Looking for the best books for teens? I’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, I’ve compiled the ultimate list of young adult novels that will steal the heart of every teenager.
Generally, in our social media world, it is becoming harder and harder to get teens to pick up a book; they’d rather spend their time on social media or binge-watch a Netflix series.
Nevertheless, the books on this list are books that will make you fall in love with reading and question why you had never read them before.
Alright. Let’s get started.
Editor’s Picks
1. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
2. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
4. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This should be the first book you read in the young adult/teen genre.
1-20 | Books for Teens List
1. Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
2. Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer
3. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
5. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
6. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
7. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
8. Uglies by Scott Westerfield
9. The Selection by Kiera Cass
10. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
11. One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
12. Divergent by Veronica Roth
13. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
14. The Giver by Lois Lowry
15. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
16. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
17. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
18. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
19. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
20. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
#1 Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
Plot: The novel narrates the immortal love between Edward and Bella as they meet under the twilight. For Edward, meeting Bella becomes the most difficult thing he has done as a vampire, as he has to fight his inner thoughts about the impending danger he’s putting her in.
What’s in it for you: An iconic retell of the love story of Bella and Edward, this time from Edward’s point of view.
2. The Twilight Saga series by Stephenie Meyer
Plot: Isabella’s move to a new town in Washington was destined to be the most boring event in her life until she meets the mysterious yet attractive Edward Cullen.
However, Edward has a secret — a vampire secret — that he has managed to keep low-key and under wraps. But the emergence of Isabella poses a new threat, and he has to choose between his love for her and her safety.
What’s in it for you: A love story with a little bit of bite — okay, it has way more bite.
3. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Plot: Hands-down the most popular book series of our time, Harry Potter follows the life of its namesake protagonist, Harry, as he battles Dark Lords, demonic creatures, and all manner of evils that beset him during his time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
What’s in it for you: The best magical book series you will ever read in your lifetime.
4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Plot: Starr Carter is a sixteen-year-old who is caught between two starkly different worlds — a rich suburban prep school and her poor neighborhood.
Nevertheless, she manages to move smoothly between these two worlds, that is until she witnesses the fatal shooting of her best friend, Khalil, who was unarmed.
Amid wild nationwide protest and calls for justice, everyone wants to know how things actually went down on that fatal night.
The only witness at the crime scene? Starr, but she’s scared to fess up because it could bring dire consequences to her and her loved ones.
What’s in it for you: A heart wrenching, gripping novel that recounts one girl’s fight for justice.
5. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
Plot: Life was not a bed of roses for Ponyboy, but he always knew he could count on his brothers and also his friends to always be there for him.
However, things take a turn for the worse for him when a notorious gang, who love beating up kids like Ponyboy, take things too far on a fateful night.
What’s in it for you: A classic young adult novel filled with intense drama and suspense.
6. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Plot: She is cast out at her high school after she calls the cop on an end-of-summer party. No one would speak to her, and she is practically invisible at school.
Soon, she doesn’t even bother to speak at all but finds expression through her art.
Things heat up when she comes face to face with what actually happened during the summer party: she was raped, by a guy who still attends her high school.
Inspired by art, Melinda refuses to stay silent and decides to fight back.
What’s in it for you: A novel that demonstrates the power in speaking for yourself.
7. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Plot: Coriolanus Snow is given the impossible task of mentoring a female tribute from District 12. To Coriolanus, that is a big blow as he considers his mentee inadequate and the lowest of the lot.
Nevertheless, the House of Snow is at its lowest point, and Coriolanus must do everything to achieve success. Now, he is stuck between following the rules and surviving at all costs.
What’s in it for you: A book you can’t stop reading…
8. Uglies by Scott Westerfield
Plot: In a world where everyone’s flaws are erased when they get to the age of sixteen, Tally is outraged when she loses her chance of transitioning from an ‘Ugly’ to a ‘Pretty.’
It all started when she met Shay, a fellow Ugly who didn’t want to make the transition and planned to run away. After Shay’s escape, Tally is asked to search for and return Shay to the fold, or otherwise risk remaining an Ugly forever.
What’s in it for you: A captivating novel that plays on teenagers’ desire to look perfect.
9. The Selection by Kiera Cass
Plot: 35 girls battle for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon. For these girls, the Selection presents an opportunity of a lifetime, a way for them to escape the drudgery of their everyday lives and to live a fairytale romance in a castle.
However, for one of these girls, competing for the Prince’s heart is not exactly what she wants, as it may mean forsaking her secret lover.
After she meets Prince Maxon, she becomes torn between two worlds — the life she has now and the promising future she could have with the handsome prince.
What’s in it for you: A royal fairytale that will surely captivate your heart.
10. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Plot: The novel follows the life of sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield as he gets kicked out of his high school and runs away to New York City for three days.
Throughout the novel, Caulfield battles with topics related to belonging, identity, sex, connection, and depression.
What’s in it for you: One of the best coming-of-age novels of all time.
11. One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Plot: Five people go into detention on a fateful day, but only four of them come out alive.
One of them is found dead, and investigators are certain that it was not an accident.
The question now is, which one of them did it?
What’s in it for you: A murder mystery filled with intense drama and suspense.
12. Divergent by Veronica Roth
Plot: Set in a world where people are divided into factions — depending on their predominant virtue — Beatrice is at crossroads between choosing her family (the selfless) or transferring to a different faction.
The choice she makes, however, will shock everyone — including her family and herself.
