Fun Books for Teens
Finding stories for teenagers to enjoy can be difficult, so I decided to round up my favorite YA books. Each of these fun books for teens deals with more mature themes while being age-appropriate. But they aren’t just for teenagers!
I put off writing this article for a long time because I know how hard it was for Jackie to narrow down her favorite YA fantasy books. I wasn’t sure I could pick only 3 – 5 favorites per genre, but with her help, I did!
Below you’ll find fun book for teens by genre and a list of the very best for each section directly below.
The Best YA Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best New YA Book
The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum – Jump to Section
The Best YA Historical Fiction Book
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis – Jump to Section
The Best Fiction Book for Teens
The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley – Jump to Section
The Best Mystery YA Book
The Reappearance by Rachel Price by Holly Jackson – Jump to Section
The Best YA Romance Book
Safe Harbor by K. Sinko – Jump to Section
The Best YA Thriller Book
The Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis – Jump to Section
The Best Fantasy YA Book
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – Jump to Section
The Best Classic Book for Teens
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
New Fun Books for Teens
The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen
Author: Isaac Blum
Year: 2022
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: William C. Morris Award Winner
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Hoodie Rosen and his Orthodox Jewish community have relocated to a new city to set up roots. But they aren’t feeling welcomed in their new home and are facing antisemitic acts both big and small daily.
As he grapples with his place, not just in the new town but within his own community, Hoodie meets and falls for the mayor’s non-Jewish daughter, Anna-Maria. His friendship with her sends shockwaves through his close-knit community and compounded with the antisemitism, it leaves poor Hoodie struggling with what it means to be a Jewish man.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Gun violence, Hate crime
Why Kirsten loves it
With antisemitism on the rise, this poignant novel is so deeply important. But more than that, Hoodie’s narration had me feeling as if I was inside the head of the 15-year-old boy who, while being an orthodox Jew, is just grappling with the worries and fears of every adolescent boy.
Find this book in: Books by Jewish Writers / Thought-Provoking Books / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens
Plot
Prom Babies tries – and ultimately succeeds – in tackling the many sides of teen sex and pregnancy. Set 18 years apart, it follows 6 teens in total. 3 teens from 2005 who wind up pregnant following prom and their 3 children preparing for their own prom in 2024.
The story tackles many facets around sexuality and teen sex including abortion, teen pregnancy, gender norms, “no means no,” raising a child when you are a child, and sadly, rape. It’s a lot for one book to cover, but because of the diversity of characters, it accomplishes its goal of giving a full picture of teen sex in a modern, thoughtful world.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Abortion
Why Kirsten loves it
Embedded in the fun prom of it all, are real lessons and thought-provoking scenarios for teens considering having sex themselves. I would 100% recommend this book as an opening for parents and older teens to discuss these matters if they haven’t already.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2024 / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Fun Books for Teens
Fun Historical Fiction YA Books
The Davenports
Author: Krystal Marquis
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Age: 15+
More info: The Davenports #1
Plot
The Davenports is a Gilded Age story about a successful Chicago Black family who made a name for themselves after slavery was abolished. Now the talk of the season, the three Davenport children are all looking for their spouses and trying to buck societal norms in the process!
Be warned! This story ends on a cliffhanger!
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Classism, Slavery
Why Kirsten loves it
What a fun read! I was eager to start a new Historical Fiction romance series and the cover of this one drew me right to it. I was rooting for all the characters and have been eagerly awaiting the second book in the series.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books to Teens / Beach Reads 2023 / YA Historical Fiction / Books like Bridgerton / Fun Books for Teens
Lovely War
Author: Julie Berry
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
In this novel, Aphrodite is telling the story of 2 wartime couples who show that love can thrive no matter the obstacles in their path. Pianist Hazel meets new solider James at a party in London before he’s off to the battlefields of war. Meanwhile, Audrey is a gifted musician off to fight in the 15th New York Infantry, an all-Black regiment sent to Europe to help win World War 1. There, he meets Colette, a Belgian singer whose life has already been devastated by the war.
