo (2019)

Emoni is a teen mom who dreams of working in a kitchen one day. She wants to take a culinary arts class at school and journey to Spain with with her classmates—but she’s conflicted by responsibilities to her child and her grandmother vs. following her passion.

This book is best for teens interested in reading one of the most gifted writers of her generation. Elizabeth Acevedo ’s With the Fire on High is available from publisher HarperCollins .

10. Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank (1947)

Everyone knows of Anne Frank, but reading the Dutch teenage girl’s diary, kept before and during her two years of hiding from the Nazis, should be required for anyone coming of age. Anne writes matter-of-factly about daily life in the annex and her hopes and dreams for after the war.

This book is best for teens who like coming-of-age novels and want something slightly different. Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

A replica edition of "Anne Frank's Diary" on exhibit in the Anne Frank's House museum in Buenos ... [+] Aires, Argentina, during the 75th anniversary of the publication of "The Diary of a Young Girl," one of the best books for teens.

9. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline (2017)

Winner of the Kirkus Prize, this dystopian novel puts Indigenous people in danger in a world ravished by global warming. They are being hunted for their bone marrow, which can help people rediscover the lost ability to dream. Protagonist Frenchie and friends struggle to stay hidden from the thieves.

This book is best for teens looking for tales of Indigenous culture or science fiction. Cherie Dimaline 's The Marrow Thieves is available from publisher Scholastic .

8. Ghost by Jason Reynolds (2016)

Generational talent Jason Reynolds delivers the story of Castle Crenshaw, aka Ghost, a middle schooler chosen for an elite Junior Olympics training opportunity. But Ghost’s traumatic past, including a father who tried to murder him, is slowing the boy down. A new coach hopes he can keep him on track.

This National Book Award finalist is best for teens who love sports. Jason Reynolds ’ Ghost is available from publisher Simon & Schuster .

7. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous (1971)

For decades, this book about teen addiction was one of the most controversial and frequently banned books for its frank portrayals of drug use and life on the streets. It was presented as the real journal of an anonymous teen, though since its authorship and authenticity have been questioned.

Still, Go Ask Alice remains a cultural touchpoint and great conversation-starter. This book is best for older teens ready to discuss addiction and similar dangers. Trigger warning for depictions of violence and substance abuse. Go Ask Alice is available from publisher Simon & Schuster .

6. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (1967)

Every teen has felt like an outsider at one point or another. Hinton’s classic recognizes that universal feeling of alienation in the tale of a rivalry between two gangs with different socioeconomic statuses. Protagonist Ponyboy navigates loss and pride as he runs away from home with his best friend.

This book is best for teens who feel alone or want to be understood and seen. S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

The 50th anniversary of book "The Outsiders" by author S.E. Hinton, a great book for teens to read.

5. Soldiers Unknown by Chag Lowry (2019)

An affecting graphic novel, Soldiers Unknown shows what happens when three Native Americans from California are called to service in World War I, forced to protect a nation that has not only never cared for them but also outright lied to and cheated their family.

This book is best for teens grappling with questions of identity and what we owe our fellow people. Chag Lowry ’s Soldiers Unknown is available by contacting publisher Great Oak Press .

4. Deenie by Judy Blume (1973)

Deenie’s mom wants her stunning teenage daughter to become a model. But when Deenie is diagnosed with scoliosis and must wear a back brace, it upends her mother’s dreams of perfection and challenges the way people have perceived the teen her entire life.

This book is best for teens looking for disability representation. Judy Blume ’s Deenie is available from publisher Penguin Random House .

3. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson (2020)

George M. Johnson’s brutally honest and beautifully told memoir is one of the most challenged books in America. The New York Times bestseller is told in a series of essays that explore his coming out as gay as well as discussing toxic masculinity and gender identity.

This book is best for teens searching for real talk about sexuality and gender issues. George M. Johnson ’s All Boys Aren’t Blue is available from publisher McMillan .

2. Monster by Walter Dean Myers (1999)

Walter Dean Myers’ modern classic follows Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old Black boy on trial for murder. The National Book Award finalist shows how easy it is to be brutalized by the system. The imaginative storytelling depicts the story of Steve, an aspiring filmmaker, as a movie script.

This book is best for teens who want to learn more about social justice. Walter Dean Myers ’ Monster is available from publisher HarperCollins .

Author Walter Dean Myers, who wrote "Monster," one of the best books for teens.

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997)

The most impactful series for generations of readers, the Harry Potter series continues to provide value, belonging and support to young people who feel different—even as the author herself seems to have forgotten those purposes . In book one, young Harry learns he’s a wizard and heads to magic school to hone his powers.

This book is best for teens looking for an escape. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is available from publisher Scholastic .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are good romance novels for teens.

Good romance novels for teens tell the story of often-doomed romances or ones that overcome great odds. The protagonists must prove those who doubt them wrong and show their devotion over and over to convince themselves that their relationship can work. 

Two standout teen romances are: 

The Fault in Our Stars   by John Green   (2012), about two teens with cancer who fall improbably in love, despite a terminal diagnosis for one.

The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes (2023), about girls who create an alliance against the boy who assaulted them—and how two of them, one a girl with selective mutism brought on by trauma, fall in love.

What Are Good Mystery Books For Teens?

Good mystery books for teens depict teens solving a mystery that unexpectedly intrudes on their lives. The adults who surround them are often unable or unwilling to figure out what happened, leaving the kids to unwind the mystery themselves. 

Two standout teen mysteries are: 

One of Us is Lying   by Karen M. McManus (2017), about a group of teens suspected of murder after a classmate dies under mysterious circumstances during a group detention.

Ace of Spades   by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (2021), about a gifted Black boy and well-to-do Black girl at a prep school who discover a vast conspiracy after an anonymous texter begins outing all their secrets. 

What Are Good Fantasy Books For Teens?

Good fantasy books for teens use quests and magical items to tackle universal themes such as the search for independence and finding one’s strengths. Fantasy books give protagonists, often depicted as an everyperson without special talents, a chance to find their strengths and shine. 

Two standout fantasy books for teens are: 

The Hobbit   by J.R.R. Tolkien   (1937), about a hobbit who reluctantly accompanies a group of dwarves to reclaim their home.

The Mortal Instruments   by Cassandra Clare (2007), in which Clary Fray joins the Shadowhunters to fight off the demons after she witnesses a murder.

What Are Good Book Series For Teens?

Good book series for teens develop characters and plotlines that carry from one novel to the next. The protagonist usually stays the same in each book, though sometimes new viewpoints take center stage. The books often take place over decades as the storytelling reaches its climax.

Two standout series for teens are:

Anne of Green Gables   by L.M. Montgomery (1908), about a spirited young orphan sent to a farm who disrupts the lives of everyone who meets her in the most delightful way. 

His Dark Materials   by Philip Pullman (1995), about two kids who must sacrifice to support the right side in a battle between darkness and light. 

What Are Good Horror Books For Teens?

Good horror books for teens balance edge-of-your-seat scares with greater themes of alienation, loneliness, devotion and love. The best books will haunt you not just with their imagery but also with questions of what is right and what we should sacrifice for our own happiness and comfort.

Two standout horror books for teens are: 

Carrie by Stephen King (1974), about an outcast girl subjected to the ultimate prom night humiliation—and how she gets her supernatural revenge. 

The Haunted by Danielle Vega (2019), about a girl whose new house seems to be haunting her—or is it the ghosts from her past that she hears? 

What Are Good Books for 14-16 Year Olds?

Good books for 14-16 year olds raise critical moral questions without judgment, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. They often employ symbolism, exploring themes through these secondary means to let teens uncover their own messages. 

Two standout books for 14-16-year-olds are: 

To Kill a Mockingbird   by Harper Lee (1960), the classic novel exploring racism about a white lawyer who defends a Black man accused of a crime he didn’t commit.

Lord of the Flies   by William Golding (1954), another classic novel, about what happens when a pack of teenage boys are let loose by themselves on an island.

What Are Good Books For Tweens?

Good books for tweens speak to their feelings of isolation and difference, at a time when many are insecure or questioning their identities. Great novels will show that being different is OK and even desirable—and that eventually, you find the slot where you fit.

Two standout books for tweens are: 

The Cat Ate My Gymsuit   by Paula Danziger (1974), about an overweight girl who finds her purpose after joining a fight to bring back a fired teacher.

Stargirl   by Jerry Spinelli (2000), about a girl who refuses to conform to society’s expectations and her quick rise and fall in popularity at school.

Bottom Line

Teenagers can use books to peek into lives different from their own. They can learn about other cultures, ideas and expectations from the safety of their own bedrooms. This list of best books for teens provides a way to learn and grow, opening a dialogue to questions kids can ask parents and other trusted adults.

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30 books for boys aged 13, 14 and 15

Education , Guest

by Allison Tait

Image: TOPHEE MARQUEZ

As kids head to ‘school’ at desks and dining tables around the world, it is recommended that parents  t ry not worry too much about content and time. Even here in NSW, where it looks like there might be a staggered start to face-to-face learning, the majority of term time will still be at home. In my last post, ‘ When Schooling Comes Home’ , I mentioned that your teen’s school-at-home day is going to be a lot shorter than the usual 6 hour school day.  If you and your teen are struggling a little, educators recommend focussing on the basics – maths and literacy.

My son’s teacher recommends 20 mins of free reading time, as part of his online ‘curriculum’ each day. During this time my tween curls up on the couch with the latest of whatever book series he is reading.

I am always trying to find book recommendations for boys. So I thought I’d call on an expert on this topic. Allison Tait is an internationally published bestselling author of middle-grade adventure series books. She is also the mother of boys. Here she gives us 30 books for boys aged 13, 14 and 15.

The Most Common Question about Boys and Reading

One of the biggest challenges facing parents of tween and teen boys is how to keep them reading. How do I know this? Because they tell me.

As the co-admin (with authors Megan Daley and Allison Rushby ) of the Your Kid’s Next Read Facebook group , a community with 11,000+ members – and counting – I am privy to the daily updates and queries of parents, carers, teachers, booksellers and various other participants.

And the ‘my son, aged 13, has stopped reading’ or ‘my son, aged 15, has lost all interest in books’ variety of question is among our most popular.

I also know because the number one search query that brings visitors to my own website ( allisontait.com ) is ‘great books for 13-year-old boys’ or its cousin ‘great books for 14-year-old boys ’.

So clearly there are lots of parents out there looking for great books for their tween and teen readers.

I’m also mother to two boys – now aged 16 and 13 – so I have seen firsthand what happens when books have to compete with sport/school/screens/girls for time.

My boys are very different readers

The older one (aka Book Boy) has been a voracious reader since he could first make his way from one sentence to another. He even ran his own book review blog ( bookboy.com.au ) for four years. But he’s in year 11 now and the volume of schoolwork plus a budding career as a singer/songwriter has slowed him down a tad.