What’s in it for you: An unpredictable journey filled with unforgettable characters and unforeseen twists and turns.
13. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Plot: Simon has a secret — a gay secret — that he prefers to keep under wraps. However, a series of events leads to a sensitive email falling into the wrong hands, and now Simon is at risk of being revealed to the world without his permission.
He must find a way to own his identity and get out of his comfort zone before he is unwillingly thrust into the limelight.
What’s in it for you: One of the most epic coming-of-age novels of the decade.
14. The Giver by Lois Lowry
Plot: Twelve-year-old Jonas lives in a perfect world where everyone obeys the rules and is seemingly contented with their lives.
However, things begin to unravel after Simon receives his life assignment, and he soon sees his complex world for what it truly is but may not be ready to accept the dark truth.
What’s in it for you: A timeless, haunting novel that will take you on a fabulous journey.
15. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Plot: Told from the perspective of a young girl, the novel depicts a world of cruelty and stark inequality as a black man is unjustly accused of a crime he did not commit.
The girl’s father, a middle-class lawyer, risks his reputation to fight for the black man — to fight for justice — with everything he’s got.
What’s in it for you: An indisputable classic that depicts the ugly side of society.
16. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Plot: Four pretty, privileged kids spend their summer on a private island. The catch? All these girls have secrets, secrets that earned them the nickname ‘The Liars’.
However, there are several other things going on in the background that threaten to hide the truth. True love and the truth, however, may yet still prevail.
What’s in it for you: A haunting, sophisticated thriller for teens.
17. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Plot: Sixteen-year-old Jacob travels to a remote island after a terrible family tragedy disorganizes his life.
On the remote island, he discovers the shattering ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
Upon exploring the Home, he realizes that the children that used to stay there may have been more than weird kids with problems. It seems they were also dangerous, and they could still be alive somewhere, somehow, still lurking in the shadows.
What’s in it for you: A chilling, gripping novel that will haunt your memories for years.
18. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Plot: Xiomara’s heart is filled with so much she wants to say but is unable to. Frustrated, she pours her heart out into a secret notebook in the form of poems.
The notebook becomes even more personal after she develops feelings for a boy in her class. One day, after Xiomara gets invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she becomes divided as she knows her mum will never agree to it.
Nevertheless, she is determined to own her voice and speak up, even if it means defying her mama’s rules.
What’s in it for you: A masterpiece of art and poetry.
19. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Plot: When two boys who seemingly have nothing in common meet at a swimming pool, they initially did not predict that they were going to be friends at all.
However, as they start spending time together, they develop a special friendship, and, through their bond, discover powerful truths about themselves and their world.
What’s in it for you: A beautiful story that you will remember for a lifetime.
20. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Plot: Previously inseparable twins are torn apart by a tragedy. Now, they barely even speak to each other and are living completely separate lives.
What these twins don’t realize is that they need each other and must find a way to reconcile their differences.
They need to do this if they are ever to have a chance to live better lives — and possibly change the world.
What’s in it for you: First love, heartbreak, tragedy, betrayal; the kind of story that will bring you to tears.
21-40 | Books for Teens List
21. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
22. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
23. Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
24. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Jude Blume
25. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
26. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
27. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
28. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
29. Looking for Alaska by John Green
30. Lord of Flies by William Golding
31. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
32. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
33. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
34. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
35. It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
36. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
37. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
38. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
39. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
40. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
21. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Plot: Zélie’s mother is killed, and the magic in her land is taken away from them. Under a tyrant king, the Kingdom of Orïsha is slowly dying, and Zélie has only one chance to bring it back to life.
Fighting with rogue princesses and against evil crowned princes, Zélie is beset with enemies everywhere she turns; however, she still has people who are willing to help her.
Her greatest battle is the one within herself; she must learn to control her powers and her growing hatred for the enemy.
What’s in it for you: Black magic at its best.
22. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Plot: On one fateful day, Clay finds a mysterious package on his front porch. After he opens it, he discovers that it is a set of cassette recordings by Hannah Baker, a girl who killed herself two weeks earlier.
Hannah confesses that there are thirteen reasons why she killed herself, and Clay is one of those reasons. The only way to find out is to listen to the recordings.
However, what Clay is about to listen to may change his life forever.
What’s in it for you: A tragic and heartbreaking story that is so emotionally charged.
23. Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
Plot: Each year, twelve districts are forced to send a boy and a girl to participate in the Hunger games — a competition to the death on live tv.
The main protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, is a sixteen-year-old girl who makes a bold decision to step in for her sister in the Games. Contrasting life against death, love against survival, Katniss must find a way to survive and win the Games.
What’s in it for you: A great series for the avid reader.
24. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Jude Blume
Plot: Things aren’t so good for Margaret when she has to uproot her entire life to a new place, a new school, and has to find new friends.
To top it off, she is confused about her identity and believes herself abnormal. Embarrassed to talk to her parents or anyone else about her issues, she starts talking to God, hoping for an answer.
What’s in it for you: A perfect read for preteen girls about the issues of adolescence and identity.
25. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Plot: New in town, Eleanor feels lonely and out of place. With mismatched clothes, a crazy home life, and disheveled red hair, she moves through life unnoticed by most everyone.
That is until she meets Park, a boy who is as inconspicuous as she is. However, she finds it cool that he is so reserved and laid back.
Through long-night conversations, they slowly fall in love, and that’s how their journey begins.
What’s in it for you: How it feels to be young and in love.
26. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Plot: Cath has never needed friends, as she and her twin sister were inseparable. They also had a shared obsession for writer Simon Snow.
However, as they enter college, things drastically change for Cath. She barely sees her twin sister, and her new roommate is unfriendly.
Dealing with severe other problems, Cath has to figure out a way to survive in the grown-up world of college.
What’s in it for you: A funny and genuine coming-of-age story.
27. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Plot: On one dark, stormy night, Meg, Charles, and their mother are upset when a stranger intrudes into their home.
The stranger begins to indulge them in conversations concerning a tesseract — a wrinkle in time.
Fast forward, Meg, Charles, and Calvin (one of their friends at school) travel through space and time in search of Meg’s father — a scientist who mysteriously vanished after working on a secret government project.
What’s in it for you: An inspiring, science-fi novel for young readers.
28. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Plot: A dying young girl is given a few extra years to live after a miraculous medical intervention. However, it still won’t prevent the inevitable: death.
Things take a brighter turn for her when a gorgeous young man suddenly appears in her life. Her story may be about to be rewritten.
What’s in it for you: An emotional rollercoaster on what it means to be a teenager with a terminal disease and still be in love.
29. Looking for Alaska by John Green
Plot: Miles is living through a boring existence until he meets Alaska Young at his new school. Pretty, funny, and utterly irresistible, she draws Miles into her web. Miles’s breath is taken away and he falls deeply in love with her.
However, unforeseen tragedy occurs, and Miles is faced with a situation he never expected. He must now dig deep in order to surmount this obstacle and find value in living again.
What’s in it for you: A heartbreaking novel that will stay with you forever.
30. Lord of Flies by William Golding
Plot: When a plane crashes on a desert island, the only people who survive are a group of high school boys.
Exploring the island, they discover exotic wildlife and beaches, and find ways that will help them survive. At night, though, their dreams are disturbed by the screams and images of a disturbing beast.
What started as a perfect haven devoid of adult control turns into a chaotic, savage hunt.
What’s in it for you: A brilliant masterpiece that is both terrifying and exciting.
31. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Plot: The novel narrates the story of a junior who leaves his Indian school to attend an all-white high school.
It chronicles what it is like to be an adolescent from the perspective of a Native American boy.
What’s in it for you: A masterpiece about the influence of culture and heritage.
32. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Plot: Set in Germany during World War II, the novel narrates the story of eleven-year-old Liesel, an orphan who lives in a small town outside Munich.
Through petty stealing habits, she comes across something she can’t resist: books.
By some luck, she becomes friends with the Mayor’s wife and gets access to read books in the Mayor’s giant library. Throughout the novel, Liesel witnesses bomb raidings, destruction, heartbreak, and several other atrocities of war.
What’s in it for you: A thought-provoking read that will transport you back to one of the world’s most troubling times.
33. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Plot: When a criminal genius is given an opportunity to undertake a heist that could bring him billions, he quickly realizes that he cannot do it alone.
And so he sets about recruiting the best criminal minds he can find. In the end, he finds six lethal individuals, all ready and set to undertake one of the most dangerous heists of all time.
What’s in it for you: An unputdownable book filled with mad fun!
34. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Plot: Trapped between living his life and running away from it, Charlie is the quintessential wallflower — shy, timid, and a little too laid back.
Things begin to change when Charlie attempts to navigate through the world of adolescence, with its first dates, first kisses, and mix-tapes. To truly blossom, Charlie must move out of his comfort zone and do things he never expected.
What’s in it for you: A beautifully written coming-of-age novel.
35. It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Plot: Craig is an ambitious teenager who thinks he has his life all figured out. Planning meticulously for the future, Craig intends to get into an elite high school, which will buy him the ticket to a better college, which will in turn assure him a better future.
However, after he gets into high school, he realizes that he is a tiny fish who just got into a bigger pond. He soon realizes that he is average at best — compared to all the kids — and that his future may not be guaranteed after all.
Depressed, Craig stops eating and sleeping and almost kills himself. This lands him in a mental hospital, where he is forced to face the source of his fear and anxiety.
What’s in it for you: An honest, funny story about depression.
36. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Plot: Stargirl is the center of the spotlight in Mica High, and everyone adores her. Her unconventionality is what attracts people to her, but it is the same thing that causes them to turn on her.
Pressured to conform, Stargirl is urged to be normal and suppress her unconventional traits.
What’s in it for you: A rollercoaster ride about the dangers of popularity.
37. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Plot: When the Martial empire arrests her older brother for treason, Laia is forced to make a deal with rebels who promise to rescue her brother in exchange for her service.
Laia then starts to spy on the Empire and report to the rebels. Within the Empire military academy, she meets Elias, a soldier who is disenchanted with the dictatorship and cruel rule of the Empire.
Unbeknown to both Laia and Elias, their futures are intertwined, and every decision they make will greatly affect their respective fates.
What’s in it for you: An addictive fantasy that is too good to put down.
38. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Plot: Fifteen-year-old Clary Fray’s life is turned upside down when she witnesses a murder by three teenagers in a night club. More surprisingly, she is troubled when the body mysteriously disappears into thin air.
Soon, she is introduced into a whole new different world, that of Shadowhunters who rid the human world of demons and other vile creatures.
What’s in it for you: A story that will hook you in from start to end.
39. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Plot: Cinder is a talented mechanic cum cyborg who is hated by her stepmother for something she knows nothing about.
She later becomes involved with Prince Kai whose mother, the evil queen, also reviles her.
