A friend asked our family recently for recommendations for their teenage daughter, who’s an avid reader. She knew that our children are voracious readers, as well. The trouble with teenage bookworms is how quickly they devour books, and the trouble with the modern world is that so many of the books currently being written and marketed for teens are rubbish. As we compiled a list of some of our family favourites to share with our friends, we thought there might be other families that could benefit, as well. Our teens are still moving through books fast, so we’d love to hear any recommendations you have—if you leave them in the comments, we’d be grateful!
I’ve posted previously about some of our favourite children’s picture books, as well as some recommendations for older children.
Some of our family’s favourite teen fiction books:
The Lord of the Rings trilogy & The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
If there’s a better fantasy series in English, I don’t know what it is.
Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
Another classic series, for good reason.
The Screwtape Letters also by C.S. Lewis
Short, unique, and powerful.
The Wingfeather Saga series by Andrew Peterson
A newer fantasy series with well-crafted lore and characters.
The short stories of O. Henry
The king of clever twists.
The Green Ember series by S.D. Smith
Rabbits with swords.
All Creatures series by James Harriott
This isn’t technically fantasy as it’s based on true stories from a vet in the Yorkshire dales around WWII. It still had to go on the list, though.
Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Elementary, my dear Watson.
The Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall
Fun, sweet stories of family, friendship, and growing up.
Anne of Green Gables series & Jane of Lantern Hill & The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
Anne is the famously precocious orphan, but don’t miss lesser-known Jane of Lantern Hill and Valancy of the blue castle.
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
Adventure and rescue in the French Revolution, with magnificent plot twists.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Warning: Don’t read this unless you appreciate puns.
A Man of Means by P.G. Wodehouse
Wodehouse was a prolific writer with many great books. He was a master at creating memorable characters and fun, clever plots.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
She really is the queen of mysteries.
Number the Stars & The Giver by Lois Lowrey
The first is set in WWII, the second in a future dystopia, and both are excellent.
What would you add to the list?
The books of Jules Verne. They are old but my kids enjoyed them. Sent from iPhone, God bless you – Kaye Jackson
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Call of the Wild by Jack London — A classic for dog lovers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Muirwood Series by Jeff Wheeler (most of his books are good).
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Muirwood Series by Jeff Wheeler (most of his books are good).
LikeLike
I’d like to recommend any/all of the 122 books by G A Henty; even girls, including 74-year-old retired librarian me enjoy them!!
Thanksgiving blessings on you and your family, Seth :o)
Linda McFarlane
LikeLiked by 1 person