100+ Good Books for Teen Boys

If you have been on the hunt for good books for teens (for boys – or really any teen) to read – I’ve compiled a list of over 100! Pop in your email address below and I’ll send a printable version of the list right to your inbox.

One of the questions that comes in constantly is “do you have any book recommendations for teen boys?”

And, until now, the answer has always been no.

Then, after the one billionth DM asking about it, I finally turned to my Instagram community and said “tell me what books your teen boys like!!”

And suggestions came flooding in.

If you’re looking for good books for teen boys, I hope this list will be helpful!

Three quick caveats before we get to the list:

1. “Teen” is a broad range – a thirteen year old and an eighteen year old are very different! Some of these books lean older and some lean younger; you can be the judge of what is the best fit for your child or student.
2. I have NOT read all the books on this list. I’ve read MANY of them, but if you’re concerned about content, take a quick peek at the reviews and ratings on Amazon or Goodreads or check out Common Sense Media and see if they’re a good fit for your family.
3. I asked for books that people’s teen boys had loved, but of course books have no gender and any of these can be read and enjoyed by boys and girls (and teens and adults!).

GOOD BOOKS FOR TEEN BOYS (OR ANY TEEN)

Scythe by Neal Schusterman
When I asked my Instagram community for their favorite books for teen boys – this was the most popular by far! I think this one has such an interesting premise. Set in a future world where death has been conquered, people called Scythes are the only ones authorized to end lives in order to maintain population control. I haven’t read this one but it’s been on my list for ages!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I read the entire trilogy, listened to the audio, and still hold firm that The Hunger Games is unbelievably good. It’s one of my favorites, and I highly, highly recommend this beloved series!

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
A teenager named Thomas, awakens in a mysterious forest-like setting surrounded by walls. Having no knowledge of his life before then, Thomas is tasked with being a Maze Runner, and he and the other boys must work together to find a way out.

Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
Fifteen year old Will has been chosen as a ranger’s apprentice. The Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible so they can protect the kingdom. Their enemy Morgarath is gathering power and his dark forces are soon going to need to be challenged. Bart blew through this whole series recently too!

Michael Vey Series by Richard Paul Evans
Michael Vey, is a seemingly ordinary high schooler, but turns out he actually has special electric powers. It also happens that he isn’t the only one at his school with these strange electric powers. Taylor, a cheerleader, also has them and they come to the attention of a powerful group who wants to gain control over these electric children.

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordin
I grabbed my mother-in-law’s copy of this book when we were living there and I suddenly found myself without a next book to read to the girls and they are SO INTO it. Seriously, there were shrieks of despair every night when I finished for the evening. I read it back in 2008 and it’s fun to revisit – I enjoyed it MUCH more as a read aloud than I did when I read it solo! (Full review here).

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
This is one of those books that I couldn’t finish, but I could see that the premise would really appeal to a teen boy! In 2044, the real world is a dump, so teen gamer Wade Watts escapes into the OASIS – a sprawling virtual universe packed with puzzles and ‘80s pop culture Easter eggs that could make him rich beyond his dreams. But when he cracks the first clue, the game turns deadly, and winning might be his only way to stay alive in both worlds. Forewarning – this one does have some swearing.

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
This is a great series about two kids, Seth and Kendra Sorensen who go to spend a few weeks with their grandparents on their very remote property. It doesn’t take them long to figure out not everything is as it appears. The butterflies and dragonflies in the garden are actually fairies! That is only the beginning of the magical creatures that inhabit Fablehaven. These have been wildly popular in our house this year. (Full review here)

Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Darrow is a simple miner on Mars, working as hard as possible to prepare Mars for the rest of civilization. Despite his efforts, he soon realizes he has been betrayed by society. Mars is already thriving with cities, lush greenery and much more – making him realize that he and his people (the Reds) are nothing more than slaves for the rest of mankind. Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the ruling classes school in his design to destroy the society from within. Analese’s husband has read this entire series and has loved every single one!

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
The book starts on the day of the sorting and Alex knows he’ll be an Unwanted, because of his interest in creative endeavors. He’s already been reported for a number of infractions, including scratching images in the dirt with a stick, so it’s no surprise to him when he’s named as one who will be sent to die in the Lake of Boiling Oil. (Full review here)

The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood and Co. series) by Jonathan Stroud
We read this one back in 2023 for the Everyday Reading Book Club for October and it did not disappoint!  In this one, some young people with psychic abilities run a small London agency to eradicate the supernatural foes that are popping up all over the city. This isn’t one I would read with young readers, but my fifth grader LOVED it when her teacher read it aloud!

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
I read this nearly a decade ago and then again for the Everyday Reading Book Club a couple of years ago and LOVED it so much both times! Ella is also such a huge fan that she begged Bart to listen to it after she finished and had the best time listening to him make predictions about the story.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
Ben Ripley’s dream job is to work for the CIA, but since he’s only a middle schooler, it’s going to be a tough sell.  Then he is recruited for a special STEM school program, but to his shock and delight the program is actually a front for a junior CIA! Which sounds terrific until he realizes how dangerous spy school really is!

Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz
If you are looking for a series that can be watched after it is read, this one, all about a newly orphaned teen becoming a spy to save the world, has a new TV series on Amazon.

Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
I love Gary D. Schmidt books and this is my favorite of his! I just LOVE this middle grade about a boy suffering through his seventh grade year. The Vietnam War is raging and his home life is a complicated by his ambitious father and his teenage sister, but the worst thing is that every Wednesday every other student goes to religious education and he has to stay in the classroom and study Shakespeare with his teacher. This book is funny, smart, and 100% fantastic. I have recommended it hundreds and hundreds of times. The companion novel, Okay for Now, is just as good. (Full review here)

The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson 
The three gifted Igiby siblings pull together their smarts, heart, and courage to defeat the evil Fangs of Dang who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice.

Peter Nimble by Jonathan Auxier
When Peter, a 10-year-old blind orphan, steals a box of magical eyes from a mysterious haberdasher, one pair transports him to a hidden island and sets him on a quest to save a lost kingdom. With a loyal half-horse, half-cat knight by his side, Peter begins a daring adventure to uncover his true destiny.

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
My husband and now my two oldest daughters are HUGE Brandon Sanderson fans. This is the first book in this trilogy. 18-year-old David joins the Reckoners, a group trying to get rid of super power wielding humans known as Epics. After witnessing his father’s death at the hands of an Epic, he is ready to end their tyranny. (Two other YA fantasy books by Brandon Sanderson that came highly recommended were Rithmatist and Yumi and the Nightmare Painter)

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
I was a massive fan of The Martian and LOVED Project Hail Mary just as much too! In this one, Ryland Grace wakes up in a spaceship with no idea where he is, what he’s supposed to do or even what his own name is. As memories slowly start returning, he remembers that the sun was dimming and that there were only a few decades to find both the problem and a solution before life on earth became unsustainable. And he’s now in outer space on a mission alone to save all of humanity. No pressure. It’s full of humor, suspense, and science that’s (mostly) understandable to the layperson.

The Martian by Andy Weir
I just want to talk about this book non-stop, even years after I read it, and I loved the movie too (enough to see it twice!). It’s just SO fun and funny and interesting (and packed with swearing – FYI). It was a bestseller for a reason and a perfect book to read if you’re getting back into reading –  I included it on my list of books for couples to read/listen to together! (Full review here).

Eragon Series by Christopher Paolini
After finding out his destiny of a Dragon Rider, teenage Eragon and his loyal dragon must navigate a dangerous world of magic and power as they struggle to overthrow the evil King Galbatorix. Bart read this whole series years ago when it came out and it’s been fun to see my kids enjoy it now! 

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
I’ve read this one and it was a top read for me! Six-year-old Ender Wiggin thinks he’s just playing war games, but he’s actually training to save humanity from an alien threat that’s been looming for a century. As Ender’s ruthless training pushes him to the brink, his brilliant and dangerously ambitious siblings wage their own battles for power back on Earth.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
I loved this book! It’s a true classic. Ponyboy has his life all mapped out – stick with his brothers, trust his greaser friends, and watch out for the rich Soc kids looking for trouble. But when a fight goes way too far one night, everything he thought he knew about loyalty, friendship, and survival is shattered.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
I read this Newbery winner about six years ago and absolutely loved it (and my oldest daughter also thoroughly enjoyed it). Josh and his twin brother Jordan are 12 years old and incredible basketball players. But Josh also loves rhythms and beats and his free-styling makes up the verse in this book about family dynamics and sibling changes. This one is just phenomenal (don’t miss the companion title, Booked).

Ghost by Jason Reynolds
This one made it onto the 2025 Everyday Reading Book Club list! I read the first book in this series years ago and have meant to go back for ages and read all four books in the series about four kids chosen for an elite middle school track team. This is a team that could qualify them for the Junior Olympics but only if they can get their acts together. Super readable and wonderful. We’ll only discuss the first one in book club but I’m planning to read all four!

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
I’d heard a lot about The Graveyard Book even before it won the Newbery since it’s by Neil Gaiman, a man who inspires a following like few others. It was so lovely and poignant and also sweet and funny. (Full review here)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
This beloved graphic novel by many a kid tells and illustrates all the struggles of being a kid. With more than 250 copies sold, it’s no surprise that there are a LOT of Diary of a Wimpy Kid lovers out there. These books are full of hijinks and school settings, plus fun combinations of text and art.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Bilbo Baggins rarely leaves his hobbit home, but is suddenly bombarded with visitors who want to take him on a treacherous journey. The Hobbit is full of adventure you are bound to get sucked into Middle-Earth!

Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien
This epic fantasy trilogy follows Frodo Baggins’ perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron. It is filled with iconic characters, mythical creatures, and an entire world waiting to be discovered.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
I have a long history of loving Harry Potter. When my mom started reading the first one to me and my sisters, we only made it through one chapter before we were completely hooked. I also have some very happy memories of snuggling my nursing baby in the my in-laws’ basement, reading the British versions of several of the books. I have read the entire series multiple times, seen all the movies, and I still never get tired of this story.

Ali Cross by James Patterson
This is another book series that came up a lot when I asked my Instagram community about teen boy books. Ali Cross has always admired his dad’s cool-headed detective skills, but when his best friend goes missing and a string of burglaries hits close to home, it’s his turn to play sleuth. With his father on trial and danger closing in, Ali’s hunt for the truth could either save the day…or land the Cross family in even deeper trouble. (Another series by James Patterson that was recommended was Alex Cross – which is the story of Ali Cross’s father, a senior FBI agent.)

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Another true classic and a 5-star for me! It’s a beautiful account of one man’s struggle to defend a black man in a racist court, as seen through the eyes of his daughter. Moving and amazing!

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
This audible original is a must to add to your list. You might have seen Trevor Noah on The Daily Show, but his life began as a crime. He was the son of a multiracial marriage which during South Africa apartheid was illegal. This witty and honest memoir is the perfect book to add to any book club and it’s one of those books that everyone mentions when they talk about books that are made 100x better by the audio version (naturally, it’s read by the author). 

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
This historical fiction title was a definite win in my book. It’s set in Romania in 1989 and while most European communist regimes are falling apart, Romania is still deep in the throes of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s dictatorship, with most of the world completely unaware. Cristian is 17 years old and dreams of a different life for himself, but when he’s blackmailed into becoming an informer, it looks like all his dreams might go up in smoke unless he’s willing to risk absolutely everything. This one is phenomenal on audio!

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
This is a fantasy book that snagged spots on many best of the year lists when it came out. I didn’t want to miss out on this story about a girl who is determined to find her missing brother and discovers that magic is real in the process. We all loved this one!

 

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles) by Marissa Meyer
The first book in this series was the August book for the 2023 Everyday Reading Book Club and it was so delightful. YA fantasy books aren’t my normal cup of tea, but I loved this fractured fairy tale version of Cinderella. Each book in this 4 book series tells the story of a different fractured fairy tale: Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White.

Nation by Terry Pratchett
This award winner was quite good – I blew through it! After a giant wave wipes out his village, Mau is the only survivor, until he meets Daphne, shipwrecked from halfway around the world. Together, they unite a ragtag group of refugees, face down death, and uncover a secret big enough to flip their entire world on its head.

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
My teen daughter hasn’t met a fairytale or twisted fairytale she hasn’t loved. In this one Hansel and Gretel ditch their own story and crash eight other twisted Grimm tales, tangling with witches, warlocks, dragons, and even the devil. With a snarky narrator in tow, they discover the dark truth behind the classics…and how to rewrite their own happily ever after.

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke
My girls love Cornelia Funke and have listened to many of her books, but I won’t let them listen to this one without me. The narration is so good thatI refuse to read this one when the audiobook is an option. Bart and I listened to it together when we were in grad school and Bart loved it so much, he suggested the name Prosper ever time we were trying to name a baby (before we knew they were girls).

Watership Down by Richard Adams
I read this classic book, about a band of bunnies fighting for survival, 25 years ago, but I remember loving it! (andI’ve heard raves about the Netflix series).

Holes by Louis Sachar
Holes is one of my favorite Newbery winners and since my girls love the Wayside School books, I was excited to read this to them a few years back. It was just as good as I remembered and when we finished, we had a special outdoor movie night with our giant screen to watch the film version.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Ella (like so many readers before her) was completely absorbed by this story of a boy alone in the wilderness trying to survive after a plane crash.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
This was one of the books on my summer reading list and I was thrilled when it finally came in from the library – I read the first five chapters AT the library while my girls picked out their books and did puzzles. I need to immediately put the second one on hold because everyone has told me that I won’t want to wait a minute between finishing the first one and diving into the second one.

FunJungle Series by Stuart Gibbs
Twelve year old Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt Fitzroy and his friend Summer McCraken put their heads together to solve the hippo homicide at the FunJungle. Will they crack the case and bring justice to Henry the hippo?

Restart by Gordon Korman
After Chase falls off the roof, he comes back to middle school not remembering anything about himself. He has to learn who he was through the reactions of the other kids, but he is not sure he likes the Chase that is being revealed. Will he be able to restart his life and introduce a new Chase? (His other books Ungifted and Supergifted came highly recommended as well!)

All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat
I picked this up when it won the Newbery Honor and LOVED it! This book made the whole true story of the rescue of these thirteen boys come vividly to life for me and even though I knew the ending, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. If you haven’t read this one yet, now is the time. (Full review here)

Bomb by Steve Sheinkin
This book about the development of the atomic bomb during WWII was so good that I read it by flashlight when the power went out. I read it again when we did it for Everyday Reading Book Club and it was just as good the second time. When I ask for nonfiction books for kids suggestions, this is always the MOST recommended title, but it’s equally amazing for adults.  (Full review here)

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
I’ve loved Linda Sue Park since I read A Single Shard years ago, and I can’t wait to read this bestseller about about two eleven-year-olds in Sudan. One is a girl in 2008; the other is a boy in 1985.

Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crow was born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, and thus lives a cursed life. As she awaits her fate, she is whisked away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor. She learns that to stay in the safety of Nevermoor she has to compete in four difficult trials and discover her own extraordinary talent- or have to leave the city and face her deadly fate.

MiNRS by Kevin Sylvester
When alien raiders destroy their space colony, Christopher and his friends are forced to hide in the dark mining tunnels of planet Perses. With danger closing in and no help from Earth, survival means outsmarting the enemy before time runs out.

What If? books by Randall Munroe
If you have a nonfiction lover – these books by Randall Munroe are so much fun! He breaks down logical and scientific responses from some crazy “what if” questions like, “what would happen to the Earth if the Sun suddenly turned off”, or “how fast can you go over a speed bump and still live?”

Jurassic Park books by Michael Crichton
I don’t think this one needs much of an introduction…it’s only one of the largest dinosaur franchises in the world! This would be such a fun series to pair with the movies and compare.

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
In Slocumb’s debut novel, Ray McMillian falls in love with playing the violin, even with everything working against him (racism, his mother telling him to get a real job, his lack of money). But when he finds an old family heirloom fiddle, his dreams of becoming a  violinist might just come true. On the eve of the most prestigious classical music competition in the world, his violin goes missing. (and other mysteries by him)

Ground Zero by Alan Gratz
Alan Gratz is a master of historical fiction and his books are always high action through famous moments in history.

White Fang by Jack London
Jack London is known for his adventure stories. This one follows the life of White Fang, half dog, half wolf, while he learns to survive the brutal wild – until a cruel master turns him into a killer. He must discover if he can ever trust and be loved again.

Divergent by Veronica Roth
I don’t think I could have a list of teen fantasy books without this one on the list. This dystopian novel was at the top of all the charts when it came out a decade ago and it’s still a fun read for teens and adults!

The Phoenix Files series by Chris Morphew
With just 100 days until humanity’s end, three teens from Phoenix (a town in the middle of nowhere – not the capital of Arizona) must stop a deadly plot before the clock runs out.

The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan
In this Ranger’s Apprentice companion series, Hal and his crew of Skandian misfits set sail for high-seas adventures packed with epic battles and daring quests. This series is perfect for fans of Lord of the Rings or Sword in the Stone. 

The Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander
I wasn’t even familiar with The Prydain Chronicles until we got married and Bart’s parents gave me the whole series as a gift (and then Bart went back and read them all again before I got to them!)

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
A great survival story, Sam is so unhappy living with his family in New York City that he runs away to the Catskill Mountains. He learns about courage, danger and independence as he figures out how to survive all on his own.

The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt
After Hercules Beal loses his parents in an accident, his older brother leaves behind his career to come back and raise Hercules and manage the family business. When the new school year starts, Hercules’ new teacher assigns the students a year-long project of recreating the labors of the mythical Hercules. It’s going to be a BIG task! This one is funny, heartbreaking and tender – exactly what you’d expect from Gary D. Schmidt.

Jack Blank books by Matt Myklusch
Jack Blank’s life at a miserable New Jersey orphanage is nothing special – until he’s whisked away to the Imagine Nation, where every fantastical thing in the world begins. There, he discovers a power that could save this hidden land…or destroy it completely.

Hey Kiddo by Jarrett Krocoszka
When Jarrett Krosoczka’s teacher asks him to draw his family, the truth is far messier – a missing father, an addicted mother, and two loud, loving grandparents raising him. In this moving graphic novel (memoir), Jarrett shows how art became his lifeline as he uncovered the truth about his family.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer 
This book kicks off the 8 book series which follows Artemis Fowl. His billionaire father who made his fortune as a criminal has just disappeared and Artemis’ mother has a mental breakdown. Which means that it’s entirely up to Artemis to restore the family fortune. Luckily, Artemis happens to be a brilliant criminal mastermind. And he’s determined that kidnapping a fairy and holding her ransom is the best way to save his family. Except he may have underestimated the fairies.

Airman by Eoin Coffer
Conor’s charmed life on the Saltee Islands shatters when he’s framed for treason and sent to a brutal diamond-mining prison. His only hope of escape? Build a flying machine and attempt to soar to freedom.

The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
This is the 2022 Newberry Medal winner – Petra wants to be a cuentista, a storyteller, like her abuela, but Earth has been destroyed by a comet. Petra and her family were chosen to journey to a new planet to carry on the human race, but hundreds of years later she wakes up to realize she is the only one who remembers Earth. Will she be able to carry on the stories of the past?

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer 
You may already know this incredible story or the Netflix show. William Kamkwamba’s tiny Malawi village is struck by drought, which means that life looks terribly bleak. And then William – looking through the science books at the  tiny village library – stumbles on the idea to build a windmill to bring electricity to his family.

