When your teens are under stay-at-home orders, or simply just bored from so much downtime, reading is a great way to spend some time. As we head towards summer, it’s still so important to keep their brains engaged when they’re not in school. We’re getting our kids started early with some suggestions like these books for teens to read this summer.
It’s hard enough to convince Sophia and Ava to wake up before noon these days, let alone use their brains productively! We’ve got one who likes to read and one that doesn’t. It does help if you help them explore different genres of books to find something they can really get into.
Our girls have a collection of books ranging from classic to teen love to vampire romance.Books for Teens to Read This Summer
Here’s a few suggestions of books for teens to read this summer. Some of them we wouldn’t mind reading ourselves!)
Teen Books on History
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
A World War II novel about the role played by Navajos, who were recruited to use their difficult native language to create an unbreakable code to be used behind enemy lines. The main character tells his grandchildren about his wartime experiences as part of the top-secret Navajo code talkers. The book tells stories of combat locations including Guam, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Refugee by Alan Gratz
This critically acclaimed novel showcases three refugee children from different places in the world throughout history. A great to fool your kids into a world history lesson, Refugee can actually lead to a dinner table discussion on current events in the world. Who knew?
Teen Books on Fantasy
The Selection by Kiera Cass
The first book in The Selection series is a dystopian, fairy-tale with a little bit of competition and some teen romance. Our girls love this series. It will keep your teen on the edge of their seat wondering what will happen next!
Provide teens with lots of reading choices. They will settle into a few that are sure to become favorites.The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
The story of Kit Tyler who befriends a colonist accused of being a witch during the Salem era was published in 1959. The story has definitely stood the test of time. Introduce your child to this Newbery Medal Award winning story with a scary twist.
Books on Teen Angst
El Deafo by Cece Bell
Graphic novels are not just funny paper reads. The stories are rich with plot and character, and El Deafo is no exception. Check out the gorgeous illustrations in this amazing story about fitting in and finding oneself.
The List by Siobhan Vivian
In this book, a list comes out each year at a local high school of the prettiest and ugliest girls in each class. The consequences for each girl chosen can be painful. It’s not always the girls on the ugly list who are suffering the most. The book has a powerful lesson about popularity and appearances very apropos for girls our kids’ ages.
Books on Teen Love and Romance
Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli
The sequel to Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda follows Leah, Simon’s best friend, on her own coming-out journey. We love LGBT-friendly novels for young adults, and these characters are real and well-written. Because of some mature themes and language, the book is more appropriate for older teens.
The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon
Natasha Kingsley is an undocumented immigrant from Jamaica who is about to be deported due to her status. Since she was brought here when she was young, all she’s ever known is the United States. As she tries to find a way for her and her family to stay, she meets Daniel who is unhappy with his current life as he tries to continue to please his parents. The two decide to spend the day together and slowly fall in love even though they know their time together is limited.
Teen Books on Sports
Tumbling By Caela Carter
This novel is a fascinating dive into the world of competitive gymnastics, and a group of girls as they work towards a chance to compete in the Olympics. Romance, intrigue, secrets and parental intervention all come to play in this gripping teen drama.
The Only Game (Home Team) by Mike Lupica
Mike Lupica’s sports-themed books are favorites for boys and girls alike. The Home Team series focuses on a group of kids in a small town. They learn lessons about fitting in, forgiveness, and family through their athletic endeavors.
What is your teen reading this summer?
These books are perfect reads for your kid to keep their mind engaged and reading muscles strong this season. Keep the list handy for great reads into the fall as well. As with any choice reading, we love to talk to our kids about the books they enjoy. In fact, you may want to pick up a copy of some of these books for teens to read this summer and enjoy them for yourself or read along with your child!
It’s amazing how much a teen can retain while reading. Even while listening to music at the same time!
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Thanks a lot for this post. My kids are not in their teens yet, but time flies… I’ll keep in mind all the suggestions.
Haha it happens so fast!