Caught between several difficult situations, Cinder is forced to choose between loyalty and betrayal, duty and freedom.
Above all, her decisions will have a direct impact on the future of Earth.
What’s in it for you: A sci-fi fairy tale with cyborgs and Prince Charming.
40. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Plot: Two suicidal people meet at a ledge where they planned to end their lives. However, things don’t go as planned, and what was supposed to be their end turns out to be a bright beginning for both of them.
What’s in it for you: A powerful, emotional story that will touch your heart.
41-60 | Books for Teens List
41. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
42. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
43. Heartless by Marissa Meyer
44. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
45. Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan
46. The Stand by Stephen King
47. Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard
48. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
49. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
50. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
51. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
52. That Boy series by Jillian Dodd
53. Long Way Down By Jason Reynolds
54. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
55. The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
56. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
57. Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
58. Legend by Marie Lu
59. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
60. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
41. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Plot: An unlikely pair of friends create an unbreakable bond during one of mankind’s most troubling times: the Great Depression.
What’s in it for you: One of the great teen novels of all time.
42. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Plot: A teenage boy is the lone survivor of a plane crash in the middle of nowhere. Stranded, Brian’s only possessions are his clothing, windbreaker, and a hatchet he got as a gift from his mom.
Slowly, he learns some survival skills and begins to live in the wilderness, alone and out of human reach.
What’s in it for you: A great story of adventure and survival.
43. Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Plot: A heartwarming novel about the Queen of Hearts, one of the greatest villains in Wonderland, it narrates the story of young Catherine — the future Queen of Hearts — as she navigates the oft-troubling world of young adulthood, first love, and first kisses.
What’s in it for you: A classic look at Catherine before she became the wicked Queen of Hearts.
44. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Plot: Percy’s life is upended when he realizes he is the son of a Greek God. Subsequently, he is thrown into a chaotic world of demons, monsters, and gods.
Moving from one trouble to another, this time, Percy is falsely accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, and the consequences that follow are dire.
What’s in it for you: An awesome fantasy adventure novel for teenagers.
45. Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan
Plot: After Apollo angers his father Zeus, he is cast down to earth in a weakened human form.
Now in the form of a teenage boy, the fourteen-year-old Apollo must find a way to survive on earth until he can regain his father’s favor.
What’s in it for you: A great retelling of Greek mythology stories.
46. The Stand by Stephen King
Plot: The world is almost destroyed when a mutated super-flu wipes out about 99 percent of the human population.
Now, the rest of humanity, devastated and scared, need a leader to guide them.
Two people emerge: a dark, evil man and a peaceful wise old lady; however, the people are divided between them, and the fate of the rest of humanity rests on which of the leaders finally wins power and control.
What’s in it for you: A masterpiece of suspense and terror.
47. Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard
Plot: In Mare’s world, people are divided by their blood and ability. Those with red blood are born to serve the silver-blooded ones, who have superhuman powers.
A red-blood, Mare is barely carving out an existence for herself until a sudden twist of fate lands her in the royal palace, where she finds out she has a unique ability of her own.
Haunted by the impossibility, the Silver King parades Mare around as a lost but found silver Princess and even betroths her to one of the princes.
Suddenly in a position of power, Mare connives and plots to overthrow the Silver-blooded Royal family and put her own people — the Red-blooded — in power.
What’s in it for you: A story of love, heartbreak, and betrayal.
48. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Plot: After nineteen-year-old Feyre murders a wolf in the forest, she is haunted by a beast-like creature that is after revenge.
Soon, she finds herself a prisoner in the magical land of Fae and realizes that her beast-like captor is actually one of the most powerful faeries in the Kingdom.
Trapped in his castle, what started as icy hatred towards her captor turns into an irresistible passionate love. However, there are dark shadows lurking in the land of Fae, and Feyre may be the only one who can stop them.
What’s in it for you: A spellbinding fantasy romance novel.
49. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Plot: On a fateful day, two strangers are told they have only one day left on earth.
Devastated, they both search for ways to live their last day to the fullest, and through an app called the Last Friend, the two of them connect and meet each other.
What’s in it for you: A bold, unforgettable novel.
50. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Plot: Fifteen-year-old Eragon is ecstatic when he finds a shiny blue pebble-like stone in the forest. To him, it is the treasure of a lifetime.
Little does he know that the blue stone is a dragon egg. When the dragon hatches, Eragon’s simple life is upended, and soon, his life is mired in magic, ancient swords, power, and glory.
Soon, the destiny of the entire Empire rests on the shoulders of a little farm boy and his age-old dragon.
What’s in it for you: One of the best fantasy novels for young readers.
51. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
Plot: Entering into the isolated house, the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter is swept by the past memories and events that might have occurred in the neatly-kept gray stone mansion.
The second Mrs. Maxim de Winter is haunted by the memories of the first wife, Rebecca, whom she has come to replace. There are secrets and elusive truths that are hidden from her, but she is ever determined to find them all out.
What’s in it for you: A hauntingly spellbinding tale.
52. That Boy series by Jillian Dodd
Plot: A girl is caught between two ‘crushworthy’ boys and is confused as to whom to choose.
One of them will be her first kiss. Another will teach her how to make out. One of them will take her to prom, and another will ask her to marry him.
But she can only fall in love with one. Who will it be?
What’s in it for you: A thrilling love story of heartbreaks and happiness.
53. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Plot: Will decides to seek revenge after his brother is murdered in a gang crime. He doesn’t think about his actions but is only following the rules.
With his mind made up and a gun in his hands, Will walks into an elevator, where people from his past — dead people — suddenly start reappearing.
What’s in it for you: A hard-hitting novel that paints the reality of life on the streets.
54. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
Plot: In New England during World War II, two young boys are scarred forever by an incident that happens between them during the summer.
Gene is a shy lonely kid. Phineas is a handsome daredevil. In one fateful summer, very much like the war, their innocence is forever taken away.
What’s in it for you: A masterpiece on war and friendship.
55. The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
Plot: Thomas wakes up in an elevator and cannot remember how he got there. Worst of all, he is surrounded by a group of boys who have also lost their memories of how they got there.
Exploring their surroundings, they find that the way out is a seemingly limitless and long-winding maze.
Legend has it that no one has made it through alive, and the only message the boys are given is to “Remember. Run. Survive.”
What’s in it for you: A nail-biting, suspenseful read.
56. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
Plot: A Chinese American Family’s entire existence is upended when their favorite daughter is found dead in a local lake.
Lydia was supposed to be the jewel of her parents; she was supposed to achieve everything they could not achieve and build a dream life for them.
Now with their dreams shattered, the family is thrown into chaos, amid long-hidden secrets and revelations.
What’s in it for you: A gripping tale of family and betrayal.
57. Regretting You by Colleen Hoover
Plot: A mother and daughter are opposite sides of a coin. They can’t stand each other and the only person holding them together is the man in their lives — the husband and father.
When tragedy strikes and takes away the man in their lives, both of these women are forced to find a way to coexist and live amicably.
However, this may prove to be a challenge than they initially thought.
What’s in it for you: An addictive read about grief and mother-daughter relationships.
58. Legend by Marie Lu
Plot: Two individuals from markedly different worlds cross paths after a gruesome murder. One of them is on the run, and the other seeks revenge.
However, in a sudden twist of events, the two of them will discover truths that will bring them together and reveal the real villain behind the scenes.
What’s in it for you: A thrilling novel filled with nonstop action, suspense, and romance.
59. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Plot: In a world where the Earth is warring with neighboring Alien races, young child geniuses are reared and trained to become highly-skilled, intelligent soldiers.
Ender, a brilliant young boy, is drafted into the military and quickly becomes a leader because of his skills. However, he suffers greatly from loneliness and detachment from his family.
With the Earth nearing full blown out war with the aliens, is Ender the right leader for the Earth’s defense forces?
What’s in it for you: A classic and thought-provoking sci-fi novel.
60. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Plot: In a world where humanity has conquered all its greatest troubles (hunger, poverty, disease, war, even death), the population size seems to be the only problem left.
A special group of people (the Scythes) are the only ones licensed to take the lives of others — in order to control overpopulation.
Two teenagers, Citra and Rowan, are drafted in the Scythes and are to be trained as professional killers — even though they are against the very idea.
However, refusing to perform their duties would mean losing their own lives.
What’s in it for you: An innovative masterpiece that will blow your mind.
61-80 | Books for Teens List
61. What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silver
62. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
63. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
64. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
65. Every Day by David Levithan
66. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
67. The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
68. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
69. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
70. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
71. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
72. Matched by Ally Condie
73. Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
74. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
75. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
76. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
77. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
78. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
79. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
80. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
61. What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silver
Plot: When two boys with different expectations in life bump into each other at a post office, they start to slowly fall in love.
Ben has just exited a bad relationship and no longer believes in love or the universe or whatnot.
On the other hand, Arthur is an enthusiastic actor who believes that the universe brought them together for a reason.
Maybe the universe did not want them together. Maybe it did. What if it’s not meant to be? What if it is? What if it’s them?
What’s in it for you: A brilliant and funny love story.
62. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
Plot: Sixteen-year-old Aaron is devastated after his dad commits suicide.
Trying to find happiness again, he accepts help from his girlfriend, Genevieve, and his mom, who all try to help him forget the past.
However, after Genieive leaves town for a while, Aaron starts to hang out with Thomas, a new guy he just met.
As time goes on, Aaron realizes that he is more at peace and happier when he is with Thomas, but that relationship is causing several problems between him and his girlfriend. His friends do not also approve of Thomas.
At crossroads, Aaron then decides to turn to an institute that will help him by altering his memory and making him forget his feelings for Thomas.
What’s in it for you: A heartbreaking romance novel with a sci-fi twist.
63. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Plot: When a young man dies in a small town off the Carolina coast, the locals immediately point fingers at the “Marsh Girl,” Kya Clark.
However, Kya, a sweet and shy girl, is far from what the locals think of her.
As time goes on, two young men, intrigued by Kya’s raw and delicate beauty, try to woo her. She is flattered and open to new possibilities of love.
That is, until tragedy strikes.
What’s in it for you: A captivating coming-of-age tale with a murder-mystery twist.
64. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Plot: A clairvoyant young girl, Blue, becomes involved with a young boy from a rich school.
The boy, Gansey, is part of a group of boys called the Raven boys. As time goes on, Blue becomes mired in the sinister world of these boys and finds herself falling in love with one of them.
But she’s been warned that she will be the cause of the death of her true love.
What’s in it for you: An adventurous paranormal novel that will keep you hooked from the first page.
65. Every Day by David Levithan
Plot: A genderless being (‘A’) wakes up in a different body, with a different life, every single day of their life.