Dragonwatch by Brandon Mull
This is the companion series to Fablehaven where the adventures of Seth and Kendra continue as they try to save the world from Dragons who want to overturn the sanctuaries and destroy the world. The two precocious teenagers really come into their own in this series and learn more about themselves and their own unique powers.

The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
If you love Rick Riordan AND you love the Greek mythology elements of Percy Jackson, this series is an absolute home run. Like Percy Jackson, it takes place at Camp Half-Blood with a whole new cast of characters you’ll love just as much. And, of course, the action is non-stop.

The Map to Everywhere by Carrie Ryan and John Davis Parke
Fin, an orphaned thief and Marrill, a stranded schoolgirl team up to chase the Map to Everywhere – a magical treasure that could reunite Fin with his mother and get Marrill home. But with a bumbling wizard, a quirky crew, and a ghostly villain hot on their trail, this wild, magical adventure might just save…or doom everything they love.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This is one of those classics that millions of readers rave about. Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd, sets off on a quest for treasure but discovers riches far deeper than gold—lessons about following his heart, reading life’s signs, and chasing his dreams. 

Erth Dragons series by Chris d’Lacey
This would be a great series for readers who love fantasy – especially fantasy with dragons! When a colony of dragons lands on Erth searching for their missing kin, young Gabrial is desperate to prove he’s more than just a rookie with wings. Meanwhile, curious human boy Ren can’t stay away from the dragons, and neither of them has any idea how wildly their lives are about to collide.

I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies series) by Pittacus Lore
I’ve heard if you have a sci-fi lover, this one is a hit! It is an action-packed alien coming of age story with an environmental angle. Plus, you can always watch the movie afterward!

Age of Myth (The Legends of the First Empire series) by Michael J. Sullivan
When a human kills a god, the once-unshakable power of the Fhrey shatters, sparking a rebellion that could change the world. Now a reluctant God Killer, a gifted young seer, and a grieving leader must unite to save humankind from annihilation.

Magyk by Angie Sage
Magyk begins when Septimus Heap, the seventh son of the seventh son, vanishes on the night of his birth. The midwife declares him dead . . .but that might not be the whole story. And things really get interesting when, on the same evening, Septimus’ father finds a newborn baby girl abandoned outside.

Revenge of Magic series by James Riley
Thirteen years after magical books were found alongside the bones of ancient creatures, only kids born after “Discovery Day” can use their power and…Fort Fitzgerald is one of them. When a giant monster attacks DC and his dad goes missing, Fort joins the mysterious Oppenheimer School, where secrets, rivalries, and magic could make things even worse.

Seven Wonders series by Peter Lerangis
Jack McKinley is just a regular kid – except he has only months to live and a quest that could save him. To survive, he must track down seven magical relics hidden in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World…if he can find them before it’s too late.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
My husband and now my two oldest daughters are HUGE Brandon Sanderson fans and I’ve never read a single book by him! In this fantasy series, the great hero of legend failed to stop the evil overlord, ensuring his rise to power. After enduring years of prison and torture, the hero escapes, creates a group of specialists, and frees the people of the oppressive regime.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
In a quiet small-town inn, a man named Kote hides a legendary past, until a visitor arrives seeking the truth about Kvothe, the mythic hero of countless tales…and this is the story of his epic life.

Five Kingdoms by Brandon Mull
Cole was trying to have some spooky fun with his friends one Halloween, when the haunted house they were at turned out to be a portal to a mysterious world called the Outskirts. The magic of the Outskirts is starting to unravel and it’s up to Cole to rescue his friends and find a way back home.

The Name of This Book is a Secret (The Secret Series) by Pseudonymous Bosch
A thrilling and suspenseful series with a hilarious narrator where two eleven-year-old misfits try to solve the mystery of a dead magician. Along the way they try and stop the evil Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais, who are searching for the secret of immortality.

Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
I’m pretty sure I’ve checked this one out from the library but never actually cracked it open (story of my life). Emily has moved to San Francisco and can’t wait to meet Garrison Griswold who created Book Scavenger (a game where books are hidden around the country and there are clues to locate them. But when she discovers that Griswold is in a coma after an attack, she takes it on herself to figure out what Griswold’s newest game was going to be.

The Way of Kings (Stormlight Archive) by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson is one of Bart’s favorite authors and even though I’m not a huge fantasy reader, a lot of people recommended this one. It is the story of a land filled with conflict and war where characters from all walks of life struggle to survive.

Ashfall series by Mike Mullin
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Yellowstone’s supervolcano actually erupted, Ashfall gives you a front-row seat. This one is complete with nonstop danger, gritty survival, and a surprising spark of hope. This one is perfect for teens that love fast-paced, realistic disaster stories. 

