Modern books about teenagers: list, ranking of the best, authors and reviews

What doctors call puberty, and psychologists call adolescence, is not easy for anyone. On the one hand, a whole world opens up before a young man, literally a sea of ​​opportunities. On the other hand, he is, whatever one may say, no longer a child to whom adults tend to forgive almost everything. Interesting books will tell you how to survive these difficult years, improve relationships between people and smoothly transition to maturity. We have collected the Top 15 books that teenagers aged 12 to 16 should read.

"Long Way Down" Jason Reynolds

This is the story of one minute in the life of a teenager who wants to avenge the death of his brother Sean, who was shot. Will finds himself in an elevator, where he unexpectedly has to go through a difficult path and experience a meeting with the ghosts of the past. He meets his brother's friend, uncle, father, brother himself, who stumbled once and are now gone. He also meets his brother's killer, who also turns out to be Sean's victim. Will these ghosts help him change his mind and make the right choice?

Works category 12+

Modern books for teenagers 12 years old do not differ in philosophical trends and assume a stable dynamics of changing events. At this age, the child learns to relate what he reads to his personality, and he is interested in works where he can imagine himself as the main character.

A sample list of such books:

1. "Walking castle". This novel by Diane W. Jones was made into an animated film that broke viewing records.
2. "Monster High". Lizzie Harrison's book has it all - the personal drama of the strange girl Melody, terrible monsters, and friendship that can destroy any obstacles.
3. "Chasodei". The domestic story from the author Natalya Shcherba talks about the need to value your time, as well as to go towards your goal, despite the apparent complexity of the obstacles.

Such works, with their accessible presentation, will help the young reader better understand himself and come to terms with the injustice that he is already beginning to notice in the world around him.

"Mad Men's Ball" Victoria Mas

Young Louise ends up in a mental hospital after being abused by her aunt's husband. The girl needed the understanding and support of her relative, but instead she was made to blame for what happened. The victim of violence was unable to cope with the psychological pressure alone, as a result of which Louise began to have seizures. So she found herself a victim of the head doctor of the psychiatric hospital, Charcot, who does not hesitate to conduct public hypnosis sessions. Social receptions are commonplace here, and the honorable public gets an unforgettable experience watching a girl convulse from the manipulations of the “doctor.”

"Looking for Alaska" by John Green

The book begins with Miles Halter moving to a private high school from his home in Los Angeles to find the Great Maybe. Soon after Miles arrives at school, he meets his roommate, the Colonel, who turns out to be a funny and charming guy. There he meets the beautiful, mysterious Alaska Young.

The reader is drawn in by the interestingly described moments of teenage life, such as jokes, bets and disastrous parties. The beauty of the book is that it doesn't hide anything. She demonstrates what teenagers love and how they really grow, tough but honest.

"Bad Roads" by Eli Frey

The main character is a desperate rebel who once committed a terrible crime. A crime that will change her whole life and force her to give up love if anyone finds out about it. She needs to correct her mistakes and find the right path, but fate leads her along bad roads. How many more rash actions awaits the young girl, complete nonsense, disappointments and regrets...

This book is the life journey of a teenager: about finding yourself, true friendship and the tragedies of growing up. A story where the realization that the price of freedom is human life comes too late...

About first love (from foreign authors)

List of modern books for teenagers about love, presented by foreign authors:

1. "Hopelessness". Colleen Hoover's story is about a girl who, on the verge of coming of age, falls in love with a young man with a bad reputation in the city.
2. "Take the final step." The story of Abbie Glines is about young Blair, in whose life two tragedies happen at once - the death of her mother and her moving with her father to the house of her stepmother, who has her own, rather wayward, adult son.
3. "My beautiful misfortune." A fascinating story by Jamie McGuire about a popular guy in his circle who unexpectedly falls in love with a girl who does not share the same views on the young man.

It seems to every teenager who falls in love that his feeling is unique, but when he gets acquainted with stories where his peers face the same problems and difficulties, it will be easier for him to get used to unfamiliar sensations.