The younger one (Book Boy Jr) would much rather run. But he still reads. We worked hard to instigate a reading habit with him – 20 minutes in bed each night (pretty much the only time he is quiet) – and it continues to pay off.

He starts a lot of books and only finishes the ones that really grab his attention, and that’s okay. (As an author, I take particular note of those books and read them myself!)

So, I guess what I’m saying is that I feel your pain.

The Key to Breakthrough

What I’ve discovered, though, is that the key to breaking through the ‘reading ennui’ of this age is finding the right book – and that you might be very surprised by what that right book is!

Don’t Rule out Books

I nearly fell over when Book Boy Jr brought home an entire novel written in verse. I would never have considered giving him a book like that, but he saw it in the school library (kids need school libraries, just saying) during Quiet Reading Time, picked it up and liked it so much he brought it home and devoured it.

(In case you were wondering, it was The Crossover by Kwame Alexander , it’s all about basketball, and he loved it.)

Don’t discount a book because it has a female main character, or because it’s written by a woman, or because it’s not the type of book your young reader has ever read before.

As Book Boy wrote in his contribution to Megan Daley’s wonderful book Raising Readers: How To Nurture A Child’s Love Of Books :

“I read books that are ‘for girls’ or aimed at girls (or books with girl protagonists) because a good book is a good book, no matter who the target audience is.”

Anyway, I’ve found that the best way to find books for boys in this age group is to ask other boys in this age group for recommendations.

So here are 30 books, tried-and-tested by boy readers this age

Books for 13-year-old boys.

Ghost (Track series) by Jason Reynolds

JT: The Making Of A Total Legend by Johnathan Thurston (and James Phelps) The Dog Runner by Bren MacDibble

Steve Jobs: Insanely Great by Jessie Hartland (graphic non-fiction)

Tales from a Tall Forest by Shaun Micallef

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

The Little Wave by Pip Harry

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Vital Science by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

Books for 14-year-old boys

On The Come Up by Angie Thomas

Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman

Arkanae (Medoran Chronicles series) by Lynette Noni

Everything Is Changed by Nova Weetman

Illuminae (series) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus

Warcross by Marie Lu

Gone series by Michael Grant

Bro by Helen Chebatte

Books for 15-year-old boys

The Secret Runners Of New York by Mathew Reilly

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

The Road To Winter (series) by Mark Smith

Paper Towns by John Green

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Deep Water by Sarah Epstein

White Night by Ellie Marney

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott

Happy reading boys!

You might also like:

Raising Teens is a place where you will find current psychological research on teens and tweens, in practical terms. It also has information and links to well-known experts, on adolescent development, so that you can get on with the job that you do best. That is – supporting, connecting with and loving your teen.

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100 Favorite Books

The ultimate backseat bookshelf: 100 must-reads for kids 9-14.

As we enter the last stretch of summer before school starts again, we present our big annual book list — and this year, we're focusing on great reads for kids.

Back in June, NPR's Backseat Book Club — our book club for young readers — asked you, the NPR audience, to nominate your favorite books for kids age 9-14. More than 2,000 of you replied, giving us hundreds and hundreds of titles to consider. So we turned to our expert panel (read more about them — and their Newbery honors! — here ), who combined audience favorites with their own choices to come up with a curated list of 100 must-reads.

And our final Backseat Book Club list has a little bit of everything: tales of trying to fit in, escaping to magical lands, facing prejudice, coming of age and fighting to survive. There are animal stories, pioneer sagas, science-fiction adventures and, of course, beloved classics.

So if you're looking for a new book for the young readers in your life — or you want to relive that age yourself — please stick around and browse our bookshelf. (Here's a printable version of the list, too.) And if your favorite book is missing, please tell us about it — nicely! — in the comments. Happy reading!

American Stories

The absolutely true diary of a part-time indian.

by Sherman Alexie

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• Independent Bookstores

Caddie Woodlawn

by Carol Ryrie Brink

The House on Mango Street

by Sandra Cisneros

The Birchbark House

by Louise Erdrich

To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

A Long Way from Chicago Series

by Richard Peck

Esperanza Rising

by Pam Munoz Ryan

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

by Betty Smith

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond

by Elizabeth George Speare

Roll Of Thunder, Hear My Cry

by Mildred D. Taylor

All-Of-A-Kind Family Series

by Sydney Taylor

Little House Series

by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Animal Kingdom

Watership down.

by Richard Adams

The One and Only Ivan

by Katherine Applegate

Mr. Popper's Penguins

by Richard Atwater and Florence Atwater

Because of Winn-Dixie

by Kate DiCamillo

Misty of Chincoteague

by Marguerite Henry

by James Howe and Deborah Howe

The Redwall series

by Brian Jacques

The Complete Tales of Winnie-The-Pooh

by A. A. Milne

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

by Robert C. O'Brien

Where the Red Fern Grows

by Wilson Rawls

The Cricket in Times Square

by George Selden and Garth Williams

Charlotte's Web

by E. B. White

Biography, Memoir And History

The lincolns.

by Candace Fleming

Anne Frank the Diary of a Young Girl

by Anne Frank

Eleanor Roosevelt

by Russell Freedman

by Steve Sheinkin

Everyday Magic

Tuck everlasting.

by Natalie Babbitt

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

by Edward Eager

The Graveyard Book

by Neil Gaiman

The Borrowers

by Mary Norton

Harry Potter series

by J.K. Rowling

A Series of Unfortunate Events books

by Lemony Snicket

Mary Poppins

by P. L. Travers

Family Life

Little women.

by Louisa May Alcott

Ramona series

by Beverly Cleary

Walk Two Moons

by Sharon Creech

The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963

by Christopher Paul Curtis

Catherine, Called Birdy

by Karen Cushman

Danny the Champion of the World

The Saturdays

by Elizabeth Enright

Sarah, Plain and Tall

by Patricia MacLachlan

Anne of Green Gables series

by L.M. Montgomery

One Crazy Summer

by Rita Williams-Garcia

Fantasy Worlds

The chronicles of prydain series.

by Lloyd Alexander

by J. M. Barrie

by L. Frank Baum

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

by Lewis Carroll

The City of Ember

by Jeanne Duprau

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

by Julie Edwards

The Earthsea Cycle series

by Ursula K. Le Guin

Chronicles of Narnia series

by C.S. Lewis

by Lois Lowry

The Wee Free Men

by Terry Pratchett

His Dark Materials series

by Philip Pullman

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Friendships And Finding Your Place

The strange case of origami yoda series.

by Tom Angleberger

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

by Judy Blume

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Hundred Dresses

by Eleanor Estes

Harriet the Spy

by Louise Fitzhugh

by R.J. Palacio

Bridge to Terabithia

by Katherine Patterson

by Louis Sachar

Okay for Now

by Gary D. Schmidt

Maniac Magee

by Jerry Spinelli

Good For A Laugh

Tales of a fourth grade nothing.

The Phantom Tollbooth

by Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer

Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

by Jeff Kinney

Graphic Novels

The bone series.

by Jeff Smith

The Arrival

by Shaun Tan

American Born Chinese

by Gene Luen Yang

Mysteries And Thrillers

The wolves of willoughby chase.

by Joan Aiken

The House With a Clock in Its Walls

by John Bellairs

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

by E.L. Konigsburg

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

by Brian Selznick

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

The Egypt Game

by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Myths And Fairy Tales

The dark is rising series.

by Susan Cooper

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

by Ingri D'Aulaire and Edgar D'Aulaire

The Little Prince

by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Ella Enchanted

by Gail Carson Levine

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

by Grace Lin

Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

by Rick Riordan

The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales

by Maria Tatar

The Sword in the Stone

by T.H. White

Inside Out & Back Again

by Thanhha Lai

Science Fiction

Ender's game.

by Orson Scott Card

The House of the Scorpion

by Nancy Farmer

A Wrinkle in Time series

by Madeleine L'Engle

Survival And Adventure

My side of the mountain.

by Jean Craighead George

Julie of the Wolves

Number the Stars

Island of the Blue Dolphins

by Scott O'Dell

by Gary Paulsen

The Twenty-one Balloons

by William Pene Du Bois

Meet The Panel

Soman Chainani wrote his graduate thesis on why evil women make irresistible fairy-tale villains. His first novel , The School for Good and Evil, debuted on the New York Times Bestseller List and is currently being adapted into a film by Universal Pictures.

Travis Jonker is the elementary school librarian for Wayland Union Schools in Wayland, Mich. He reviews children's books for School Library Journal and writes about all things children's literature on his blog, 100 Scope Notes .

Gussie Lewis is an independent bookseller focusing on childrens' and YA titles. She has worked for Politics and Prose Bookstore in Washington, D.C., and currently serves as the chair of the Children and YA Author Recruitment Committee for the Gaithersburg Book Festival in Gaithersburg, Md.

Linda Sue Park is the author of many books for young readers, including A Single Shard , winner of the 2002 Newbery Medal, and two books in "The 39 Clues" series. Her most recent novel is the New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water .

Margi Preus writes books for young people, including the novels Shadow on the Mountain and Heart of a Samurai , a 2011 Newbery Honor book and featured by NPR's Backseat Book Club. Margi also writes plays, hikes, skis, paddles, or sits quietly with a book in her lap.

Rita Williams-Garcia is an award-winning writer of books for young readers, and is known for her realistic portrayal of teens of color. Her books include Jumped, Every Time a Rainbow Dies , and One Crazy Summer , which won the Coretta Scott King award in 2011.

Produced by Justine Kenin, Petra Mayer, Michele Norris, Beth Novey, Annalisa Quinn and Matthew Weddig

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34 Best Books For 13- And 14-Year-Olds In 2024

From Harry Potter to Percy Jackson, these captivating books never fail to attract teens.

Elisabeth Daly is a state-certified high school English teacher. Over her two decade career, she has taught students in grades 9-12 at both public and private high schools, and worked as an adjunct professor at her local community college. She is passionate about teaching reading and writing, and loves finding engaging books for reluctant readers. Read full bio of Elisabeth Daly

Wedetso Chirhah holds a masters degree in English Literature from Mangalore University and has over 13 years of experience in content. He has written content for more than 15 B2B websites and edited school books before joining MomJunction as an editor. Read full bio of Wedetso Chirhah

Poulami is an associate editor at MomJunction. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way. Read full bio of Poulami Nag

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences. Read full bio of N Pravenchandra Singh

Image: MomJunction Design Team

The best books for 13- and 14-year-olds should be engaging and make children think. They should encourage children to read to improve their literary proficiency. Children may be inclined to different genres—while some may be more inclined towards fiction, others may prefer autobiographies and non-fiction. Thus, choosing the right books for teens can be challenging. To help you pick the best ones for them, I have consulted Elisabeth Daly , a book blogger and English teacher, and taken her recommendations. She says, “ The teenage years are a critical time to engage readers. Inculcating a reading habit in teens can be challenging, but you can indulge them by introducing them to different book genres. This list has a variety of books that continue to engage 13- and 14-year-olds .” Read on to find some parent-recommended books you can consider.

