50 Books All Teens Should Read Before They Graduate

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Whether your teen is a voracious reader who's liable to sneak a book under the covers after curfew or they're still trying to find the book that gets them hungry for more, the benefits of getting into a reading habit stretch beyond passing English class. Teens who read widely are better able to handle complex concepts, score better on standardized tests and are generally more accepting of people who are different from themselves. For a lot of teenagers who would rather do just about anything than crack open a book, it's often a matter of finding the best teen books for them.

Because middle grade and young adult books have more to offer than ever before, there's an absolute wealth of great literature available that speaks directly to the life and times your Gen Zer is living through right now. That's especially true for teens who are struggling with bullying, LGBTQ+ issues, or run-of-the-mill high school angst.

You're probably already familiar with seminal works by literary giants like Harper Lee and J.D. Salinger, and the heartstring-tugging teen romances that made John Green a household name. But if those don't get your teen reaching for their library cards, we've also got some stellar teen romance books, eye-popping graphic novels for kids and teens and a lot more. No matter where your teen falls on the book-loving spectrum, we've got something on this list that won't get an eye-roll.

Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalie Sylvester

Verónica, a Peruvian-American teen with hip dysplasia, spends a lot of time in the pool to manage her disability and because she secretly dreams of becoming a Mermaid Cove performer. But her conservative parents would never go for it, and they wouldn't love her crush on her cute new neighbor, either. This is a beautiful novel about first love, self-acceptance and following your dreams.

When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb

Whether your teen grew up on Yiddish folk stories or this is their first foray, it's a beautiful read full of stories about immigration, family, gender and of course, lots of love.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Got a budding Harriet the Spy on your hands? They'll love this tale of a high school senior who decides to investigate her town's most famous murder as a final project — and finds herself in hot water as she gets deeper and deeper. It's a trilogy, so your teen will have plenty more to devour if they like this one.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

When a billionaire dies and leaves Avery Grambs his entire fortune, she has to move into his mysterious estate, Hawthorne House, to claim it. But what awaits her there are the four boys who thought they'd be the old man's heirs, and they're not happy. This series is as full of twists and turns as the mansion itself, and great fun for puzzle fans.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Widely considered one of the greatest works of American literature out there, Angelou's memoir deals with some heavy subjects: sexual assault, racism and teen pregnancy among them. But it's also a story of hope, finding one's own voice and survival that will resonate with many teens also trying to figure out their own path.

Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale

In a world where faeries are real, nomadic teen Kaye finds herself caught in the middle of two warring faerie kingdoms, a battle that could turn deadly. Teen angst, power struggles and plenty of fantastical suspense make this a must-read.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Hilarious, heartbreaking and poignant, this is the story of Junior, who leaves his struggling school on the Spokane Indian Reservation where he lives to attend an all-white school in town. With illustrations that reflect the budding cartoonist's work, this book is as beautiful as it is a joy to read.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Gift your teen this introduction to Middle Earth and watch them fall in love with the world that has hooked generations on magic. It also makes a great read-aloud bedroom story, for younger readers who can handle a little thrill.

The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set by Leigh Bardugo

If your teen hasn't already torn through this Tiktok sensation fantasy series, better get them caught up. Alina Starkov has discovered dormant powers, and not a moment too soon, as the threat to the kingdom of Ravka continues to grow. Can she harness her magic to save her people? You'll just have to read to find out.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

When a service called Death-Cast calls Mateo and Rufus to let them know they'll be dying that day, both are in need of a friend — albeit for totally different reasons. Through an app called Last Friend, they meet up for one last adventure. We promise: It's not as sad as it sounds.

Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

This delightfully weird boxed set starts out when Jacob Portman journeys to a mysterious island off the coast of Wales following a terrible family tragedy. There, he finds the ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and so, so much more.

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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

When Dante and Aristotle first meet at the pool, they don't seem to have anything in common. But as they get to know each other, they form an unlikely friendship — that soon reveals the possibility of something more.

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The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Esperanza Cordero is a young Latina who's just trying to figure herself out while growing up in Chicago. Sandra Cisneros first penned The House on Mango Street more than 25 years ago, but her lessons on challenging stereotypes of the immigrant experience still hold up today.

