There is something so magical about books. you can escape reality, enrich your mind, and expand what you know about the world around you in just a few pages. Every teacher knows, however, that it can sometimes be difficult to get teens to read on their own. That’s why it’s nice to have a great list of recommendations for all interests, and we’ve got you covered! check out this collection of captivating books to read for teens. there is something for every type of reader.
1. the house on mango street by sandra cisneros
You are reading: Educational books for teens
The story of a young Latina growing up in Chicago is told in a series of vignettes. Her journey is filled with moments of joy and heartbreak as she explores who and what she will become.
teacher review: “As a teacher in a rural high school with a student population that is 98% Latino most years…I can attest to the power of Sandra Cisneros’ house on Mango Street. it is written in deceptively simple English, perfect for teens who are still struggling with their second language (or third language for teens learning to speak a native indigenous language for the first time).”
2. one of the good ones of maika moulite and maritza moulite
After attending a social justice rally, teenage activist Kezi Smith is murdered under mysterious circumstances. As she becomes another immortalized victim in the fight against police brutality, Ella’s happy sister questions the idealized way she remembers her sister. perfect. angelic. one of the good ones. Isn’t that human enough?
teacher review: “where do I start? this is definitely a must have item for my classroom library. This book follows the story of several families whose history is intertwined in the past and present. However, the story mainly focuses on the death of a young YouTube activist, Kezi, who died at the hands of law enforcement. To honor his memory, his sisters (and friends) take this well-planned road trip based on his research of the Green Book (look it up) and the history of Route 66. This book held my attention from start to finish. . (he really picked up about halfway through the book. couldn’t see this plot twist coming from a mile away). I would rate this book ten stars if I could!”
3. children of blood and bone by tomi adeyemi
The land of Orïsha once buzzed with magic, but everything changed when a ruthless king issued orders that left Zélie without a mother and his people without hope. With the help of a rebellious princess, Zélie has a chance to regain magic and attack the monarchy. This first book in the series tackles injustice and offers a refreshing twist on the fantasy genre.
teacher review: “As a middle school teacher, I am constantly looking for books that I think students would like to read. Although this book is long, it is full of action and transitions to keep the reader’s attention. I found it difficult leave it. I thought the author did a good job with character development and strayed away from formulaic conflicts and resolutions. I’m excited to share this with the students I teach.”
4. they’ll never catch us by jessica goodman
despite being born just a year apart, stella and ellie steckler couldn’t be more different. The only thing the competitive sisters have in common is their growing affection for the new girl, Mila Keine. However, when Mila leaves to train and never returns, all eyes are on the Steckler sisters.
promising review: “a winding ride from start to finish. I highly recommend this thriller. It has all the great markers of a mystery, but also explores deeper themes of childhood, power, and what we are and are not guilty of.” ”.
5. one of us lies by karen m. mcmanus
This addictive mystery novel follows five strangers (Bronwyn the Brain, Addy the Beauty, Nate the Criminal, Cooper the Jock, and Simon the Outcast) who get into detention, but only four make it out alive. everyone has secrets, right? what really matters is how far you would go to protect them.
teacher review: “let me start by saying that I am a teacher of grades 7-12 and I plan to make this book part of my curriculum because the topics are so plentiful. I know others have already said this, but there’s a taste for the breakfast club as the premise of the story takes place during detention at a high school. there’s a lot of depth to this story.”
6. don’t breathe a word of jordyn taylor
Everyone at her high school knows that Eva is a misfit, but after being invited to join a secret society, she discovers some dark secrets. Suddenly, she must unravel a mysterious story of Connie, a former student from the 1960s who volunteered for a fallout shelter test and ended up in over her head.
promising review: “don’t say a word, it kept me wanting to know what happens next! a good mix of mystery, teen angst, and coming of age.”
7. hi, jarrett krosoczka boy
This unforgettable memoir shares a graphic look at the life of a young man who grew up with a missing father, opinionated grandparents, and a drug-addicted mother. Jarrett does everything he can to make his out of the ordinary life as normal as possible and finds a powerful way to express himself along the way.
teacher review: “this was the best and most powerful graphic novel i have ever read. the pictures are beautiful, and the story is so real. i love how it spans generations and works on so many topics my students can relate to : domestic abuse, drug use, religion, incarceration, etc. This is a true story, a genuine story, an important story. I can’t wait for a lot of my kids to read it.”