Cherub Series by Robert Muchamore
If you have a spy lover, this series is definitely one to pick up. 11-year old James is sent to foster care after the passing of his mom. In foster care he is introduced to Cherub, a highly secretive spy agency only very brilliant kids are allowed to join. Will James be able to pass all of the tests and challenges to be a part of Cherub?

Tomorrow When the War Began series by John Marsden
After returning from a camping trip, a group of teens discovers their country has been invaded…and they must choose whether to run, surrender, or fight back. This is survival fiction at its best.

Sky’s End by Marc J. Gregson
This book (the first in the series) throws you into a world of deadly sky serpents, brutal competitions, and one teen’s fight to protect his sister. It’s perfect for fans of Red Rising or fans of edge-of-your-seat adventure.

The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
This series was a complete lucky accident – Bart and I were heading on a road trip in our childless days and looking through the adult audiobooks and this one had been mis-shelved. Since it included the word “Bart,” my husband naturally picked it up and the trilogy became one of our all-time favorites. The story about a magician’s young apprentice who, hoping to get revenge on a magician who humiliated him, summons a djinni he cannot even BEGIN to really control, is gripping, the narration is INSANELY good, and we just started listening to it with our girls this spring. The first book in the series is The Amulet of Samarkand.

Skyward series by Brandon Sanderson
My husband and now my two oldest daughters are HUGE Brandon Sanderson fans and this was the first book I’ve read by him! This one takes place in the future where pilots are the heroes of the human race and Spensa dreams of becoming one like her father. But her father’s actions years earlier look like they’ll keep her from recognizing her dream.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
During World War II, four siblings are sent to the countryside of London where they are to be kept safe from the war. One of the children finds a wardrobe that has the ability to transport them to a completely different world called Narnia. This series is full of excitement and adventure and has been beloved for generations.

Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
This middle grade fantasy fiction is a gripping tale about seven dragon tribes that have been at war for generations. A plot is hatched to finally bring an end to the fighting but the five dragonets that are at the heart have a different plan. This series is WILDLY popular!

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
This book changed my mind about graphic novels (I’d always been a fan for my kids, but never thought of myself as a graphic novel reader). I don’t even care about basketball and I was incredibly invested in this true story of a high school team that’s trying to win the state championship title that has eluded them for decades. Packed with history, incredible stories, and a season-long chase for glory, I couldn’t put this down or stop talking about it. Even if you’ve been dubious about graphic novels, I strongly urge you to give it a try. (Full review here)

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
When Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin get together to co-write a book about WWII codebreakers, you know that’s a book you aren’t going to want to miss. This story takes place in the summer of 1940 with two siblings who love riddles and puzzles. And they live in the right place for that since they live at Britain’s top secret codebreaking factory, Bletchley Park, where the brightest minds work together to crack the Nazi’s infamous Enigma cipher. My 12 year old and I listened to this together on a trip and we were both gripped.

Magnus Chase Trilogy by Rick Riordan
For any Rick Riordan fans, this is another series based off of Norse mythology and set in the same universe as Camp Half-Blood and the Kane Chronicles. It’s all about when Magnus Chase discovers he is the son of a Norse god.

The Last Thing I Remember (Homelander series) by Andrew Klavan
Charlie West wakes up in a terrifying nightmare with no memory of how he got there, bloodied and trapped, and facing a voice that just ordered his death. This one is fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep readers guessing – and holding their breath – until the very last page.

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
Ella come home from school saying one of her friends was raving about this series. Happily, I happened to have a copy and Ella devoured this book about Sophie doesn’t fit in at school or in her family, in part because she can read minds. Then she meets a boy who has the same powers she does and it turns out there are a lot of secrets about herself and the world around her that she doesn’t know. But she’s going to find out pretty quickly!

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
This book is non-fiction (and the Young Readers Edition) but it’s so amazing, and it’s hard to believe someone didn’t make it up. Olympic runner Louis Zamperini’s plane is shot down in the Pacific during WWII and after surviving on a tiny inflatable raft for 47 days, he’s taken prisoner by the Japanese. And compared to being a POW, the raft time looks like vacation. Probably the best WWII book I’ve read. (Full review here)

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Alien invasions have left Earth in chaos, and teen survivor Cassie must navigate a world where trust can be deadly. This one has it all – suspense, danger, and impossible choices. Plus, it’s been on countless best seller lists!

Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales by Nathan Hale
This series is fantastic and teaches so much about history. Everyone has heard of the famous spy, Nathan Hale, famous for his last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” But did you know that he is also a fantastic storyteller? Follow these entertaining and educating stories which Nathan Hale tells to his executioners.

Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Tom Sawyer makes me so angry, but otherwise I am so glad to have read this classic. When a boy from a Mississippi River town embarks on wild adventures with a runaway slave, running into feuds, fake royalty, and even Tom Sawyer’s aunt…you know this will be the perfect adventure novel.

