50 Best Books For Teens
Teenagers are at a crucial stage in their lives where they’re exploring their identities, forming their opinions, and developing a lifelong love for reading.
The right book can have a profound impact on them, offering them not only a great escape but also valuable life lessons and insights.
Whether you’re a teenager yourself or a parent or guardian looking for books to recommend, I have compiled this list of the best books for you that cover a wide range of genres and themes.
Let’s check them out.
1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
Set in the 1930s in the American South, this novel is renowned for its warmth and humor, despite dealing with serious issues of rape and racial inequality.
The story is told from the perspective of a young girl named Scout Finch, whose father, Atticus Finch, is an attorney appointed to represent a black man accused of raping a white woman.
The book is a profound exploration of human behavior, prejudice, and the moral nature of society.
2. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
This novel is a classic narrative of teenage angst and alienation, told through the eyes of the protagonist, Holden Caulfield.
After being expelled from prep school, Holden wanders New York City, grappling with issues of identity, belonging, loss, and connection. The book is known for its themes of teenage rebellion and angst, as well as its critique of adult hypocrisy.
3. “1984” by George Orwell
A masterpiece of dystopian fiction, “1984” portrays a future where totalitarian government reigns supreme. The protagonist, Winston Smith, struggles with oppression in a world where independent thinking is regarded as a thought crime.
The novel delves into themes of government surveillance, propaganda, and the manipulation of truth, and remains relevant today for its insights into power and control.
4. “The Harry Potter Series” by J.K. Rowling
This globally celebrated series follows the life and adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, all of whom are students at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The main plot revolves around Harry’s struggle against the dark wizard Voldemort.
The series is known for its intricate plot, magical world-building, and exploration of themes such as friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil.
5. “The Hunger Games Trilogy” by Suzanne Collins
Set in a dystopian future, this series is centered around Katniss Everdeen, a teenager who volunteers to participate in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death, in place of her younger sister.
The books explore themes of survival, totalitarianism, rebellion, and societal entertainment in the face of human suffering.
6. “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
This novel tells the poignant and heartfelt story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old cancer patient who is forced to attend a support group where she meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters, an ex-basketball player and amputee.
The story is both a romance and a meditation on illness, suffering, and love in the face of death.
7. “Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series” by Rick Riordan
This series blends modern-day settings with ancient Greek mythology. Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon, embarks on various adventures with his demigod friends to battle mythical monsters and solve ancient mysteries.
The series is notable for its fast-paced action, humor, and educational insights into Greek mythology.
8. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
Narrated by Death, this novel is set in Nazi Germany and tells the story of a young girl, Liesel Meminger, who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others.
Amidst the horrors of World War II, Liesel’s story explores themes of the power of words, the human capacity for both kindness and cruelty, and the resilience of the human spirit in dark times.
9. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
This novel is a profound reflection on race, police brutality, and activism in contemporary America.
It follows the life of Starr Carter, a 16-year-old African American girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, by a police officer.
Starr’s struggle to seek justice for Khalil leads her on a path of activism, forcing her to confront the complexities of identity, community, and the role of individuals in societal change.
10. “Animal Farm” by George Orwell
A potent satirical allegory of Soviet totalitarianism, “Animal Farm” depicts a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society based on equality.
However, the rebellion soon gives way to a new tyranny led by pigs.
The novel deftly uses the story of the farm to critique corruption and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals, exploring themes of power, manipulation, and the cyclical nature of oppression.
11. “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Set on a deserted island, this novel explores the dark side of human nature. A group of British boys find themselves stranded without adult supervision.
Their initial attempts at creating a civilized society soon deteriorate into savage behavior and brutal power struggles, revealing the inherent savagery lying beneath the surface of civilization.
The book serves as a compelling commentary on the thin veneer of societal norms and the intrinsic human instinct for power and dominance.
12. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry
Set in a seemingly utopian society where pain, suffering, and choice have been eradicated, the story centers around a 12-year-old boy named Jonas.
When he is assigned the role of “Receiver of Memory,” he begins to uncover the dark secrets behind his community’s tranquil façade. The novel delves into themes of conformity, the importance of pain and emotion in human experience, and the value of individuality.