"The Queen's Move" Walter Tevis

Small and defenseless Beth had to grow up very early; at the age of eight she lost her parents and was sent to an orphanage. Here, it is difficult for a quiet, modest girl to find a loved one, especially since adults constantly drug children with tranquilizers so that they are quiet and obedient. But thanks to a lucky coincidence, Beth discovers a talent for chess. After a few years, the teenager’s passion for the game takes her to a new level, moving her from the category of amateurs to real professionals. The girl begins to participate in tournaments. So the life of the main character turns into a daily battle on the chessboard and a struggle with addiction, which can ruin her promising career.

Modern teenager and reading

It is no secret that modern teenagers learn about the world around them to a greater extent in fragments, that is, snatching information “piece by piece” from various sources. This makes it difficult for them to absorb long texts and also limits their ability to analyze what they read.

You can interest a child in reading, who has a hard time absorbing frequent twists in the plot line and intense changes of characters, by first presenting him with short stories, characterized by vivid images and average dynamism of events. After reading each individual work, it needs to be discussed, simultaneously highlighting all the questions that have arisen. A child should not, having finished one book, immediately start reading another, since any new information requires comprehension, and a lot of information, chaotically superimposed on one another, is more likely to discourage a teenager’s thirst for knowledge than to spur it on. Also, parents should carefully consider the age restrictions of works and not rush to immerse the student in the difficulties of the late teenage period.

“The List” Julia Lim

Tina is an ordinary teenager, everything in her life is like everyone else’s: school, lessons, grandmother and beloved young man. But she soon becomes the target of teenage tyrants and is subjected to severe bullying. Tina's patience comes to an end - she makes a list of people who should get what they deserve and the whole class gets on it. Except for one person... Will Tina remain the same or become one of those she was wary of before?

"Fan" by Rowell Rainbow

Every girl should read this book before heading off to college. This is the story of two twins who grew up in the world of Internet fandom. Often people think that "growing up" means growing out of childhood things and leaving parts of ourselves behind, but there is always a way to balance the things that are important to us now with what is important to our future. The meaning of life is to find this balance.

The book is written with ease and grace, but most importantly, it is dedicated to what really matters to young people. The focus is on the realities that surround us today, so it is “Fan” that can break teenage stereotypes that literature is “rotty.”

"Zero" Tori Roux

The heroes of this book were raised in different families in an atmosphere of fear and mutual hatred. But this did not stop feelings from arising between them. However, fate did not have plans to bring them together forever.

“Perhaps someday he will want to reappear in my life and share my fears, sorrows and joys, and we, laughing, will run through a dark park, dream on my “Moon”, looking into the menacing mysterious skies, lose ourselves in a strange dance in a crowd of bright, happy youth, and, looking into a friend’s eyes, let’s fall into love, dissolve in it, holding hands... But even if this doesn’t happen, he will remain in my heart the brightest, most vivid, most painful memory, a wound that will never turn into a scar...”

"This Whole World" by Nicola Yoon

Madeline Witter spends her entire life in a bubble, with her mother, who is broken due to an accident that killed both her husband and son. History shows that life is a precious gift that many take for granted and therefore do not appreciate. Shortly after Madeline's 18th birthday, the new family of a handsome guy, Ollie, moves in next door. This is not a stupid love story written using clichés. There are several thematic overlaps with Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series (intimacy equals death) and, of course, John Green's The Fault in Our Stars (love in the context of a fatal teenage illness). In addition, it is written in a rather unusual style - the text is mixed with medical records, kisses and illustrations from Yuna’s husband.

