25 Good Books Our Teens Read for Fun

Acceleration by Graham McNamee is a fast-paced YA thriller about a teen who discovers a serial killer’s diary in a lost-and-found and races to stop him before it’s too late. Best for ages 14 and up, especially teens who enjoy suspense and mystery.

In this superhero fantasy trilogy, Melissa Meyers introduces us to a society struggling to stay afloat years after an uprising by villains with extraordinary powers. A group of superheroes has stepped up as protectors and leaders after defeating these villains, but not everyone is happy about how little power those without super abilities have in this new world.

Alexandra F. said:  Our family enjoyed this series by Marissa Meyer so much that the release of the third book in the trilogy was a much-anticipated event at our house. Lots of adventure (and a touch of high school romance) in an interesting story about a world where many people have super powers, but are struggling to figure out what role these super heroes should play in society. The two main characters are teenagers who each have super powers, and fall on opposite sides of the prevailing viewpoints. But, secrets and betrayals abound, making for a fun and twisty plot!

Popular mystery book for teens about unraveling a death that happened in high school detention.

Kelly R said:  This Pulitzer Prize winner, written by Anthony Doerr, paints a vibrant, beautiful, and tragic picture of World War II as experienced by a blind Parisian girl and a young German soldier. It's the sort of book that you can't put down (due in part to the deliciously short chapters), while dreading the inevitable arrival at the last page.

The Boys in the Boat tells the inspiring true story of the University of Washington's underdog rowing team during the Great Depression as they strive for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, highlighting their working-class backgrounds and the unifying power of teamwork against immense odds. 

Tim Ponisciak said:  The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown, follows the story of the young men who were a part of the US Men's Olympic Rowing Team in 1936. This college crew team was never expected to make it to the Olympics, but together, these young men defied the odds to find success and hope. Woven through the story is background on the climate leading up to World War II.

Shila said:  William Golding's Lord of the Flies is one of the best books to read in high school - and if it's not part of the curriculum, certainly aim to read it at home for fun. It is about a group of school-age boys stranded alone on an uncharted island post plane crash. With no adults to take charge, the kids are left to form order and organize community.

Shila said:  The premise of this lovely coming-of-age series, by Ann Brashares, is a group of four teenage friends sharing one perfect-fit pair of jeans. During each of their summer travels apart (but while wearing the jeans), there's an interesting story to share. This book assures readers to put good faith in everlasting strong-girl friendships.

Alexandra F. said:  My teen is a big fan of fantasy and sci-fi and has really been enjoying Tomi Adeyemi’s unique fantasy series, Children of Blood and Bone. Influenced by Adeyemi’s West African heritage, the story involves religious deities, magic and a dark quest for power, and follows the lives of two of the children of the ruling king, along with two children who have been hurt by his vicious rule. It is worth noting that there are some graphic descriptions of violence.

A 16-year-old girl from a poor black neighborhood attends a fancy mostly-white prep school, and her world is shaken up when she sees her childhood friend shot and killed by a police officer.

Kelly R said:  I'd suggest this as a good book for high schoolers because of a lot of heavy and adult content. Consider reading this one alongside your child, because it will prompt some good discussions about race and privilege.

A regular teen is immersed in a world of vampires and werewolves in Stephenie Meyer's popular series of romantic books for teens.