These must-read books for teens include romance, coming-of-age tales, mysteries, and dystopian adventures.
Take a peek into the world of young adult literature, where stories come alive, emotions run deep, and adventures abound in every page, much like the adolescence years.
Being a teen can feel like being on an emotional rollercoaster, with moments of sheer joy, deep frustration and confusing emotions. While on this journey of self-discovery, growth, and exploration, books make for the perfect objective companions, offering more than just perspectives and an escape from reality.
Whether you’re a fan of romance, coming-of-age tales, mysteries, or dystopian adventures, here is a diverse list of eight books that every teen should read before they turn 18.
Author: John Green
Genre: Romance
This story follows the story of Hazel, a young cancer survivor, and Augustus, a fellow support group member. Their romance unfolds amidst the challenges of living with illness. Their shared love for a novel brings them together, resulting in a journey to visit a reclusive author in Amsterdam. The journey of Hazel and Augustus is a delicate balance between joy and sorrow, ultimately exploring the profound impact of love in the face of adversity. The popular book was also made into a movie in English and Hindi (“Dil Bechara”).
Author: Angie Thomas
Genre: Coming-of-age fiction
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, the story introduces us to 16-year-old Starr Carter, who witnesses the fatal shooting of her friend Khalil by a police officer. What really went down that night? The only person alive who can answer that is Starr. As she grapples with grief, fear, and the need for justice, Starr finds herself caught between supporting her community and staying out of trouble. Eventually, she finds her voice and becomes an advocate against racial injustice, navigating the complexities of her community and identity.
Author: Jay Asher
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Highschooler Clay Jensen receives a showbox containing series of cassette tapes from his late classmate and first love, Hannah Baker, who died recently. In the cassettes, Hannah explains the 13 reasons why she chose to take her own life – and one of them being him. As he listens to her recordings, Clay embarks on a haunting journey to uncover the dark secrets that led to her tragic decision.
Author: Markus Zusak
Genre: Historical fiction
Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, it tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living with her foster parents. She finds solace in stealing and reading the books which the Nazi government seeks to destroy. One of the days when she is in the basement working on her manuscript, her street is bombed killing her friends, family, and neighbours. Liesel is the sole survivor.
Years later, Liesel dies as an old woman in Australia, surrounded by her family and friends. The entire story is narrated by Death.
Author: Madeleine L’Engle
Genre: Science Fiction
The story primarily follows Meg Murry and her younger brother Charles Wallace Murry, who are considered outcasts. The siblings, along with their friend Calvin O’Keefe are approached by three celestial beings, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which who reveal that their father Dr. Murry is trapped on a distant planet, and enlist the children to help save him.
With the guidance of celestial beings, the children travel through space and time via a tesseract, facing otherworldly challenges to rescue their father.
Author: Nicola Yoon
Genre: Drama
This young adult drama follows the whirlwind romance between teenagers Natasha Kingsley, a pragmatic Jamaican girl facing deportation, and Daniel Bae, an introspective Korean-American who is on his way to a college interview.
They share their dreams, fears, and cultural backgrounds as they fall in love over the course of a single day. Through their interactions, the book explores the themes of love, destiny, and immigration. It puts out the idea that even in a vast and indifferent universe, love and connection can bring meaning and significance to our lives.
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Dystopian fiction
Set in a dystopian future, where a totalitarian government controls the nation of Panem. The Capitol forces children from the districts to participate in an annual deadly event called the Hunger Games.
Katniss Everdeen takes her younger sister’s place as District 12’s female tribute, alongside Peeta Mellark, the male tribute. As the two are thrust into the cruel world of the Hunger Games, they must form alliances, navigate treacherous landscapes, and contend with deadly adversaries. Through it all, Katniss becomes a symbol of hope and rebellion
Author: Karen Harris
Genre: Non Fiction (Self-Help)
This guidebook is designed to help teenagers navigate the challenges of adolescence and acquire essential life skills. This self-help book is a practical resource that covers a wide range of key life skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, decision-making, time management, goal setting, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, financial literacy, and more.
Each chapter is structured with actionable steps, and uses real-life examples and interactive activities.