Children may be inclined to different genres—while some may be more inclined towards fiction, others may prefer autobiographies and non-fiction. Thus, choosing a book that suits them is a challenging task. To help you pick the best ones for them, we have compiled some parent-recommended books you can consider. Read on.

Best Fantasy: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Best protagonist: holes, best literature: the giver, best fiction: the martian, bst explores: jasper jones, best narrative: a long walk to water, best mystical: eragon, best mysterious book: coraline, best heart-touching book: five feet apart, best twisting narrative: the inheritance games, 1. best fantasy: harry potter and the sorcerer’s stone.

Author: J.K. Rowling

It is quite likely that your teenager is already on board the Hogwarts Express. But if they are not and would love to explore the fantasy world of Harry Potter , then start with where it all started. ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ is the first book in the best-selling series. In this fantasy classic , we meet the young wizard Harry Potter and how he lands at the prestigious wizardry school of Hogwarts. Teenagers will love the elements of imagination and will relate to Harry’s journey of self-discovery .

2. Best Protagonist: Holes

Author: Louis Sachar

A young boy named Stanley attends a boys camp organized on an old, dry lake bed. The warden there is a mysterious character. He instructs each boy to dig five feet deep holes every day. But digging is more than a camp activity, and the warden is looking for something. Will Stanley uncover the truth before it’s too late? Your teenager will love reading this mystery .

3. Best Literature: The Giver

Author: Lois Lowry

The Giver is a dystopian novel set in a controlled society where emotions and memories are suppressed for the sake of stability. A young boy named Jonas is chosen to become the Receiver of Memory and is tasked with holding the community’s past. As he receives memories from the Giver, he slowly begins to understand the cost of conformity and the importance of freedom and individuality. The story follows Jonas’ awakening to the true nature of his world and his efforts to bring change as he tries to save someone he loves.

4. Best Fiction: The Martian: Classroom Edition

Author: Andy Weir

This is the classroom-reading appropriate version of the acclaimed novel. The amazing story is about an astronaut named Mark Watney who is stranded on the planet Mars after a mission to the red planet goes wrong. Mark is considered dead by his team members, but the astronaut perseveres and fights against all the odds for survival.

5. Bst Explores: Jasper Jones

Author: Craig Silvey

Jasper Jones is an outcast teenager who arrives at 13-year-old Charlie’s doorstep one night, asking for help. Charlie agrees to help, and the next thing we know is that the duo is on a trail in the jungle. They discover something in the forest that night, which changes their lives. ‘Jasper Jones’ is an excellent coming of age book that will be more appreciated by 14-year-olds .

6. Best Narrative: A Long Walk To Water

Author: Linda Sue Park

Based on a true story, this thought-provoking novel narrates the stories of two children in alternating sections. One story revolves around Nya, a young girl in South Sudan who needs to walk long distances to fetch water for her family’s survival. The other centers on Salva, one of the “lost boys” of Sudan, who flees civil war and travels across dangerous terrain to find his family. Although set decades apart, these two stories speak of the same resilience and courage shown by both and highlight the power of hope amidst adversity.

7. Best Mystical: Eragon

Author: Christopher Paolini

Eragon is a teenage boy who discovers something that looks like a blue stone in the forest. However, it turns out to be a dragon’s egg, and a dragon hatchling comes out of it one day. The dragon turns out to be a part of a bigger picture. Soon, Eragon’s life is filled with magic, mystery, and fantasy and he is entrusted to finish the dark side using a sword and the dragon.

8. Best Mysterious Book: Coraline

Author: Neil Gaiman

It is considered to be one of the best fantasy books for adolescents and teens , which displays the author’s literary expertise. This amazing story is about a young girl who moves into a new house with her parents. There are fourteen doors in the house, but the fourteenth one is locked. Coraline unlocks the door to find a house exactly like hers on the other side. There is even a second version of her parents. But there is more than what meets the eye in this mysterious place, and Coraline is determined to find out.

9. Best Heart-Touching Book: Five Feet Apart

Author: Rachael Lippincott

Five Feet Apart tells the love story of Stella and Will, both living with a medical condition that demands they maintain a safe distance from each other to avoid life-threatening cross contamination. As they bond during their hospital stay, their connection deepens. This touching young adult novel explores the challenges of living with a chronic illness from a young age and the profound impact of finding love in unexpected places.

10. Best Twisting Narrative: The Inheritance Games

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Inheritance Games is one of the bestsellers, with over 1.5 million copies sold. The protagonist, Avery Grambs, has some plans, such as surviving high school, winning a scholarship, and moving ahead. But, everything changes when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies, leaving her his entire fortune. To receive the fortune, she has to move into the sprawling Hawthorne house occupied by the family that Tobias had dispossessed, who had expected to inherit his wealth. It is the story of Avery, who is stuck in this dangerous world of wealth and tricks she must navigate to survive.

11. Best Entertaining Classic: The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)

Author: Rick Riordan

It is the fifth book in the best-selling fantasy series. Percy Jackson is the head of a mythical group called the Olympians. The Olympians are amid a battle with the evil group called the Titans. Kronos, the head of the Titans, is all set to invade New York City and Percy Jackson and the Olympians have to save the city from the evil forces.

12. Best Surprising Novel: The Graveyard Book

Nobody Owens wanders into a graveyard as a toddler where the spirits develop a liking for him and decide to raise him as one of their own. Nobody grows into a young boy who wants to see the world beyond the graveyard. And when he does, he finds out the bitter truth that there are dangers far greater than spirits lurking in the open world.

13. Best Secretive Novel: We Were Liars

Author: E. Lockhart

The novel is a shocking and interesting tale about the distinguished and respected Sinclair family, who hides their secrets and lies by hiding them behind handsome appearances. This story is set on a private island where the Sinclair family spends the summer. It revolves around a mysterious two years ago when Cadence Sinclair, the narrator, was 15 years old. As the story progresses, Cadence experiences a rollercoaster of hardships, uncovers secrets and lies about her family, and in the end, the shocking truth of the tragedy is revealed.

14. Best Handbook For Life Skills : Life Skills For Teens

Author: Karen Harris

Covering a wide range of life skills, such as proper communication, decision-making, emotional well-being, cooking, and financial literacy, this book equips teens with practical tips for success. Through relatable examples and interactive exercises, Harris addresses the challenges teenagers often encounter. The amazing book is a comprehensive guide for instilling essential life skills and helping your teens navigate an overwhelming yet exciting phase of their lives.

15. Best Family Thriller: The Cousins

Author: Karen M. McManus

The thriller novel unravels a gripping mystery when three estranged cousins – Aubrey, Milly, and Jonah – are invited to their grandmother’s island resort, despite never having met her. Plunged into a web of family secrets and betrayals, they uncover a decades-old scandal that shattered their family’s legacy. As the cousins dig deeper, they unearth shocking revelations that alter their perceptions. If your teens love novels with unexpected plot twists, this could be their next favorite book.

16. Best Dramatic Book: The Downstairs Girl

Author: Stacey Lee

Set in New South, the book is about Jo Kuan, a 17-year-old girl working as a maid for the cruel daughter of one of Atlanta’s wealthiest men during the day and as a pseudonymous author of an advice column in the newspaper at night. When her column gains popularity, she uses her power to write on important societal issues. But, she faces backlash when she challenges the ideas about gender and race using her column, with her opponents trying to uncover the identity of Miss Sweetie. Amidst these challenges, she learns about her past and is forced to decide whether she is ready to unveil her real self or continue to stay in the shadows.

17. Best Realistic Fiction: Refugee

Author: Alan Gratz

The story revolves around three children- Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud and their families who aim to flee their violent countries. They are separated by decades and continents but are all on a difficult journey with their families in search of refuge. These characters face the most harrowing dangers during this journey, ranging from almost drowning in the waters to facing betrayals from those whom they trusted. But there is one thing common between them: the hope for a better tomorrow. It is a realistic fiction book that reveals an interesting connection between each character by the end of the novel.

18. Best Book On Young Offenders: Artemis Fowl

Author: Eoin Colfer

Artemis is a twelve-year-old millionaire. But the boy is in no way humble and always has some devious ideas on his mind. One day, Artemis discovers a world of fairies and kidnaps one of them. However, these fairies are more powerful than he thinks and also have access to high-tech equipment. The kidnapping marks the beginning of the war between Artemis and the fairy world.

19. Best Adventurous Book: Shadow Jumper

Author: J. M. Forster

Shadow Jumper revolves around Jack, a teenage boy with an allergy to sunshine, a condition that restricts him from venturing outdoors during the day. When his scientist father goes missing, Jack and his new friend Beth embark on a search to find him, as he is the only one who can save Jack from his condition. Follow Jack on his quest to unravel the mysteries of his newfound powers and find his dad in this exciting adventure mystery book.

20. Best For Cognitive Fitness: The Logic Puzzle Book For Teens

Author: Chris King

Chris King’s compilation of puzzles engages young minds with 100 different logic puzzles, riddles, crosswords, anagrams, cryptograms, number-based puzzles, and more. It is an entertaining way to enhance your teen’s cognitive abilities, analytical thinking, and problem solving skills. This complexity level of the puzzles increases as your children make progress, thus keeping them engaged for hours and improving their mental dexterity.

21. Best Resistance Novel: The Hate U Give

Author: Angie Thomas

The main character, Starr Carter, a 16-year-old Black girl, balances her life between her poor neighborhood and the fancy suburban school where she attends. The twist in the novel comes when her childhood friend Khalil is murdered by a white policeman. This thriller novel explores the journey of Starr and how she fights the odds of police brutality, racism, and activism. Khalil’s death becomes national news, and Starr is the only witness to the incident. What Starr does or does not do brings new twists to the story.

22. Best Sea Adventure Tale: Moby Dick

Author: Herman Melville

Captain Ahab loses a leg in a sea accident caused by a giant white whale. Ahab wants revenge and decides to hunt down the whale. He assembles a crew, instills courage in them, and sets sail to find the elusive whale named Moby Dick. But will Ahab succeed in the mission or will the giant whale get the best of him again? Moby Dick was written more than 150 years ago and makes a thrilling story to read even today.

23. Best Book On Family Bond: Far From The Tree

Author: Robin Benway

It is a contemporary novel that revolves around three teen characters- Grace, Joaquin, and Maya, who discover they are siblings. When Grace, an adopted only child, gets pregnant at the age of 16 years, she puts her baby up for adoption and goes out to find her biological mother. To make things simpler for Grace, her parents reveal they do not know the whereabouts of her birth mother, but they know that she has an older biological half-brother and a younger sister. Grace begins searching for her biological family and finds Maya and Joaquin, who are her siblings. As the siblings start to bond, they must begin searching for their birth mom.

