Best YA Books List 2025 – Reading is one of the most powerful tools, especially during the transformative years. If you have a book by your side, you can easily lose yourself in the safe solace of that book. Whether you are someone who loves to weave stories or someone who likes to read someone’s life story, the right books make a huge difference.

In this curated guide, we list the 60 best books to read as teenagers, must-read books for teens covering various genres—from classics and fantasy to contemporary fiction and non-fiction.

Why Reading Matters for Teenagers

Teenage years are full of exploration and emotional growth. Reading helps in many ways. If you are looking for an escape into a fantasy land or wish to improve your language skills, books have a way to impart knowledge in the best possible way. Reading helps in –

• Build a better vocabulary and comprehension
• Improve focus and academic performance
• Expand imagination and creativity
• Shape identity and self-confidence
• Develop empathy and emotional intelligence

60 Must-Read Teen Books (Ages 13–18) — Ultimate YA Reading List

Now, let’s dive into the must-read books for teens that are not only popular but deeply impactful.

Top 10 Classic Books for Teens –

The Top classic books for teenagers that every booklover vouches for, these timeless classics introduce teens to critical thinking, morality, and society’s complexities. Best teen books to read before college –  Many of these books have been adapted into screenplays or movies, as they are loved by one and all.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
3. 1984 by George Orwell
4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
5. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
6. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
7. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
8. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
9. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
10. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

10 Best Young Adult Fiction Books to Read as Teenagers –

These young adult (YA) fiction books are popular among teens for their relatable characters, emotional depth, and real-life themes like love, identity, friendship, and mental health. They help teens navigate complex emotions and situations while staying engaged with compelling stories. These young adult fantasy series for teens cover mental health, love, loss, and identity—relatable and real for teens today.

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. One of the best contemporary YA books dealing with mental health and teen identity.
2. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
3. Looking for Alaska by John Green
4. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
5. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
6. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
7. Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
8. Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
9. Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali
10. It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

10 Best Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books for Teenagers –

Fantasy and sci-fi spark imagination while reflecting on real-world issues in extraordinary ways.

1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. This YA fantasy novel is a must-read for teenage fans of adventure and magical worlds.
2. Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
3. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
4. Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth
5. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
6. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
7. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
8. Legend Series by Marie Lu
9. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
10. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

10 Best Coming-of-Age Books for Teens –

These books explore the journey of adolescence, often focusing on themes of self-discovery, identity, and navigating the challenges of growing up. They help teens understand emotions, friendships, identity, and change.

1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
3. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
5. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
6. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
7. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
8. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
9. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
10. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

10 Thought-Provoking Non-Fiction Books for Teens

These non-fiction books are perfect for teenagers who want to explore real-life stories, gain confidence, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Best self help books for teens. They cover topics like personal growth, leadership, activism, mental strength, and identity, helping teens build emotional intelligence and practical life skills.

1. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
2. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
3. Atomic Habits by James Clear
4. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
6. Quiet Power by Susan Cain
7. Unbroken (Young Adult Adaptation) by Laura Hillenbrand
8. Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
9. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
10. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

10 Must-Read Historical Fiction Books for Teens –

Books that blend real historical events with compelling storytelling. These novels help teenagers explore the past through the eyes of relatable characters, making history feel personal, emotional, and engaging.

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
2. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
3. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
4. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
5. Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
6. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
7. Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley
8. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
9. My Name Is Not Easy by Debby Dahl Edwardson
10. Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse

Final Thoughts: Building a Lifelong Reading Habit

Reading is more than a hobby—it’s a life skill. By choosing the best books for teenagers to read, young minds can learn to think critically, dream big, and understand the world around them.

Encourage teens to explore various genres, challenge their perspectives, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or a teen yourself, this list is a great place to start building a personal library.

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