"An Orphan's Tale" by Pam Jenoff

Sixteen-year-old Noah was kicked out of home by her parents for an unholy relationship with a Nazi soldier. She had to abandon the child she had and leave Holland forever. Fate brought the girl to Germany, where her life was destined to change forever. One day, Noa saved a baby from a freight car in which Jewish children were transported to a concentration camp. The fugitives found refuge in a German circus, but to live there they had to work. So Noah becomes an aerialist. She is trained by a representative of the circus dynasty, Astrid, although the relationship between them did not work out from the very beginning. However, the women soon find a common language, and the strong friendship that emerges helps them overcome new deadly dangers together.

Books that answer questions (16+)

By the age of 16, a teenager is already experiencing his first disappointments, he has his own experience of failures and a list of unfulfilled needs. To avoid irreparable mistakes that come from the thirst for knowledge characteristic of this age, books that maximally expose the negative of blindly following one’s desires will help a teenager.

Rating of the best modern books about teenagers 15-16 years old, based on reviews of young readers:

1. "Me, my friends and heroin." Christiane Felsherinow's story is about a girl named Christina, whose childhood curiosity and inability to say no leads her into the horrors of heroin addiction and prostitution.
2. "The Fault in Our Stars" John Green's psychologically complex story about two teenagers with cancer, but at the same time trying not to limit their lives to doctor's orders and the expectation of imminent death.
3. "The perks of Being a Wallflower". Stephen Chbosky's story, written in the first person, takes a young reader through the difficult life of a boy who experiences the suicide of his best friend.

When inviting a teenager to read this or that book from the list, adults need to be prepared for the teenager to ask questions that were raised in the work and directly affected his life. Psychologists recommend answering honestly even the child’s “inconvenient” questions and at the same time remembering that through the answers he receives, he will form real ideas about the world in which he lives.

"Jump" Redgrain Lebowski

One of the worst fears of a person is to find out from the doctor that you are terminally ill and hear the time that you have left. The heroine of this book, a young girl Helga, learned about her incurable illness

Helga and Oliver were best friends since childhood, and then, as adults, they practiced parkour together and worked in a small Italian restaurant. Life always brought them together, but not this time. The news of Helga's terminal illness changes everything. She has a year to fit her whole life into. He wants to turn this year into an unforgettable adventure for them together.

Modern book or classic?

Books of today's sales are relevant specifically for today's youth. The problems discussed in them affect all modern world processes, but most importantly, they talk about mistakes that can happen to a person in reality. The way fictional characters overcome their difficulties helps the reader realize their own capabilities.

Unlike most classic works, which clearly distinguish between positive and negative characters, modern books about teenagers encourage the reader to independently choose a person he likes. A young person begins to understand that even the most sublime feelings can be guided by selfishness, and even the deepest bottom can serve as a fulcrum for someone.

The classics presented in the student program include the treasures of world literature, but, according to the students themselves, it is no longer able to satiate the minds of the younger generation, whose anxieties and experiences do not fit into the edifying context of the works.

"Furies" by Lowe Katie

After a terrible accident, the main character Violet moves to the outskirts of a small town on the seashore and enters a private school for girls. It would seem that everything is behind us: fears and worries, difficult memories. But here, too, surprises await the girl: for example, a lesson where they study Celtic legends, the history of witch trials and ancient rituals. It turns out that the founder of this school was burned at the stake for witchcraft!

Despite the strict prohibitions of the teacher, the girl and her friends cannot refuse to try witchcraft experiments in practice. And it doesn't seem to bode well for them.

Boys will be interested

Boys and young men are not as eager as girls to look for love episodes in books, and the romance of a happy ending to a story in the style of “Twilight” will seem completely boring to them. But male teenagers willingly “swallow” long novels with a twisted adventure line and, no less than girls, yearn for the fairy-tale or fantasy component of the plot.

Modern books about teenagers for boys:

1. "The Black Book of Secrets." A stunning tale from writer Fiona Higgins about a boy betrayed by his own parents and taken into the service of a mysterious moneylender who buys other people's secrets.
2. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. An exciting mystical detective story about a 12-year-old teenager who accidentally finds himself at the junction of two great wars - World War II and another raging in some parallel World.
3. “Roadside Picnic” by the Strugatsky brothers. A powerful, dynamic story about aliens from outer space and human greed that knows no bounds; about the terrible Exclusion Zone and the no less terrible acquaintance of a person with his dark sides.

