Books for Teens and Young Adults
recommended by librarians, teachers, novelists and teenagers
Last updated: December 20, 2024
Rachel Hickman recommends the best Novels Set in Wild Places
Rachel Hickman, co-founder of Chicken House Publishing and author of One Silver Summer, selects books with wild settings that have appeal to older children. She discusses how a strong use of nature adds drama and meaning to a narrative, and the way that setting can become another character in a story.
Children’s and Young Adult Fiction, recommended by Melvin Burgess
Melvin Burgess, author of Junk and Doing It, tells us about the books that first inspired him, and picks the best thriller writing for young adults. Along the way he explains why young people make the most demanding readers.
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1
Metaphysical Horror
Leszek Kolakowski (trans. by Agnieszka Kolakowska) -
2
Mortal Questions
by Thomas Nagel -
3
A Short History of Ethics
by Alasdair MacIntyre -
4
Modernism as a Philosophical Problem: On the Dissatisfactions of European High Culture
by Robert B. Pippin -
5
The Spiritual Dimension: Religion, Philosophy and Human Value
by John Cottingham
The best books on Philosophy for Teens, recommended by Andrew Brower Latz
The best books on Philosophy for Teens, recommended by Andrew Brower Latz
Dr Andrew Brower Latz, Head of Philosophy at Manchester Grammar School, talks about why it’s important to study philosophy and recommends five books to get an interested teen started.
Books that Changed the World, recommended by Amanda Craig
Jane Eyre, 1984 and Anne Frank’s diary all make it onto novelist Amanda Craig’s list of books that changed the world. On Black Beauty‘s underrated importance: ‘People forget that William Wilberforce, who abolished the slave trade, also founded the RSPCA.’
The best books on Navigating the Future: a reading list for young adults, recommended by Chris Kutarna
We are living in times of unprecedented uncertainty and upheaval – and of unprecedented progress and opportunity. Chris Kutarna, political scientist and co-author of Age of Discovery, selects five books to help young adults navigate an uncertain future and achieve their full potential.
Audrey Penn recommends her Favourite Teenage Books
Children’s author Audrey Penn picks five books she loved as a teenager – all stories of struggle in the face of adversity.
The best books on Teenage Mental Health, recommended by Rae Earl
Every generation has its own minefield to negotiate in order to reach adulthood. Author Rae Earl discusses five books that explore a range of mental health issues that some teenagers may face, and many adults have faced, while on this difficult journey.
Realistic Fiction
Realistic fiction depicts situations that could happen in real life, with authentic characters who react in a believable way.
