When deciding what to give teens for their holiday gifts, it might feel like a war between two opposing sides. You want to give a gift that they will like, but you also want to give something that helps them grow and be a better person. Those 2 things shouldn’t be in opposition with one another, but hey, what are you going to do?
That’s why the team at Sawyer is here to help you find a great gift (or two) for your teens. We’ve outlined the best books for teens to read and broken it down by age and grade, genre, type, and more. Ready to see your teen sit down and love a book? We are, too!
Best books for teens to read
Classic books for teens
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Why is The Catcher in the Rye a classic?
It is widely considered one of the most universal looks at adolescence. Some teens feel a strong connection to Holden, the main character, and how he feels a lack of agency in his life at school. Others might find Holden whiney.
Who would like The Catcher in the Rye?
Teenage and preteen-aged boys and masc-identifying teens might connect more strongly with Holden. However, all teenagers might find relief in realizing they are not alone in their feelings.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Why is To Kill a Mockingbird a classic?
The universal nature of the story and its perspective on race, class, the legal system, and human nature has remained poignant.
Who would like To Kill a Mockingbird?
Teenagers who are exploring racial and social justice at school, at home, and online will find connection with the story and Scout & Atticus’ journey throughout the novel.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Why is Brave New World a classic?
Set in a dystopian future, Brave New World explores totalitarianism, conformity, and how technology can be both a positive and a negative.
Who would like Brave New World?
Digitally-inclined teenagers might be especially interested in the technology created in this world. Likewise, readers who already like sci-fi or futuristic books will likely enjoy this novel.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Why is Little Women a classic?
The themes of family relationships, especially amongst sisters, growing up and learning who you are, and staying loyal to friends and family are as relatable now as they were when the book was written.
Who would like Little Women?
Adolescent girls and femme-identifying teenagers might connect more strongly to the main characters as they navigate growing from girls into women. Likewise, teenagers with large families might find joy in reading about the four sisters and how they interact with one another.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Why is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings a classic?
As the first of her 7 autobiographies, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings centers around the first 16 years of Maya’s life. It discusses themes that are still present today, such as racism, poverty, rape, and so much more.
Who would like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?
Teenagers dealing with societal issues might identify with young Maya and find solace in her beautiful storytelling and knowledge of her life story. Content warning: sexual assault is present in this book.
Buy I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Biographies for teens
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery
What is Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom about?
Lynda Blackmon Lowery was the youngest activist to march for voting rights. She was jailed 11 times before her 15th birthday and walked with Martin Luther King, Jr. for justice.
Who would like Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom?
Teenagers interested in social justice and activism would connect with Lynda’s story.
Buy Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March
Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi
What is Americanized about?
This memoir centers around 13-year old Sara who learns from her family that she is actually undocumented. While navigating the legal system to attempt to get her green card, Sara also deals with regular teenage worries like what to do about her unruly eyebrows.
Who would like Americanized?
While Sara does discuss the immigration system and her worries as an undocumented resident of the US, mostly this story is lighthearted and centered around the teenage experience. Teenage girls and femme-identifying teenagers might connect more with Sara, but teenagers of all gender identities will likely find joy in her story.
Buy Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
What is Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl about?
The diary entries of Anne Frank, a young Dutch Jewish girl, who is in hiding for 2 years from the Nazis. It follows their life just before being forced into hiding and all throughout their time in the attic.
Who would like Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl?
This memoir is incredibly important for young people to read to get a firsthand account of life during the Holocaust. Jewish teenagers will feel a connection to their history while reading this book. Likewise, teenagers interested in history and social justice will learn a lot as well.
Buy Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida
What is The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism about?
This intimate memoir written by an autistic 13 year old gives an eye-opening look into the mind of someone with autism. It gives the reader perspective that they might not have had before and helps them better understand how to interact with and be friends with autistic individuals.
Who would like The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism?
All teenagers should take the chance to read this book so that they can take a walk in the shoes of potential peers with autism in their school and community. It is a great opportunity to practice empathy and continue to grow as people.
Buy The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism
Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition by Katie Rain-Hill and Ariel Schrag
What is Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition about?
The heartbreaking and honest memoir written by a transgender teenager, Rethinking Normal follows Katie as she faces bullies, suicide attempts, and coming-of-age.
Who would like Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition?
This unique story can help teenagers who are LGBTQIA+ and allies feel comfortable in their skin and understand that it gets better. Content warning: this book contains suicide attempts.
Buy Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition
Best book series for teens
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
What is Harry Potter about?
One of the most popular and well known book series for teens, the Harry Potter books follow young wizards who are coming-of-age and fighting evil forces in their community.
Who would like Harry Potter?
Teenagers of all ages and gender identities will likely enjoy the magic of Harry Potter. Whether or not the reader has seen the movies, the books are a great way to get teens excited about reading.
Buy Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
What is The Hunger Games about?
Set in a dystopian future, The Hunger Games series follows teens who are forced to fight to the death for survival. It explores themes that all teenagers can understand like love, growth, and a healthy distrust of the state.
Who would like The Hunger Games?
These books are action-packed and feature a female protagonist. Like Harry Potter, the books have enough variety from the movies that even teenagers who have seen the films would enjoy reading the books.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
What is To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before about?
This lighthearted romance series follows Lara Jean and her high school love life after all of her secret love letters are mailed out.
Who would like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before?
Teenage girls and femme-identifying teenagers might relate more strongly to the main character as she navigates high school romance.
Buy To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
What is An Ember in the Ashes about?
Inspired by ancient Rome, An Ember in the Ashes series follows a warrior who aligns herself with the rebels to save her brother and fight against the tyrannical ruling government.
Who would like An Ember in the Ashes?
Teenagers who are fans of sci-fi, history, and action will enjoy this book series. The themes around love, loyalty, and family are relatable to teens of all ages.
The Akata Books by Nnedi Okorafor
What is The Akata Books about?
In the first book of the series, The Akata Witch follows an albino Black American teenager living in Nigeria who discovers that she has magical powers. She starts training her powers with 3 others and together, they need to fight a dangerous criminal.
Who would like The Akata Books?
Black teenagers who are looking for more representation in sci-fi and fantasy series will enjoy The Akata Books. However, all teenagers will love the modern adventures and magic in the stories.
We’ve also outlined even more books for middle schoolers so that you can find the perfect books for holiday gifts this year. And if you are not sure how to get your child to fall in love with reading, check out our guide for proven tips. Cheers to all of our current and future bookworms!
