The range of books available for teens may be the widest since Gutenberg invented the printing press. From Harry Potter to Twilight to The Hunger Games, young adult and teen-centric books are an ever-expanding genre. And it’s not just teens who are reading these books. Adults are reading books for teens not only because we want to know what our own kids are reading but because the quality of teen literature is on par with (if not better than) adult-centered literature.
I asked for some suggestions on what teen books were favorites of our readers, and you guys responded with a wide range of authors, books, and series. Some of the books and series are meant for younger tween and teen readers and some are meant for older high school and college-age teens. If you’re a parent looking for some reading suggestions for your own kids, please take into consideration that all of the books listed here may not be age-appropriate for your teen. Consulting with Common Sense Media, Amazon.com, and taking the suggestions from our readers, here is a list of young adult and teen books that may not necessarily be on the high school required reading list:
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal
Nightshade Series by Andrea Creamer
There Is No Dog by Meg Rosoff
Need by Carrie Jones
Genre: Life
Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
King Of The Screwups by K. L. Going
The Face On The Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney
Genre: Mystery
Slide by Jill Hathaway
The Dark Days Of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk
What I Saw And How I Lied by Judy Blundell
Have you read or would you recommend any of the books listed above?
Do you have any other book recommendations for teen readers?
Angie Lynch is the founder and managing editor of the powerhouse women’s literary community, Smut Book Club. She is a Native Floridian without a tan, probably because she spends her days hard at work on the magical internet. For the past several years, Angie has worked way too hard at building clout as an influencer in food and margaritas as well as being a source for laughable pop culture commentary. You can read more from Angie on her blog, A Whole Lot of Nothing.
Blue Plate Special:
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Plate-Special-Michelle-Kwasney/dp/0811867803
Absolutely wonderful book. I didn’t realize it was for teens/young adults when I downloaded it to my Kindle from the free books on Amazon. Now, I’m looking up Michelle Kwasney to read the rest of her books (even though I’m 32).
Just downloaded the Judy Blundell book! Thanks for recommendations! I have a 14yo son and I think I might have him read King of the Screwups…sounds awesome!
I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower just after high school. It captured the feeling of being in high school and not quite fitting in. It’s something most of us can relate to, I think.
I’d recommend it for older teens/college age though, it does deal with drugs, sex, suicide, depression and a lot of aspects of life in high school. It really doesn’t pull any punches, but leaves one feeling hopeful in the end. Like life.
http://www.amazon.com/Perks-Being-Wallflower-Stephen-Chbosky/dp/1451696205/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346251683&sr=1-1&keywords=perks+of+being+a+wallflower
Good suggestion!
No teen book list can be complete without an offering from John Green. He is the ultimate in YA Fiction. Looking for Alaska and The Fault in Our Stars are my personal favorites. But all of his books are AMAZING. And Mr. Green is an awesome human being, beyond being an amazing writer.
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