Every Body Looking by Candice Iloh

In this National Book Award finalist, a young woman named Ada goes away to college and begins to find herself. Her journey to explore her sexuality, processing her mother's struggle with addiction and how she wants to be in the world will ring true to many.

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison

Between her temperamental cat, accidentally shaving off her eyebrows and all of the cringeworthy hijinks that come with being an awkward teenager, this book is laugh-out-loud hilarious and almost too relatable. Guaranteed to boost any bad day within the first five pages.

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The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Then-18-year-old S. E. Hinton set the groundwork for YA fiction when she wrote The Outsiders in high school, with a book that spoke directly to her peers. Ponyboy's journey shows that things can go too far very quickly when you're willing to do anything to belong.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

It's been 20+ years since we first met the boy who lived, but the adventures of Harry and friends Hogwarts still resonate with teens today. Relieve the experience by reading along with your kids, right from the book that started it all.

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Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

The winner of a whole list of awards, this book takes place in a tight 60 seconds, the time it takes 15-year-old Will to decide whether to retaliate against the guy who killed his brother. It feels as powerful as a loaded gun.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez

After Julia's sister Olga passes away tragically, her broken family looks to her to hold them together. But Julia isn't the perfect daughter her sister was. Then again, was Olga? This story delves into the pressures of being a Mexican-American daughter and what it means to carry the weight of loss on your shoulders.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume

Since the 1970s, Judy Blume has won more than 90 awards for her ability to perfectly capture the inner turmoil of being a teenager. In one of her most well-known, Margaret Simon longs to just grow up already in a story that's just as relatable as the day it came out.

Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali

After Zayneb gets punished for confronting a racist teacher, she goes to cool off with her aunt in Qatar. That's when she crosses paths with Adam, who's dealing with a difficult diagnosis and trying to keep it a secret from his widowed father. As the two open up, they discover there's more to each other (and themselves) than they realize.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

If your teen missed the sensation before it became a blockbuster, slide this dystopian adventure their way. You'll root for Katniss Everdeen as she fights for her life in Panem's annual Hunger Games in a world that's eerily similar to our own even as it feels foreign.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This cult favorite takes a stark look at the heartbreaks, friendships and weirdness of high school in all its honest glory. Kids who feel misunderstood may find a kindred spirit in Charlie, as he navigates the rocky road between childhood and adulthood.

His Dark Material by Philip Pullman

Fantastical, captivating and deeply original, this series will have your teen begging to read "just one more chapter." Get them the boxed set, so they can follow all the way along with Lyra and Will's otherworldly adventures.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Mark Haddon's novel follows a boy with autism who is working to solve the murder of a neighbor's dog. The language gives readers a look inside the complicated mind of Christopher John Francis Boone, offering a new perspective on an entrancing narrative.

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Daunis has always felt like an outcast, but that starts to change when she meets hockey star Jamie. But then, when she witnesses a murder and has to go undercover to use her knowledge of Ojibwe medicine to help with the investigation, she has to decide where her loyalties lie and how far she'll go to protect her community.

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan

After her mother dies by suicide, Leigh travels to Taiwan to seek answers. This beautiful, surreal story is perfect for any teen who has ever lost someone, as it explores the many ways grief can manifest, as well as the healing power of family.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Even reluctant readers will find something to love in this absorbing New York Times bestseller. It explores a Nazi society in which a young girl's passion for reading feeds her soul when all else seems hopeless.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi

This graphic memoir about growing up in Tehran during the Iraq Revolution grapples with the horrors of war and the mundane struggles of childhood, as well as the absurdity that can come from the intersection between living through history and daily life.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park aren't your fairytale lovers. They understand that first love almost never works out, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try. Set in 1986, this offbeat romance captures how young love can feel desperate, overwhelming and catastrophic.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

This iconic novel follows a group of schoolboys who survive a plane crash only to get stranded on a remote island. The chilling story reveals how much extreme circumstances can bring out people's true nature.