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Five minutes into this audiobook and I had to stop because I knew Bart would hate to miss this one. We laughed our faces off listening to this one together as we drove back and forth to grad school in 2009. It’s a mystery with a young girl and a skeleton detective determined to solve it and it’s wildly inventive and super funny. Note that I’ve only listened to the first book in the series and I’ve heard that subsequent books can get fairly dark. (Full review here)

The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
Sadie and Carter weren’t very close ever since living apart after their mother’s death. Their father, a brilliant Egyptologist, brings the estranged siblings together at the British Museum. Instead of bringing the family together like he intended, he unleashes the Egyptian God Set. The siblings have to go on a dangerous quest around the world to try to put things right again.

To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
This book was a gift from my in-laws more than a decade ago and I LOVED it. Ned is a professional time traveler but he’s so overworked that his boss finally sends him to the Victorian era to hide out and get some much needed rest. Naturally, very little resting goes on and instead time travel goes wild. (Full review here)

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Told through the eyes of Enzo, a dog with a philosopher’s soul and a love for racing, this one is a funny, heartbreaking, and inspiring story about family, loyalty, and what it really means to live a good life. FYI this one does have quite a bit of swearing.

Spirit Animals by Brandon Mull
This fantasy book series has seven books (each written by a different well-known children’s fantasy author), so they’ll keep you busy for a nice long time. During their separate summoning ceremonies, four children from different countries summon their own spirit animals. But these are not just any spirit animals, they are the Four Fallen – great beasts who died in a terrible war years before. Now it’s up to the four children and four animals to fight back against the coming darkness.

Epoca by Ivy Claire and Kobe Bryant
You might know him as a world-famous basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, but he’s also an author. Set in a world where sports and sorcery collide, this thrilling tale follows two young athletes, Rovi and Princess Pretia, as they harness their extraordinary powers to confront a rising evil.

The Green Ember by S. D. Smith and Zach Franzen
This series takes a fun spin on a fantastical story with lead characters Heather and Picket rabbit. They make their way through a land filled with kingdoms, tyrants, and ultimately prove that good conquers evil in the end. This is the first book in a great series!

Redwall by Briann Jacques
This was one of my very favorite series as a child – I’m pretty sure I read a couple of the books at least five or six times. I still have all my original copies (many with the covers totally worn off) and I love them dearly. If your child loves the idea of animals at war, this is a great series for that!

The Bark of the Bog Owl (The Wilderking Trilogy) by Jonathan Rogers
Think, pre King David, middle-grade adventure fantasy, all with a strong sense of the American South. Plus, it’s all based around the biblical story David and Goliath.

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
I knew exactly zero about Phil Knight and the origins of NIKE, and now I’m a fan for life after Bart read this book and passed it along to me with rave reviews. This memoir was completely fascinating even for someone like me and I stayed up way too late finishing it. (Full review here)

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
After being sent to report on the tourist industry of Everest, Jon Krakauer recollects one of the deadliest seasons recorded on Mt. Everest. He recounts his own personal trauma and the recollections of the other surviving members of the expeditions. This is a truly harrowing and gripping book.

The Bookwanderers by Anna James
This is another one that’s popped up on my radar a bunch in the past few months and I thought the girls would really enjoy. It’s the first in a series and generally I read aloud the first one and then let them read or listen to the remaining books on their own, although that’s not a hard and fast rule and if we’re all VERY into it, I’ll make an exception.

Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
I know Cornelia Funke best for her Inkheart series, but Ella LOVES this book about a boy named Ben and a young dragon called Firedrake who are both determined to find a place here dragons can live peacefully. Of course their quest is full of challenges and the story is jammed with surprises, mysterious creatures and terrifying villains. The audiobook is read by Brendan Fraser and it’s terrific.

Discworld series by Terry Pratchett
This 40 book series is full of absurd adventures! In a world balanced atop a giant turtle, a wild and hilarious expedition unfolds with bumbling wizards, magical luggage, and dragons that exist only if you believe. Perfect for magical fantasy lovers!

Jackaby by William Ritter
In 1892 New England, Abigail Rook teams up with the eccentric investigator Jackaby, who can see the supernatural, to track a serial killer no one else believes is anything but ordinary. I’ve heard this one is a mash-up of Doctor Who meets Sherlock Holmes!

Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Do we all imagine Benedict Cumberbatch now as Sherlock? Just me? This is the classic mystery series of all mystery series – full of adventures from the most well-known detective and his trusty partner Dr. Watson.

True Grit by Charles Portis
I couldn’t have a teen boy book list without including at least one western novel. It is the 1870s and fearless 14-year-old Mattie Ross sets out to avenge her father’s murder – and convinces the gruff, one-eyed Marshal Rooster Cogburn to help her track down the outlaw. This one is a true Wild West adventure!

The Mythmakers by John Hendrix
This graphic novel series is also a captivating biography that explores the friendship and creative partnership of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. From war-torn youth to the Oxford Inklings, it shows how their camaraderie and bold ideas transformed fantasy literature and enchanted the 20th century.