24. Best In Murder Mystery: They All Had A Reason

Author: Michele Leathers

Meet Charlotte, a sixteen-year-old who believes her life would be perfect if not for Bellany Silverfield, a seemingly flawless girl with everything Charlotte desires and lacks. When Bellany is murdered, Charlotte’s life takes a dark turn. Fearing she might be a suspect due to the circulating rumors, Charlotte finds herself questioning her friends’ loyalties, and instead, relies on a new acquaintance. Introduce your teen to this engaging murder mystery where Charlotte navigates loyalty, trust, and deception.

25. Best Suspensing Novel: A Study In Charlotte

Author: Brittany Cavallaro

The story is about James Watson, who is always intrigued by Charlotte Holmes because their great-great-great grandfathers make one of the most infamous pairs. Charlotte and James end up studying at the same Connecticut boarding school, where Charlotte clears her intentions that she is not looking for friends. However, as the story progresses, a known student dies under mysterious circumstances. They have no option but to come together as they are being framed for the murder. This enthralling tale will take your child on a ride.

26. Best Survival Story: 47 Days

Author: Annette Oppenlander

Set against the backdrop of World War II, this book chronicles the courageous efforts of two young boys, Helmut and Günter, to escape the clutches of Nazi Germany. The young fugitives were on the run for 47 days after they refused to obey Hitler’s last propaganda command–to send all 15- and 16-year-old boys to the front in defense of the fatherland. Their determination to resist oppression and seek freedom even in the face of danger and death makes this a riveting historical fiction book.

27. Best Funny Narrative: I Have A Bad Feeling About This

Author: Jeff Strand

The hilarious young adult novel follows the misadventures of Henry Lambert and his friends on a wilderness survival camp. As they face bizarre situations involving an overeager and brutal camp director to an unexpected debt collector and his goons, their attempts to survive become a comical rollercoaster of mishaps. The witty and sarcastic writing makes for an entertaining read, and your teens can get to experience a series of absurd antics in this unconventional story.

28. Best Horror Thriller: Escape Room

Author: Maren Stoffels

In this young adult thriller, Alissa, Sky, Miles, and Mint are plunged into a chilling game of survival. When they participate in an escape room game, the stakes escalate dangerously as the Game Master refuses to let them out. As the game turns sinister, they must unravel cryptic clues to escape or face dire consequences. This tense horror thriller will keep your 13- or 14-year-old on the edge of their seat as they try to figure out an escape along with the novel’s protagonists.

29. Best Survival Guide : Teen Girl’s Survival Guide

Author: Jenn Higgins

Gift your teen girl this handbook that covers a wide range of relevant teen topics such as body image, self-esteem, mental health, peer pressure, and relationships. The comprehensive guide will help them overcome problems and feel less isolated as they grow older. It offers insights and practical advice to help teenage girls thrive as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.

30. Best Book For Stress-Relief : OMG I’m So Bored !

Author: La Bibli des Ados

Filled with engaging activities such as Sudokus, puzzles, mazes, and even mandalas for some stress-relief coloring, this book offers creative and entertaining ways to combat adolescent boredom. It includes 100 activities to help your child escape the monotony, give their brains a workout, and spark their creativity.

31. Best Crime Fiction: The Girl In The Picture

Author: Alexandra Monir

The teenage murder mystery unfolds at Oyster Bay Prep, where the popular heartthrob Chace Porter ends up mysteriously dead. Nicole is linked to him by a photo found in his belongings, and this sets off a whirlwind of questions, as Chase was dating Nicole’s best friend Lana Rivera. As suspicion intensifies, Nicole becomes the prime murder suspect. The narrative of the book shifts between Nicole and Lana, revealing a complex web of relationships and secrets and making for an engaging read.

32. Best In Sportsman Spirit: The Final Four

Author: Paul Volponi

This book takes you to the exhilarating world of the NCAA March Madness Final Four, where the semifinal between the Michigan Spartans and the Troy Trojans is underway. The exciting tale of sportsmanship follows the individual paths and experiences of four players–Malcolm, Roko, Crispin, and M.J–and highlights their journey from being basketball-loving kids to formidable contenders.

33. Best For Career Planning: Career Planning For Teens

Author: Seth Hicks

Career planning can be an overwhelming step for young adults. This resourceful guide offers step-by-step strategies for teens to navigate the path toward a fulfilling career. It helps them explore their interests and strengths, use that knowledge to narrow down career options, and create a structured game plan to achieve their goals. Equip your teens with the tools they need for a successful career with this helpful book.

34. Best For Self-Regulation: The Teens Self-Regulation Workbook

Author: Vivian Foster

Through a series of interactive exercises and techniques, this workbook guides teens in managing their emotions, impulses, and behaviors. It addresses stress, anxiety, and struggles unique to adolescence, offering practical advice to combat these issues. The book also covers topics such as anger management, conflict resolution, and communication and helps children cultivate a sense of control and self-regulation.

How To Choose The Right Books For 13- And 14-Year-Olds?

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a suitable book for a 13- or 14-year-old.

• Interests: Select books with themes your child is interested in. If they enjoy history, look for historical fiction or non-fiction books. If they like science, consider choosing science fiction or books about space or how the world works. Also, explore the options popular in teen book clubs to stay abreast of the latest literary trends.
• Length: Most 14-year-olds find it challenging to concentrate on a book for too long. Ensure the selected book has an appropriate length to keep your child engaged.
• Difficulty: Ensure you pick a challenging book that can intrigue a 14-year-old reader but make sure it is not so difficult that they get frustrated and give up. A suitable book should help enhance their language skills and vocabulary.
• Age-appropriateness: While most children in this age group are ready for more complex storylines, it is best to ensure the book is appropriate for their age and avoid anything violent, scary, or mature.
• Reviews: Check the reviews left by other parents to determine if a book is suitable for your child.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Wedetso Chirhah, our product writer and reviewer, specializes in writing about books and children’s products. He is an avid reader himself and has a knack for identifying the best books for teens and other age groups. After in-depth examination, he has curated this list of the best books for 13- and 14-year-olds after conducting thorough research and going through various user reviews. He has provided a brief description of each of these books to help you choose the right book based on your child’s preferences.

The Bottom Line

These are just a few of the best books for 13- and 14-year-olds. Starting your teen’s reading journey with some of the best-selling classic fantasy novels, such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone , can enhance their imagination. On the other hand, books like The Giver  reflect on ideas of personal freedom. While The Martian: Classroom Edition is ideal for science fiction enthusiasts, as it blends adventure, humor, and science. If a book is exciting and your child is a bookworm, they will likely finish it in a day or two. So either prepare to buy many books or get your teenager a library membership. Regardless of what you do, ensure that your kids read books instead of using electronic devices.

Infographic: Points To Remember Before Buying Books For 13 And 14-Year-Olds

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Recommended Articles

• Best Adventure Books For Teens
• Best Classic Books For Teens
• Fantastic Fantasy Books For Teens
• Best Scary Books For Teens

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32 of the best science books for kids to read right now

From family foraging guides to science history made fun, these are the best science books for kids.

Our team have chosen the best science books for kids to read this year. Head outside for some family foraging with the help of Alys Fowler and Heidi Griffiths' new book or get gruesome facts to fascinate your gore-obsessed teens from Erika Engelhaupt's weird science adventures.

For more great content, come join us over for lunchtime genius. You’ll get free samples of new and popular books, plus reading recommendations and all the latest science news sent directly to your inbox. Just sign up to the Science Focus Newsletter .

If these books make you want to dust off the safety glasses and don your lab coat, try these easy indoor food experiments or find out how to help your children learn to code . OR how about our ultimate round-up of the best science books in 2023.

The best science books for kids to read in 2023

Tell me about… plants.

If your child is just starting to read, then they'll love this colourful book by CBeebies writer Emily Dodd, which introduces them to the world of plants. Along with a basic introduction to plant biology, they'll also learn dozens of bite-sized facts, like that some plants are taller than skyscrapers, and some smell like poo!

Tell Me About… Human Body

Also by Emily Dodd, this science book shines a light on the intricacies of the human body. Young readers will learn how their heart pumps blood, how the nerves work, what the immune system does, and much more. The last few pages cover feelings, emotions and how you can keep your body happy – a really nice touch.

Unlocking The Universe

Stephen hawking and lucy hawking.

If your child is looking to learn about a wide range of scientific topics, this book will be a great introduction. Unlocking the universe is a range of essays, facts and interesting images on ideas ranging from the moon, to vaccines and even travel through space and time.

Despite its heavy topics, the book deals with these ideas in a way that children can easily understand.

A Really Short History Of Nearly Everything

Bill bryson.

A lot has happened in history, but if you have a child that wants to learn about... well, everything, this will be the book for them.

It covers the dawn of dinosaurs, modern-day mysteries and everything in-between. Despite its aim at children, it is a book that adults will get pleasure from too.

On The Origin Of Species

Sabina radeva.

On the origin of species was Charles Darwin's famous novel depicting his theories on evolution. His original text is maybe slightly too heavy for a child to get into, which is why graphic designer and molecular biologist Sabina Radeva have recast the story, using illustrations and a simplified text.

I Am A Book. I Am A Portal To The Universe

Miriam Quick and Stefanie Posavec

The winner of the 2021 Royal Society Young People’s Books Prize has been selected by children and has been announced as I Am a Book. I Am a Portal to the Universe by Miriam Quick and Stefanie Posavec.

Big numbers, great graphics, mind-blowing facts and a healthy dose of interactivity, this book is a lot of fun. You’ll find answers to questions you never knew you needed, including, How long is an anteater's tongue? How tiny is the DNA in your cells? How fast is gold mined? How loud is the sun? And how many stars have been born and exploded in the time you've taken to read this sentence?

On winning the competition, scientist and lecturerDr Andrew Juppsaid: "I was looking for books that were particularly engaging or presented science in a new way. This book encouraged the reader to touch certain parts of the page to transfer bacteria, balance it on their head, and drop the book from a height – the interactivity of this book is what science is all about!"

Kid Innovators

Robin Stevenson and Allison Steinfeld

Every parent thinks their kid is going to change the world, but what can we learn from the formative years of those who really did?

From Florence Nightingale and the Wright brothers to Bill Gates and Elon Musk, this imaginative, inspiring book tells the childhood stories of innovators of all kinds. Each mini biography comes with colourful illustrations and interesting factoids about game-changers in science, entertainment, business and technology. Worried your child is a daydreamer? Don’t be. Alan Turing was exactly the same.

