Ages 12–18

11,987 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 11,987 books trust teenagers to handle complexity and reward them for it.

Asteroid Impact

Douglas Henderson

For the curious child fascinated by Earth's history and cosmic events, this book explores the dramatic story of asteroid

Ages 8–12

The Great Brain #8

The Great Brain Is Back

John D. Fitzgerald

For kids who enjoy clever plans, witty banter, and a good laugh, this book follows a resourceful boy navigating tricky s

Ages 8–12

Paisley Hanover #3

Paisley Hanover Acts Out

Cameron Tuttle

For teens who are tired of school social cliques and want to speak up, this book follows a girl whose secret column turn

Ages 13–17

American Biography

The Many Lives of Benjamin Franklin

Aliki

For the curious young mind eager to discover how one person can achieve so much, this biography illuminates the remarkab

Ages 8–12

When Kids Drive Kids Crazy: How to Get Along with Your Friends and Enemies

Eda LeShan

For children navigating tricky friendships, this guide helps understand bullies and "brats," offering strategies to cope

Ages 8–12

It's Your World Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going!

Chelsea Clinton

This inspiring book combines facts, photos, and stories to show young people how they can make a real difference in the

Ages 12–18

Do You Love Me, Harvey Burns?

Jean Marzollo

For teens grappling with unexpected prejudice or targeted harassment, this novel explores the impact of anti-Semitism on

Ages 13–18

Great Advice from Lila Fenwick

Kate McMullan

For kids navigating growing up and making new friends, this chapter book celebrates summer adventures and the humorous d

Ages 9–12

Pilfer Academy #1

Pilfer Academy: A School So Bad It's Criminal

Lauren Magaziner

For the child who loves a good laugh and a thrilling adventure, this story explores what happens when a good heart lands

Ages 8–12

Snapshots

Norma Klein

For parents whose children might encounter mature themes, this realistic novel explores how two friends navigate a compl

Ages 13–16

The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic

Jennifer Trafton

For children who dream of grand adventures and discovering their inner hero, this tale delivers courage, friendship, and

Ages 8–12

Secondhand Heroes #3

The Last Battle

Justin LaRocca Hansen

For kids who feel like underdogs, this graphic novel celebrates finding your inner hero and working with unexpected frie

Ages 8–12

Sir Whong and the Golden Pig

Oki S. Han, Stephanie Haboush Plunkett

For children exploring tricky situations and the true meaning of wisdom, this clever tale follows a stranger's attempt t

Ages 8–12

Sheep Dreams

Arthur A. Levine

For the child who feels a little nervous about trying something new, this heartwarming story shows how courage can bloss

Ages 8–12

Johnny Dixon #6

The Trolley to Yesterday

John Bellairs

For the child fascinated by history and thrilling adventures, this book offers a journey through time and a chance to wi

Ages 9–12

Baily's Bones

Victor Kelleher

For the reader grappling with the weight of history and the urge to protect a vulnerable loved one. This haunting thrill

Ages 12–17

Danilo the Fruit Man

Amy Valens

For children exploring how unforeseen changes can disrupt a peaceful life, this tale examines contentment and the unexpe

Ages 8–12

Friends to Die for

Jane Sughrue Giberga

For the teen navigating complex social circles and confronting harsh realities, this book explores a young woman's journ

Ages 14–18

Michael Townsend's Amazing Greek Myths of Wonder and Blunders

Michael Jay Townsend

For kids who enjoy laughing while learning, this graphic novel makes ancient Greek myths accessible and hilarious, perfe

Ages 9–13

When I Left My Village

Maxine Rose Schur

For families facing displacement or seeking a better life, this powerful story shows courage, resilience, and hope durin

Ages 9–12

Wilma Tenderfoot #1

The Case of the Frozen Hearts

Emma Kennedy

For the child who feels like an underdog but possesses a sharp mind and big dreams of proving their worth.

Ages 8–12

Secondhand Heroes #2

Brothers Unite

Justin LaRocca Hansen

For the child navigating the ups and downs of brotherly competition who dreams of finding something extraordinary in the

Ages 8–12

The Homeschool Liberation League

Lucy Frank

For the student who feels stifled by the rigid rules of school and wonders if there is a different way to learn and grow

Ages 10–14

Megan's Beat

Lou Willett Stanek

For any teen navigating the tricky social waters of a new high school, this book explores fitting in and the unexpected

Ages 12–16