Teen "Must Read" Books
- The Awakening by Kate Chopin
This book is very interesting and it teaches a lesson of independence. (Melissa H., 11th Grade)
Romance - The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
This book is really deep. It also has one main story with several "sub-stories," so this book stays interesting from start to finish. In the end, the book gives a powerful message about being comfortable in your own skin and the "consequences" of wanting to be someone you're not. (Debora B., 12th Grade)
Fiction - Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
It is a great book that reveals the danger of a perfect society. No one in this world has any free will and one outsider will try his best to change it. (Rohail H., 10th Grade)
Science Fiction - The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is a coming of age novel, so teenagers will be able understand or possibly even identify with the main character. Written in first person, it is a fast and entertaining read. (Emily Y., 12th Grade)
Realistic Fiction, Bildungsroman - The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabeck and Lee Cohen
This is a truly excellent novel. I found that i really enjoyed it because of its historical value as well as its great style in which the authors chose to write about it. It has a deep connection to classical music as well, and ultimately, I enjoyed reading it very much! (Jamie S., 11th Grade)
Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Biography - The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
This book is told so realistically and is so detailed that it seems like it actually happened. The plot is suspenseful and interesting, making it a compelling read. After reading the book, people will never look at the Mona Lisa or think of the Knights Templar the same again. (Kevin C., 10th Grade)
Mystery - Dresden Files : Storm Front by Jim Butcher
If you love mystery and humor, this series is for you. (Alan M., 12th Grade)
Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction - Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
A tale of fairies, giants, and elves. Ella Enchanted keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. This book is full of adventures and best of all , has a happy ending. (Michelle S., 12th Grade)
Fantasy - Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
It's a good book, an interesting read and I have read it many times. I really enjoy it and it's great. (Sho K., 11th Grade)
The book is really intense and deep. There is a lot of adventure but the main focus of the book is all under the surface. More is revealed and understood with each reading and it leaves the reader with a torrent of emotion and underlying thought. (Joyce T. 10th Grade)
Science Fiction - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Foer
This book although confusing at times keeps you on the edge of your seat as the main character tries to find the lock to his grandparents key. (Simha S., 11th Grade)
This novel is about the people a nine-year-old boy, Oskar, meets and the places he goes. It is how little and great events that can be joyous or tragic lead to other events. It is about the people who can change one's mind. And most importantly, it is about loving the people who love you the most. (Summer S., 11th Grade)
Realistic Fiction - Fade by Lisa McMann
This is the suspenseful sequel to the 2008 New York Times bestseller Wake. It follows the story of Janie, a dream-catcher, and her boyfriend, Cabe, in an undercover investigation at school. The book is very easy to read and its blend of mystery, action, romance and paranormal is sure to appeal to just about anyone. (Karen S., 12th Grade)
Action, Mystery, Romance, Paranormal - Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
It's a beautifully written, "Snow White" -based story of suspense and romance. A really fun and heart warming fantasy read. The characters, the plot, and the world inside the book are all spectacularly created, giving the book its "must read" flair. (Lucy G., 12th Grade)
Fantasy - Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah
Falling leaves is a memorable book that accounts for the cruel, harsh life that Adeline suffered as a child. Usually you hear about the suffering of children that are deprived of food and basic life necessities, however it is not usual to read a about a book that depicts the quest of a young girl for the love of a family. The most shocking aspect of the story is that all the events that are accounted for in Falling Leaves are true. (Eunice N., 10th Grade)
Non-Fiction, Autobiography - Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
A great book that gets you hooked with the first page. This book has great detail and plot that makes you want to read even more. Also, Ellison's way of bringing emotion makes you feel them as if you were a character. (Aaron D., 11th Grade)
Action, Historical Fiction, Horror - Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
This book wge your life. Not only is it interesting and funny, it is also very well written. The book presents many new ideas that, if carried out, will save our planet. You should not only read it, you have to read it! (Sarah G., 11th Grade)
Realistic Fiction, Science Fiction - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Great plot and nice twists in plot. (Kevin Y., 10th Grade)
Romance - Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
An interesting story that follows a boy through his struggles with himself, dealing with elements such as redemption and guilt. It incorporates events of real life, facing reality head on with its unforgiving nature. It grabs the reader and you won't be able to put it down until you finish. (Saul V., 12th Grade)
Realistic Fiction - The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
If you love action, romance, mythology and/or comedy, you will fall in love with this book! Be sure to read the previous ones though so that you won't get confused. Plus, you'd just be missing out on the other adventures. (Kevin W., 9th Grade)
Action, Comedy, Fantasy - Lord of the Flies by William Golding
A group of civilized boys are stranded on a deserted island, but soon their human nature takes over. From a beast to murders, this book is filled with adventure! You will have to read it yourself to see if the boys ever get off the island alive. (Rachel R., 10th Grade)
Action, Realistic Fiction - The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
This book is amazingly detailed and thrilling. The book is extremely cryptic and the mystery keeps you completely enthralled. (Helen S., 11th Grade)
This is a thrilling book that will keep you on your toes the whole way! (Felisha W., 10th Grade)
It's very intriguing, and the action never stops. Only bad thing is how Dan Brown brings so many themes from his other books. (Nelson W., 10th Grade)
Action, Historical Fiction, Horror, Mystery - My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Piccoult
This book was made to come with a box of tissues - an amazing story telling the tale of a family's struggle to stay together despite the choices and irreversible consequences that are made that affect the family. (Phoebe N., 11th Grade)
Realistic Fiction - Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
It is a very interesting fast paced book, with likable and real characters and the plot was not too easy to figure out but not super confusing. (Marissa K., 10th Grade)
Action, Fantasy - Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
This book has all the romance of the Austen classic, but with the added bonus of zombies! The Benet sisters not only have to find husbands, but also must slay any zombie that gets in their way. A real page-turner for those who enjoy 19th century elegenace mixed with zombie-killing action. (Erika B., 12th Grade)
Action, Comedy, Horror, Romance - Redwall by Brian Jacques
It's a good book for younger people than myself, but I personally like it. If you do end up liking it there is a whole series of these same types of stories written by the same author. (Bobby P., 10th Grade)
Fantasy - Shinju by Laura Joh Rowland
Any fan of action and mysteries should immerse themselves in this series set in feudal Japan that not only explains the Japanese politics and culture, but also describes the thrilling adventures of Sano Ichiro. (Lisa L., 11th Grade)
Action, Historical Fiction, Mystery - Stardust by Neil Gaiman
This book is very original and has a great plot everyone will love. There is romance, comedy and even some science fiction that keeps the reader interested and wondering what will happen. The movie is one of my favorite movies of all time. (Annie C., 10th Grade)
Fantasy - The Tapestries by Kien Nguyen
This book provides a very unconventional storyline mixed with the familiar subject of romance. Separated by caste society, protagonists Dan and May must suffer various trials and tribulations in order to be re-united after several catastrophic events. This is an excellent book that appeals to fans of all types of literature. The magnificent plot will win over even the most cynical of readers and anyone can identify with the characters. (Aaron D., 10th Grade)
Historical Fiction, Romance - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The book provides a unique view on the Great Depression from the point of view of a circus and though the circumstances are so unusual, this book can also teens see that people of all walks of life and all ages face similar struggles. (Yi L., 12th Grade)
Action, Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Romance