• Read more about science history

KEW: Grow, Forage And Make

Alys Fowler and Heidi Griffiths

Lockdown gave us all a new appreciation of the outdoors and, for many parents, forced us to come up with inventive ways to keep young people engaged and entertained. This new fieldbook from Kew Gardens is packed with fun ideas for small green fingers.

From foraging edible flowers and roots to growing neon beetroots in the dark, there’s an emphasis on discovery and mud-splattered practicality with lots of things to make, grow and find – indoors and outdoors.

Fourteen Wolves

Catherine Barr and Jenni Desmond

This is an evocative story about rewilding, designed to capture imaginations young and old, as well as give us all a refreshed appreciation of nature. The book tells the story of the wolves of Yellowstone Park. They disappeared in the 1930s and their absence had far-reaching consequences for the local ecosystem, with the fortunes of many species tied up with that of the pack.

It took until 1995 for wolves to be reintroduced to Yellowstone, and this wonderfully illustrated book tells the amazing story of what happened next.

• Listen to our podcast about rewilding with Dr Andrea Perino

Diary Of A Young Naturalist

Dara McAnulty

One of the most warmly received books in any genre from recent years gets a paperback release this month. Diary of a Young Naturalist chronicles the life of author Dara McAnulty, a nature-obsessed environmental campaigner who finds peace in observing, recording and understanding the wildlife and landscapes he encounters.

McAnulty is autistic and his book, often described as a blend of nature book and coming-of-age memoir, charts a tumultuous period of his life. His relationship with the environment is one of solace, and a reminder to us all of the healing power of the natural world.

Where The Wild Things Grow

David Hamilton

Part how-to guide, part love letter to the ecosystems on our doorsteps, this book reveals the food hidden in plain sight that most of us have the chance to forage. From wild mushrooms and berries to the weeds that grow in our gardens, David Hamilton draws on his own extensive experience to explain what’s out there and where to find it. Along the way, he also illuminates the science and history of wild foods and explains how to use them in recipes.

Gory Details: Adventures From the Dark Side of Science

Erika Engelhaupt

Based on a blog from National Geographic, this collection of scientific snapshots explores the weird, the gross and the funny. In other words, it’s great for young minds who want to impress their friends with something outrageous (but informative).

The book covers everything from bee stings to blood spatter at crime scenes – so it’s probably one for teens rather than tots – and never skimps on the juicy, biological or anatomical details. Often illuminating unreported areas of science, there’s plenty for parents here, too.

• Hear (detailed) stories from the world of forensic science in our podcast with Prof Dame Sue Black

More great science books for children and teens

None of the above suit your kids' interests?

Try these brilliant books for science lovers and nature enthusiasts. There's something here for all ages!

What To Look For In Spring

Elizabeth Jenner

We might be in the chilliest months of the year right now, but soon the natural world will start waking up from its winter slumber to burst into life once more. This beautifully illustrated, pocket-sized book guides young readers through the wonders of nature that can be witnessed during spring, including meteor showers, boxing hares and bleating lambs.

Ladybird’s original series of What To Look For books was published in the 1960s, and this modern, child-friendly update is sure to appeal to the new generation of readers.

Marie Curie And Her Daughters

Imogen and Isabel Greenberg

Many of us are familiar with Marie Curie, the brilliant scientist who made game-changing discoveries in the field of chemistry. Yet perhaps less well known are her two daughters, Irène and Ève, who grew up to be just as passionate and independent as their mum. Irène became a great scientist, while Eve was a journalist, war correspondent and humanitarian, who later worked for UNICEF.

This gorgeously illustrated book tells the remarkable story of Marie, Irène and Ève, as they travel the world, save lives during WWI and WWII and win Nobel Prizes.

Made For Each Other

Joanna McInerney and Georgina Taylor

Sometimes it pays to have a trusted friend close by. In nature, teamwork can make the difference between surviving another day or becoming someone else’s lunch.

This stunning book, illustrated by debut artist Georgina Taylor, takes us on a tour through some of the most intriguing partnerships in the wild world. Whether they help each other to ward off predators, remove parasites, reproduce or feed, the organisms featured in this book have learnt how to work together to successfully co-exist.

What’s The Weather?

Fraser and Judith Ralston

At a time when extreme weather is becoming more common, it makes sense to get clued up on the science behind it. This colourful book tells us about clouds, the climate and global warming, reveals how the weather has changed over Earth’s entire history, what it could be like in the future, and teaches us how we can predict the weather.

What’s The Weather? is jam-packed with bite-sized facts and cute illustrations that reveal intriguing titbits of information, such as the different names for snowflake structures and how lightning storms form. A great one for learning at home.

The Awesome Power Of Sleep

Nicola Morgan

Teenagers today have to struggle with excessive amounts of screentime, pressure from social media, school stress, late nights, and worries about friendships. It’s no wonder they aren’t getting enough sleep! Nicola Morgan, an expert on the adolescent brain, explores the importance of sleep for teenage health, wellbeing and development, and reveals why a good night’s rest is so crucial.

With plenty of scientific evidence conveyed in an accessible and authoritative way, this helpful guide is a fascinating read for both teenagers and adults alike.

30-Second series

A great series of books for revision, there are books on GCSE topics such as biology , chemistry and physics , but also specific titles including the study of genetics , the writings of Shakespeare and the science of Earth's weather . Condensing each topic into 50 fundamental facts, these short books make learning straightforward and (dare we say it) interesting!

Also in the series are books aimed at adults, so if you fancy getting a better understanding of topics like opera , politics or fashion , check them out.

How Science Works

Although this book is primarily aimed at adults, it is full to brimming with easy to understand diagrams, illustrations and infographics that will spark the imagination of anyone that picks it up, young or old.

Teens cramming for an exam will love the fact that every page is dedicated to a specific part of science (think the quantum world, machines, special relativity or the carbon cycle), while for the rest of us this is probably the best science book if you need a quick refresher.

I Want to be... Series

Becky Davies, illustrated by Richard Merritt

• Buy I Want to be an Astronaut from Bookshop.org and Waterstones
• Buy I Want to be a Doctor from Amazon UK and Bookshop.org
• Buy I Want to be a Firefighter from Bookshop.org and Waterstones

These books for babies and toddlers make the perfect introduction to people's jobs and what their daily life is like. Share stories of what an astronaut might do out in space, or explain what your role as a doctor involves. Where is that firetruck going? I Want to be a Firefighter can help answer your little one's questions.

Turn and Learn: Our World

Isabel Otter, illustrated by Hannah Tolson

If you've been watching Sir David Attenborough's new series as a family, why not explore more of the Earth with this interactive book for young readers? You'll meet the people who live in the Arctic, the creatures that live in the desert, and see the world from a new perspective through Hannah Tolson's detailed illustrations.

By the same author and illustrator is Turn and Learn: Weather , to help you explain how rain and the Sun, thunder and snow, come to be outside our windows.

Stop that Virus!

Illustrated by Susanna Rumiz

The coronavirus pandemic has brought up conversations that many of us didn't expect, and children may have asked questions that you might not know how to answer. Stop that Virus! explains how a team of cells within your body helps attack an intruder. What is the human body's immune system, and what do antibodies do to stop the enemy?

The book doesn't go into the role of personal hygiene in immunology, so it's important to also talk about hand-washing and how that can Stop that Virus!

The Weird Maths series

David Darling and Agnijo Banerjee

• Buy Weird Maths: At the Edge of Infinity and Beyond from Amazon UK , Waterstones or Bookshop.org
• Buy Weirder Maths: At the Edge of the Possible from Amazon UK , WHSmith or Bookshop.org
• Buy Weirdest Maths: At the Frontiers of Reason from Amazon UK , Waterstones or Bookshop.org

Mathematics is weird .

Teenage maths whizz Agnijo Banerjee, and his tutor and science writer David Darling, fill the pages of three books with exotic and unusual facts about maths, including God's Number (the smallest number of moves it takes to solve a Rubik's cube) and the reigning role of Pi in just about everything.

• Learn these unusual maths facts

Wish We Knew What to Say: Talking with Children About Race

Dr Pragya Agarwal

From a data and behavioural scientist, this book gives parents the confidence to answer their children’s questions about race and racism. It includes questions, resources and suggestions for scenarios that could start these tricky conversations, written with delicacy and authority.

This isn’t just for parents, though – it’s aimed at anyone who has young people in their life and wants to support the education of the next generation.

• Read our interview with Dr Pragya Agarwal

Nodding Off: The Science of Sleep from Cradle to Grave

Alice Gregory

Offering parents an insight into their children's, and their own, sleep patterns, sleep psychologist Professor Alice Gregory brings science and self-help together in this guide to getting a good night's rest. Thoroughly researched with interviews and statistics, this book is essential reading for all – whether you get 4 or 40 winks a night.

• Listen to Alice Gregory talking about sleep on the Science Focus Podcast

Hélène Druvert and Emmanuelle Grundmann

This fantastic title from Hélène Druvert for children aged 7-11 explains the most fascinating facets of the sea, including waves, coral reefs and the food chain. With captivating fold-out infographics and stunning laser-cut illustrations, it’s a beautiful, interactive tome that’ll help both kids and adults appreciate our oceans.

Is There Anybody Out There?

Dara Ó Briain

The hilarious Dara Ó Briain offers scientific answers to questions such as: how did life begin? How was the Earth created? Do aliens exist? in this illustrated book for 9+ years.

• Listen to our podcast with Dara Ó Briain

Encyclopedia Prehistorica of Sharks and Other Sea Monsters: The Definitive Pop-Up

Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda

These often-forgotten prehistoric monsters once ruled the seas, and they are no less menacing in their pop-up paper form. A fight between two sea lizards unfolds between the pages, and the tentacles of ancient squid reach out from the depths of the ocean.

Stunningly crafted and meticulously researched, the Encyclopedia Prehistoric a is a book that will be used and admired again and again.

Outdoor Maker Lab

Professor Robert Winston

Kids love making things, especially when it involves mess, explosions, and anything that makes you go “wow” (fun fact: so do we ). Professor Robert Winston (the scientist with a very fetching moustache that presented the seminal BBC TV show The Human Body ) introduces this 160-page book filled with wonderful experiments that are easily made using household items, but show off some seriously fun science.

Kay’s Anatomy: A Complete (and Completely Disgusting) Guide to the Human Body

From the junior doctor who wrote the best-selling comedic memoir This is Going to Hurt comes a thorough tour through the human body. Answering questions like: What’s in a bogey? Do hideous creatures really live on our eyelashes? How does food become poo?

Kay’s Anatomy is like Horrible Histories but for the human body.

Probably best to have your Christmas dinner before opening presents, if you intend on gifting this…

This Book is Not Rubbish

Isabel Thomas

We all know that the grown-ups have messed up and now our planet is struggling. But you can help save it. This book contains 50 everyday ideas, like how to use less water when you do the washing-up, to how to make your next birthday party eco-friendly.