Over the course of the story, both couples navigate the complexities of a wartorn romance while Aphrodite tries to use their tale to get out of a pickle involving her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares during WWII.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, PTSD, War
Why Kirsten loves it
This book’s premise had me a little skeptical, Greek Gods telling a love story set in WWI? I didn’t think it was up my alley. I must have had it recommended to me almost a dozen times now, and now I’m the one recommending this young adult fantasy novel. It was two, sort of three, love stories in one historical romance book, but it touched on racism, PTSD, and the sacrifices of war. It was so well handled that I was sad to see it end.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings/ YA Historical Fiction / YA Fantasy Books / Historical Romances / Fun Books for Teens
Plot
This historical fiction book for teens was such an unexpected beauty for me. Books about the Holocaust are most often inherently extremely heavy. I love the way this book is a fairy tale retelling of Briar Rose (AKA Sleeping Beauty) that turns it into a story about the Holocaust.
Rebecca grew up hearing her grandmother’s version of Sleeping Beauty. Now, her grandmother’s dying wish is for Rebecca to uncover her true story.
Trigger Warnings
Genocide, Antisemitism, Death
Why Kirsten loves it
It does not trivialize the atrocities of that time but rather, it makes the subject more approachable to a younger audience. Beautifully written and well done. This is one of the books for a 13-year-old that adults will love and a must-read from WWII books for kids!
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fairy Tale Retellings / Books about the Holocaust / Classic Book Retellings / Fun Books for Teens
The Black Kids
Author: Christina Hammonds Reed
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This book is set in 1992, in LA, during the Rodney King riots. Ashley is an affluent black girl at a private school, who is forced to reckon with what her blackness means to herself, her friends, and her family.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Police Brutality
Why Kirsten loves it
To compare this book to The Hate U Give is doing it a disservice. The similarities exist in all the best ways, but I don’t want people to think they can read one or the other. This is a raw, authentic look at a very dark time in American history.
Find this book in: Black History Books / YA Historical Fiction / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fun Books for Teens
My Lady Jane
Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
More info: The Lady Janies #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 13+
Plot
I listened to this young adult historical fiction book and it was such a unique twist on the historical tale of Lady Jane Grey, the 9 Days Queen. Instead of Catholics and Protestants, this book gave us people who could transform into animals and those who could not. It was ridiculous but funny and the authors cleverly wove in historical details and sayings attributing them to the characters.
Why Kirsten loves it
Ok, this story barely resembles the history it was inspired by, but it’s absolutely hysterical and incredibly fun! Part of the fun is knowing the history and spotting what was made different in the story, but an added element was the incredible voices done by the audiobook narrator. Make sure you read this before watching the adaptation!
Find this book in: YA Fantasy Books / YA Historical Fiction / Best Historical Fiction / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books for 13-year-olds
Contemporary Fiction Fun Books for Teens
Firekeeper’s Daughter
Author: Angeline Boulley
Year: 2021
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: Fall 2021 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Firekeeper’s Daughter #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I have not read many books where the central characters are Indigenous American
While this is characterized as
Trigger Warnings
Drug Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I did not know much about the Ojibwe culture before reading this book; the little bits about traditions and spirituality were fascinating. Each added more depth to the story and I could not put it down. The narration was wonderful and added to the story. #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Adaptation Information
President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, purchased the rights to this book via their production company, Higher Ground Productions. It’s scheduled to become a TV series on Netflix.
Find this book in: Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books About Mental Illness / Fun Books for Teens / Books Becoming TV Series
The Sun is Also a Star
Author: Nicola Yoon
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This National Book Award finalist is the story of Natasha and Daniel. They meet 12 hours before Natasha and her family are deported to Jamaica. Where will their story take them? You can’t fall in love in 12 hours, can you?
