The teen books market is overrun with so many novels that it can be hard to know what the best young adult books actually are. It’s more important than ever for teenagers to be educated and inspired, and they’re more influenced by the books they read than you might think! As they move on from comics and graphic novels, teenagers need literature that keeps them hooked and invested while they learn about the world.
We’ve compiled this list of 22 best books for teens to offer a diverse range of material for every reader. These titles encourage diverse thought, promote important topics, and aim to inspire teens of all ages to be hopeful about and invested in the future. No topic is too complex for teens, and the books they read should absolutely reflect that.
Choose Your Consequence Books
One of the best ways to teach teens about making good decisions and thinking for themselves is to give them autonomy in the books they read. The Tuttle Twins combo set is a series of choose-your-own-consequence books written by Connor Boyack, featuring multiple endings determined by the reader’s actions throughout the story.
1. The Tuttle Twins and the Case of the Broken Window
Critical thinking skills are crucial in life, and it’s important to learn them as early as possible. ‘The Tuttle Twins and the Case of the Broken Window’ puts your teen at the center of the story, playing alongside the titular twins as they work out what to do about a broken window. Along the way, they face a lot of trouble and learn the consequences of making one small mistake.
The premise is simple, but it’s full of great lessons for teens. As teenagers grow, they begin to be held accountable for their actions. This book is designed to encourage the reader to choose the right outcome for the twins. The ending they land on will teach them a great deal about their decision-making processes and provide them with valuable tips for the future.
2. The Tuttle Twins and the Little Pink House
In ‘The Tuttle Twins and the Little Pink House’, Ethan and Emily take you on a trip to their grandma’s house for an Independence Day extravaganza. However, the patriotic festivities are interrupted by a serious financial threat, which sets the twins off on a quest to save their grandmother’s property.
Family values are at the heart of this book, and there are several thought-provoking passages designed to teach teens about finances in a responsible and appropriate way. The best fiction is educational, so you’ll learn a lot about just how much our decisions affect our futures.
3. The Tuttle Twins and the Days of Darkness
In ‘The Tuttle Twins and the Days of Darkness’, the twins find themselves in yet another predicament, but this one is probably the heaviest of the series. Ethan and Emily (and the reader!) must fight through the darkness to find safety, evading numerous threats along the way without their parents to guide them.
This book offers you the opportunity to take control of the narrative in a world that is scarily similar to our own at times, where light and freedom are often in peril. These are important lessons, but the content can be quite mature at times, making it better suited for older teens.
4. The Tuttle Twins and the Play For Power
YA books often tiptoe around politics, but ‘The Tuttle Twins and the Play For Power’ proves that they can be discussed in an appropriate, educational way, while still giving readers the freedom to make their own decisions.
This time, the Tuttle Twins must deal with the fallout of the Secretary of State’s funeral and an uncertain socioeconomic future. Liberty is something that teens don’t always know much about, and this book challenges them to think critically and analyze the consequences of their actions in the fight for freedom.
5. The Tuttle Twins and the Hyperinflation Devastation
The title might be a bit intimidating, but this is absolutely a great read for teens. ‘The Tuttle Twins and the Hyperinflation Devastation’ starts out well, with the twins taking their hard-earned cash on a tropical vacation. However, when things start to go wrong, it’s up to the reader to rescue them from scary financial pitfalls.
Cryptocurrency, inflation, and economic uncertainty are rife, and teens need to learn how to navigate them sooner rather than later. This book guides the reader through a series of decisions, showing them real-world consequences and encouraging them to become better, freer thinkers.
Non-Fiction Books For Teens
Non-fiction books aren’t for everyone, but there are so many important stories to be told. The Tuttle Twins brand believes in providing age-appropriate educational content that makes non-fiction enjoyable for teenagers as they navigate an immense period of personal growth.
