Reading is not only something that is required for school and academics, but it’s something that many teens enjoy doing during their free time.
When choosing a book to read that is not for schoolwork, many teens look for things that resonate with them or have interesting stories and themes. Most teens like to read novels that have characters they can relate to or conflicts that they can identify with. There are dozens of books that are great for teens to dive into during their free time.
The Hunger Games
“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins is a YA series set in a dystopian society where the capitol forces 12 districts to send a boy or girl to fight for their lives on live TV. The story follows the life of 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers to replace her sister in the game. The story is a thriller with ups and downs, conflict, and relatable plots for all teens who value family and also feel strongly about government and society.
The Outsiders
A novel that many read in ELA class, “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton is one that is a classic for teens. The story follows friends and gangs, the “Greasers” and the “Socs” who represent the working class and the upper class. The story follows 14-year-old Ponyboy, and explores various themes of identity and loyalty.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a thriller by Holly Jackson that follows a young high school student Pip as she investigates a murder case in her town. When investigating the murders, she uncovers some deep, dark secrets that could turn things on their head in her hometown. The three book series takes readers throughout the cases and uncovers more and more as the pages turn. It will be a great way to investigate the truth behind some scary situations.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
A coming of age novel by Stephen Chobosky follows 15-year-old Charlie throughout his high school time as an introvert who finds a group of friends to fit in with. These friends go through many struggles, and uncover the various situations and problems that teenagers face during their high school time. Exploring themes of trauma, mental illness, and friendships, the book really connects with young adults who too struggle with these dynamics in their lives.
Turtles All the Way Down
John Greene, one of the young adult authors of a generation, this novel revolves around Ava Holmes who decides to investigate the disappearance of a billionaire in her neighborhood. Her and her friend decide to investigate the disappearance due to the high reward. However, it becomes a lot of pressure to uncover the truth and maintain good grades while also being a good friend.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
For those who are into mythical shows like “Game of Thrones,” this novel is one that TikTok has deemed too good to put down. Feyre, the novel’s main character, ends up killing a wolf in the woods and dragged into a magical land. The book uncovers romance, magic, history, and mythical themes in order to build a translucent plot line.
