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The teenage years are a time when kids start to really absorb the world around them and learn proper morals.
It’s important to fill teens with life-changing books, themes of love, bravery, working through challenges, and books that inspire deep thinking.
I’ve gathered some of the best of the best books for your high schooler to read and enjoy.
Books Every High Schooler Should Read
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is praised for good reason.
Not only does the writing suck you into the story, but the morals and values introduced are extremely important for teenagers.
The entire book gives a new perspective on the prohibition era, all while teaching readers the vitality of learning from their own mistakes and growing as a person.
The Great Gatsby is a must-read for every teenager.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Murder On The Orient Express is arguably one of the best murder mysteries ever written.
Throughout the suspense and mystery, Agatha Christie teaches the importance of justice and problem-solving skills. Readers are forced into critical thinking to solve the case with Agatha’s clever writing, and introduced to new vocabulary.
Every teenager will practically fall in love with Murder on The Orient Express.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Though The Secret Garden was written for a younger audience, even teenagers can learn from this amazing novel.
Burnett’s writing teaches the importance of compassion and introduces a new love for the outdoors. Values of kindness are a major theme in this book.
Teenagers everywhere will love The Secret Garden.
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
The Hobbit is one of the best novels for instilling values of friendship, loyalty, and bravery in your teen. Characters throughout the story learn how to face relational hardships and overcome their fears in the fantasy world around them.
But Tolkien doesn’t only integrate moral conflict into his story. He masterfully uses descriptive writing that introduces teens to uncommon words and expands their vocabulary.
The Hobbit is a must read for any fantasy-loving teen out there!
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Fahrenheit 451 is renowned by teachers and professors across the US for good reason. This classic sci-fi novel teaches the importance of an educated society and individuality in the most beautiful way.
Bradbury’s fantastic writing reminds the readers that educating one’s self is vitally important in today’s world, and warns against the dangers of conformity in society.
Every teenager out there needs to get their hands on a copy of Fahrenheit 451.
The Giver by Lois Lowery
The Giver is truly one of the best dystopian novels ever written.
Readers learn the significance of heart-to-heart connection with other people, and that expressing emotion is nothing to be ashamed of. The humanity expressed throughout the writing is vital in today’s world.
Apart from the excellent values throughout the book, Lois Lowery does a fantastic job with world-building and character development as well.
Every teen out there will absolutely love The Giver.
Lord of The Flies by William Golding
Lord of The Flies is one of the best books for teaching humanity to teenagers and even adults.
Selflessness is a major theme in this book, as characters learn how vital it is to be kind to one another, and treat people with humanity. Readers are taught character morals and integrity all throughout the captivating story.
Lord of The Flies is extremely important for every teenager to read.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief is set in Nazi Germany, and although it isn’t technically a classic yet, it still deserves a spot on this list.
All throughout the book, readers are given a powerful view of the holocaust, and taught the significance of humanity. Selflessness as well as bravery are major themes throughout this gripping story.
Every teen needs to be introduced to The Book Thief.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorn
The Scarlet Letter is a vital book for teenagers everywhere.
This novel tackles issues of hypocrisy, morality, and shame throughout the inspiring writing. Readers learn the importance of honesty is taught in practically every page.
Your teenager will absolutely love The Scarlet Letter.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice is something that everyone should read, and everyone will thoroughly enjoy.
Austen captures the importance of a marriage built on true love and like-mindedness, as well as teaching kindness and humility. Every page is chock full of educational values in both a historical sense and in a sense of humanity.
Teenagers will immediately fall in love with Pride and Prejudice.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women is arguably one of the best classics out there. It’s no wonder why teachers love this book so much.
Set in the civil war era, the story teaches the importance of feminism today through the introduction of old gender roles. The characters also learn selflessness, responsibility, and kindness in each chapter.
Every teen needs a copy of Little Women on their shelf.
Emma by Jane Austen
Emma is one of the funnest classics out there.
Throughout the comedy that Austen has written, the reader will learn the dangers of gossip and to learn from their own mistakes. Characters throughout the novel are also taught the values of generosity and kindness towards one another.
Teens everywhere will have a blast reading Emma.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill A Mockingbird is a vital book for all ages.
Each page examines the threat of racism and tackles the importance of justice. Characters are faced with issues of human cruelty and are forced to use their senses of right-and-wrong alongside the reader.
To Kill a Mockingbird is an important for every teenager to read.
If you have read most of these amazing books, here are some alternatives to check out.
Must read high school books on Historical Fiction
- The Downstairs Girl – Stacey Lee
- Salt to Sea – Ruta Sepetys
- The Language of Fire – Stephanie Hemphill
- The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas – John Boyne
Must read high school books on Fantasy
- An Enchantment of Ravens – Margaret Rogerson
- Howl’s Moving Castle – Diana Wynne Jones
- Sherwood – Megan Spooner
- Sorcery of Thorns – Margaret Rogerson
- The Cruel Prince – Holly Black
- Sky in The Deep – Adrienne Young
- Shadow & Bone – Leigh Bardugo
- Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow – Jessica Day George
- Red Queen – Victoria Aveyard
- Heartless – Marissa Meyer
- Carve The Mark – Veronica Roth
- Echo North – Joanna Ruth Meyer
Must read high school books Contemporary
- Turtles All The Way Down – John Green
- Fangirl – Rainbow Rowell
- All The Bright Places – Jennifer Niven
- Dear Evan Hansen – Steven Levenson
- Mosquitoland – David Arnold
- Everything Everything – Nicola Yoon
- Eleanor & Park – Rainbow Rowell
Must read high school books Sci-Fi
- Warcross – Marie Lu
- The Lunar Chronicles – Marissa Meyer
- Legend – Marie Lu (Novel version)
- The 5th Wave – Rick Yancey
- Renegades – Marissa Meyer
- Gone – Michael Grant
- Ready Player One – Ernest Cline
- Dry – Jarrod Shusterman and Neal Shusterman
- This Mortal Coil – Emily Suvada
- Contagion – Erin Bowman
Do you have middle schoolers?
Related: Best Books for Middle School Reluctant Readers
Let us know what books every high schooler should read that you love in your house.
