Do you read aloud to your teens? I highly recommend it, whether it's reading aloud to high school students at school or at home. Teens may be particular about the books they choose to read independently but you can introduce them to a beloved classic, or an intriguing biography by reading aloud.
Even if you thought you were done reading aloud to your kids, I urge you to pick up a book. They may be more receptive than you think, especially if they know it's a time when you won't be asking them probing questions about their life!
This list of good books to read aloud to teenagers recommends a mix of titles, from dystopian classics, contemporary YA, historical fiction, memoirs and even poetry.
Alternatively, if your teen seems to be resistant to read alouds, try putting on an audiobook in the car or during some down-time at home. That might be just the trick to get them to listen. And don't forget about our ultimate YA book guide!
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High Schoolers and Teen Read Aloud Books
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Truth be told, you could choose any of Dickens's books to read aloud to your teen. The characters and twisty-turny plots led themselves to wonderful family read alouds. After all, Dickens's works were originally consumed primarily as read alouds. I love David Copperfield more than any of his other books so that's why it's on this list. Plus the upcoming movie with Dev Patel looks like it will be fantastic!
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery
This book is an appealing conversation-style first person narrative by the youngest person to march all the way from Selma to Montgomery. Lowery describes her experience being jailed nine times (all before the age of 15) and beaten on Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama in a way that speaks directly to teens and tells them they have a voice and can be history makers, too.
The Doorman's Repose by Chris Raschka
Find it: Amazon
I really enjoyed this book. You are probably familiar with Raschka's award winning picture books like Hello, Goodbye Window and A Ball for Daisy. Now he has written a wonderful chapter book set in a New York City apartment building. The ten chapters tell amusing and discreet stories about the building's quirky inhabitants, like a doorman who tries to learn baseball lingo, a girl who helps repair a depressed boiler, a pair of neighbors who discover a hidden room, and a matchmaking elevator. The stories have a sort of delicate and sophisticated rhythm, even with all the fantastical elements. I recommend it for experienced listeners and families who like old-fashioned read aloud books. The Doorman's Repose has the distinction of being highly appealing to adults and if you still read aloud to your teens, this is a great choice.
Poetry Speaks Who I Am: Poems of Discovery, Inspiration, Independence, and Everything Else, edited by Elise Paschen
A collection of classic and contemporary poems that address topics of particular importance to teens: finding their place in the world, identifying what type of person they want to be, issues of race and gender, and more.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The action of Fahrenheit 451, set in a dystopian future where truth is threatened and television is all-powerful, will seem eerily familiar to any teen who follows the news. Fireman Guy Montag's job is to burn books and he never questions it, until he meets Clarisse, who opens his eyes to different possibilities.
The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley
My teen really enjoyed McKinley's version of the Robin Hood legend, and I'm not surprised, given her popularity as a writer of modern adaptations of folk lore and fairy tales. I particularly appreciated McKinley's elevation of the role of women in the story. In fact, Maid Marian is the winner of the archery contest, not Robin!
MORE: Robin Hood Retellings for Kids and Teens
Just a Hat by S. Khubiar
Joseph Nissan lives in small town Texas in 1979. His family, immigrants from Revolution-era Iran, are also the only Jewish family in town. Joseph's good friends are his Tejano neighbors and together they get into all kinds of mischief. When he joins the football team, Joseph finds a way to channel the frustration he feels, but it also provides a way for him to connect with others and forge a path for himself. This may have a historical setting, but today's kids will absolutely relate to Joseph's emotional journey.
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
There is a Young Reader's Edition of Yousafzai's autobiography, but with high schoolers you can read aloud the original if you prefer. Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Malala Yousafzai, was shot in the head by the Taliban at the age of 15. After her miraculous recovery, she has become a strong voice and advocate for girls and education all over the world.
MORE: 9th Grade Summer Reading List
Hattie Big Sky (series) Kirby Larson
If you and your kids enjoyed Little House on the Prairie, this is a nice book to read aloud to them in their teen years. In 1918, 16-year-old Hattie, an orphan, travels to Iowa, determined to make her recently deceased uncle's homestead in Montana her own. But, she must tame the land in a year in order to keep it as her own. The narration is coupled with short articles that Hattie writes to a newspaper about her experiences and letters she writes to her friend Charlie, who is at war in France. Hattie's life is hard and she relies on her neighbors to help her out, but there are also fellow homesteaders who are not so supportive. This is a fantastic book and a good choice for advanced readers.
MORE: Books for Readers Who Like Little Women
Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings by Margarita Engle
This is a memoir novel written in verse. Margarita was born in the USA but her mother came from Cuba. The author grew up in mid-20th century Los Angeles and feels her loyalty being tested by the two countries. She spends holidays in Cuba but that all begins to change as the relationship between Cuba and the U.S. deteriorates. Stories of immigrants are so important right now (well, anytime, really) and this is a gorgeous one about a girl who also learns to love reading and poetry along the way.
Jane Pusch says
Love this idea! My daughter is 17 now and I think it would be fun. Middleschool was the last time we read together aloud - "The last of the really great Whangdoodles" by Julie Andrews....we took turns reading a chapter each. I'm thinking now maybe the Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
Erica says
I love that book! A Holmes mystery would be a great choice!
YYC mom says
When my daughter was 11 we (she and my husband and I) read aloud Pride and Prejudice, and she has reread it many times since then! It was nice to have time that was just for her, without her little brother.
We used to read aloud at bedtime, but as the kids get older and bedtimes get later, it's hard for us to make the time.
Just recently (at 13) her teacher recommended The Martian by Andy Weiss. She read and enjoyed it, and so I and her dad also read it, and now we can discuss together. (It's a great book, but there is swearing, so if that's something that will offend people, don't read it.)
Erica says
Thanks for sharing your experience. And my teen just read The Martian, too!
Lynne Nigalis says
There are so many good picture books to read aloud with tweens and teens too! As a school librarian, we've had a ton of great discussions and learning moments using these books with our students. If you'd like a list, I'd be happy to share with your readers.
Erica says
I totally agree with this. Picture books can be excellent teaching tools for middle and high school students!
Jennifer says
Wondering how The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry would be for reading to my tween/teen. I remember the book fondly from years ago when I first read it but hadn't then been thinking with the lens of how youth-appropriate it would be!
Erica says
I've not read that book so can't comment on it, specifically. Go ahead and try it! Our teens are often more sophisticated than we give them credit for!