Not all teenagers love reading. In fact, many teenagers abhor reading, especially when it involves books they are forced to read for class. Plenty of engaging books are available that can inspire teenagers and encourage them to read more. Teenagers can learn to love reading, but they have to find the right books to hook their interest. Plenty of books are available to teenagers that are not only engaging but educational as well.
"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"
"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is an inspirational story written by Maya Angelou and published in 1970. The book tells the story of Maya Angelou's life, from her difficult childhood growing up as a young black girl in the South to her joyful acceptance of who she is as a woman. Though the book includes mature, and sometimes somber, content, it is a must-read for any teenage female.
"The Bell Jar"
Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar" also tells the story of the author's life, following a journey in which her feelings of loneliness drive her to attempt suicide. The book is not an easy read and is very sad at times, but it provides insight into the disease of depression. Teenagers who struggle with depression may be relieved to see that the disorder is more common than they think.
"After"
"After" was voted one of the top books of 2010 by the Young Adult Library Association. In Amy Efaw's novel, a teenage soccer player discovers she is pregnant. Not wanting to face the reality of her pregnancy, she neglects the baby to the point where she faces serious jail time. This book serves not only as a warning to sexually active teens but also as an entertaining tale of suspense.
"The Summer I Turned Pretty"
"The Summer I Turned Pretty," by Jenny Han, is a work of fiction that focuses on 16-year-old Belly, who realizes how much her life has suddenly changed now that she's not a little girl anymore. Voted one of the top picks for teens by the Young Adult Library Services Association, this novel deals with the transition from childhood to adolescence to adulthood.
"We Are Witnesses: The Diaries of Five Teenagers Who Died in the Holocaust"
Jacob Boas's book "We Are Witnesses: The Diaries of Five Teenagers Who Died in the Holocaust," published in 1996, focuses on the lives of five teenagers who lived through various parts of World War II and were killed in the Holocaust. This book teaches a lesson about compassion for all people and the equality of all mankind.