6. The Tuttle Twins Guide to Courageous Heroes
Boys and girls need strong, inspirational men and women to look up to, and that’s exactly what teens will find in ‘The Tuttle Twins Guide to Courageous Heroes’. Throughout history, people have been fighting injustice and standing up for what’s right, so it’s important that we continue to learn their stories.
This non-fiction book gives young people new role models to look up to, exploring feelings of passion, tragedy, truth, and strength in times of crisis. As readers uncover secrets from the past, they also learn more about how to approach their own futures.
7. The Tuttle Twins Guide to Modern Villains
While it’s important to have heroes to look up to, young people must also be aware of how to handle the darker side of human nature. Throughout history, horrific injustices have happened, many with the support of the masses, and it’s up to the next generation to fight against future acts of villainy.
In ‘The Tuttle Twins Guide to Modern Villains’, tragic but important stories are told of dark times when tyranny, oppression, and injustice won. While this book might be a bit mature, it’s tailored to a teenage audience, and these difficult stories must be told to help young adults better understand humanity.
8. The Tuttle Twins Guide to True Conspiracies
In 2025, reality is more blurry and fragmented than ever, but ‘The Tuttle Twins Guide to True Conspiracies’ seeks to change that. Conspiracy theories can be incredibly damaging, but many things that are dismissed later turn out to be true. Public scrutiny, social media, and overactive assumptions make it harder than ever to know what’s right and what’s not.
In this book, readers are invited on a journey of revelation, as the narrative disproves deceptive ideas and uncovers hidden truths. It’s eye-opening and honest, giving teenagers the freedom to make up their own minds about the world.
9. The Tuttle Twins Guide to Logical Fallacies
On the topic of deception, ‘The Tuttle Twins Guide to Logical Fallacies’ also seeks to enlighten young people as they attempt to navigate this modern age of misinformation. While some pieces of media tell them what to think via logical fallacies, this book unravels them and teaches teens the importance of thinking for themselves.
Readers can join an army of other enlightened individuals and decide what they think of different facts, theories, and arguments. This title doesn’t dictate; it explains, and complex information is broken down to fit the target audience.
10. The Tuttle Twins Guide to Beware Your Bias
Everyone has biases, but what causes them? You can discover exactly that in ‘The Tuttle Twins Guide to Beware Your Bias’. Sometimes, we do things that aren’t in our best interest, and many young adults grow up believing things that are actually harmful to them. Self-awareness must be taught from an early age to change this.
This guidebook is designed to make young people aware of biases that might affect them in school, in work, in their relationships, and in later life. Teens must be prepared to face difficult truths, and this book breaks down each complex step to help them along the way.
11. The Tuttle Twins Guide to the World’s Worst Ideas
History is about more than just people; it’s about what they did and the consequences of those actions. Ideas are an integral part of freedom, but, as you’ll discover in ‘The Tuttle Twins Guide to the World’s Worst Ideas’, they aren’t always beneficial to society.
This guidebook gives teens the opportunity to explore social and political concepts, including censorship, central banking, and government welfare, and why bad decisions led to serious real-world failures. Readers are invited to think logically about each idea, challenge its legitimacy, and defend liberty on behalf of the past.
12. The Tuttle Twins Guide to Inspiring Entrepreneurs
The 2025 business world is rocky at times, but young people are the future, and they must be encouraged to achieve greatness. Rather than letting them rely on social media, ‘The Tuttle Twins Guide to Inspiring Entrepreneurs’ handpicks inspiring stories to motivate young people in their quests for success.
This guidebook is perfect for all young people, even those who don’t want to be entrepreneurs. The lessons themselves are the most important bit, teaching teens to believe in themselves, set goals, and constantly invest in their own self-growth and education.
Modern Young Adult Books
The best books for teens are often young adult fiction because they’re so fun and easy to read. But that doesn’t mean they can’t also impart important life lessons. Below is a collection of the best YA books to read in 2025.
13. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins single-handedly revolutionized the YA genre with her iconic ‘Hunger Games’ trilogy. Across the series, her heroine, Katniss Everdeen, fights against injustice, oppression, and violence, maintaining a strong sense of identity even as a dystopian regime works to silence her.
Many teens read ‘The Hunger Games’ during their school years, but they’re also appropriate for more mature young adults because the message is so relevant and educational. Young people are surrounded by oppressive social structures, and these books are simply fictionalized versions of the real world.
14. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
‘The Book Thief’ is one of YA literature’s greatest triumphs. It’s a historical fiction book set during World War II that follows a young German girl named Liesel. Readers follow her as she navigates the dangers of growing up under an oppressive, dangerous regime where language and ideas are stifled and young people are regularly indoctrinated.
Death is actually the narrator of the book, which teens will probably find interesting and a departure from the norms of YA writing. This book has become a modern classic, and it should be on every open-minded reader’s list for 2025.
15. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
In a modern society where violence often wins, ‘The Hate U Give’ is an important book for any young person to read. It follows a girl named Starr Carter as she struggles to find her voice in the face of social injustice. Younger readers will doubtless connect with her journey of self-discovery and realization.
‘The Hate U Give’ is designed to make readers think for themselves, and that’s exactly what young people should be doing. This book began as a college essay before author Angie Thomas decided to turn it into a full novel, and that sort of success story always inspires teens.
16. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Adam Silvera is a popular YA author, and ‘They Both Die at the End’ is definitely his best-known title. In this book, Mateo and Rufus are two strangers who have less than 24 hours to live, and despite their differences, they come together to ensure they have the best possible last day.
This book emphasizes the importance of companionship, whether that’s with friends, classmates, or total strangers, and gives teenagers much food for thought about their current circumstances. What would you change about your life? And what action needs to be taken to improve it? These questions haunt the narrative.
17. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
‘The Fault in Our Stars’ put John Green’s name on the map, and for good reason. In this book, two cancer patients, Hazel and Gus, fall in love as they try to make the most of their lives, unsure of how much time they have left.
This book is a tear-jerker about first love and the beauty of living in the moment. Teenagers sometimes take the simple things in life for granted, and this story forces them to confront why that is. It also encourages them to enjoy themselves and have adventures while they’re still young and free.
18. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
While ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ might seem like a face-value YA love story at first, it’s actually packed full of important social messages for young adults. The protagonist, Belly, goes through an emotional journey of self-love, heartbreak, and discovery, while also falling in love with two brothers.
This book is ideal for younger readers because it’s easy to follow and explores themes in an accessible way. It’s a YA romance and doesn’t pretend to be anything else, which is why so many people love it.
Classic Books For Teens
Some of the best fiction is classical, but it’s important for teens to explore books beyond their recommended reading lists. There are serious life lessons wrapped up in old stories that are more relevant now than ever, and teenagers need to explore this history.
19. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This coming-of-age classic about four sisters growing up during the American Civil War is about so much more than romance. It explores each girl individually, chronicling their achievements and struggles in a way that many teens can relate to. There are also important historical elements, like the Civil War, that young people should learn more about.
Many modern stories discard deep family values, but ‘Little Women’ puts them at the heart of the narrative. Familial love is a massive theme, which is something refreshing that more teenagers nowadays need to be reading about.
20. Animal Farm by George Orwell
This is far more than a story about farmyard animals gone wild; it’s a highly political narrative detailing the dangers of totalitarianism and corruption in government. It’s based on the Russian Revolution, with the pigs standing in for the communist leaders as they drive out the farmers and take over running the farm themselves.
But when the pigs begin to oppress the other animals, it becomes impossible to ignore the abuse of power that persists to this day. Orwell expertly breaks down complex concepts and teaches young readers the signs to look out for when dealing with corrupt political systems.
21. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
‘Black Beauty’ is more of a children’s classic, but it’s still good for teens to read. The protagonist is a horse that is being overworked and mistreated by cruel owners. Although the main theme is animal welfare, there are also lessons to be learned about humans.
