10 Classic Must-Read Books for Teens and Young Adults

Let me preface this list by saying all 10 Classic Must-Read Books for Teens and Young Adults on this list are not recent releases. They are staples from my very own library. I used to spend half my paycheck on books as a teenager. I consumed them like potato chips, and of all the novels I read in my formative years these ten are among my favorites. Also, I would like to give credit where credit is due. Many of these incredible books were given to me by my mother, which I think proves her incredible taste and intuition. (Thanks, mom!) Please enjoy these 10 Classic Must-Read Books for Teens and Young Adults and feel free to email me any recommendations you may have.

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Middle Books (Ages 8–12):

1. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

My Side of the Mountain was published in 1969 and is the oldest novel on my list. It’s an oldie, but a goodie. My copy is worn and falling apart (pictured above). My Side of the Mountain is about a resourceful 12-year-old-boy who runs away from his family in New York City to the wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. He lives in the wilderness for some time, even creating a home within a tree. In a world of technology, this book is an important throwback for any young adult or teen.

2. Matilda by Roald Dahl

Honestly I love anything written by Roald Dahl. BFG is another classic book by Dahl that I highly recommend. Matilda is a story about a gifted little girl who is born into an indifferent and sometimes cruel family. Matilda uses books as a form of escape and quickly learns how to read advanced literature and subject matter. She also learns about her telekinetic abilities and uses those abilities to save her friends and herself. It’s a heart-warming book that’s perfect for all ages.

3. Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards

Mandy is by far the most under-rated book of all time. I still remember the day my mother handed it to me in the middle of the library. Julie Andrews, Mary Poppins herself, wrote this cherished book, and if that isn’t reason enough to read it then I don’t know what is. Mandy is a little orphan girl who finds a small abandoned cottage in the woods and decides to make it her own home. One of the rooms in the cottage has walls lined with sea shells. Therefore I like to call this book the Shell Room book. Mandy is a family favorite and a must-read for any age.

4. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Little House on the Prairie is a must-read for teens and young adults. Like My Side of the Mountain, Little House ushers us to simpler times. Surprisingly enough there were days when people lives without plumbing, clean water, and electricity. The early pioneers were brave in their pursuit of the new world, and that’s something we should all reflect on now and again. We all need to be humbled from time to time. Reading Little House on the Prairie always makes me feel grateful for the little things.

5. Tuck Everlasting by Natallie Babbit

Disney released Tuck Everlasting the movie in theaters in 2002. I was 10 years old and my mom told me to read the book, so she could take me to see the movie in theaters. The book is always better than the movie, am I right? Tuck Everlasting is the story of a pioneer family of four who happen across a spring of water that gives you eternal life. A young girl named Winifred Foster meets the Tuck family accidentally while walking through the woods. She’s presented with the idea of abandoning her life to live forever or making the most of the time she is given. Tuck Everlasting is an iconic novel that ever young adult should read.

Young Adult Novels: Ages 14 and Up

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia is the longest book on my list of 10 Classic Must-Read Books, because it is actually seven books in one. C.S. Lewis created a beautiful complex world within the Chronicles that is simply awe-inspiring. It’s difficult to explain the plots of seven books, but if you are looking for a synopsis click here. Although a few of the novels have made it to the big screen my personal favorite remains the Silver Chair. I keep hoping they will continue the series with that particular book from the series. We shall see.

2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

For the life of me I will never understand why someone did not place this book into my hands as a young adult. I needed this book when I was 14 years old. Probably even before then. Generations cherish the iconic novel, Little Women. It is the story of four sisters (Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy) who live with their mother in New England while their father is away at war. As the girls grow older they each face their own personal demons and moral challenges. Out of the 10 Classic Must-Read Books for Teens and Young Adults, Little Women is my latest obsession.

3. The Captive by Victoria Holt

I read The Captive when I was in high school. Honestly, I have no idea where the book came from. One day I was looking for a book to pass the time with and I came across this strange looking blue novel. This book has everything. There’s a shipwreck, murder mystery, pirates, harems and a grand escape plan. I could not put this book down. If you’re looking for an adventurous book, The Captive is an ideal fit.

4. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

The Uglies is one of a four part series of books by Scott Westerfeld. It’s a science fiction novel about a dystopian world. In this world everyone is considered ugly until they are transformed into a “Pretty” on their 16th birthday through extreme plastic surgery. However, it turns out there is more to the surgery than cosmetics. If you enjoy science fiction books like the Hunger Games then you will enjoy this book.

5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Speaking of The Hunger Games, a few years after the release of Uglies, Suzanne Collins released her poignant novel to the world. I was assigned The Hunger Games as mandatory read in my first year of college. The idea was that multiple courses across the college campus could integrate the novel into their curriculum, and therefore all Freshman students would have something in common. This is another case of the book being much better than the movie, as always. After finishing the book I handed it to my mom who also ripped through it and anxiously waited with me for the sequel. If you’ve seen the movies, you need to go back and read the books. I promise your appreciation for the films will increase exponentially.

Thank you for reading my list of 10 Classic Must-Read Books for Teens and Young Adults. I hope you found a few essentials for your home library. For more book recommendations, check out the blog posts below:

12 Classic Children’s Books to Read With Your Kids
The Top 5 Favorite Best Books for Young Married Couples
6 Books You Should Definitely Re-Read in 2020
15 of My Favorite Board Books for Toddlers

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Love always,