Best Books for Teens in 2025: Top 5 Must-Reads

Looking for books for teens that entertain and educate? These picks promise laughter, lessons, and unforgettable adventures.
The Hunger Games coverThe Fault in Our Stars cover

Choosing the best books for teens can be harder than finding a matching sock in a teenager’s room. We focus on themes that resonate, stories that captivate, and characters you can’t forget, like that funny incident when our friend’s dog chewed up our library book. From dystopian adventures to magical worlds and heartfelt tales, our top five picks promise to keep teens hooked and maybe even learn something along the way—just don’t let the dog near them!

On this list:

5 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2008
  • Pages: 374

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

A fast-paced, dystopian adventure. We picked this one because it offers thrilling action and a strong female protagonist. It keeps you on the edge of your seat!

4 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 309

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

The wonder of Hogwarts never gets old! We chose this for its magical world-building and the relatable journey from boy to hero.

3 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars cover

  • Genre: Romance, Drama
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 313

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

A moving tale of love and life. We included this for its humor, heart, and dealing with tough topics in a relatable way.

2 Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 487

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Action and bravery fill the pages. Chosen for its strong characters and unique take on a dystopian society that grips you till the end.

1 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Drama
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 281

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This classic offers timeless lessons on empathy and justice. Our top pick because it combines deep themes with an engaging story through Scout’s eyes.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!