15 Best Classic Books And Novels For Teens To Read In 2024

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Best Classic Books For Teens To Read2

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If you want your teen to develop their reading habit, we have compiled a list of the best classic books for teens to help you out. Although classics may seem boring or intimidating, these books are timeless and introduce worlds of adventures and romance your teen will surely enjoy. Your teen will gain a fresh perspective of the world, and these classic literature collection books will also improve their language skills.

Adrienne Chinn, a Canadian novelist and poet, says, “These classic books have stood the test of time for good reason. They express universal ideas and concerns in carefully plotted stories that never lose their appeal to the generations of teens who have enjoyed them.”

So, browse our expert-approved list and add some books to your cart to keep your teens entertained and help them learn.

In This Article

15 Best Classic Books For Teens

1. Best Autobiographical: Anne Frank: The Diary Of A Young Girl

“Anne Frank: The Diary Of A Young Girl” is one of the most moving tales describing the Holocaust. The diary was discovered in the attic where Anne spent the last years of her life.In the journal, Anne gives vivid details of her experiences during World War II. The vintage book reminds us of the horrors of the war and is a testament to the human spirit. It gives a commentary on the frailty of life and human courage. It is one of the highly recommended book for teens. Here’s a review video that will help you get a better understanding of the book.

Price: $3.43

protip_icon Did you know?
The fear of running out of things to read is called Abibliophobia.

2. Best Coming-Of-Age: Little Women

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott describes the life of the March family post the American Civil War in the 19th century. The love and compassion that the sisters have for each other is noteworthy. The best-selling book showcases Alcott’s literary expertise, and it is also believed that the March family is largely based on Alcott’s real-life family.

Price: $0.18

protip_icon Did you know?
The smallest-ever printed book, “Flowers of the Four Seasons,” measures 0.74 x 0.75mm and was published in Bunkyo, Japan (1).

3. Best Teenage Classic: Pride And Prejudice

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

“Pride and Prejudice,” Jane Austen’s comedy of manners, is one of the most popular novels and a must-read timeless classic. It features the civilized repartee between the proud Mr. Darcy and the prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet. “Pride and Prejudice” is a classic teenage book for teens. Here’s a review video of this iconic book for teens.

Price: $2.97

protip_icon Did you know?
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the US, read at least one book a day.

4. Best Pulitzer Prize Classic: To Kill A Mockingbird

“To Kill A Mockingbird,” a stupendous novel about childhood in the Southern town and the crisis of conscience, became a critical success and a bestseller soon after its publication in 1960. This best-selling novel won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was also adapted into a film that won several Academy Awards. Dramatic, compassionate, and deeply moving, “To Kill A Mockingbird” takes the readers to the roots of human behavior. This is one of the best classic books for teens.

Price: $14.04

5. Best Victorian Age Novel: Jane Eyre

“Jane Eyre” is a 19th century historical fiction expressing the story of the orphan Jane, the titular character who is subjected to extreme cruelty at Logwood Charity School. She nonetheless emerges triumphant, unbroken in spirit and with her integrity intact. She later takes up a job as a governess, falls in love and marries Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their marriage.

Price: $0.01

6. Best Dystopian Theme: The Hunger Games

In America, a young girl, Katniss Everdeen, is chosen to leave her impoverished district and travel to the Capitol for a battle in the savage Hunger Games. But for Katniss, winning the Games puts her deeper in danger as she fights against the strict social order of Panem. This dystopian fantasy book is one of the most loved books for teens.

Price: $18.99

7. Best Timeless Classic Novel: The Hobbit

In “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien, Bilbo Baggins is a well-to-do and a respectable hobbit who lives comfortably in his hobbit-hole until Gandalf, the wizard, chooses him to take part on an adventure from which he may never return. Loved by reviewers worldwide, the teenage book received instant critical acclaim when it was published in 1937. It is now recognized as a timeless classic.

Price: $9.89

8. Best Alienation Theme Book: The Catcher In The Rye

“The Catcher in the Rye” has been synonymous with cynical adolescence ever since it made its debut in 1951. The American classic narrates the story of the 16-year-old Holden Caulfield, after he is expelled from school. His observations about what he encounters – from the teachers to the phonies – capture the real essence of the eternal teenage experience of alienation.

Price: $15.19

9. Best Trilogy And Fantasy Novel: The Lord Of The Rings

The three-volume epic, “Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, chronicles the War of the Ring, in which Frodo and his friends set out to destroy the evil Ring of Power and restore peace to Middle Earth. The trilogy has established some of the most popular and enduring tropes in fantasy literature, marking the renowned author’s literary expertise.

Price: $ 11.49

10. Best Science-Fiction Novel: The Giver

In “The Giver” by Lois Lowry, Jonas’s world is near perfect. There is no war, pain, or fear in his perfect world. Every person is assigned a role. When Jonas turns twelve, he is offered the opportunity to receive special training from The Giver. Only The Giver holds the memories of the real pain and pleasure of life. Now it is the time for Jonas to learn the truth about society, restore emotions, and bring balance to their world. This book is considered a classic work of fiction.