13. “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton
This novel is a gripping account of class conflict and the struggles of adolescence. It tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis, a member of the Greasers, a gang of lower-class teenagers who are perpetually at odds with the Socs, a group of wealthier kids.
The story explores themes of brotherhood, class struggle, and the loss of innocence in the face of societal conflicts and personal tragedies.
14. “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
This timeless novel follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative, red-haired orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who wanted to adopt a boy to help with farm work.
Anne’s vibrant personality and vivid imagination bring both chaos and joy into their lives. The story captures the trials and triumphs of growing up, the beauty of finding one’s place in the world, and the power of imagination.
15. “The Maze Runner Series” by James Dashner
This series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the protagonist, Thomas, wakes up with no memory in a community of boys, all trapped in a mysterious environment known as the Glade.
They soon discover they are part of a larger experiment and must navigate through a deadly maze to find answers and ultimately their freedom. The series is marked by intense action, complex mysteries, and themes exploring survival, identity, and the human capacity to endure in extreme circumstances.
16. “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
This novel is a touching story of two star-crossed teenagers in the 1980s. Eleanor, a misfit with a troubled family life, and Park, a half-Korean boy who feels out of place, bond over comic books and mixtapes.
Their romance blossoms against a backdrop of bullying and domestic strife, exploring themes of first love, acceptance, and the struggles of teenage life.
17. “Looking for Alaska” by John Green
This novel is centered on Miles “Pudge” Halter, who enrolls in a boarding school to seek what the poet Rabelais called the “Great Perhaps”. There he meets Alaska Young, a beautiful and emotionally tumultuous student who captivates him.
The book navigates through themes of love, loss, and the labyrinth of human suffering, as Miles experiences the exhilarating highs and devastating lows of adolescence.
18. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle
A blend of science fiction and fantasy, this story follows young Meg Murry, her brilliant brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe as they embark on an interdimensional journey to save Meg’s father.
Guided by three celestial beings, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, the children brave a dangerous journey to confront a dark evil.
The novel explores themes of good versus evil, the power of love, and the importance of individuality.
19. “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli
This contemporary young adult novel is about Simon Spier, a closeted gay teenager who prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being exposed.
Simon must step out of his comfort zone before he’s outed against his will or worse, the adorable new guy he hasn’t even met is.
The book is a heartfelt, humorous exploration of identity, friendship, and the journey to self-acceptance.
20. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky
Written in the form of letters to an anonymous stranger, this novel chronicles the life of Charlie, an introverted teenager, as he navigates the challenges of high school, first love, and past traumas.
The story captures the essence of being a teenager – the confusion, excitement, and angst. It deals with themes of mental health, sexuality, and the journey to find one’s place in the world.
21. “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury
Set in a dystopian future where books are banned and “firemen” burn any that are found, the story follows Guy Montag, a fireman who begins to question his role in society after meeting a free-thinking young woman.
The novel is a powerful critique of censorship and conformity, as well as an exploration of the importance of literature and independent thought in a society that discourages both.
22. “Divergent Trilogy” by Veronica Roth
In a dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue. When the protagonist, Tris Prior, discovers she’s Divergent and doesn’t fit into any one group, she uncovers a conspiracy to eliminate all Divergents.
The series follows her journey of self-discovery and her fight against a society that seeks to categorize and control its citizens. Themes of identity, choice, bravery, and societal division are central.
23. “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley
This novel presents a future society where people are genetically engineered, indoctrinated into predetermined roles, and given a drug called Soma to keep them docile.
The story explores the clash between John, a man raised outside of this society, and the rest of the “civilized” world, probing deep questions about individuality, freedom, and the cost of a stable, pain-free society.
24. “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis
A series of seven fantasy novels, best known for “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” It’s set in the magical land of Narnia, a place where animals talk and magic is common.
The series covers the creation and history of Narnia, the adventures of various children who play central roles in the unfolding history of this world, and the final judgment of Narnia. Themes of good versus evil, Christian allegory, and redemption are prevalent throughout the series.
25. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
This is a prelude to the epic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. It follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is drawn into a quest to recover treasure from the fearsome dragon Smaug.
Guided by the wizard Gandalf and accompanied by a group of dwarves, Bilbo’s adventure takes him from his quiet home through dangerous lands filled with goblins, elves, and other fantastical creatures.