The Lost Words

Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris

Worried by the way in which natural words (acorn, dandelion, kingfisher, etc) were disappearing from children’s vocabulary, Robert Macfarlane teamed up with illustrator Jackie Morris to produce this exquisite ‘spell book’, combining acrostic poems with hand-painted artwork.

Randall Munroe

XKCD webcomic creator and former NASA roboticist Randall Munroe addresses questions such as ‘If we all disappeared, how long before the last light went out?’ and ‘Can you warm up a cup of tea just by stirring it?’. It’s like BBC Science Focus ’s Q&A section fell down the rabbit hole… but the author’s inquisitive mind is the star.

• Listen to Randall Munroe talking about his newest book, How To , on our podcast

Why Your Parents Are Driving You Up the Wall and What To Do About It

Dean Burnett

Why are teens so emotional? Why won’t they listen when adults depart their worldly knowledge? Why won’t they tidy their rooms?

Well, there are plenty of parenting books out there that attempt to answer these questions, but neuroscientist Dean Burnett’s book offers teens an insight into their parents’ minds. By giving teenagers the psychology behind why their parents do the things they do, Burnett answers common complaints such as; why is my Dad always dragging me out of bed? Why are my family always so obsessed with asking ‘How was school?’ and more.

• Listen to Dean Burnett talking about the teenage brain on the Science Focus Podcast

The best books of all time

For more great book recommendations, check out these lists:

• The best science books to read right now
• The best maths books
• The best quiz collections and puzzle books
• The best wildlife books and nature writing
• 5 best physics books, according to Jim Al-Khalili
• AI: 5 of the best must-read artificial intelligence books
• 5 race science books you must read

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56 Books for Teens That You Won’t Be Able to Put Down

How many have you crossed off your list?

Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

With so many books out there, and all just a click away, you may not know where to start. There are historical fictions to gain perspective of those who lived through significant world events, new releases that your besties can’t stop raving about, and romance novels that you simply fall in love with. Books such as Becky Albertalli’s Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Kacen Callender’s Felix Ever After explore the joy and struggles of the LGBTQ+ experience , while Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Malala Yousafzai’s I Am Malala demonstrate the sheer power of your voice. We’ve narrowed down the most inspiring, exciting, pull-you-in books that every single teenager should read. These are the best-of-the-best stories to finish before you turn 17.

Oh, BTW, Seventeen has a book club... so if you’re a book lover just like us, join Open Book: The Seventeen Book Club . Every winter, spring, summer, and fall, we pick a new book to read, discuss characters, storylines, and plot twists, and interview the novel’s author.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Once, in a writing class, the teacher asked which book students read over and over again. Half the class said Perks of Being a Wallflower. The book captures the teenage experience so poignantly, it's a necessity for all teens. Go along with Charlie as he struggles to find love, make friends, and recover from a traumatic past.

MTV Books The Perks of Being a Wallflower

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

A book that dives deep into the pressures of being successful at a young age and how mental health can take a toll on your life. It's real, honest, raw and continues to be relevant even today.

Disney-Hyperion It's Kind of a Funny Story

The Prettiest by Brigit Young

Three girls in the eighth grade all have to deal with the aftermath when an anonymous list goes viral naming the 50 prettiest girls in school. Eve makes it to the top but doesn't like how everyone is suddenly objectifying her. Sophie used to have Eve's spot, but now that she's been ranked number two, she's being bullied because of it. Then, there's Nessa. She doesn't make the list at all but she's being bullied because of her weight. When these three find each other, they band together to bring the list's creator down.

Roaring Brook Press The Prettiest

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares

This coming-of-age series follows a group of childhood best friends all the way from high school to college. The girls share their ups and downs as they turn from teenagers into adults, documenting it all on a pair of pants that magically fit each girl perfectly.

Ember The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants: The Complete Collection

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

After getting a call from DeathCast, a service that lets people know when it's their final day to live, two boys come together to spend their last day on earth learning about life and love. Adam Silvera brings these characters to life in a heart-pounding novel that will make you look at life differently than ever before.

They Both Die at the End

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

You've already seen the sensational film, but the book it's based on is a must-read. Like the movie, it tells the story of two teens trying to live their lives to the fullest, even though their time is limited. It's beautifully written and the incredible, heartbreaking romantic storyline will leave you in tears.

Speak The Fault in Our Stars

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

After the tragic death of her sister, Julia attempts to keep her family together and live up to her sister's memory. Follow along as she struggles to find herself and cope with the pressures and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican-American household.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Arthur and Ben meet by chance at a post office in New York City. They develop an instant connection but are unable to exchange names and numbers before the commotion of the city separates them. The book alternates between the viewpoints of the two teen boys, as they finally reunite and embark on a journey that makes them both question — is the universe giving me a sign?

HarperTeen What If It's Us

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

Malala Yousafzai was a 15-year-old girl living in a Taliban-controlled village in northern Pakistan who refused to give up her right to an education. Then, on October 9, 2012, she was shot point-blank in the head by a masked gunman while riding the bus home from school. Few expected her to survive but after months of surgeries, she recovered and went on to become an internationally-acclaimed activist for education and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. This autobiographical novel recounts Malala’s remarkable journey.

Back Bay Books I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education and Was Shot By The Taliban

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

After the sudden death of her father, seventeen-year-old Macy closes herself off from the world. But then she takes a summer job with a local catering company, Wish, and meets artistic, kindhearted Wes, who encourages Macy to confront her grief and break down her walls.

Speak The Truth About Forever

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings , Maya Angelou’s debut autobiographical memoir, is considered one of the most powerful pieces of American literature. Angelou recounts the early years of her life, growing up in the American South and California in the 1930s and ‘40s. She candidly addresses topics such as racism, rape and sexual abuse, and teenage pregnancy. Later in life, in developing an unbounded love for herself and a strong sense of confidence, Angelou discovers the sheer power of her own voice.

Random House Trade Paperbacks I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver

When Ben De Backer makes the decision to come out to their parents as nonbinary, they are met with complete rejection. They are thrown out the house and, with nowhere else to go, have to move in with their estranged older sister. Ben aims to keep their head down and simply finish senior year of high school — that is, until they meet Nathan Allan, who befriends Ben and instills hope in them. Written by a nonbinary author and featuring a nonbinary main character, I Wish You All the Best is an important, groundbreaking read about life, love, and identity.

Push I Wish You All the Best

Night by Elie Wiesel

Night is a powerful memoir based on author Elie Wiesel’s harrowing personal experience as a Jewish teenager in Nazi concentration camps. It is a haunting but poignant firsthand account of what happened during this horrific period in history.

Hill and Wang Night

You Have a Match by Emma Lord

Discovering you have a secret sibling can be overwhelming, but what happens when your newfound sister is a seemingly perfect Instagram star? For Abby, a random decision to sign up for a DNA service leads to a summer she'll remember forever.

Emma Lord You Have a Match

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's production company teamed up with Netflix for a television adaptation of The Firekeeper's Daughter . The novel follows Daunis Fontaine, a black sheep who has a difficult time fitting in as her dreams of attending college are postponed as a tragedy rocks her family to its core. She finds herself in a compromising situation and is later forced to put her book smarts to the test as an undercover FBI informant investigating a deadly new drug.

Angeline Boulley Firekeeper's Daughter

One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite

Happi Smith's life took a shocking turn when her perfect, angelic, social activist sister Kezi Smith is killed after attending a social justice rally. Remembered as "one of the good ones," Kezi's tragic death inspires Happi and her other sister Genny to enact their own plan to remember their fallen sister.

One of the Good Ones

Don't Breathe a Word by Jordyn Taylor

Longing for acceptance Eva joins the Fives, a secret society at Hardwick Preparatory Academy. Along her journey to join the group, she uncovers one of the elite boarding school's most dangerous yet well-kept secrets: the story of Connie and the six students who volunteered to test out the school's nuclear shelter in 1962.

Jordyn Taylor Don't Breathe a Word

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Finding your happily ever after is something most teens long for. For Felix, a Black, queer, transgender teen, a fairytale romance feels unlikely. His doubt is kicked into overdrive after someone plasters his pre-transition photos throughout the lobby of the summer art program he's attending. He launches a plan to uncover the identity of the person who outed him and finds himself on an inspiring journey of love, self-discovery, and identity.

Kacen Callender Felix Ever After

Yes No Maybe So by Beck Albertalli and Aisha Saeed

Political canvassing is the unsuspecting bridge between Jamie Goldberg and Maya Rehman, two teens who fall for each other while volunteering for a local state senate candidate. A shy, laid-back Jamie is inspired by Maya, who is struggling with a lack of social interaction with her bestie and a canceled summer trip.

Becky Albertalli & Aisha Saeed Yes No Maybe So

A Pho Love Story by Loan Le

Bao Nyguen and Linh Mai hail from two Vietnamese American families with lingering feuds that appear to be over more than competition over their pho restaurants. Feelings soon emerge as the duo begins to spend more time together and they're forced to decide if love really conquers all.

A PHO Love Story

American Royals: Majesty II by Katherine McGee

A royal family in America? Who would've thunk it? Majesty follows Princess Beatrice as she attempts to adjust to life on the throne. Princess Samantha, on the other hand, is making the best out of her newfound role, living it up.

American Royals II: Majesty

Beyond the Break by Heather Buchta

Hailing from Manhattan Beach, California, Lovette decides to forgo her love of surfing after her brother is injured in an accident. She also enacted a no dating rule that she seems totally confident in due largely to her faith as a Christian. Lovette's junior year of high school takes an interesting turn when Jake, a boy from her childhood, resurfaces.

Beyond the Break

She's Too Pretty to Burn by Wendy Heard

This psychological thriller follows best friends Nico and Veronica as they navigate San Diego's rebel art scene. Danger soon finds the besties as Mick becomes a muse for Nico and a crush for Veronica. Things get super scary and the besties find themselves navigating through a summer they won't forget.

Wendy Heard She's Too Pretty to Burn

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

A Twitter beef unlocks a love connection between Pepper, a swim team captain, and perfectionist, and Jack, a class clown. While throwing shade with hilarious memes in public, they unknowingly bond on a secret app Jack built in private.

Emma Lord Tweet Cute

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

Shy and awkward, Liz Light can't wait to move out of her hometown and jumpstart her goals of playing in her dream school's orchestra and someday becoming a doctor. Financial woes pose a huge threat to Liz's plans, so she decides to run for prom queen with hopes of winning a scholarship that would provide the aid she needs. Meeting Mack, a new student, is like a light at the end of the tunnel for Liz, who experiences trolls and humiliation from her peers. The only problem is Mack ends up running for prom queen too.

You Should See Me in a Crown

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

Henna Wars finds Nishat at a difficult crossroads: fully embrace her sexuality or lose her family. Nishat's internal battle is heightened when she falls for a childhood friend, who she ends up battling against for the title of their school's best henna artist.