The often-cruel aspects of human nature are something that all teens need to be aware of, and this book breaks them down in a really accessible way. It reminds us that we should strive to be compassionate and wholesome, even when we’re put in terrible situations, because there is always hope.
22. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
This is a hard-hitting true story, and it’s a classic that every young adult should read. ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ tells the story of life under an oppressive regime through the eyes of an innocent child. Although her life is under threat every day, Anne’s journal entries are filled with hope, resilience, and a consistent, strong faith in humanity.
We must teach young adults the importance of honoring history, especially at a time when political injustices continue to take place. Like Anne, teenagers need to have a unique voice and solid self-belief, else they risk becoming prisoners in what should be a free and open society.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Books for Teens
Finding the perfect books for teens can be challenging, but it’s a rewarding journey that encourages their love for reading. The ideal teen books often combine engaging plots with themes that resonate with their experiences, emotions, and interests. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best books for teens.
Consider the Genre
Teen readers have diverse tastes, so knowing their preferred genre is key. Fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and contemporary romance are popular genres, but there’s also a growing interest in realistic fiction, historical fiction, and graphic novels. If your teen enjoys escaping into fantastical worlds, books like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson might be a hit. For those who prefer exploring real-life issues, novels like The Hate U Give or Looking for Alaska could offer meaningful insights.
Themes and Relatability
Books with themes of friendship, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity are often well-received. Consider stories that address relevant issues such as identity, mental health, family dynamics, or societal pressures. These themes can help teens navigate their own challenges and connect with the characters on a deeper level. For example, Wonder by R.J. Palacio teaches empathy, while 13 Reasons Why tackles difficult subjects like bullying and suicide.
Award-Winning and Critically Acclaimed Books
Look for books that have won prestigious awards like the Michael L. Printz Award or the Newbery Medal. These books are often recognized for their exceptional storytelling, character development, and impact on young readers. Books like The Book Thief or The Fault in Our Stars have become beloved classics in the teen genre.
Diversity and Representation
Choose books that offer a wide range of perspectives. Teens benefit from books that reflect different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, which can open their eyes to diverse worldviews.
Keep the Reader in Mind
It isn't easy to choose a book for someone else, but knowing what they normally read allows you to make a decision that will suit their preferences. If you're choosing a book for yourself, consider the books you've enjoyed in the past and find titles that are within the same theme or genre.
Frequently Asked Questions about Books for Teens
What Is the Best Book for Teens to Read?
The best books for teens are those that encourage and inspire them, providing all the information they need to make informed decisions in life. Choosing a specific book depends on the topics and genres that the teen enjoys reading about.
What Should a 14-Year-Old Be Reading?
A 14-year-old should be reading things that challenge them. It’s essential for young teens to broaden their horizons to understand accountability and make their own informed decisions. They should be reading non-fiction as well as fiction to develop more accurate ideas about the world and the potential dangers they will face in the future.
What Are the Most Popular Teen Books Right Now?
The most popular teen books right now are those that have stood the test of time. Series like ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Harry Potter’ have massive fanbases, but many teens prefer even more complex, or grown-up books. In this current era, books that involve real-world ideas are very popular with teens as they become more self-aware.
What Are Popular Books For 13-Year-Olds?
13-year-olds love books that entertain them, but also books that challenge them. 13 is a good age to start reading classic books, like Little Women and Animal Farm, as well as accessible non-fiction books. Serial books, such as the Tuttle Twins collections, are also a good way to encourage young teens to commit to reading and learning consistently.
Conclusion
These 22 books are our top picks for teenagers in 2025. From multi-ending books that teach the importance of making good choices and non-fictional guidebooks to fighting oppression to classics and YA bestsellers, there is something for every reader. As society continues to clamp down on freedom and liberty, these narratives are more important than ever. Literature is a valuable educational tool that must be protected in the defense of self-expression, especially for young people.