8. the girls i’ve been with by tess sharpe
nora o’malley has been many girls. the daughter of a swindler grew up as a protégé of her mother. This time, however, her mother falls in love with him instead of scamming him, leaving Nora to do the ultimate scam: escape.
promising review: “I was really drawn to this one. First, it’s very feminine and includes gender/sexuality, but also, overall, it’s a great premise with time jumps and lots of action.”
9. how to be a person by catherine newman
etiquette columnist catherine newman wrote this essential life skills guide full of tips, tricks and advice for teens who don’t replace the toilet paper roll and leave wet towels on the floor.
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teacher review: “my family and I thoroughly enjoyed this fun (and useful) book. my 9 year old son looked up how to sew on a button and was excited! As a college professor, I see a lot of freshmen who don’t know how to “be a person,” and I’ve been buying this book as a gift for high school graduates to take to college :)”
10. the box in the woods by maureen johnson
After solving the truly devious case, Stevie Bell must investigate her first mystery outside of Ellingham Academy. This chilling and hilarious standalone mystery follows Stevie as he heads to Camp Wonder Falls, the site of the notorious cold case, the Box in the Woods murders.
teacher review: “so happy stevie got to solve another murder mystery, and a summer camp for a summer release was the perfect place! i was happy the gang got to get back together in mostly, and I thought the new additions were fleshed out enough that I hope readers will see carson and even nicole again.”
11. 11 paper hearts by kelsey hartwell
See Also: 20 Teacher Recommended Picture Books That Rhyme – Simply Kinder
her life was perfect until she had a car accident after a valentine’s dance. Unable to remember anything from the previous weeks (including why she broke up with her boyfriend!), she relies on eleven mysterious paper hearts from a secret admirer to restore her memories.
teacher review: “is it possible to have a ‘mystery romance’? because this perfectly describes 11 paper hearts by kelsey hartwell. i will definitely recommend this book to my students.”
12. i’m not your perfect mexican daughter by erika l sanchez
When her “perfect” sister, Olga, tragically dies, Julia feels pressure to keep her family together. As she processes her pain, she discovers that Ella Olga might not have been as perfect as everyone thought. With the help of her best friend and her first love, Julia is determined to find out the truth about her sister’s story.
teacher review: “As a teacher with a large personal library in my classroom, I look for books that interest my students, books that will be read and not just on my shelf. the first student who read it she was so excited that she told her friends about the characters, the humor and the trauma. her friends were enthralled. I can’t keep this book on my shelf.”
13. a taste for the love of jennifer yen
Liza Yang, a high school student, is smart, pretty, kind, dreams big, and never shies away from challenges. Her friends think she is perfect, but compared to her older sister, Jeannie, her mother sees Liza as stubborn, rebellious, and disrespectful of her traditional family values. When Liza agrees to help her mother with her bakery’s annual teen competition, she begins to realize that there is no tried and true recipe for love.
promising review: “this is a beautifully written, funny, romantic read for teens! Liza is a wonderful character to stick with and will leave readers wanting more.”
14. a love story of pho by loan him
if bao nguyen had to describe himself, he’d say he’s a rock. steady and strong, but not particularly interesting. if linh mai had to describe herself, she’d say she’s a firecracker. stable when not lit, but full of potential for joy and fire. Can Linh and Bao find love amidst feuding families and complicated histories?
review from the school librarian: “this was a sweet love story between hapless teenagers. romance is very discreet. a bit of language, but a lot of love for Vietnamese art, journalism, food, family and culture.”
15. mahogany chlorine sky l. brown
With raw, heartbreaking honesty, this coming-of-age novel, delivered in verse, takes a hard look at the impact of broken promises, fast-moving rumors, and when growing up means walking away from your best friend.
promising review: “beautifully written book. ideal for teenagers, the classroom and all lovers of language and poetry. highly recommended!”
16. Emily X.R.’s Amazing After Color frying pan
leigh chen sanders is absolutely certain of one thing: when her mother committed suicide, she turned into a bird. half asian and half white, leigh travels to taiwan to find answers, and her mother, the bird. While searching for her, she chases ghosts, uncovers family secrets, and forges a new relationship with her grandparents.
teacher review: “I bought this for my classroom and there is always a waiting list to read it! my students love it and the topics it presents. I would recommend it to any young adult reader!”