The Henna Wars

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Senior year is a stressful time for most teens, especially overachievers like Rowan Roth and Neil McNair. Today Tonight Tomorrow follows the duo who has spent their entire high school career battling it out over everything from grades to pull-up contests. They form an unlikely alliance and find that competition may not be the only thing brewing between them.

Today Tonight Tomorrow

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Life can get pretty complicated as a teen. Clap When You Land follows Camino and Yahaira Rio, two girls from opposite sides of the world when they discover their beloved father tragically died in a plane crash. Grappling with such a heartbreaking loss, the girls go on an emotional roller coaster when they discover a devastating secret their dad kept from them.

Elizabeth Acevedo Clap When You Land

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

After growing up listening to his grandfather's wild tales of the supernatural, Jacob Portman discovers that everything he said was true. On a trip to Wales with his father, Jacob accidentally uncovers a secret world of supernatural children trapped in time. Follow the thrilling tale, illustrated with strange and unusual vintage photographs found by the author.

Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children Boxed Set

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This riveting novel puts the police brutality and racial injustice prevalent in today's society into perspective. The Hate U Give is now thought of as one of the best pieces of young adult literature in history, continuing to break records today.

BALZER BRAY The Hate U Give

Five Feet Apart by Mikki Daughtry, Rachael Lippincott and Tobias Iaconis

Stella Grant and Will Newman fall in love after meeting while their hospital stays overlap. Because of their chronic respiratory illnesses, it's important that they always stay six feet apart . But their feelings for each other are so strong they decide to get closer even if it's only by one foot.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Five Feet Apart

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Emoni is a young mom. Ever since she got pregnant in high school, she's struggled to take care of not only herself but her daughter and Abuela. Regardless, she still has big dreams and wants to become a chef even though it's been pushed aside while she takes care of her loved ones. Despite this, she finds herself in the kitchen and might have the chance to make her dreams come true.

Quill Tree Books With the Fire on High

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

This story is all about high school girl Meg Murry who's trying to bring her dad back home. The first in a four-book series, Meg meets a stranger one night who informs her of a tesseract that will help her travel through dimensions. Along with her brother Charles and her friend Calvin, they travel to find out what exactly happened to Mr. Murry and take him back to their reality.

Square Fish A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet)

How Could She by Lauren Mechling

Geraldine isn't doing so well and she tries to get her life together in Toronto after a breakup. It doesn't help that her friends Sunny and Rachel took off to New York forever ago and seem to be living their best lives. Geraldine wants the same for herself, so she packs up and does the same. But everyone is dealing with their own issues and their friendships get called into question.

Penguin Books How Could She: A Novel

The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert

Twelve-year-old Alberta is used to being the only Black girl in her California town. But one day learns that the new owners of the bed and breakfast by her are black and they have a daughter the same age as her. She wants to become friends with Edie, but while she loves her California life, Edie is missing the streets of Brooklyn. When the two find old journals in Edie's attic, they go on a journey to find out who they belonged to and find out some deep secrets of the past.

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers The Only Black Girls in Town

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

A plane full of teen beauty pageant contests is headed to the girl's biggest show ever until their plane crashes. Stuck on a deserted island, they all struggle to stay alive. But holding onto their glamorous, high-end lifestyles will definitely get in their way.

Scholastic Press Beauty Queens

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda is about to enter high school, but before she starts this new chapter in her life, she is raped. She tries to go on with life like it never happened, but her depression gets worse over time and she begins skipping school and hanging out with some not-so-great people. Eventually, she meets a friend and finds the courage to speak up and defend herself.

Square Fish Speak

The To All the Boys I've Loved Before Trilogy by Jenny Han

This book series has given us one of the most romantic set of movies in years . The To All the Boys films follow Lara Jean, a high school student keeps writes letters to guys she's fallen in love with and keeps them in a box in her room. That becomes a problem when all of those letters get mailed to the boys they're addressed to and Lara has to deal with the aftermath.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers The To All the Boys I've Loved Before Paperback Collection: To All the Boys I've Loved Before; P.S. I Still Love You; Always and Forever, Lara Jean

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

A Mexican-American girl named Esperanza lives in Chicago. At 12 years old, she's finally settling down with her family on Mango street after moving frequently. Following a year of her life, we get to see the main character start to develop into the woman she's met to become while fighting against gender stereotypes, racism and physical and sexual violence.

The House on Mango Street

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Behold: the series that changed my life . There's a reason Harry Potter boasts legions of dedicated fans and holds the tile for best-selling book series of all time – it really is that good. J.K. Rowling creates an impossibly intricate magical world that will have you reaching for the series time and again ( I've literally read it 30 times and I CANNOT stop).

Brand Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Junior is an aspiring cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. He decides to take control of his future, transferring away from his school on the reservation in order to attend an all-white high school nearby. The book is based off of the author's real-life experiences, as he attempts to break away from the life he was born into.

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

You've heard all your friends talking about this book – and for good reason. It's a timeless teen tale, following Simon as he navigates high school life, friendship, and his own biggest secret – that he's gay. When a fellow classmate accidentally find out and threatens to out him, Simon must come to terms with who he is, while trying to win over the guy of his dreams.

Balzer Bray Harperteen Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Tithe by Holly Black

Kaye's world is turned upside down when she discovers that the faerie world is real. She finds herself between two of their queens that are looking to do whatever it takes to make sure their followers survive this war that they're in. Author Holly Black creates a majestic world that will leave readers hungry for more. Read the entire Folk of Air series to follow along Kaye's journey to find her identity as she enters the reams of good vs. evil.

Margaret K. McElderry Books Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda

In this fun fantasy read with a whole lot of dragons. Two best friends must come to terms with their past and their possible futures, when they compete against each other to lead their city's army in this riveting and eye-opening read.

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan

In her debut novel, Emily X.R. Pan writes one of the best books about grief after the loss of a loved one. When her mother kills herself, Leigh travels to Taiwan in search for her mother's reincarnation, while grappling with her own guilt.

The Astonishing Color of After

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

A life-changing event causes Annabel to lose all her friends before her senior year, making her a loner in one of the most important years of her life. However, someone new comes to town and gives her the chance to finally share her side of the story.

Puffin Books Just Listen

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Crank is an eye-opening series about how drug use can destroy the life of a person and those around them. It's one of the most realistic depictions of addiction that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wanting to find out what happens next.

Margaret K McElderry Books The Crank Trilogy: Crank; Glass; Fallout

The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld

In a world where everyone can be pretty, most look forward to the day they finally can be accepted into society, thanks to a procedure done on their 16th birthday. However, Tally Youngblood sees how these ideals are impacting her society for the worse, so she tries to do whatever she can to change it.

Simon Pulse Uglies Series Box Set

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

For years, the Hunger Games was the buzziest book on shelves, but I can promise you, this trilogy deserves alllll the hype. It's a thrilling tale of a post-apocalyptic society where the government forces teenagers to kill each other on live television. Only the winner makes it out of the arena alive.

SCHOLASTIC The Hunger Games Box Set: Foil Edition

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

This book, which is the first in a series, is directed towards a younger audience (around 10-years-old). It's the first dystopian book I ever read and changed me for life.

Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers The Shadow Children

The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer

Girl meets vampire, girl and vampire fall in love, girl then also falls in love with a... werewolf? Bella Swan and Edward Cullen’s love story is one of the most spellbinding of our generation, mark our words. Let’s not forget that Bella’s realized affection for Jacob Black created one of the most epic love triangles ever.

The Twilight Saga Complete Collection

I Guess I Live Here Now by Claire Ahn

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Tamara Fuentes is the current Entertainment Editor at Cosmopolitan , where she covers TV, movies, books, celebrities, and more. She can often be found in front of a screen fangirling about something new. Before joining Cosmopolitan , she was the entertainment editor over at Seventeen . She is also a member of the Television Critics Association and the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram . 

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Students Target Teachers in Group TikTok Attack, Shaking Their School

Seventh and eighth graders in Malvern, Pa., impersonating their teachers posted disparaging, lewd, racist and homophobic videos in the first known mass attack of its kind in the U.S.

By Natasha Singer

Natasha Singer, who covers technology in schools, reported from Malvern, Pa. She welcomes reader tips at nytimes.com/tips .

In February, Patrice Motz, a veteran Spanish teacher at Great Valley Middle School in Malvern, Pa., was warned by another teacher that trouble was brewing.

Some eighth graders at her public school had set up fake TikTok accounts impersonating teachers. Ms. Motz, who had never used TikTok, created an account.

She found a fake profile for @patrice.motz, which had posted a real photo of her at the beach with her husband and their young children. “Do you like to touch kids?” a text in Spanish over the family vacation photo asked. “Answer: Sí.”

In the days that followed, some 20 educators — about one quarter of the school’s faculty — discovered they were victims of fake teacher accounts rife with pedophilia innuendo, racist memes, homophobia and made-up sexual hookups among teachers. Hundreds of students soon viewed, followed or commented on the fraudulent accounts.

In the aftermath, the school district briefly suspended several students, teachers said. The principal during one lunch period chastised the eighth-grade class for its behavior.

The biggest fallout has been for teachers like Ms. Motz, who said she felt “kicked in the stomach” that students would so casually savage teachers’ families. The online harassment has left some teachers worried that social media platforms are helping to stunt the growth of empathy in students. Some teachers are now hesitant to call out pupils who act up in class. Others said it had been challenging to keep teaching.

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Project 2025: What is it? Who is behind it? How is it connected to Trump?

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WHAT IS PROJECT 2025?

Is it connected to the trump campaign, what are the project's main proposals, does trump agree with the project's proposals, why is project 2025 such a big deal at the moment.

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Reporting by Gram Slattery, editing by Ross Colvin and Rosalba O'Brien

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Thomson Reuters

Washington-based correspondent covering campaigns and Congress. Previously posted in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Santiago, Chile, and has reported extensively throughout Latin America. Co-winner of the 2021 Reuters Journalist of the Year Award in the business coverage category for a series on corruption and fraud in the oil industry. He was born in Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard College.

Israel says it intercepts missile fired from Yemen, Houthis say they targeted Eilat

The attack prolonged an escalation of violence that began with a deadly Houthi drone strike on Tel Aviv on Friday and an Israeli air raid near Yemen's Hodeidah port on Saturday that killed six and injured 80.

Trump rally shooter Thomas Crooks: Neighbors, classmates, employer speak

A 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania fired multiple shots at former President Donald Trump at a rally on Saturday evening.

A bullet grazed the presumptive Republican presidential nominee's upper right ear , leaving him bloodied but not seriously injured. One rally attendee was killed in the gunfire and two others were "critically injured," authorities later said.

Here's what we know:

Who is the shooter at the rally?

