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Suggested Reading for Teens in High School Ages 14 and Up
Everyone knows the classics for teens and we’ve included a few, but there are tons of new books released in the last few decades that have come to be equally as influential for today’s young adults. These books may not be as well known, but will engage teenagers who will be able to relate to the characters and the challenges they face. Continue to cultivate a love for reading that will last a lifetime with book selections that are tried and true along with a few that are unique and different.
Matched
by Ally Condie
Futuristic society is all the rage in this age group(and beyond) and this one tugs at the heart strings by hankering back to the days of arranged marriage. Cassia is trusting the computer to reveal her perfect future partner and this first book in the trilogy will keep you guessing as you follow Cassia’s path to supposed ever after happiness.
I Capture the Castle
by Dodie Smith
First love, a crumbling English castle and a 17yo who wants to be a writer…all the components of great teen read! Follow Cassandra’s journey as she navigates her eccentric family and coming of age. Think Jane Austen + The Adams Family + a little Bohemian thrown in for fun! PS: Smith is the author of 101 Dalmatians.
The Maze Runner 
by James Dashner
Another dystopian that will appear as a movie in late 2014, no one has ever made it out of “The Glade” because of the terrifying maze that is the only way to freedom, until one day, a girl arrives…the 1st girl ever charged with completing the maze. Lots of great metaphor and suspense, this trilogy will keep you entertained!
The Outsider
s
by SE Hinton
The classic novel of longing to belong still strongly resonates with modern teens and could be a great discussion book for parentals that read it “back in the day” and their teens.
The Chocolate War
by Robert Cormier
A definite story that will cause young people to question their responsibilitiy to defend the defenseless or stand up for their own convictions, follow Jerry, the protagonist, as he defies the norm and shakes up an entire school & community in the process.
Additional Suggestions:
Code Name Verity (Edgar Allen Poe Awards. Best Young Adult (Awards))
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants)
Want EVEN MORE Reading Suggestions for Teens?
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Looking for book ideas for kids of other ages?
check out some of the other posts in this series:
Book Suggestions for Infants and Toddlers
Book Suggestions for Preschool and Kindergarten
Book Suggestions for Elementary Age Children
Book Suggestions for Middle Schoolers
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Rachael G says
Thanks for the list. These do sound great. It is super important for our teens to enjoy reading since it is a life long skill. And since teens have so much they have to read and learn in textbooks for school, its nice to just sit down and relax with a good book. Do you have a list for boys too? Thanks!
-Rachael G at TheExperiencedGraduate.com