17. the electric kingdom of david arnold
Deadly fly flu spreads across the world, devastating the world. Survivors include eighteen-year-old Nico and his dog, on a journey devised by Nico’s father to find a mythical portal; a young artist named kit, raised in an old abandoned movie theater; and the enigmatic liberator, who lives lifetime after lifetime in an attempt to rebuild the world.
teacher review: “David Arnold’s writing is beautiful, and I quickly devoured the first 75 pages (of the 420 pages).” they go on to say that the book is more age appropriate for high school, not middle school.
18. we are the ashes, we are the fire of joy mccullough
After Em Morales’ older sister was raped by another student after a frat party, the rapist was found guilty on all counts. however, the victory is short-lived, after he is sentenced to no prison time. Em must find a way to help her family heal, and he finds her in an unlikely way: a 15th-century French noblewoman, Marguerite de Bressieux, who is legendary as a knight who avenges rape victims. p>
promising review: “so beautifully written, heartbroken and yet healing. a wonderful insight into how trauma affects everyone it touches, and how even when we make mistakes, we can still love and forgive each other.”
19. winterkeep by kristin castore
After her father’s terrible rule, Bitterblue works tirelessly to rebuild her nation as Queen of Monsea. Upon discovering the land of Toria, she sends emissaries to the nearest nation there: Winterkeep. when they never return, she sets off to ward off winter when tragedy strikes again. Meanwhile, in Winterkeep, Lovisa Cavenda, the teenage daughter of two powerful politicians, has the key to unlocking everything, but only if she is willing to transcend the person she has been her entire life.
promising review: “once you start reading, you can’t stop. the story has elements of intrigue, love, murder, lies, secrets, mistrust, kidnapping, escape, friendship, and resolution.”
20. Eleanor & park by rainbow rowell
Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of the unfortunate misfits, Eleanor and Park. they are smart enough to know that first love hardly ever lasts, but brave enough to try. the complexities of young love take center stage in this offbeat romance.
teacher review: “I’m an elementary school science teacher. it’s nice to get a real look at middle and high school. awesome at word writing!”
21. one last casey mcquiston stop
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In this magical, big-hearted romance, the impossible becomes possible when the cynical August discovers that love stories really do exist. After moving to New York City, he meets Jane, a mysterious and beautiful girl on the train. There’s just one major complication: Jane is literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August must do everything in her power to save the girl lost in time.
promising review: “sweet and funny, touching and heartbreaking, bereaved families and family strife. so many stories and stories, mysteries and discoveries. and at the center of it all, surrounded by characters you’ll love, is augustus and jane.”
22. sure, i’ll be your friend black: notes from the other side of the fist bump by ben philippe
In an era where saying “I have a lot of black friends” is often a rousing badge, this book recounts in an amusing way the experience of being the recipient of those fist bumps. The author takes us through his childhood as an immigrant, to college in the Obama era, and to adulthood in the Trump administration. This conversational take on topics light and heavy, universal and deeply personal, reveals incisive truths about the need for connection in all of us.
promising review: “such a well-delivered mirror for reality checking…serious topics presented in an enjoyable, human-to-human way.” I loved this book.”
23. the broad starlight by nicole lesperance
Legend warns never whistle at the Northern Lights or they will descend from the sky and carry you away. Ten years ago, Eli’s mother whistled at the lights and then disappeared. When the Northern Lights show up for one night only, Eli can’t resist: she whistles…and it works. Her mother appears, with snow-white hair, icy fingertips, and a confusing story of where she’s been all these years. it’s too much, and eli pushes mom away from her. She disappears again, but this time she leaves a note that she will send Eli on a journey across continents to the far north of the world.
promising review: “This complex and beautifully crafted novel speaks to the depth and breadth of relationships between mothers and daughters across generations in a fascinating way. magical, lyrical, heartbreaking and heart healing. simply splendid.”
24. alexandra bracken story
Every seven years, the agon begins, and nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals and are persecuted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines. After his family was murdered, Lore Perseous turned his back on hunting promises of eternal glory and any thoughts of revenge against the man (now a god) responsible for his deaths. When the next hunt dawns in New York City, she is sought out by two participants: Castor, a childhood friend thought dead, and Athena, one of the last original gods, now grievously injured. They form an alliance against their common enemy, but Lore’s decision to rejoin the hunt will come at a deadly cost, and may not be enough to stop the rise of a new god with the power to bring humanity to its knees.
promising review: “This is without a doubt one of the best mythological novels I’ve ever read.”