The main feature of books for modern teenagers is the simplicity of the plot with its gradual development and complexity.

“The Devil in Me” Vyacheslav Prah

Domian is young but unhappy, and one day he decides to throw himself under a train. What led Domian to this act? Difficult relationships with parents, difficulties in communicating with peers and, as a result, loneliness. But a stranger who happens to be nearby in time saves the teenager’s life and lends a helping hand. The newly established acquaintance develops into a strong friendship and radically changes the guy’s fate.

This book is an action-packed novel, but at the same time it is also a story about the difficult life of a teenager: the lack of love in the family, the expectations of parents and the desires of children, the search for oneself and true friendship.

"You can do more than you think"

Author: Thomas Armstrong

This book will explain how stupid the maxim is: if a person does not study well, he is stupid. In fact, he just hasn't found himself yet. The author describes in detail what types of intelligence there are and in an accessible language guides you to find out in which intelligence you are strong.

The essence of the work is coaching training for schoolchildren, allowing them to increase their abilities and self-esteem. The style is warm, pleasant, but without familiarity. Well written, intelligent, but without being too scientific.

Lord of the Flies, William Golding

At the height of the war, a group of British boys find themselves stranded on a tropical island without adult supervision. The group is conventionally divided into “little ones,” boys aged about six, and “seniors,” aged ten to twelve. They are trying to be civilized, they have elected their leaders, and also divided their responsibilities. Things turned bad when a power struggle began between the group's leaders, exacerbated by the monster's various "appearances" on the island. This book is very similar to what is happening in the world today. When people try to control themselves, but are blinded by selfishness and lust for power. Tragedies and destruction are inevitable in such a society.

"A Street Cat Named Bob" by James Bowen

Age: 16 years and older.

Plot: Homeless musician James was going downhill: he lived on the streets and died of despair and loneliness until he met Bob, a ginger cat, as miserable as himself. The cat became a real salvation for James: he helped him escape from poverty, give up drugs and regain faith in himself. And the story of their friendship became so famous that a film was made based on it.

Well, well, you say, a tinsel fairy tale. And now the most interesting thing: this whole story is true. James is the author himself, James Bowen, who has not lived on the street for a long time, and all thanks to the cat who gave him a helping paw in time. His book became a bestseller in Britain and the USA, was ranked 7th on the list of the most inspiring teen books in the world and received the British National Book Award. And in 2016, a film was made based on it, which received the British National Film Award in the category “Best British Film”.

"Miss Charity", Murail Marie-Aude

Age: 14-15 years.

Plot: Young Charity Tiddler doesn't fit in with her surroundings. It’s the end of the 19th century, London is outside the window, which means that Miss Charity, like any decent Victorian young lady, must try on dresses, dream about marriage and learn to embroider with satin stitch. But Charity is more interested in a huge world full of adventures and mysteries.

Charity is based on the very real writer and artist Beatrix Potter, who abandoned the role of decorating the living room to become an individual and live her own destiny.

Murail Marie-Aude has written more than 90 books for children and teenagers, and in 2017 she received the Legion of Honor medal for her contribution to French literature. And it’s great that in recent years many of Marie-Aude’s books have begun to be translated into Russian. Start with “Miss Charity” - this is one of the kindest and sweetest books by the writer.

“Goodbye Berlin!”, Wolfgang Herndorff

Age: 16 years and older.

Plot: Mike, an ordinary and not very happy German teenager, together with his friend, the son of Russian emigrants Andrei, steals a four-wheeled wreck and embarks on a journey of growing up along the roads of Germany.

The most adult children's book in our selection, which speaks to the reader without coddling, does not try to smooth out the rough edges of life, and in general is distinguished by a straightforwardness and honesty that is rare for children's literature.