Price: $2.94

11. Best For Friendship:The Outsiders

S.E. Hilton wrote “The Outsiders” when she was just 16 years old. The book follows the struggles of children caught up in the class struggle. Ponyboy is a greaser and is quite proud of it. He is also willing to rumble against “socs,” (short for social), just for the sake of his fellow greasers. But on a terrible night, Ponyboy’s friend does something atrocious, which gets under Ponyboy’s skin.

Item Weight: 5.6 ounces

Price: $3.90

12. Best Children’s Classic:Anne Of Green Gables

“Anne Of Green Gables,” a collection of eight novels by L.M. Montgomery, narrates the story of Anne Shirley. Anne is a spunky red-headed orphan who arrives in Prince Edward Island to help an elderly brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, run their farm. When she realizes that the Cuthberts wanted to adopt a boy instead of a girl, she tries to win them over.

Price: $1

13. Best Classic Action:The Time Machine

“The Time Machine” gives a traveler’s firsthand account of his journey to the year 802,701 A.D. The story launched H.G. Well’s successful career and earned him the tag as the father of science fiction. The book will continue to enthrall bookworms for generations to come.

Price: $0.1

14. Best Influencer:Lord Of The Flies

“Lord Of The Flies” is an enthralling story about a group of small boys marooned on a coral island. It is all fun and games initially, but it later turns into a nightmare of death and panic for the boys. “Lord Of The Flies” is a stimulating piece of literature that gives a brutal portrait of human nature.

Price: $12.97

15. Best Historical Fantasy:The Princess Bride

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

“The Princess Bride” is a masterpiece of literature by William Goldman. The tale is about a handsome farm boy, who, aided by a gentle giant and drunken swordsman, rescues Buttercup, a beautiful princess. The book has everything that teenagers like – good and evil men, giants, thrill, love, romance and even miracles.

Price: $0.1

How To Choose The Right Classic Books And Novels For Teens?

Here are a few things to consider before buying a book or novel for a teen.

  1. Interest: Consider your teen’s preferences when choosing a suitable novel. Explore different genres, including fiction, fantasy, adventure, and more, to ensure they enjoy reading it.
  1. Age: Check the synopsis and age recommendation of the book you choose to avoid exposing your teenager to inappropriate content, theme, or story.
  1. Language: The language and style of writing play an essential role in building your child’s interest in a book. Ensure the book is easy to read and understand for their age but challenging enough to improve their vocabulary and writing skills.
  1. Reviews: Check the testimonials left by other parents to determine if a book is suitable for your child. It will help you distinguish between the content of an adult book and a teenage book.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What kind of books should teenagers read?

Apart from reading academic books, novels, and comics, teenagers should also pick inspiring and motivating books.

2.Which classic book is popular among teenage girls?

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is one of the most popular classic novels among teenage girls. A classic novel that helps teenagers fall in love with the characters and prompts them to pick more such treasured books can help cultivate reading habits.

3. What are the longest classic books?

Some of the longest classic books that are worth reading despite the time are In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust, War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, Bleak House by Charles Dickens, Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell, and Middlemarch by George Eliot.

The teenage years are the best time to develop the habit of reading, improving literary proficiency. While classic novels and books might seem intimidating owing to their complex plots and historical context, some of the great novels of the past can set the base for your teen to pick more books in the future. However, it depends on the book you choose. When opting for a classic novel or a fantasy book for readers, consider the themes and genres that interest them — and you won’t go wrong with your selection.

Infographic: How To Make Reading Classic Novels More Enriching For Teens?

When teenagers read classic novels and books, it allows them to explore different eras, cultures, and profound themes. Engaging with these literary works expands their perspectives and fosters a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling. Refer to the infographic below to discover how to make reading classic novels more engaging and meaningful.

Ways To Make Reading Classic Novels More Enriching For Teens (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Smallest Book Published
    https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/67339-smallest-printed-book

Why Trust MomJunction?

Wedetso Chirhah has a Masters in English Literature and writes extensively on books. He prioritizes readability and quality. He has conducted an in-depth examination of the plots and reader reviews of various books to curate this list. An avid reader himself, Wedetso recommends Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” as a must-read for every teen. These best-selling books allow young minds to understand and explore human nature in ways they haven’t done before.


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Adrienne Chinn
Adrienne ChinnBA, MA, Dip KLC Hons
Adrienne Chinn is a bestselling Canadian novelist and poet, and interior designer living in Sussex, England. She has been running her interior design practice for over 20 years in England, and regularly shares her design knowledge through teaching short courses and speaking at international design fairs and conferences.

Read full bio of Adrienne Chinn
Wedetso Chirhah
Wedetso ChirhahMA English
Wedetso Chirhah holds a masters degree in English Literature from Mangalore University and has over 13 years of experience in content. He has written content for more than 15 B2B websites and edited school books before joining MomJunction as an editor.

Read full bio of Wedetso Chirhah
Poulami Nag
Poulami NagMA, PG Dip.
Poulami is an associate editor at MomJunction. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.

Read full bio of Poulami Nag
Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences.

Read full bio of N Pravenchandra Singh