When it feels daunting to find the right book for your teenager, this YA book gift guide should help find the just the right book for your teens. Plus, my own teen helped me choose some of the books, which reflect a wide variety of interests and genres, so you know they are teen-approved!
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Table of contents
Because I don't have time to read every YA book that has been published, I am extremely picky about which titles I choose to spend valuable time reading for lists. I only choose books which already have received critical acclaim and starred reviews!
Fantasy and Science Fiction
Fantasy, sci-fi and speculative fiction books transport your teens to imaginary worlds and allow them to escape–however briefly–the daily angst of being a teenager.
A Door in the Dark by Scott Reintgen
When a portal spell malfunctions, six teenage wizards, including the scholarship student Ren Monroe and the wealthy Theo, are stranded in the Dires, a wilderness that was home to the last dragons. The teens must complete a dangerous journey as mysterious forces threaten their lives. The brilliant world-building and heart-pounding tension will keep your teen rapidly turning the pages of this thrilling novel.
Aurora Rising (series) by Amie Kaufmann and Jay Kristoff
My teen rates this book as "Really, really good, mom." It's 2380 and a group of six diverse graduating cadets are preparing for their first mission as representatives of an interplanetary peacekeeping coalition. But a mysterious and superhuman stowaway, Aurora, threatens the order. Full of high drama, intriguing personalities, thrills and laughs. Your teen will want to pick up the next book in the series right away.
Scythe (series) by Neal Shusterman
My 14-year-old gobbled up this series, but fair warning, it is an intense story. The action takes place in a world where humans have conquered hunger, disease, war and even death. The Scythes are a select group who are commanded to kill, in order to keep the population under control. Now, Citra and Rowan are recruited against their will to become Scythes. Each book in the series is huge, but will keep teens reading (and off their phones) well into the night.
Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirby
Ever since I read Kirby's middle grade mystery, Icefall (which I've included on a billion book lists in an effort to get it into the hands of your kids), I have been a fan of his books. If your teen is a fan of sci-fi, this is the novel to give to them! Jessica Mathers is teleported via a device that will remind Star Trek fans of the transporter (with an explanation of how it works that I was not expecting!) to a distant mission involving a post-extinction world. However, upon arrival she encounters a replica of herself and is faced with a bizarre myster. The narration alternates between the two Jessicas as she tries to unravel what happened.
Seraphina (series) by Rachel Hartman
Hartman creates an irresistible world where humans and dragons live side by side. The peace between the two is tenuous. Our narrator, Seraphina, is half-human, half-dragon and she describes the dangerous situation as an investigation into a royal murder gets underway, revealing a plot to destroy the peace. Be sure to pick up all three books of this gorgeous series.
Graceling (series) by Kristin Cashore
In the Seven Kingdoms, everyone is born with a Grace. Katsa's Grace is killing. She was raised by her uncle to believe that she must use her skills to enforce his will. She becomes friends with Prince Po, and Katsa learns that her Grace might not be what she thought after all. The whole series is fantastic and features strong females. Also available as a graphic novel, adapted by the amazing Gareth Hinds.
Verse Novels
Enter the Body by Joy McCullough
I felt like I was holding my breath the entire time I was reading this book. Under a stage in the glow of a ghost light, a group of Shakespearean heroines tell and re-frame their stories, taking control of their own fates. While a knowledge of Shakespeare's plays and characters (Juliet, Ophelia, Cordelia, and Lavinia, in particular) is helpful, it's not necessary. Stunning.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Reynolds' free verse novel about a 15-year-old seeking revenge for the death of his brother has earned a gazillion awards. Will puts a gun in his waistband and gets on an elevator. At each floor the door opens and Will is confronted with someone connected to gun violence or his brother. Feelings of hope, despair, connection, loss, and community all vie for our attention in this unforgettable story. Also available in a graphic novel version.
Sports True Stories
Does your teen love to get out on the court or the field? Then try giving them one of these inspiring true stories of athletes who went after what they loved and became the best in their sport!
Inaugural Ballers: The True Story of the First US Women's Olympic Basketball Team by Andrew Maraniss
Social change, equal rights and a love of the basketball collide in this fascinating history of the sport. The passage of Title IX in 1972 finally allowed women and girls equal opportunities to play and compete in sports, and in 1973 Women's basketball was added to the Olympics. Even someone like me, bored to tears by watching professional sports will appreciate the fascinating history behind the rise of the first women's olympic basketball team.
Messenger: The Legend of Muhammad Ali by Marc Bernardin, illustrated by Ron Salas
Teens interested in social history and sports, or those who grew up hearing stories about the legendary Ali, will speed through this compelling graphic novel about the charismatic boxer. The novel is separated into twelve "rounds" detailing Cassius Clay's training and success, his civil rights activism and personal triumphs and challenges. Mesmerizing.
Historical Fiction
A good YA historical fiction novel reveals truths about the present as much as it teaches us about the past.