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Deportation, Suicidal thoughts
Why Jackie loves it
This Young Adult novel is smart and well-written. I loved reading it. Yoon has done something very difficult with this book. She switches back and forth between a few different narrators and still manages to maintain the flow of the story.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books Set in New York / Thought-provoking Novels / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Fun Books for Teens
With the Fire on High
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This story is set in Philly (which I love) and features a Black woman of Caribbean descent who is entering her senior year of college. Emoni wants to be a world-class chef but struggles with pursuing her passions in the kitchen while balancing the responsibilities of having a toddler.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
After hearing a lot about this particular coming-of-age story, I quickly snatched it up, and let me tell you, the hype is real. It’s a true coming-of-age story that is as delicious to devour as the many recipes described in the book.
Why Jackie loves it
This book reminds me of Lessons in Chemistry because the two main characters have so much in common. Both are trying to balance career and parenthood and both are chefs!
Find this book in: Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens
Far From the Tree
Author: Robin Benway
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: National Book Award
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This wonderful story is about Grace who was adopted at birth. When she finds herself pregnant, she puts her daughter up for adoption.
This prompts her to look for her biological mother. What she finds are two siblings that she never knew about. This is an amazing story told from multiple points of view. Even though I included it in books that make you cry, you will love every moment.
Why Kirsten loves it
This novel for tweens is the winner of the National Book Award for good reason. I adored this middle-grade fiction book. I spent half of it crying and the other half smiling.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Feel-good Books / Books to Make You Cry / Fun Books for Teens
The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Year: 2013
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Romance
More info: The Selection #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This incredible series is so much fun – think The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor. It’s a reality TV royal match-making contest in a dystopian world. But in this case, the bachelor happens to be the future king. America Singer, our leading lady, is selected against all odds to be a contestant, forcing her to leave behind her love, Aspen.
When America meets Prince Maxon by mistake before the start of the show, she isn’t expecting to be so enamored with him. Should she try to win his heart or stay true to her love for Aspen?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love royal stories, romances, reality TV books, and high drama so this book was made for me! The covers of the series aren’t bad on the eyes either. This series was pure magic and just so fun.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my favorite books about royals. It also happens to be the reason that Beyond the Bookends exists, but that is an entirely different story.
Find this book in: Books Like The Selection / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like the Hunger Games/ YA Dystopian Books / Fun Books for Teens
Mystery YA Books
Plot
Rachel Price disappeared 16 years ago without a trace. Bel, two years old at the time, was found in the abandoned car safe and warm with the engine still running. Now, Rachel and her dad, as well as the rest of the Price family, are doing a documentary about Rachel’s disappearance. Life has never been normal and some still believe Bel’s dad had something to do with Rachel’s disappearance.
Now, in the middle of filming, Rachel comes home. Bel does not believe Rachel’s story about where she has been for the last 16 years.
Why Jackie loves it
The character-building and suspense of this book are fantastic. I love that even though it is written for YA, an adult or even middle grade can read this book and love it. There are twists and turns that feel like natural story development rather than contrived.
Find this book in: Best New Mystery Books of 2024 / Fun Books for Teens
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Author: Alan Bradley
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Historical Mystery
More info: Flavia De Luce #1
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is the first book in the Flavia De Luce series. This 11-year-old aspiring chemist is a wonderful heroine who is smart and precocious. In this first book, it is 1950 and Flavia has a love of poisons. When she finds a man taking his last breath in a cucumber patch, she is not scared at all, rather, she delights in solving the mystery.
Why Kirsten loves it
Flavia is an absolute delight to read as she’s easily one of the most unique characters in a mystery series. My dad recommended this series to me. I read it, loved it, and promptly passed it on to my 12-year-old. I love that this story works for readers of all generations.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best first mystery books for younger readers as it does not have violence.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Best Books for 13-year-olds / British Mysteries / Mystery Books for Kids / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens / Books with Food in the Title
The Inheritance Games
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5: The Inheritance Games
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I knew I had to read this YA mystery series after it was compared to one of my favorite middle-grade mystery books, The Westing Game.
In this story, Avery, a poor orphan is told she’s just inherited a billionaire’s fortune. His family is determined to get to the money, but Avery has bigger fish to fry – the riddles and puzzles the deceased Tobias Hawthorne left behind for her to solve. As she teams up with unlikely allies, she’s forced to figure out who is a friend or foe. In order to receive the money, she must follow the clues.
