Being a teenager feels like you’re dealing with all the problems of the world at once. No one gets you, and even when you try to explain yourself, people hardly care. It’s these times most find comfort in books. However, here you also find the challenge of what you should read. You can’t go back to kids’ stuff, and the adult books seem too mature for your taste. If you aren’t too picky about the genre, then we may help you with that.
This list of the best books for teens is perfect for readers who are open to exploring new worlds, complex characters, and unforgettable plots. Each book offers something unique, whether it’s an emotional journey, a thrilling adventure, or a powerful message. No matter what they pick, these books are sure to leave a lasting impression.
The 15 Best Books for Teen Readers to Have Right Now
1. The Hunger Games
- Author: Suzanne Collins
- Prize Awarded: Multiple awards, including the California Young Reader Medal
- Book Launch Date: September 14, 2008
- Preferred Group: Fans of dystopian adventures and high-stakes survival stories.
- Where to Buy: Available at Amazon, Bookshop.org, and most major retailers.
Book Overview:
In the dystopian world of Panem, 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister’s place in the brutal Hunger Games—a televised fight to the death. As she navigates alliances and battles for survival, Katniss discovers her strength and the spark of rebellion brewing within.
With its fast-paced action, relatable protagonist, and themes of courage and sacrifice, The Hunger Games is a standout among the best books for teens. Its gripping narrative makes it hard to put down. Once you start, there’s no stopping until you complete the five-book series.
2. The Hate U Give
- Author: Angie Thomas
- Prize Awarded: Coretta Scott King Award, Michael L. Printz Honor
- Book Launch Date: February 28, 2017
- Preferred Group: Teens interested in contemporary fiction with a powerful social message.
- Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores.
Book Overview:
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter’s life is split between her poor neighborhood and the private school she attends. When she witnesses the fatal police shooting of her best friend, Khalil, Starr must navigate her grief while finding the courage to speak out. Angie Thomas weaves a deeply emotional story that tackles issues like racism, identity, and community.
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
- Author: Stephen Chbosky
- Prize Awarded: ALA Best Book for Young Adults
- Book Launch Date: February 1, 1999
- Preferred Group: Readers who enjoy introspective coming-of-age stories.
- Where to Buy: Widely available at Amazon, Bookshop.org, and local retailers.
Book Overview:
Told through a series of letters, The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows Charlie, an introverted high school freshman, as he navigates friendships, first love, and mental health challenges. His journey is both poignant and relatable, capturing the rawness of adolescence.
Stephen Chbosky’s heartfelt writing makes this one of the best books for young teens, offering comfort and connection to readers who feel like outsiders.
4. To Kill a Mockingbird
- Author: Harper Lee
- Prize Awarded: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
- Book Launch Date: July 11, 1960
- Preferred Group: Teens drawn to classic literature with powerful social themes.
- Where to Buy: Find it on Amazon, Target, and major bookstores.
Book Overview:
Set in the racially charged South of the 1930s, To Kill a Mockingbird is narrated by Scout Finch, whose father, Atticus, defends a Black man falsely accused of a crime. The novel explores themes of justice, empathy, and morality through the eyes of a child coming to understand the complexities of the world.
5. Six of Crows
- Author: Leigh Bardugo
- Prize Awarded: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fantasy
- Book Launch Date: September 29, 2015
- Preferred Group: Fans of fantasy and heist stories with morally complex characters.
- Where to Buy: Available at Amazon, Bookshop.org, and local indie stores.
Book Overview:
A ragtag group of criminals and outcasts band together for an impossible heist in Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows. Set in a richly imagined fantasy world, this book combines intricate plotting with unforgettable characters like Kaz Brekker, the cunning leader with a haunted past.
6. Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio
- Prize Awarded: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award
- Book Launch Date: February 14, 2012
- Preferred Group: Teens seeking heartwarming stories about kindness and acceptance.
- Where to Buy: Widely available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local retailers.
Book Overview:
Auggie Pullman, a boy born with facial differences, enters mainstream school for the first time in Wonder. Despite initial challenges, Auggie’s courage and kindness inspire his classmates and teachers.
7. The Fault in Our Stars
- Author: John Green
- Prize Awarded: Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fiction
- Book Launch Date: January 10, 2012
- Preferred Group: Fans of heartfelt contemporary fiction with bittersweet romance.
- Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Audible, and local bookstores.
Book Overview:
Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenager with cancer, meets Augustus Waters in a support group, and the two embark on a life-changing romance. John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars is both heartbreaking and uplifting, capturing the beauty and fragility of life.
8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- Author: J.K. Rowling
- Prize Awarded: Multiple awards, including the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize
- Book Launch Date: June 26, 1997
- Preferred Group: Fans of magical adventures and richly developed worlds.
- Where to Buy: Widely available at Amazon, Target, and local bookstores.
Book Overview:
Harry Potter discovers he’s a wizard and begins his studies at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along the way, he uncovers secrets about his family and faces a dark force rising in the magical world.
This iconic series opener offers timeless escapism and life lessons, making it one of the best books of all time for teens.
9. The Book Thief
- Author: Markus Zusak
- Prize Awarded: Michael L. Printz Honor
- Book Launch Date: March 14, 2006
- Preferred Group: Teens interested in historical fiction with a unique narrative voice.
- Where to Buy: Find it on Amazon, Walmart, and Bookshop.org.
Book Overview:
Narrated by Death, The Book Thief follows Liesel, a young girl in Nazi Germany who finds solace in books while the world around her falls apart. Her acts of courage and kindness ripple through her community.
This poignant story is beautifully written, making it an unforgettable addition to the best books for teens.