25. off the record by camryn garrett
After 17-year-old Josie Wright wins a contest to write a celebrity profile for Deep Focus magazine, she finds herself picking up feelings for stunning newcomer Marius Canet, the subject of her profile. However, when an actress tells him a terrible secret, one woman’s story leads to another and another. josie wants to expose the man responsible, but she is reluctant to talk. What if she lets down the women who have entrusted her stories to him? What if this ends her writing career before she even begins?
teacher review: “This is definitely a book my students will really like! adding it to the list for you to review!”
26. excuse me while i cry ugly for jewel goffney
quinn keeps lists of everything from all the boys she’d like to kiss to all the days she’s cried badly. her lists keep her sane. by writing her fears down on paper, she never has to face them in real life. That is, until her diary goes missing and one of her lists shows up on instagram! When an anonymous account blackmails her into facing her seven greatest fears, she doesn’t know who to trust. Along the way, Ella Quinn finds the courage to be honest, live in the moment, and fall in love.
teacher review: “it’s a delight and a relief to watch quinn grow, mend, and start anew over the course of this work. i was amazed at how much i came to like her, the plot and setting in general, and the way in which she, other characters, and of course, goffney deal with issues of race. this is a great read that gave me so much more than i initially expected. i will be recommending it to students in the long run.”
27. our last echoes by kate alice marshall
sophia’s first memory is of drowning. he remembers her hands pulling her to safety, but that memory is impossible: she has never been in the ocean. When Sophia receives a mysterious call about an island called Bitter Rock, she learns that she and her mother were there fifteen years ago, and her mother never came back. In searching for answers from her, she discovers that people have been disappearing from Bitter Rock for decades. Sophia is the only one who can break the cycle, or risk becoming just another echo haunting the island.
promising review: “I enjoyed all of his books, but this was the best one yet and the start of the series, I hope. very good story and great characters.”
28. don’t hate the player for alexis nedd
emilia romero has mastered the art of living a double life. By day, she’s a field hockey star with an impeccable report card, but by night, she’s the only female member of a highly competitive esports team. When a major esports tournament comes to Ella’s town, Ella Emilia is determined to prove herself to her team and the male-dominated gaming community. But her perfectly balanced life is turned upside down when a rival team member, Jake Hooper, recognizes her…
promising review: “this was just an overall good and fun book! the story is great, and while you have to be a bit forgiving of somewhat detailed gameplay descriptions, I found it to be incredibly readable. I devoured it in two days. cool stuff!”
29. kisses and croissants by anne-sophie jouhanneau
mia jenrow always knew she was destined to be a professional dancer. in fact, it’s in her blood: her grandmother once danced for the paris opera and was painted by degas himself! As Mia plans to spend a magical summer chasing her dream in France, she soon realizes it may be a little more complicated than she bargained for. Her rival Audrey will stop at nothing to show her off, her instructor drives her to breaking point, and distracting her with her charm, Louis is eager to show Mia her city. she. Mia’s summer was supposed to be about ballet, but there’s a reason Paris is called the city of love…
teacher review: “I loved the characters and Paris was the perfect setting. what made it different from other romantic comedies was already the intensity of a summer ballet show. I can’t wait to recommend this to my students. And I can’t wait to go get a croissant.”
30. we are not like them by christine proud and jo piazza
jen and riley have been best friends since kindergarten. even though their lives took different paths, they are as close as sisters as adults. After years of trying, Jen is finally pregnant while Riley is about to become one of the first black anchors on the major news channel in her hometown of Philadelphia. However, their deep bond is tested when Jen’s husband, a city police officer, is involved in the shooting of an unarmed black teenager. Covering this career-making story, Riley grapples with the implications of this tragic incident for her black community, her ambitions, and her relationship with her lifelong friend.
promising review: “this book powerfully tackles a heavy topic that needs more dialogue today. the best thing about it is the way it explores police violence and racism through the lens of the relationship between these two women. the book clearly shows how these problems are not simple, how there is more than one side to the story, and how only through effort and deep calculation will we get anywhere to solve our challenges. great book.”
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