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
I could not put this book down! When Jo Kuan is fired from her job as a milliner she gets work as a lady's maid to a cruel mistress. It's late 19th century Atlanta and folks' opinions of race, gender and class are not exactly enlightened. But when Jo writes an anonymous advice column titled "Dear Miss Sweetie," she challenges the prejudiced views of society. Society is not ready for her, however, and there is a backlash which sends her on a new journey of discovery about her past. Excellent!
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 teens will absolutely relate to Joseph's emotional journey.
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (series) by Mackenzi Lee
When I asked for something funny and quirky, a gentleman at an independent bookstore recommended this YA book to me. In 18th century Europe, two young British men, one white and one mixed race set out to tour the continent. It does not turn out to be a tame, landmark-touring and museum visiting trip, however. Monty's hedonism lands the friends in a heap of trouble. The writing is gleeful and so much fun–as if Oscar Wilde was in an action movie–and the themes of xenophobia, race relations, homophobia and power-corrupted politicians will seem all too familiar to today's teen. Not to mention the zillions of starred reviews this book won!
My Contrary Mary (series) by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
I highly recommend this series of historical fiction YA novels for teens who enjoy imagining (or re-imagining) the lives of powerful and influential women. The titular character of My Contrary Mary is Mary Queen of Scots. Other books in the series focus on Lady Jane Grey, Mary Shelley, and Calamity Jane.
Contemporary Realism
These YA books portray familiar worlds to teens while also showing them the lives of others, helping to develop compassion and understanding for one's fellow humans.
Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest
It's senior year and Effie is considering her college options, trying to get the high school administration to take accessibility seriously, and wondering if her crush might feel the same way about her. Effie wants to go to college in NYC and pursue studies in media representation but the college isn't made to accommodate her wheelchair. This appealing coming-of-age story thoughtfully addresses disability issues with a narrator who focuses on developing her ability to speak up for herself.
Darius the Great is Not Okay (2 book series) by Adib Khorram
Darius's father is white, his mother is from Iran. At school, he is bullied and struggles with depression. When he goes on a trip to Iran to visit his ill grandfather he doesn't think he will fit in there either. This is a powerful book about finding your place, learning the meaning of true friendship and having confidence in yourself. My teen loved it, as well as the sequel, Darius the Great Deserves Better.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
This offering comes from the author of The Hate U Give. Sixteen-year-old Bri is the daughter of a underground hip hop legend, and she, too, wants to be a music artist. But things are difficult, both at home, where she lives with her widowed mother who struggles with a drug addiction, and at her art school, where she suffers humiliation when one of her songs goes viral. This is a gorgeous and heartfelt story.
Superhero Stories
You probably never thought about DC or Marvel characters getting their own brilliantly written novels that received starred reviews. The two books for teens I'm featuring here aren't the only ones! Publishers are capitalizing on the comics trend to recruit well-known, talented authors to pen stories about your teen's favorite superheroes and villains.
Loki: Where Mischief Lies (series) by Mackenzi Lee
Lee writes an origin story for Loki and his journey to prove himself as something more than a villain. Amora, the only other person who sees the good in Loki is banished to Earth. Loki follows, sent to London by his father, Odin, to find the source of Asgardian magic linked to mysterious murders.
Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo
Diana, the Amazonian warrior, rescues Alia, a 17-year-old New Yorker and descendant of Helen of Troy, and in doing so is exiled from Themyscira. Together with several other mortals, they team up to defeat their enemies and save the world. Written by the author of the popular Six of Crows series. Also available in a graphic novel version.
Graphic Novels
Graphic novels come in all genres. Note that several of the traditional novels on this YA book list are also available in graphic novel versions.
The Iliad and The Odyssey, graphic novels adapted by Gareth Hinds
Find The Iliad: Bookshop | Amazon
Find The Odyssey: Bookshop | Amazon
One summer I gave these two graphic novel adaptations of the Homeric classics to my elder teen because I wasn't sure he was going to have a chance to read the originals in school, and I was certain he wouldn't read them on his own. He LOVED them. Hinds is a master at adapting classics into graphic novel format and these are terrific. Both of these tales are full of illustrations of gory warfare (the kind that you'd have to imagine if you read the original epic poems) so they aren't for the faint of heart. In case you're wondering, his high school class did end up reading The Odyssey. Find more of our favorite graphic novel adaptations of classics.
Almost American Girl by Robin Ha
In her illustrated memoir, Robin describes her life as a teen after moving to American from Korea with her single mother. They first move to Alabama where Robin must learn to speak a new language and interpret new cultural signals. Unhappy with her new life, Robin clashes with her mother, and the two start over with a move to Virginia where Robin fits in with a diverse community. Author-artist Ha deftly merges her immigrant narrative with her mother's backstory to create a moving, relatable memoir.
March (trilogy) by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
Lewis, a congressman from Georgia is one of our greatest heroes of the Civil Rights Era. This graphic novel trilogy is Lewis' first hand account of his experiences during the civil rights movement. Lewis provides many personal details and focuses on the non-violent philosophy of the movement. Superb.
