Ages 12–18

5,367 books for children ages 12–18

Young adult books take children seriously as thinkers. The questions get harder here: identity, justice, love, loss, the dawning awareness that the world is more complicated than anyone let on. These 5,367 books trust teenagers to handle complexity and reward them for it.

Taronga

Victor Kelleher

Two years after a global catastrophe, Ben navigates a dangerous, ruined Australia, using his telepathic connection with

Ages 10–14

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #32

The Scarlet Slipper Mystery

Carolyn Keene

When a local dancing school receives anonymous, life-threatening notes, teenage detective Nancy Drew leaps into action.

Ages 8–12

The Black Brothers

Lisa Tetzner

In 19th-century Milan, Giorgio is forced into the dangerous life of a chimney sweep. He finds courage and camaraderie wi

Ages 8–12

Screen Test

David Klass

Liz Wheaton, a high school senior, lands a starring role in a feature film, trading her New Jersey life for the glitz of

Ages 12–16

Flower Power #2

Violet in Bloom

Lauren Myracle

Fifth-graders Katie-Rose, Violet, Milla, and Yasaman, despite their differences, cultivate a strong friendship through a

Ages 8–12

Fat Angie #3

Fat Angie: Homecoming

e.E. Charlton-Trujillo

Angie's life takes a dramatic turn when her singing goes viral, leading her to an online music competition. Amidst this,

Ages 12–18

Young Elizabeth I #1

Traitor's Kiss

Pauline Francis

Based on the true story of young Elizabeth I, this captivating novel follows her struggle for survival in Tudor England.

Ages 10–14

My Story #1

The Journal of Brian Doyle: A Greenhorn on an Alaskan Whaling Ship

Jim Murphy

In 1874, Brian Doyle runs away to join a whaling ship, recording his adventures and struggles in his journal. He faces h

Ages 8–12

The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix #4

Claudia and Mean Janine

Ann M. Martin

Claudia Kishi struggles to connect with her brilliant older sister, Janine, feeling overshadowed by her academic achieve

Ages 8–12

Marcia

John Steptoe

Marcia is a young teenager navigating the difficult emotions and life-altering decisions that come with pregnancy in thi

Ages 12–18

Wonderland

Joanna Nadin

Jude longs to escape her small town and her grieving father, pinning her hopes on drama school. But when her daring chil

Ages 14–18

Chrestomanci #2

The Magicians of Caprona

Diana Wynne Jones

For young readers grappling with rivalries or discovering their unique strengths, this enchanting tale teaches the power

Ages 9–12

Stateless

Elizabeth Wein

Stella North, the sole female pilot in Europe's first air race for young people, must prove her worth amidst cutthroat s

Ages 12–18

Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas

For teens navigating identity and loss, this magical story explores family acceptance, self-discovery, and finding love

Ages 13–17

A Series of Unfortunate Events #11

The Grim Grotto

Lemony Snicket

For children navigating tough times and facing grim circumstances, this book explores resilience amidst misfortune and h

Ages 9–13

Hotel for Dogs

Lois Duncan

For children who dream of helping animals, this heartwarming story explores the joys and challenges of secret pet care,

Ages 8–12

The Mortal Instruments #2

City of Ashes

Cassandra Clare

Sixteen-year-old Clary Fray continues her journey as a Shadowhunter, battling demons and uncovering terrifying secrets a

Ages 10–14

My Swordhand Is Singing #1

My Swordhand Is Singing

Marcus Sedgwick

In a dangerous 17th-century Eastern European village, Peter learns from a gypsy girl that a Shadow Queen is behind recen

Ages 8–12

Prairie Whispers

Frances Arrington

In 1860s South Dakota, twelve-year-old Colleen harbors a profound secret: she replaced her deceased baby sister with ano

Ages 8–12

Cassidy Blake #3

Bridge of Souls

Victoria Schwab, V. E. Schwab

Cassidy Blake can cross the veil between the living and the dead. When her parents take her to New Orleans, she discover

Ages 8–12

The School for Good and Evil: The Rise and Fall #2

Fall of the School for Good and Evil

Soman Chainani

For readers exploring the complexities of friendship and identity, this series finale delves into what truly defines goo

Ages 10–14

Cucumber Quest #2

Cucumber Quest: The Ripple Kingdom

Gigi D.G.

For kids who love fantastical quests and laugh-out-loud humor, this graphic novel celebrates teamwork and finding braver

Ages 8–12

Standing for Socks

Elissa Brent Weissman

Fara's mismatched socks started as a statement of individuality, but as she enters middle school and runs for class pres

Ages 8–12

The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels #16

Kristy and the Walking Disaster

Ann M. Martin

Kristy Thomas creates a softball team, Kristy's Krushers, for her younger siblings and friends. Despite a "walking disas

Ages 8–12