Dee Snider "Survival Course for Teens"

The thing that teenagers of the early nineties were engrossed in when it was published in “Rovesnik”. Since then, of course, the progress of all sorts of dirty tricks that can happen to a schoolchild has not stood still. And yet there are eternal things in the world. “At home I didn’t get along with my parents. My parents didn’t know about this...” It’s relevant, right? Well, the tone is somehow correct, without fawning, but cheerful. “We vile types can be very perspicacious,” the shaggy-haired Snyder smiles, and somehow my soul becomes less lonely.

"The Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

Consists of 3 books. The story begins with Jacob, the main character, tired of his normal life - a slightly abnormal life because he is rich. In a short time we are told about his entire family. But suddenly Jacob gets a call from his grandfather, and a conversation takes place that goes out of the ordinary. Yes, of course, the grandson wanted a different life, but clearly not like this. The young man experiences more than a little adventure. He finds himself in a place unknown to the ordinary world.

This story is uniquely illustrated: there are photographs of real people and objects, but these pictures are extraordinary, and it is better for you to see for yourself.

Sue Townsend “The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole”

This is how you tell me to live if (curl your fingers): your parents are stupid, they can’t earn a decent living or get along; and an inhuman pimple popped up; and the girl she loves doesn’t take her seriously; and problems with studying; and for some reason your talents are not appreciated? In general, everything is awry. It is written very funny, but without excesses or mockery. And the inimitable tone with which this whole mess is described (and who hasn’t had a similar mess happen in their life?) makes you raise your nose and straighten your shoulders.

Kerstin Geer “Timeless”

Fantastic in genre and very girly in mood and spirit of the book. The main character, sixteen-year-old Gwendolyn, did not have enough ordinary, girlish, heartfelt problems - it also turned out that she also received a powerful gift, which was not actually intended for her, and for which she was completely unprepared! Both it and its consequences now need to be dealt with somehow. It’s easy to read and delights with humor, although a picky reader will certainly find something to complain about in the plot and its intrigues.

Stephen King "Fury"

We warn you right away: this book was withdrawn from sale after it was found in the possession of a real American boy who brought a weapon into class. There really is more than enough violence in it. Charlie fatally shot the annoying teachers and locked himself in the classroom, which adults clearly perceive as a hostage-taking, although almost all the students support him... King, of course, does not advise anyone to solve problems in this way. But the book is still not for the impressionable, but for the intelligent.

Jeff Kinney "Diary of a Wimpy Kid"

Having described the troubles of his adolescence and published a book about them, Kinney became rich and famous. Because everyone read and recognized themselves. When girls don't like you. When they don't give you the gifts you want. When you are tormented with stupid propaganda and cheerfulness, but you want to give up on everything. His hero Greg is a typical, archetypal boy! Yes, he has a lot of shortcomings. And you are all angels here, right? Well, then, he has a clear chance to somehow cope with them.

"Little Women", Louisa Alcott

This is the stunning classic story of the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. When their father went to war, they were left with only their mother to teach them to be the best version of themselves. As they go through love and loss, they truly become "little women." Alcott writes with elegance and wit. The sisters' personalities are intricately described throughout the book. This gives an idea of ​​what a typical family looked like in the 1800s.

Author: Maria Zemtsova
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"When We Meet" by Rebecca Stead

Age: 12-13 years.
Plot: 12-year-old Miranda is not very happy: she is embarrassed by her mother, who dresses up as if she is Miranda’s age, cannot make friends with classmates who have changed recently, and loses an old friend.

In short, there are enough problems as is. In addition, Miranda suddenly begins to receive mysterious notes that predict the future. The author of these messages says exactly what Miranda must do to bring about specific events or avoid them. Here you will find melodrama, fantasy, and the unique atmosphere of New York.

Since 2009, Rebecca Stead's novel has been on the children's bestseller lists in the United States, and a year after its publication it received the prestigious Newbery literary award.

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