10. Eleanor & Park
- Author: Rainbow Rowell
- Prize Awarded: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fiction
- Book Launch Date: February 26, 2013
- Preferred Group: Readers who enjoy heartfelt romance and relatable characters.
- Where to Buy: Available at Amazon, Bookshop.org, and local retailers.
Book Overview:
Set in the 1980s, Eleanor & Park is a tender love story between two misfits who bond over music, comics, and their shared sense of being outsiders. Eleanor, with her fiery red hair and difficult home life, feels out of place at school. Park, quiet and thoughtful, finds comfort in his music and comics. Together, they navigate the complexities of first love while facing challenges that test their resilience and bond.
Rainbow Rowell captures the intensity and fragility of teenage love with emotional depth and honesty. The nuanced portrayal of their relationship, coupled with themes of self-acceptance and kindness, makes this novel stand out among the best books for teens.
11. Speak
- Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
- Prize Awarded: Michael L. Printz Honor, National Book Award Finalist
- Book Launch Date: October 22, 1999
- Preferred Group: Teens seeking stories about resilience and finding their voice.
- Where to Buy: Widely available on Amazon, Audible, and at local bookstores.
Book Overview:
After a traumatic event leaves her ostracized at school, Melinda Sordino retreats into silence. Through art and introspection, she begins to reclaim her voice and confront her past. Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak is a powerful exploration of trauma, recovery, and empowerment.
With its honest and empathetic approach to difficult topics, this novel resonates deeply with readers. It’s a raw and beautifully written story that encourages understanding and compassion, earning its place among the best books of all time for teens.
12. Shadow and Bone
- Author: Leigh Bardugo
- Prize Awarded: New York Times Bestseller
- Book Launch Date: June 5, 2012
- Preferred Group: Fans of epic fantasy and rich world-building.
- Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Target, and major bookstores.
Book Overview:
In the war-torn world of Ravka, Alina Starkov discovers a dormant power within herself that could save her country from the Shadow Fold, a dark, monster-infested wasteland. As she trains under the mysterious Darkling, Alina must decide whom to trust and how to wield her newfound abilities.
Shadow and Bone is an enthralling fantasy that combines elements of magic, political intrigue, and romance. Leigh Bardugo’s vivid world-building and compelling characters create an immersive experience, making this one of the best books to read for teens who love fantasy.
13. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
- Author: Benjamin Alire Sáenz
- Prize Awarded: Stonewall Book Award, Pura Belpré Author Award
- Book Launch Date: February 21, 2012
- Preferred Group: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories about identity and friendship.
- Where to Buy: Widely available at Amazon, Bookshop.org, and local bookstores.
Book Overview:
Ari and Dante are two Mexican-American teenagers who form an unlikely friendship during one transformative summer. As they share secrets and navigate their identities, they discover love, family, and the beauty of connection.
This deeply moving novel explores themes of self-discovery, cultural heritage, and the complexities of adolescence. Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s lyrical prose and authentic characters make it a heartfelt addition to the best books for teens.
14. Legend
- Author: Marie Lu
- Prize Awarded: N/A
- Book Launch Date: November 29, 2011
- Preferred Group: Fans of dystopian adventures with strong, dynamic protagonists.
- Where to Buy: Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local retailers.
Book Overview:
In a futuristic America, the nation is divided between the privileged elite and the oppressed poor. June, a prodigy groomed for success, is pitted against Day, a street-smart rebel accused of her brother’s murder. As their paths collide, they uncover shocking truths about their government and their own identities.
Marie Lu’s Legend is a fast-paced, action-packed story that balances political intrigue, romance, and rebellion. Its gripping narrative and well-drawn characters make it one of the best books for young teens who enjoy dystopian fiction.
15. Anne of Green Gables
- Author: L.M. Montgomery
- Prize Awarded: N/A (classic literary status)
- Book Launch Date: 1908
- Preferred Group: Teens who love heartwarming, classic tales with enduring charm.
- Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and most bookstores.
Book Overview:
When spirited orphan Anne Shirley arrives at Green Gables, she brings imagination, humor, and plenty of mishaps to the lives of her adoptive family. Set in the picturesque Prince Edward Island, this coming-of-age story follows Anne’s adventures as she grows into a confident and compassionate young woman.
L.M. Montgomery’s timeless classic is filled with warmth, wit, and unforgettable characters, making it one of the best books of all time for teens. It’s a story that continues to inspire readers with its celebration of individuality and kindness.
Final Note
The beauty of not being tied to a single genre is the freedom to explore a wide range of stories and experiences. The best books for teens featured in this blog provide exactly that—diverse narratives filled with lessons, excitement, and characters that stay with readers long after the final page.
Whether it’s a magical adventure, a dystopian journey, or a coming-of-age tale, each book on this list has something special to offer. Encourage the teens in your life to dive in and discover the magic of great storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these books ideal for teens?
These books cover a wide range of genres and themes, making them accessible and engaging for teens with varied interests. They also explore topics like identity, resilience, and growth, which resonate with young readers.
Are these books appropriate for younger teens?
Yes, most of the books on this list are suitable for teens aged 13 and up. However, parents or guardians may want to review content for younger readers to ensure it aligns with their comfort level.
Where can I buy these books?
You can find these books at Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore. Libraries are also a great option for borrowing.
Do these books cater to specific genres?
No, this list is curated for teens who enjoy exploring multiple genres. Whether they prefer fantasy, contemporary fiction, or classics, there’s something for everyone.
How can I encourage a teen to read more?
Help them discover books that align with their interests or introduce them to new genres. Providing a mix of options, like the best books for teens in this blog, can spark their curiosity and love for reading.