Why Kirsten loves it
I flew through this story and can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the trilogy!
Why Jackie loves it
I loved everything about this series, from the characters to the plot to the mystery of “why”.
Adaptation Information
Amazon purchased the rights to this book intending to make a TV series with Osprey Productions. Grainne Godfree is writing it and Jennifer Lynn Barnes is one of the producers. Release date is TBD.
Find this book in: Books for 13-year-olds / Best Mystery Books for Teens / Best Puzzle Books / Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens / Books Becoming TV Series
A Study in Charlotte
Author: Brittany Cavallaro
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Mystery
More info: Charlotte Holmes #1
Age Range: 13+
Plot
I enjoyed the first book in the Charlotte Holmes Trilogy. I’ve mentioned before that I am a big Sherlock Holmes fan. This Sherlock Holmes retelling differs from the others because it occurs in modern times.
The central characters are the teenage descendants of Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson. In the story, Jamie Watson has just started at an elite boarding school where he meets Charlotte Holmes. Charlotte is not interested in being Jamie’s friend, but when a student dies under suspicious circumstances, they must work together to clear their names.
Why Kirsten loves it
The adolescent angle leaves room for error in Holmes’ deductive reasoning skills. Watson is also a more fleshed-out character who has deductive reasoning skills of his own. This classic retelling wraps up nicely and the characters solve the mystery leaving enough open ends to allow for a sequel.
Find this book in: Sherlock Holmes Retellings / Books Set in High School / Detective Books / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Dark Academia Books / Classic Retellings / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens
Romantic Fun Books for Teens
Safe Harbor
Author: K. Sinko
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Romance
More info: Scoops #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I picked up this book because of an Instagram reel. It was filled with ice cream, beach scenes, fireworks, and romance…so I knew I needed to read it on my recent vacation.
I fell head over heels. It was a wonderful first love story between Melanie and Calvin, her co-worker at the ice cream store. Melanie has just moved to Haverport after her twin made a disaster mistake and this crew of ice cream-scooping co-workers made her feel right at home.
Trigger Warnings
Addiction, Alcoholism, Death
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a seaside book filled with heart that struck the perfect balance between sweetness and depth. I can’t wait to read more from this debut author.
Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fun Books for Teens
10 Things I Hate About Pinky
Author: Sandhya Menon
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Romance
More info: When Dimple Met Rishi #3
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Samir and Pinky are complete opposites. Pinky is a wild child who is tired of her family thinking the worst of her. Samir is the type of guy that all parents love. When his internship at a law firm falls through and Pinky lies to her family and tells them she has a new boyfriend, a scheme is hatched.
Samir comes to stay with Pinky’s family for the summer at their Cape Cod house and Samir does not have to go home to his over-protective mother. Of course, with the forced proximity, they both start to develop real feelings in their fake relationship.
Why Jackie likes it
This fake dating book was a fun read that didn’t quite have the same chemistry as Dimple and Rishi. It may be that I related less because Samir and Pinky are high school students.
Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title / Forced Proximity Trope Books / Fake Dating Books / Fun Books for Teens
Love and Gelato
Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Romance
More info: Love and Gelato #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Lina is enjoying a summer in Tuscany because she’s fulfilling her mother’s dying wish – to get to know her father. As Lina begins to read her mother’s journal of her time abroad, she uncovers the magic and wonder of Italy.
Why Jackie loves it
When it comes to escapist reads, this one is tops! In addition to offering a perfect description of all things food-related (yum), there was a sweet romance.  It was like a double scoop of happiness. There are two more ya romance books in the series and I think I would like to indulge in both! The Netflix adaption is charming too.
