Ages 12–18

19,631 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 19,631 books trust teenagers to handle complexity and reward them for it.

Here We Go Round

Alice McGill

For the child exploring their roots and the history of their community, this story navigates the strength of spirit foun

Ages 8–12

OCDaniel #1

OCDaniel

Wesley King

For the child who feels overwhelmed by secret rituals or 'weird' thoughts they can't explain to others.

Ages 10–14

Nature's Ninjas

Nature's Ninja

Rebecca L. Johnson

For the child who loves action movies but needs a nudge toward science. This book frames animal biology through the exci

Ages 8–12

The Thickety #1

The Thickety

J. A. White

For the child who feels like an outsider or is grappling with the weight of family secrets and the need to find their ow

Ages 9–12

Annie #2

Promise Me the Moon

Joyce Annette Barnes

Thirteen-year-old Annie navigates friendship changes, family tensions, and school struggles while holding onto her dream

Ages 10–14

Queer Person

Ralph Hubbard

For the child who feels like an outsider, this classic tale follows a boy who finds strength and belonging even when he

Ages 10–14

The Prisoners of Peace #1

The Scorpion Rules

Erin Bow

For the teen grappling with the weight of global crises and questioning the ethics of leadership, sacrifice, and what it

Ages 14–18

My Little Pony: Friends Forever #1

Friends Forever, Vol. 1

Jeremy Whitley, Bobby Curnow, Ted Anderson, Katie Cook

For the child learning that even very different people can be the best of friends. These vibrant stories show how unexpe

Ages 6–12

W.I.T.C.H. Chapter Books #23

Farewell to Love

Alice Alfonsi

For the preteen navigating the ups and downs of middle school crushes and friendship drama, all while trying to stay tru

Ages 8–12

Poems for Children #2

Poetry for Curious Minds

Sera Luxi Jonathan

For the child who asks a million questions about the world. This collection of poems turns scientific facts and nature's

Ages 6–12

Boy Athletes Mental Skills

Outwork Everyone for Boy Athletes

Nick Akoli

For the young athlete who wants to level up their game by building a relentless work ethic and the mental toughness need

Ages 10–17

Music of What Happens: Poems That Tell Stories, The

Paul B. Janeczko (editor)

For the reader who finds magic in a good story, this diverse anthology uses the power of rhythm and rhyme to explore a w

Ages 10–14

Tom Swift #30

Tom Swift and His Undersea Search

Victor Appleton

For the teen who dreams of being an engineer or explorer. This classic adventure celebrates the grit and ingenuity requi

Ages 10–14

The Hat Diaries #1

Escape From the Adventure

Nadine Haruni

For the young gamer who needs to see how their digital skills and real-life friendships can combine to overcome big chal

Ages 8–12

45 Pounds (more or less)

K. A. Barson

For the teenager grappling with body image and the pressure to change, this story follows sixteen-year-old Ann as she le

Ages 12–17

Ally's World #15

Summer Special Sunshine, Sunburn and Not-So-Sweet Nothings

Karen McCombie

For the young reader navigating the tricky waters of summer friendships, first crushes, and finding their own voice amid

Ages 10–14

Arlene, The Rebel Queen

Carol Liu

For the middle-grade reader finding their voice while navigating physical challenges. Arlene's journey models how to tur

Ages 8–12

Nightmare Hall #3

The Experiment

Diane Hoh

For the teenager who enjoys high-stakes suspense and stories about testing one's limits when a seemingly easy opportunit

Ages 12–17

Hello from 2030

Jan Paul Schutten

For the curious child who wonders what the world will look like when they grow up. This guide explores the science behin

Ages 9–13

Animal Ark Pets #2

Kitten Crowd

Ben M. Baglio

For the child who dreams of being a vet or wants to save every stray they see. A heartwarming look at the responsibility

Ages 8–12

Backwards Moon

Mary Losure

For the child who values their secret inner world and wonders how to protect what they love from outside intrusion.

Ages 8–12

Response

Paul Volponi

For the teen processing the weight of systemic unfairness and the difficult journey toward healing after experiencing or

Ages 14–18

The S.Q.U.I.D. Squad #7

Curse of the Swamp Monster

Megan Miller

For the child who thrives on digital adventures and needs to see how working together can overcome even the spookiest ob

Ages 7–12

Bill Peet: An Autobiography

Bill Peet

For the child who loves to draw or feels like their unique talents don't fit the standard mold, this memoir reveals how

Ages 8–14