The story is celebrated for its rich fantasy world-building and exploration of themes like bravery, greed, and the discovery of one’s true self.
26. “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs
This novel combines fantasy with eerie photography to tell the story of Jacob, a teenager who discovers a mysterious orphanage inhabited by children with extraordinary abilities.
Set in a time loop of September 3, 1940, these “peculiar” children are protected by Miss Peregrine from the outside world and monstrous creatures.
The book is a blend of adventure, time travel, and dark fantasy, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the concept of family.
27. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
This philosophical book tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of discovering a worldly treasure located somewhere in the Egyptian pyramids.
It’s a tale about following one’s dreams, listening to one’s heart, and reading life’s omens.
Throughout his journey, Santiago learns the importance of listening to his heart and, more importantly, realizes that his dream, or “Personal Legend,” is not just about the physical treasure, but about self-discovery, personal growth, and the journey itself.
28. “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai
This memoir by the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala Yousafzai, details her life in Pakistan and her fight for education against the Taliban.
The book describes her advocacy for girls’ education, her survival after being shot by the Taliban, and her unyielding determination to continue her struggle.
It is a powerful testament to the courage and resilience of a young woman standing up against oppression.
29. “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson
This novel is a poignant and powerful portrayal of a high school freshman, Melinda, who becomes an outcast after calling the police during a summer party.
As she struggles with the aftermath of a traumatic rape, Melinda finds solace in art and gradually regains her voice to speak her truth. The book is lauded for its realistic and sensitive handling of topics like sexual assault, isolation, and the path to recovery.
30. “The Sun is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon
This novel is a romantic and thought-provoking story about Natasha, a Jamaican girl whose family is facing deportation, and Daniel, a Korean-American boy struggling to live up to his parents’ expectations.
Set in New York City over the course of a single day, their chance encounter and budding romance explore themes of fate, destiny, and the interconnectedness of human lives.
31. “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher
This impactful novel revolves around a high school student, Clay Jensen, who receives a series of tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, a classmate who recently committed suicide.
Each tape explains the role that different individuals played in her decision to end her life. The book delves into the effects of bullying, betrayal, sexual assault, and the devastating impact of overlooking the struggles of those around us.
32. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
This is a charming and lighthearted romantic series about a high school girl, Lara Jean, whose secret love letters to her crushes accidentally get sent out, turning her life upside down.
As she navigates the resulting complications, the story explores themes of love, family, and growing up. Lara Jean’s journey through the trials of adolescence and romance is both relatable and heartwarming.
33. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
This inspiring novel follows the story of August Pullman, a boy born with facial differences that have prevented him from attending a mainstream school.
Starting 5th grade at a new school, he desires to be treated as an ordinary kid but his classmates struggle to see past his extraordinary face. This heartwarming story promotes themes of kindness, acceptance, and the importance of looking beyond the surface.
34. “Shadow and Bone Trilogy” by Leigh Bardugo
Set in the fictional world of Ravka, this fantasy series introduces a realm torn apart by dark magic known as the Shadow Fold. Alina Starkov, the protagonist, discovers she possesses an extraordinary power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free.
The series blends elements of Russian folklore and fantasy, creating a rich, darkly atmospheric world filled with complex characters and political intrigue.
35. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
A timeless classic, this novel follows the lives of the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – and their journey from childhood to womanhood.
Set during the Civil War, the story is a poignant and insightful exploration of the challenges and joys of growing up, the bond of sisterhood, and the struggle for personal identity in a changing world.
36. “A Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket
This series chronicles the tragic tale of the Baudelaire orphans – Violet, Klaus, and Sunny – and their encounters with the evil Count Olaf, who is determined to claim their inheritance.
The books are known for their gothic tone, dark humor, and direct narrative style, which explores themes of perseverance in the face of adversity.
37. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon
Narrated by a 15-year-old autistic protagonist, Christopher John Francis Boone, this novel explores his investigation into the murder of a neighbor’s dog. The story provides a unique perspective on life, detailing Christopher’s experiences and ways of processing the world around him.
The novel is celebrated for its portrayal of autism and its gripping, emotionally resonant narrative.
38. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie
Based on the author’s own experiences, this novel follows Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation.
Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school.