Every morning, ‘A’ wakes up in the body of another person and lives that person’s life for a day. They are used to it and have rules to which they adhere, rules that keep them out of trouble.
That is until they meet the girl of their dreams. They may be in a different body, with a different life, but they are still in love with the same girl.
What’s in it for you: A fresh and unique story that will steal your heart.
66. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Plot: In a world where parents have the ability to get rid of troublesome teenagers by ‘unwinding’ them, three teenagers make a run for it to avoid being unwounded.
“Unwinding’ is not technically murder per se, but all the organs of the recalcitrant teenager are removed and distributed to other recipients. So, it’s sort of transferring human life to others.
These three teenagers, however, would do anything to avoid being ‘unwound’.
What’s in it for you: A unique, twisted, brilliant, gripping, and thrilling novel.
67. The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Plot: In a kingdom on the edge of anarchy and civil war, a cunning nobleman devises a plan to find the king’s long-lost son.
To make his plan work, he finds four orphan boys who are to compete to play the role of the king’s son — one will be chosen while the rest killed.
What’s in it for you: A novel that is so good, you may want to read it again.
68. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Plot: The Earth has gone through four previous waves that have caused mass destruction and taken so many lives.
Now, on the cusp of the new wave, a young girl, Cassie, is found running away from the mysterious beings on the streets. They may look human, but they are lethal beings who kill anyone they come across.
Cassie thinks it’s better and safer to move solo until she meets a handsome boy, Evan Walker.
Now, she must choose whether to trust him and form an alliance or not to trust and leave. However, for Cassie, he may be the difference between surviving together or dying alone.
What’s in it for you: A wildly entertaining page-turner.
69. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Plot: A young boy, Nobody Owens, is normal in all aspects but for one fact: he lives in a GRAVEYARD.
Uh-huh, and he is being raised by ghosts and a guardian somewhere between life and death. Apart from that, Owens is a normal smart kid.
If he stays in the graveyard, he will be safe. But the moment he leaves, danger lurks in the form of the man Jack — the man who killed Owens’s entire family.
What’s in it for you: An exciting, creepy story that you will love to death — just kidding. Or am I?
70. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Plot: A beautiful young girl, Katsa, lives in a world where a selected group of people are blessed with a special talent — called a Grace.
Katsa’s ‘Grace’ is killing — she can kill at the drop of a hat. When the king sees Katsa’s unique ability, he forces her to become his personal thug and assassin.
However, Katsa is determined to learn how to use her ability as a force for good.
What’s in it for you: A novel that has a good mix of drama, adventure, and romance.
71. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Plot: After a British spy is captured in a Nazi-occupied area, she’s faced with two dire situations: to reveal her mission or to die.
As Verity begins to write down her confession, she begins to remember her past and everything that got her to where she is now.
Desperate, sad, lonely, she wonders if trading information with the enemy will be enough to save her.
What’s in it for you: A wonderfully plotted story of friendship and adventure that will keep you turning the pages.
72. Matched by Ally Condie
Plot: In a world where the Society is in complete control of individuals’ lives, Cassia becomes confused when two love partners are presented before her.
She thought it would be a simple process, where they decide who she was to be with. Now, she has to choose between two men: one that she has known forever and another she barely even knows.
What’s in it for you: A fierce dystopian romance that is a frightening reminisce of the future.
73. Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
Plot: An explosion in the sky blesses some ordinary folks with supernatural powers. Now, called the Epics, these paranormal folks become corrupted with power and decide to take over the world, thereby crushing the will of man.
There was no resistance at first. No one could fight. But then a group of ordinary folks — the Reckoners — started teaming up and fighting them behind the scenes.
They study them, find their weaknesses, and then kill them when they’re most vulnerable. But there is one Epic that seems to be invisible — Steelheart.
He has murdered a lot of people, including David’s father. Desperate for revenge, David joins the Reckoners and makes it his life purpose to bring down Steelheart.
What’s in it for you: A teen superhero novel that you won’t want to miss.
74. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Plot: Teenage assassin Celaena is offered freedom from her exile if only she will work for Prince Dorian, acting as his champion and fighting in competitions.
In an upcoming competition, she will be expected to fight thieves, warriors, and fellow assassins. And if she wins, she may be able to finally win her total freedom.
However, before the competition starts, the contestants start to die one by one — the killer unknown. Celaena has to find a way to kill this assassin before she becomes the next victim.
But there’s a lot that she will learn on her journey.
What’s in it for you: A compelling story of adventure and magic.
75. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Plot: In the year 2045, reality is a terrible place to live, and the virtual world is where most people really live, making friends and spending days at a time with them.
However, when a competition with a great prize arises in the OASIS virtual world, everyone turns their attention to winning the grand prize.
Fame, fortune, money, power — the winner may well become one of the most powerful people in the world.
What’s in it for you: A fascinating, imaginative, and addictive novel.
76. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Plot: When a monster appears in the bedroom of thirteen-year-old Conor, he’s disappointed because it is not the monster he was expecting.
Ever since his ill mother started her treatments, Conor has been dreaming of one particular monster every single night. He’s been expecting it to appear in real life, but the current monster outside his bedroom window is not it.
However, it demands something dangerous and dark from Conor. It demands the truth.
What’s in it for you: A darkly funny story about a boy and his monster.
77. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Plot: A kid with an extraordinary face defect wants nothing but to fit in and be treated just like everyone else.
His defect had kept him from attending mainstream school since childhood. However, when he starts 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he is overwhelmed by his classmates’ reaction to his facial defect.
