Ages 12–18

10,725 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 10,725 books trust teenagers to handle complexity and reward them for it.

The Book of North American Owls

Helen Roney Sattler

For the budding naturalist or curious child fascinated by the mysterious hoot of the night, this book delves into the am

Ages 8–12

Children and the AIDS Virus: A Book for Children, Parents, and Teachers

Rosmarie Hausherr

For families seeking to understand the AIDS virus, this book gently explains the immune system and prevention, offering

Ages 7–12

Shanghai Passage

Greg Patent

For children curious about real-life experiences during wartime or adapting to massive world changes, this memoir offers

Ages 9–12

The Great Ancestor Hunt: The Fun of Finding Out Who You Are

Lila Perl

For the curious child eager to uncover their family story, this guide offers exciting ways to discover where they come f

Ages 9–12

Gregory, Maw, and the Mean One

David Gifaldi

For the child wondering how to handle grumpy people, this Western adventure explores empathy and the roots of bad behavi

Ages 8–12

The Other Side of Blue

Valerie O. Patterson

For a child grappling with sudden loss, this mystery explores themes of grief, family secrets, and the search for truth

Ages 10–14

Marked

Laura Williams McCaffrey

For the young person navigating societal expectations and yearning to forge their own path, this fantasy adventure champ

Ages 12–16

Preacher's Boy

Katherine Paterson

For children exploring big life questions or questioning beliefs, this historical tale follows a preacher's son navigati

Ages 9–13

The War to End All Wars: World War I

Russell Freedman

For the curious middle grader ready to understand a pivotal, complex global event, this book masterfully explores the hi

Ages 10–14

Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille

Russell Freedman

For children curious about overcoming challenges, this biography tells how Louis Braille, blinded as a child, invented a

Ages 8–12

Cat Mummies

Kelly Trumble

For children who love animals and are curious about ancient civilizations, this book unveils the fascinating, sacred rol

Ages 8–12

The Ghost Children

Eve Bunting

For children curious about history and those who have felt left out, this poignant ghost story explores finding connecti

Ages 9–12

The Oregon Trail #4

The Road to Oregon City

Jesse Wiley

For the adventurous child who thrives on making their own decisions and conquering challenges, this book offers a thrill

Ages 8–12

Ghost Girl A Blue Ridge Mountain Story

Delia Ray

For the child navigating significant grief and family hardships, this story follows April's determination to learn and f

Ages 10–14

Untitled Middle Grade Fantasy

Chris Moriarty

For the child ready to explore a world beyond our own, this adventure celebrates courage, friendship, and discovering on

Ages 9–13

The Oregon Trail #2

Danger at the Haunted Gate

Jesse Wiley

For kids who enjoy interactive stories and exploring historical challenges, this book puts them in charge of a perilous

Ages 8–12

A Nightmare in History: The Holocaust, 1933-1945

Miriam Chaikin

For the parent guiding a child through difficult history, this book offers a clear, sensitive introduction to understand

Ages 11–15

Prehistoric France Adventures #2

Anooka's Answer

Marjorie Cowley

For the child exploring their own path, this story follows a determined 13-year-old girl who bravely seeks a life beyond

Ages 10–14

The Spanish Kidnapping Disaster

Mary Downing Hahn

For families navigating the ups and downs of new step-siblings, this adventure explores how shared danger can forge unex

Ages 8–12

Stepping on the Cracks

Mary Downing Hahn

For a child learning that appearances can be deceiving, who loves historical fiction, and enjoys stories about challengi

Ages 10–14

Five Summers

JoAnn Bren Guernsey

For young readers navigating the complexities of growing up, this book explores loss, illness, and first love, offering

Ages 12–16

Biodiversity

Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

For parents whose children are starting to ask big questions about the environment, this book offers a clear, global vie

Ages 10–14

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Marion Dane Bauer

For children navigating complex parent-child relationships and seeking their own voice, this story explores finding unde

Ages 9–13

A Bear Named Trouble

Marion Dane Bauer

For a child grappling with loneliness after a big move, this story shows how unexpected friendships can help navigate ne

Ages 8–12