The book is a frank portrayal of contemporary life on a Native American reservation, exploring themes of identity, poverty, and the struggle between the traditions of one’s heritage and the possibilities of a different life.
39. “The Inheritance Cycle” by Christopher Paolini
This series, starting with “Eragon,” is set in the mythical land of Alagaësia and follows the story of a young farm boy named Eragon who discovers that he is the last of the Dragon Riders, a group thought to be extinct.
With his dragon Saphira, Eragon battles the tyrannical ruler of Alagaësia. The series is known for its expansive world-building, intricate magic system, and epic battles between good and evil.
40. “Holes” by Louis Sachar
This novel follows Stanley Yelnats, a teenager who is wrongfully convicted and sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center. The camp’s regimen involves digging large holes, which the warden claims is character-building, but there’s more than meets the eye.
The story intertwines Stanley’s experience with the history of his family and the mystery behind the camp’s true purpose, exploring themes of justice, destiny, and friendship.
41. “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng
This novel is set in the seemingly idyllic suburban town of Shaker Heights, Ohio, where everything is planned and there’s a place for everything.
The story centers around two families: the Richardsons, who epitomize the town’s well-ordered environment, and the Warrens, a mother and daughter who disrupt the status quo.
It delves deeply into the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood.
42. “Mortal Instruments Series” by Cassandra Clare
This series revolves around Clary Fray, who discovers she is a Shadowhunter, a human-angel hybrid who hunts demons.
Set in an urban fantasy world filled with vampires, werewolves, and warlocks, the narrative follows Clary’s journey as she delves into this hidden world, uncovers family secrets, and battles a host of supernatural threats. The series is known for its complex characters, intricate world-building, and exploration of themes like identity, love, and belonging.
43. “The Princess Diaries” by Meg Cabot
The series chronicles the life of Mia Thermopolis, a teenage girl who discovers she is the heir to the throne of a European principality called Genovia. These books detail Mia’s transformation from an ordinary teenager into a princess and her navigation through the complexities of high school, romance, and royal responsibilities, all with a humorous and relatable tone.
44. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank
This is the real-life diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II.
The diary offers a poignant, insightful, and often heartbreaking look into Anne’s life and thoughts during her time in hiding. It’s a powerful testament to the human spirit under the most trying circumstances and provides a unique perspective on the horrors of the Holocaust.
45. “Paper Towns” by John Green
The novel follows Quentin Jacobsen, who has spent a lifetime loving the adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. When Margo disappears after a night of daring escapades, Quentin embarks on a journey to find her, leading to a deeper understanding of both Margo and himself.
The book explores themes of perception versus reality, the complexity of human beings, and the journey of self-discovery.
46. “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel
This novel tells the extraordinary story of Pi Patel, a young Indian boy who survives a shipwreck and is stranded in the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
The book explores themes of spirituality, survival, and the nature of reality, and is notable for its philosophical depth and the way it blends elements of adventure, survival, and spirituality.
47. “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck
Set during the Great Depression, this novel follows the Joad family as they travel from Oklahoma to California in search of a better life. It’s a powerful exploration of economic hardship, social injustice, and the human struggle for survival, dignity, and justice.
Steinbeck’s depiction of the plight of the working class and his critique of societal inequalities make it a landmark work in American literature.
48. “Lord of the Rings Trilogy” by J.R.R. Tolkien
This epic fantasy series, comprising “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” and “The Return of the King,” is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth. It follows the quest to destroy the One Ring, which was created by the dark lord Sauron to rule the world.
The series is celebrated for its rich world-building, complex characters, and exploration of themes like the struggle between good and evil, the power of friendship, and the corrupting influence of power.
49. “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini
This fantasy novel, the first in the Inheritance Cycle, tells the story of a young farm boy named Eragon, who finds a mysterious stone that turns out to be a dragon egg.
Eragon becomes a Dragon Rider, thrust into a world of magic and power, as he battles the tyrannical ruler of his homeland. The novel features themes of destiny, heroism, and the battle against tyranny.
50. “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
This is the first book in the “Percy Jackson & The Olympians” series. It introduces Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon.
He is sent to Camp Half-Blood, a training camp for demigods, and soon embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the Greek gods. The book is known for its engaging blend of modern-day settings and ancient Greek mythology, along with its humor and action-packed adventures.