What’s in it for you: A heartwarming and touching story about a boy with a disability.
78. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Plot: An orphan soldier, Alina, is sure she is going to die soon when dispatched to a regiment that is trekking through the Shadow Fold — a place filled with all sorts of monstrosities and lethal creatures.
However, when a monster attacks her regiment, Alina displays extraordinary magic that she was unaware she possessed.
Soon after, Alina is sent to train with the very best of magicians in the royal elite academy. There, she discovers that she may have the power to totally destroy the Shadow Fold and save her kingdom from impending destruction.
What’s in it for you: A beautifully written novel filled with magic, thrill, and adventure
79. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Plot: In a world where love is declared the ultimate threat and disease, everyone who reaches eighteen is made to go through a procedure called the Cure.
Lena is particularly thrilled about having the Cure and living a simple, predictable life, unlike her mother who allowed love to destroy her.
With just 95 days to Lena’s cure, she meets a boy, Alex, who threatens her entire life plan. She never planned to meet a boy, neither did she plan to fall in love.
What’s in it for you: A gripping novel about forbidden love and the power to choose.
80. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Plot: Karou is an enigmatic young girl who is still trying to figure out her identity. She loves to draw monsters in her sketchbook. She has peculiar bright blue hair that actually grows out of her scalp, and she speaks several languages — some of them not even of human origin.
However, when she falls in love with a stranger from the sky, she begins to discover a deep past that was previously hidden from her — a past that may very well destroy her.
What’s in it for you: An epic young adult fantasy.
81-100 | Books for Teens List
81. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
82. Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
83. The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
84. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
85. Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich
86. Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell
87. On The Come Up by Angie Thomas
88. We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
89. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
90. Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum
91. Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
92. Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone
93. Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven
94. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series by Jenny Han
95. 180 Seconds by Jessica Park
96. The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider
97. Restart by Gordon Korman
98. Dear Martin by Nic Stone
99. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
100. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
81. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Plot: A boy who has to be on his best behavior is faced with several obstacles that may make things hard for him.
On top of things, he has to spend Wednesday afternoons with a teacher he is certain hates him. Will he ever be able to stay out of trouble? sigh!
What’s in it for you: A hilarious collection of a teenage boy’s misadventures.
82. Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Plot: Two best friends decide to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a fugitive billionaire. Through his son, they try to gather information and connect the dots.
However, one of the best friends is dealing with several other issues and fears she may not be able to control her ever-spiraling thoughts.
What’s in it for you: A powerful story of friendship, love, and teenage anxiety.
83. The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Plot: A boy and girl from two different worlds cross paths on the crowded streets of New York.
Natasha doesn’t believe in fate or destiny or any of that stuff. Daniel is convinced that the universe has brought them together and that fate has more in store for them.
Is it all a lie or does the Universe truly want them to be together?
What’s in it for you: One of the sweetest love stories you’ll ever read.
84. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Plot: Fifteen-year-old Lina’s life is torn apart when Soviet soldiers raid her home, tearing her family apart.
Now, Lina, her mother, and her younger brother are forced to move to a secret work camp, where they learn to fight for their lives.
To take her mind off the pain of their existence, Lina starts to draw and finds peace and strength in art. She then begins to add secret messages to her drawings, hoping they would reach her dad and reveal their location to him.
Getting caught may bring dire consequences; nevertheless, Lina is willing to do everything she can to reunite her family.
What’s in it for you: A beautifully written and emotional story of love and survival.
85. Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich
Plot: When a family loses their son, they are overwhelmed by grief, until a boy, Evans Hansen, claims that he was their son’s secret best friend.
The family is overjoyed as they are curious to learn more about their enigmatic son — who always kept things from them. They take Evans into their fold and treat him like their own.
However, what they do not know is that Evans is a desperate young boy who wants to belong. And so he fabricated a lie about being the dead boy’s secret best friend to get attention and a feeling of importance.
Will the lie ever catch up to him?
What’s in it for you: An unpredictable and deeply emotional tale.
86. Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell
Plot: Two best friends — well, seasonal best friends — only get to see each other every summer when they work on a pumpkin patch for Halloween.
At the end of each Halloween, they say their goodbyes and are reunited the next summer.
However, this summer is their very last. Finally seniors at school, this would be the last time they spend their summers together before moving on to college.
Josiah is ready to feel sad and all down and whatnot, but Deja is hyped up for some fun, their last adventure together.
What if their last time together was an adventure of a lifetime?
What’s in it for you: A funny, heartwarming story of friendship and last goodbyes.
87. On The Come Up by Angie Thomas
Plot: As the daughter of former underground rap legend, fifteen-year-old Bri is determined to fill her dad’s shoes and become one of the best rappers of all time.
But things become difficult for her when she’s labeled as a hooligan in school, and on top of things, her mom suddenly loses her job. Frustrated, angry, desperate, Bri pours all her emotional energy into her first song, which becomes a national sensation.
Suddenly thrown into the limelight, Bri soon realizes that she went viral for the wrong reasons. Nevertheless, she is determined to ride the wave, even if it means being labeled as more of a hoodlum than a superstar.
What’s in it for you: An unputdownable tale full of heart, struggles, and powerful emotions.
88. We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
Plot: A young girl leaves her old life behind her when she moves to college. There’s a mysteriousness about her leaving, a tragedy that has been covered up.