Pirate Queen: The Legend of Grace O'Malley by Tony Lee, illustrated by Sam Hart
Here's a fun, rousing tale of a 16th century heroine who wanted to keep the English from invading Ireland. Better than any action movie, this book takes readers on a high-stakes adventure in which Grace skillfully wields a sword and sails the high seas in battles against the enemy.
Nonfiction
Confession: I love reading YA nonfiction. Why? Because I can get so much juicy information without having to wade through 500 densely written pages! After giving these books to your teen, you'll want to read them, too!
America Redux: Visual Stories from Our Dynamic History by Ariel Aberg-Riger
This is a must-read for teens interested in American history. It covers so many topics that are glossed over in high school history classes, which, unfortunately, have given Americans a skewed perspective of how events in this country unfolded. I especially appreciated the visual elements as well as the non-linear perspective. Very thought provoking and a book grown-ups will want to read, too.
Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe by Steve Sheinkin
The story of how Rudolf Vrba escaped from Auschwitz is astounding. Nonfiction great, Sheinkin, vividly tells the parallel stories of Rudi, a teen sent to Auschwitz in 1944, and Gerta, a Jewish teen hiding in plain sight in Hungary under an assumed identity. Sheinkin does not shirk his duty to provide documentary evidence. The book concludes with an episode in which Vrba appears in a Canadian courtroom in a case involving a Holocaust denier. Powerful (an understatement if ever there was one).
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz; adapted by Jean Mendoza and Debbie Reese
Reading this fascinating text, your teens will go beyond the limited school-book, colonial-centered history of the United States. Teens will learn how to think critically about the "discovery" of America, and be encouraged to challenge main-stream representations of historical events. They will also be introduced to a new way of thinking about environmentalism and social activism. An absolutely essential read.
Dissenter on the Bench by Victoria Ortiz
Find it: Amazon
Ortiz writes a wonderful biography of RGB, from her upbringing in Brooklyn to her work on civil rights as a lawyer and as a distinguished member of the Supreme Court. Great attention is paid to Ginsberg's own experiences with discrimination as well as her achievements. Not only that, but Ortiz's narrative is an excellent example of fine biographical writing.
Samurai Rising: The Epic Life of Minamoto Yoshitsune by Pamela S. Turner
Find it: Amazon
This is a gripping biography, but I won't lie, there are A LOT of people who die unnatural deaths. Minamoto Yoshitsune was a 12th century samurai warrior who, after the murder of his father, grows up amongst the monks at Kurama Temple. With stunning grit and daring ingenuity, Yoshitsune eventually becomes a warrior who is both admired and feared. Yes, there are a lot of gruesome details in this book, so perhaps it is not for sensitive souls. However, if you have a teen who loves Japanese or military history, this is a stirring narrative.
Classics
Yes, you can get teens interested in the classics, especially when you find classic books that have special relevance to current events. (And also, when they are not required school reading...)
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 Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Perhaps your teen has been watching the critically acclaimed Hulu series and has yet to read the original tale. Now's the time to put Atwood's chilling tale of Republic of Gilead in their hands. When they are done reading, ask them their thoughts about the story of Offred and her experience in the totalitarian society bent on the oppression and control of women.
More books for your YA reading teens:
Felicity says
I would add the following wonderful books I've recently read:
His Name Was Walter by Jackie French - part mystery, part fairytale and a bit of history, all set in Australia
As Happy as Here by Jane Godwin - three teenage girls from different backgrounds share a hospital ward and get caught up in a mystery
The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden - a girl in 7th grade tries to navigate school as she cares for her younger siblings after school while her mum works
Erica says
Thanks for the recommendations!
Phoebe Snell says
Thanks for the book recs! I am a teen and I was looking for some good YA.
I would add The Hiding Place, The Girl who Owned a City, and A Long Walk to Water--all interesting, well-written stories.
Erica says
Thanks for the suggestions!
Sharlene Habermeyer says
Love your lists, Erica! I'd like to add a couple--that my sons read and enjoyed (you have probably heard of most of these): Snow Bound by Harry Mazer, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls, and Quiet Power: The Secret Strength of Introverted Kids by Susan Cain. I love Susan Cain's "Quiet"--about introverted adults and so when her book for introverted kids came out--had to get it.
Erica says
Thanks for the recommendations!
Anthony says
Hello Erica,
Thank you so much for the Summer Reading Lists pdf. I am trying to put together a summer reading program in my school district here in Upstate NY so I really appreciate this head start. What about acquiring books for students as part of an independent reading library without spending a lot of $?
Linda says
My 14-year-old granddaughter loves mystery books, especially Holly Jackson. Is here a list for them!
Erica says
I don't have a YA mystery book list. However, Star Splitter is a Sci-Fi Mystery if she likes sci-fi as well. She might like Maureen Johnson's books. Johnson has written a number of critically acclaimed YA mystery series.