Find this book in: Netflix Adaptations / Fun Books for Teens / Books Set in Italy / YA Romances
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Year: 2014
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Imagine if all your past crushes found out you liked them all at once. EEK! That’s what happens to the heroine, Lara Jean Covey when the love letters she wrote get mailed! Now, she’s reached an agreement with her former crush, Peter, to fake a relationship to make his ex jealous. But their relationship is fake —- or is it?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Lara Jean – she is quirky, cute, and reminds me of me in high school – except she gets to date the most popular boy at school. I love this innocent book for middle schoolers looking for their first romance, though as an adult, I enjoyed this one tremendously!
Find this book in: Fake Dating Novels / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Netflix Book Adaptations / Books About Sisters / Female Bipoc Authors / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens / High School Romance Books
Thriller Books for Teens
Thieves’ Gambit
Author: Kayvion Lewis
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Thriller
More info: Thieves’ Gambit #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Ross Quest is a thief. She is one of the best thieves in the world, along with her mother and Aunt. But Ross wants a different life. She plans to leave and live her own life.
When a job goes wrong and Ross’s mom is taken hostage, Ross must join in the Thieves’ gambit- a high-stakes heist against the best in the world to win the ultimate prize. Ross will have to decide if there is anyone she can trust.
Why Jackie loves it
I saw this book and was totally intrigued and let me say …. I was not at all disappointed by this book. It was one of my favorite books of 2023 because I was so invested in the story. What a fast-paced adventure!
Find this book in: Books About Thieves / Fun Books for Teens
Plot
At a prestigious private school in New England, a group of kids known as “The Players” rule the school. They get top grades, get into the best schools, and rule the social scene. But when one of the girls in the group is murdered, her best friend Jill begins to investigate who the real murderer is and just how dark their privileged world is.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a book that will make you think about what privilege means and the lengths people will take to get what they want. I read it in one sitting because the story drew me in. I couldn’t go to sleep until it was done!
Find this book in: Books About Secret Societies / Best Mystery Books / Best Psychological Thriller Books / Books Set in High School / Fun Books for Teens
Plot
A group of four friends spends every summer together on a private island. Money, family, love, and an accident lead to secrets and lies. Featuring complex dynamics between friends and family, this story is both a coming-of-age tale and a mystery all in one.
Trigger Warnings
Fire/Fire injury, Child death
Why Jackie loves it
This book was the perfect suspense which I did not expect. Even though I knew that the narrator was unreliable, I still had no idea where this story was going and I didn’t know it was a Shakespeare retelling of King Lear until years after I read it.
Find this book in: Books with Unreliable Narrators / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Best Books for a 13-year-old / Fun Books for Teens
Plot
Hello Dark Academia. Centered around Devon and Chiamaka, the only black students at an elite private school, this is one wild thriller. After being chosen by prefects on the first day of their senior year, Devon and Chiamaka quickly become the targets of the mysterious Aces – a dangerous gossip girl-type character out to ruin their lives.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I was on pins and needles as this thriller unraveled, addressing systemic racism in private institutions in the process.
Find this book in: Books Set in High School / Dark Academia Novel / Stalker Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Fun Books for Teens
Fun Fantasy YA Books
Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Year: 2012
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Shadow and Bone #1, Part of the Grishaverse
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Alina Starkov is an orphan who has never excelled in anything. When her regiment is sent into the fold and her best friend is in danger of being killed, she unleashes a power, unlike anything anyone has seen. It may be the answer to the wars that have ravaged her nation.
Why Jackie loves it
I was so excited when I learned that Netflix was making this young adult fantasy book series into an adaptation. I think it will be amazing on screen and I am so curious to see if they keep to the book or change things, which is so often the case.
Find this book in: Books Like Shadow and Bone / Leigh Bardugo Books in Order/ Netflix Adaptations / Fun Books for Teens / Popular Fantasy Book Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best Books by Jewish Authors / Books Like a Court of Thorns and Roses
Daughter of the Pirate King
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Year: 2017
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Daughter of the Pirate King #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This swashbuckling, high-sea adventure is about a pirate princess who is half siren. Most of this story is set aboard a ship as Alosa, faking her captivity, tries to discover a valuable treasure while tricking her captors. But she didn’t plan on catching feelings for first mate Riden.