The FBI identified Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the person behind the assassination attempt. Agency officials released little additional information, saying its investigation remains active and ongoing. They did not indicate what Crooks' motive might have been.

Crooks worked at a nearby nursing home. An administrator there told USA TODAY that the company was shocked to learn of the shooting and that Crooks had passed a background check for his job.

What did Thomas Crooks do at the crime scene?

During the shooting Saturday, Trump's right ear was injured, seconds before he was whisked off stage by Secret Service personnel.  One man attending the rally was killed  and two others were injured; Crooks was then killed by Secret Service agents , authorities said.

FBI special agent Kevin Rojek said on a call with media Sunday afternoon that authorities found "a suspicious device" when they searched the shooter's vehicle. Bomb technicians inspected the device and rendered it safe. 

"I'm not in a position to provide any expertise on the specific components of any potential bombs or suspicious packages," Rojek added. 

Rojek said law enforcement is sending the rifle and Crooks' cell phone, along with other evidence, to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia "for processing and exploitation."

"We're in the process of searching his phone," Rojek said.

Maps and graphics: What happened in the Trump assassination attempt

What is Crooks' background?

Crooks is registered to vote as a Republican in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, according to county voter records. His voter registration status has been active since 2021.

Federal Election Commission records show that in January 2021, Crooks made a $15 donation to the Progressive Turnout Project, a group working to increase voter turnout for Democrats.

Born Sept. 20, 2003, Crooks does not have a criminal record in Pennsylvania, nor has he been sued there, according to state court records. There is no record of him in federal court databases, either.

Where did Thomas Crooks work?

Crooks worked as a dietary aid, a job that generally involves food preparation, at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, less than a mile from his home. In a statement provided to USA TODAY on Sunday, Marcie Grimm, the facility's administrator, said she was "shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement."

"Thomas Matthew Crooks performed his job without concern and his background check was clean," Grimm said. "We are fully cooperating with law enforcement officials at this time. Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further on any specifics. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Former President Trump and the victims impacted by this terrible tragedy. We condemn all acts of violence."

The facility is owned by Kennett Square, Pennsylvania-based Genesis Healthcare. A job posting from the company for a dietary aid in the Pittsburgh area puts the pay at $16 an hour.

Thomas Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania

Crooks' home address is listed in Bethel Park, a suburb in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, voter records show. That three-bedroom brick house has been owned since 1998 by Matthew and Mary Crooks, who appear to be his parents. Telephone calls to the couple were not returned overnight.

Near the Crooks home, Dean Sierka, 52, said he had known Crooks and his parents for years, as neighbors separated by only a few houses. Sierka’s daughter attended school with Crooks from elementary school through Bethel Park High School, and said she remembers him as quiet and shy.

Dean and his daughter said they would see Crooks at least once a week, often when Crooks was walking to work.

“You wouldn’t have expected this,” Dean Sierka said. “The parents and the family are all really nice people.”

At Bethel Park High School

Thomas Crooks graduated two years ago from Bethel Park High School, the Bethel Park School District confirmed. He was included in a 2022 local news article about recipients of a National Math & Science Initiative Star Award at the public high school, which enrolls about 1,300 students.

Jason Kohler attended Bethel Park High School with Crooks and said he remembers the 20-year-old sat alone at lunch and was “bullied almost every day.” Kids picked on Crooks for wearing camouflage to class and his quiet demeanor, Kohler, 21, said.

Since hearing Crooks has been named as the shooter, Kohler has been speaking with classmates who knew him, most of whom are stunned by the news.“It’s really hard to comprehend,” he said.

Sean Eckert said he went to school with Crooks from 5th through 12th grade. He said Crooks always went by “Tom.“

They shared classes together in elementary and middle school. Eckert said Crooks, though "fairly smart," was quiet and rarely spoke up.

Eckert said Crooks did not seem to have many friends. He didn't recall Crooks being playing any sports, being involved in any clubs or student groups or going to popular campus events. He often wore hunting clothes, so Eckert assumed he hunted.

No one in Eckert's group text from high school seemed to know Crooks very well, he said. They were shocked that someone from their town had done this. They were even more surprised that it was Tom Crooks.

Nursing aide turned sniper: Thomas Crooks' mysterious plot to kill Trump

The gaming-oriented online site Discord said Sunday that it had found an account that appeared to be linked to the shooting suspect. The site removed the account, which “was rarely utilized, has not been used in months, and we have found no evidence that it was used to plan this incident, promote violence, or discuss his political views,“ according to a statement from a Discord spokesperson, adding that the company will coordinate closely with law enforcement.

Crooks was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, a shooting club about 8 miles from his home. It is a sprawling complex of 180 acres with rifle, pistol and archery ranges, an area for dog training and a clubhouse, according to the club website.An attorney for the club, Robert Bootay III, confirmed Crooks' membership in an email to USA TODAY, but would not offer additional details.

Where is Bethel Park, Pennsylvania?

Bethel Park is a suburb of Pittsburgh and home to more than 32,000 people – about one thousand fewer than four years ago, according to the latest Census estimates. 

The majority-white, mostly college-educated community has a median household income of $102,177. 

Described as a charming retreat from the hustle and bustle of the big city to its north, Bethel Park boasts tree-line streets, friendly neighborhoods and a low crime rate.

Bethel Park is about 42 miles south of Butler, where the Trump rally was held. The leafy suburban street was alive with law enforcement overnight amid a multi-agency response to the shooting. A member of the Allegheny County bomb squad told reporters his team was headed into the house around midnight, but did not say why.

For hours afterward, the scene remained quiet, with deer passing under the police tape and an occasional neighbor stepping out of their house to see what was happening.

John Wolf, a local construction superintendent who lives down the road, said he’d talked with several worried neighbors.

“People are scared,” Wolf said.

How did Crooks shoot at Trump?

Crooks had been positioned on a rooftop more than 100 yards from the rally site, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said. Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle from the scene.

Joseph Price, special agent in charge of the ATF in Pittsburgh, said the weapon used by the shooter was a rifle.“It was nothing special,” he said in an interview in the parking lot of the Butler Township Municipal Building.

Law enforcement is following up on a “number of suspicious occurrences,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police, including accounts from witnesses who said they tried to flag police about the activity of a person outside the rally moments before the shooting.

The FBI said in a news release that the situation “remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at  FBI.gov/butler  or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

Contributing: Stephanie Warsmith, Tim Evans, Aysha Bagchi, Jessica Guynn, Bryce Buyakie

Trump rally shooter identified as 20-year-old Pennsylvania man

The man who authorities said attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania was a member of a local gun club and worked as a dietary aide at a nursing facility.

The shooter, identified by the FBI as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by at least one Secret Service sharpshooter, authorities said.

Crooks was a registered Republican, according to Pennsylvania voter records. But he also appeared to have made a $15 donation to the Progressive Turnout Project on Inauguration Day in 2021, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Corey Comperatore, 50, a former chief of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company, was identified as the sole victim fatally shot by Crooks during Saturday's attempt in Butler. Two other people were injured and are stable.

The shooter used a semiautomatic rifle, three senior U.S. law enforcement officials said based on what was found at the scene. Investigators are looking into whether the gun belonged to his father and had been purchased legally, according to two senior law enforcement officials.

He is believed to have fired eight shots before he was taken down, said an official, citing preliminary findings.

Multiple suspicious canisters or containers were found in the shooter’s vehicle, but it’s unclear whether they were functional as incendiary or explosive devices, two officials said.

Crooks’ family is cooperating with investigators. His motive remains unclear, said a senior law enforcement official who was briefed on the matter.

The Defense Department confirmed that Crooks had no affiliation with the U.S. military.

He was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club in Pittsburgh. The facility has various shooting ranges, including a 200-yard rifle range, as well as pistol ranges and indoor and outdoor archery ranges.

"We're sick over this," club president Bill Sellitto said. "It's just a terrible thing."

In a statement, the club said it "fully admonishes the senseless act of violence that occurred" Saturday and offered "its sincerest condolences to the Comperatore family and extends prayers to all of those injured including the former President."

The Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where the shooter worked as a dietary aide, said in a statement that "his background check was clean" and that he "performed his job without any concern."

"We are shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement," Marcie Grimm, an administrator at the center, said in a statement Sunday. She said that the center is cooperating with law enforcement and that it couldn't comment further.

Bethel Park is a predominantly white, relatively well-to-do city in the southern reaches of greater Pittsburgh. The site of the rally, Butler, is about an hour’s drive north of Pittsburgh.

Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022. He was among more than a dozen students who received National Math & Science Initiative Star Awards that year, according to a story in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review .

A high school classmate, Jason Kohler, 21, said Crooks was a “loner” who was “bullied so much in high school.”

He would regularly wear hunting outfits and was made fun of for the way he dressed, Kohler said.

“He would sit alone at lunch. He was just the outcast,” Kohler said. “It’s honestly kind of sad.”

Michael Dudjak, 20, who went to school with Crooks for most of his life, recalled him as a relatively reserved and quiet classmate. He didn’t hear or see Crooks being actively bullied by their peers, Dudjak said, but Crooks was “on his own a lot.”

He couldn’t recall Crooks ever being outspoken about politics or very active on social media. Dudjak was with some friends and acquaintances from high school Saturday night when he learned that Crooks was the shooter.

They were all “in shock” and “couldn’t fathom” the news, Dudjak said.

“It’s definitely terrifying for someone you went to school with to commit such a heinous act. ... That’s the craziest thing about it when it entered my brain,” Dudjak said. “You were in the same class as this person two years ago.”

A man who lives on the shooter’s street said he was shocked to wake up to the news that a neighbor was responsible for the assassination attempt. “It’s absolutely nuts,” said the man, Andrew Blanco, 39.

Blanco said that most people on the block are friendly but that he rarely saw or spoke to anyone at the home.

“I just don’t know anything about them, because they’re not even outside,” Blanco said.

Dan Grzybek, a Democrat on the Allegheny County Council who lives down the street from the shooter’s home in Bethel Park, said neighbors can’t believe the shooter lived among them.

“No one ever expects that something like this would be done by someone who lives right in their neighborhood,” Grzybek said.

Grzybek said that when he was running for his County Council seat last fall, he met Crooks’ parents while he was knocking on doors in the neighborhood. Speaking at the family’s front door, Grzybek said he had a “very pleasant conversation” with Crooks’ parents.

Grzybek said he hadn’t previously met the shooter. It was a “very typical voter conversation,” Grzybek said.

Ryan J. Reilly is a justice reporter for NBC News.

Kelly O’Donnell is Senior White House correspondent for NBC News.

Tom Winter is a New York-based correspondent covering crime, courts, terrorism and financial fraud on the East Coast for the NBC News Investigative Unit.

Jonathan Dienst is chief justice contributor for NBC News and chief investigative reporter for WNBC-TV in New York.