One of the Good Ones by Maika and Maritza Moulite

When a teen social justice activist dies under suspicious circumstances after attending a rally, her sister and their family struggle to reconcile the way she becomes an icon in the fight against police brutality and how she's reduced to just that: a symbol, not a person.

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

This unique book is narrated half by moody and artistic Noah and half by his daredevil twin sister Jude, which gives readers a glimpse into how both twins experience family tragedy, heart-stopping romance and a search for their place in the world.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

John Green's first foray into contemporary fiction offers up a new perspective from the kid who isn’t the nerd or the most popular, but somewhere in between. The protagonist leaves his safe, predictable life looking for The Great Perhaps, a concept that will entice any teen who feels a bit restless.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

When 16-year-old Starr witnesses a police officer fatally shoot her unarmed best friend Khalil, the divide between their poor neighborhood and her suburban prep school becomes even clearer. This is an important book on police brutality and racial inequality that every teen should read.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Every teen's nightmare happens in the first book in this series: All of Lara Jean's love letters get sent to their unintended recipients – at the same time. It sends her love life into chaos in this fun romantic romp that's far more entertaining to read than it would be to experience.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

This award-winning modern fable tells three stories in one tour-de-force that covers prejudice, fighting against stereotypes, belonging and more. It's so packed with action and unpredictable twists, your teen will never know what hit them.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

With more than 18 million copies sold in 40 languages, it doesn't get much more classic than the late Harper Lee's tale of conscience in a small southern town. It gets right to the heart of human behavior: Who's innocent, what guilty means and the limits of love and hate.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This suspenseful thriller has it all: A private island where the well-heeled Cadence spends her time, mysterious goings-on and a group of friends who aren't what they seem. The twist at the end will floor your teen, guaranteed.

Night by Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel's account of his time in Nazi death camps is horrific and graphic, but it's a powerful and necessary read. Teens who enjoyed The Diary of Anne Frank may want to pick up this one next.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

J.D. Salinger's tale of teenager Holden Caulfield who wanders the big city was first published more than 70 years ago. While some of the New York City landscape may seem old-fashioned, the way Holden desperately keeps his pain inside is a timeless teenage turmoil.

The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor

This book weaves together the worlds of seven women in a bleak inner-city sanctuary called Brewster Place. It offers an eye-opening portrayal of just how many paths a woman's life can take, as well as the struggles, strengths and fierce hope of Black women in America.

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

This must-read graphic memoir by George Takei (yes, the George Takei) about his childhood in U.S. Japanese internment camps during World War II isn't just an important history lesson. It's also a beautiful read.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Falling over the edge can seem so normal, especially when you appear fine to the outside world. This story about a bright, successful girl's struggle with mental illness has much in common with Plath's own experience, and makes a great introduction to the iconic author.

1984 by George Orwell

George Orwell's tale of a dystopian world where the government is always watching isn't just eerily prescient. It also demonstrates how crucial free-thinking is to protect, especially to readers whose minds are most malleable. Right now, Orwell's classic is more necessary than ever.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

This National Book Award finalist addresses the complicated challenges that surround speaking up about rape and sexual assault. If you don't know how to start a conversation with your teen on the topic, let this powerful book guide the conversation.

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

Barack Obama summed up Toni Morrison's Nobel Prize-winning novel best at the Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony in 2012: "I remember reading Song of Solomon when I was a kid and not just trying to figure out how to write, but also how to be and how to think." If that's not an endorsement, we don't know what is.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

When Meg and her little brother Charles Wallace find a strange woman in their kitchen one stormy night, they never expect the adventure that will follow. Sci-fi fans shouldn't miss this classic that will also entice those who don't typically enjoy the genre.

Look by Zan Romanoff

After an explicit video of Lulu goes viral and her picture-perfect boyfriend dumps her, she feels like life is over. But then she meets the extremely offline Cass who brings Lulu to the no-phone-zone that is The Hotel. As they spend more and more time together, Lulu starts to rethink her relationship with social media. After reading, your teen will too.

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

The students who go to Catherine House know they've made a special commitment to the isolated school: No contact with the outside world for three whole years, no TV or internet, or even their own clothes. But Catherine House has something amazing to offer in return, even if few realize exactly what that is.

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