Why Kirsten loves it
While researching the best pirate books, this story came up again and again. I can see why! I loved the romance aspect and the kick-ass heroine that Alosa is! I can’t wait to finish the series.
Find this book in: Best Pirate Books / Fun Books for Teens
The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2008
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
More info: Hunger Games #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is the first book in the Hunger Games series and it is epic! In the aftermath of what was once North America, there are 12 Districts surrounding the capital.
Each year, each district sends one boy and one girl to fight to the death in a competition called “The Hunger Games”. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her younger sister, Prim, from certain death in the games where it is kill-or-be-killed.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Violence
Why Jackie loves it
This sci-fi book has everything but at its heart, it is a book about family, love, and survival. This book has a heart while also being a total pageturner!
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m not usually a sci-fi girly, but Jackie convinced me to read this one and I finished the entire series in a week and immediately binged the movies!
Find this book in: Books Like The Hunger Games / Young Adult Fantasy Series / Books About Sisters / Sci-Fi Books / Books Like Fourth Wing / YA Dystopian Novels / Fun Books for Teens / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing
Classic by Fun Books for Teens
Plot
The classic story by Alcott has survived for generations for a reason, the way she wonderfully encapsulates what it’s like to be in a family. The highs and lows of the personal and collective lives of Beth, Jo, Amy, and Meg are an endearing testimony to the bonds of sisters.
Why Jackie loves it
I remember reading this coming-of-age novel with my grandmother when I was young. It features a family of four girls who are trying to support each other and their mother while their father is away at war.
Find this book in: Literary Classics / Books about Motherhood / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fun Books for Teens
Anne of Green Gables
Author: L. M. Montgomery
Year: 1908
Genre: Classic
Age: 10+
More info: Anne of Green Gables #1
Plot
I was immediately drawn to Anne upon first reading this story. She is smart, precocious, and has a way of making everyone love her while simultaneously finding new ways to get into trouble.
Anne is an orphan sent to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert who wanted a male orphan to help them on the farm. Anne was sent to them instead. She is bright, loquacious, and wins their hearts.
Why Kirsten loves it
I cherish this entire book series and the TV miniseries inspired by it. I vividly remember watching Megan Follows as Anne completely transfixed. I was so enamored, that I remember asking my grandmother to get me the books to read!
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my all-time favorite books. Something is comforting about this cozy book that makes me read it repeatedly. It is a beautiful book about friendship and found family. Because of this book, I hope to visit Prince Edward Island one day.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books / Friendship Books / Realistic Fiction / Books with Green in the Title / Fun Books for Teens
To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Year: 1960
Genre: Classic Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 12+
More info: Pulitzer Prize Winner
Plot
This coming-of-age novel is about Scout, a young girl whose father, Atticus, is a lawyer in her Southern town. As she grows, she realizes the prejudices within her town – culminating in her watching a trial as her father defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
This book won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was also made into an Academy Award-winning movie. I still remember learning about this book in seventh-grade English. It’s a powerful novel everyone should read.
Why Jackie loves it
I cannot count the number of times I have read this book. It is a coming-of-age book that was ahead of its time and is even more relevant today.
Find this book in: Coming of Age Books for Teens / Realistic Fiction / Thought-Provoking Books / Fun Books for Teens
Helpful Tips
- Have a reluctant teen reader? Meet them where they are at with books that are interesting to them. Gone are the days were one kind of literature is deemed better than another – fantasy, romance, and graphic novels are just as great as historical and literary fiction.
- If your teen is an avid reader, make use of the free services at the library! They can get e-books and audiobooks in addition to physical books!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good books for a bored teenager to read?
Any of the books on this list are great for teenagers and adults too. Personal favorites include Safe Harbor, Ace of Spades, and The Firekeeper’s Daughter.
What are the must read YA books for teens?
Must reads for teens include classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hunger Games, and Briar Rose.
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Epilogue
With so many YA books to choose from, it was hard to pick my favorites, but these are the winners…for now! Which of these fun books for teens are making it to your TBR?
Young Adult Book Lists
If you are looking for more books for teens, check out all of our YA book lists!