Marin is not willing to open up, though, even after several months of not speaking to anyone from her past life — not even her best friend, Mabel.
But Marin may be forced to face her past as Mabel is coming to visit her during the winter break.
Is she ready to confront her painful past?
What’s in it for you: A raw and beautiful tale of grief and friendship.
89. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Plot: A girl with a rare disease that kept her indoors for seventeen years suddenly feels a tingle in her heart when a gorgeous boy moves in next door.
Maddy knows she’s going to fall in love with him, but she also knows it’s going to be a disaster.
Will her prediction come true, or is it going to be another fairy tale story?
What’s in it for you: A fresh look at risking everything for love.
90. Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum
Plot: A girl’s life is turned upside down when her mom dies, and her dad marries a woman he met online.
Forced to move to another state and start a new school, Jessie feels her life is going downhill and plots to runaway.
Things begin to change when she gets a mysterious email from a somebody/nobody — SN for short — who offers to help her cope in her new high school.
Jessie is hesitant, but she finally starts to trust this mysterious emailer. Will that decision come back to haunt her or will everything turn out just fine?
What’s in it for you: An absolutely beautiful story about growing up and being confident.
91. Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
Plot: Stella Grant is a seriously sick teenage girl who needs a lung transplant to survive. To make sure she’s in tip-top shape, she must avoid touching anyone who may possibly give her an infection or disease. So hence the rule, six feet apart. No more, no less.
However, when Stella meets Will, another sick teenage boy, she suddenly feels six feet is too far apart from the boy she’s in love with.
But even if Will doesn’t do anything but sneeze on her, it could jeopardize her life. Is that a risk she is willing to take?
What’s in it for you: A beautiful, heart-wrenching tale of impossible love.
92. Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone
Plot: On the outside, Samantha looks like a normal teenage girl; however, deep down she is battling intensely dark thoughts that plague her mind almost incessantly.
She wants to, but she can’t turn it off. It becomes more difficult for her when she realizes her popular friends will turn their back on her if they realize how messed up she really is.
After she is introduced to a secret group of misfits, Sam begins to feel at peace and normal again when she’s with them.
But things begin to worsen for her again when she starts to question whether she is really normal or just in a freak circus?
What’s in it for you: A brave story about finding your inner self and voice.
93. Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven
Plot: A teenage girl who was once named “America’s Fattest Teen” is overcome by grief when her mum dies. Putting her life back together piece by piece, Libby feels ready for a new experience as she begins to prepare for high school.
Things take a swirling turn for Libby when she meets Jack, a guy who is also battling with his own problems. Together, as they spend more time with each other, they find that they feel less alone in each other’s company.
What’s in it for you: An adorable tale of unlikely love.
94. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series by Jenny Han
Plot: When a sixteen-year-old girl writes secret love letters to all her boy crushes — five in total — she is horrified when the letters get sent out without her permission.
The letters were supposed to be for her eyes only, and now her crushes will know how she truly feels about them. Shy and a bit clumsy, Lara’s imaginary love life suddenly spins out of her control.
What’s in it for you: A cute romance that will keep you hooked to the pages.
95. 180 Seconds by Jessica Park
Plot: Allison is a girl who has lived most of her life in foster homes until she was adopted at age sixteen. She has been taught not to believe in the permanence of anything and to live life one day at a time.
However, when she gets pulled into a social experiment on a fateful day, it takes all but 180 seconds for Allison’s world to spin around and come to a standstill.
Esben, the gorgeous social media star, seated opposite her steals her heart in a way she cannot explain. He feels the same way, too. Hesitant at first, Allison decides to find out if Esben is truly the one for her.
What’s in it for you: A novel with a deep message that will resonate with most readers.
96. The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider
Plot: Ezra Faulkner’s life falls apart when his girlfriend cheats on him and an accident shatters his leg, preventing him from playing on his Varsity tennis team.
However, things start to look a little brighter when he falls in love with the unpredictable Cassidy Thorpe.
What’s in it for you: The best kind of tragic romance.
97. Restart by Gordon Korman
Plot: Chase’s entire life memory is wiped out when he falls off a roof and hits his head.
Now, when he awakens in a hospital room, he doesn’t remember a thing and has to relearn everything about his life, starting with his own name.
Chase must rediscover who he was and also who he is going to be.
What’s in it for you: A great book filled with invaluable life lessons.
98. Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Plot: Justice is a good kid but has struggled to leave his rough past behind him.
He finally decides to turn to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr but finds it hard relating it to the current times.
Nevertheless, the day comes when Justice, together with his best friend, Manny, drive around town with windows rolled down and very loud music playing, angering an off-duty white cop nearby.
In the heat of the moment, things are said and harsh words are exchanged. However, Justice and Manny are the only ones attacked in the subsequent media fallout.
What’s in it for you: A vivid and powerful tale of social injustice.
99. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Plot: Two different people from different families fall deeply in love, and everything is going smoothly between them until a fateful day when things suddenly fall drastically apart.
Now, faced with impossible situations, they both have to make decisions that might change their lives forever.
What’s in it for you: A romance novel that will stay with you long after you have read it.
100. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Plot: A town is scarred when a boy kills his girlfriend and then kills himself too.
Five years down the line, the town is still pretty much shaken up by that incident. Pip, a high school senior, then decides to reinvestigate that murder as her final year project.
Soon, she starts to discover mysterious signs that insinuate that there is more to the murder story than what everyone knows.
What’s in it for you: An addictive read filled with suspense, mystery, twists and turns.