William Shakespeare’s Star Wars by Ian Doescher
This hilarious retelling of Star Wars in Shakespearean verse turns Jedi, Sith, and droids into a drama full of valor, villainy, and witty wordplay! Perfect for teens who LOVE Star Wars, plus it makes Shakespeare so much more fun! 

The Hardy Boys series by Franklin W. Dixon
I don’t know that I ever read a single Hardy Boys book growing up – I was more of a Nancy Drew girl myself, but you really can’t go wrong following Frank and Joe Hardy around while they find clues and solve mysteries!

Agatha Christie books by Agatha Christie
No one does a suspenseful mystery like Agatha Christie, and for teen readers who love a good mystery, her books are the perfect place to start. Plus, she has written so many, they will keep occupied for a good amount of time!

The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus by Richard Preston
When a deadly virus from the African rainforest suddenly hits Washington, D.C., a secret military team races against time to stop it. This one is a chilling, true-life thriller that proves real-world outbreaks can be scarier than any fiction.

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
I really liked this one! Green reflects on the human experience and reviews many aspects of our existence including anything from teddy bears, Kentucky bluegrass, whispering, Diet Dr. Pepper, sunsets, and so much more. This is his first nonfiction book and I think it’s useful to go in knowing a little about John Green and his style, so if you’ve read one of his fiction books or watched him on Instagram, you’ll probably enjoy it more!

Mortal Engines series by Philip Reeve
In a world where giant, roaming cities hunt the weak, apprentice Tom is thrown into a deadly adventure after a vengeful assassin sets off a chain of shocking events. Stranded in the dangerous Out-Country, he must navigate a brutal, unforgiving landscape where survival is anything but guaranteed.

Pendragon by D.J. MacHale
Bobby is a pretty normal fourteen-year-old boy, except for the fact he is going to save the world. He is swept off to a different world called Denduron that is inhabited by a whole host of strange and dangerous beings. He has to figure out his place in the cosmos and figure it out quickly.

Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy
With over 15,000 5-star reviews, this one has to be good. Four cadets face the harsh realities of a proud military academy, where friendship, loyalty, and love are tested…and not all will survive.

Wizard for Hire by Obert Skye
Ozzy’s parents go missing after they discovered a formula that enables mind control. Their top secret work makes it difficult for Ozzy to go to the police, but he needs help from someone to find his parents. He finds an ad in the classifieds section for a “Wizard for Hire” and decides to take a chance.

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Just a forewarning, if you want to get into this series, each book is roughly 600-1,000 pages long. It’s definitely a time commitment, but this epic fantasy series is filled with all the elements you would expect – history, lore, and magic.

Dune series by Frank Herbert
After the movie came out, this series (from 1965) really gained popularity again! On the desert planet Arrakis, young Paul Atreides must navigate betrayal, deadly politics, and the fight for the universe’s most valuable resource: the spice melange. Epic, immersive, and full of high-stakes adventure, this is the story of a boy destined to become a legend.

Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson
Disney mega-fans, this one is for you! When five teens become holographic park guides, they’re pulled into a secret battle against classic villains threatening to take over the Magic Kingdom…and maybe the real world, too. This one makes Disney after-hours feel both magical and menacing!

World War Z by Max Brooks
If you have a zombie fan – this might just be the perfect read! This one takes place on a global journey through the Zombie War, sharing firsthand accounts from survivors facing unimaginable horror. It is equal parts terrifying and gripping!

Half Upon a Time by James Riley
My oldest really enjoyed this trilogy! It follows Jack, who is the son of the infamous Jack and the Beanstalk, and he’s hoping to restore his family’s reputation in hero training (which he’s doing a poor job at). He lives in fairy land and when May, a girl from the real world, lands in front of him, he thinks this is his chance to redeem the family name with a successful princess rescue. Of course, you can already guess that things are NOT going to go according to plan.

MCU: The Reign of Marvel Universe by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards
Ever wondered how Marvel went from a struggling toymaker to dominating Hollywood and global pop culture? MCU pulls back the curtain with behind-the-scenes stories, juicy conflicts, and insider interviews that reveal how the Marvel Cinematic Universe became the cultural powerhouse it is today.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
This classic is a quick read (at just 96 pages in length) and tells the tragic tale of a Cuban fisherman and the giant marlin he battles. It may be short, but it is unforgettable.

Adventurers Wanted by M.L. Forman
When 15-year-old Alex sees a cardboard sign in a store window, he wanders in and accidentally answers the “Adventurers Wanted” sign. Little did he know he would get a whole lot of dragon-slaying adventure with surprising twists around every corner.

Beyonders by Brandon Mull
Jason, along with his friend and sidekick, Rachel, must embark on an epic quest to bring down Maldor the evil ruler. Will the cost be worth it to save the new world they have stumbled upon? 

Running for My Life by Lopez Lomong
If you have a teen boy who loves an inspiring sports memoir – this one about Olympic track star Lopez Lomong sounds like just the read.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
If you have read Shadow and Bone, this is the duology that follows two years after Shadow and Bone ends. In this epic tale, there are six main characters, five perspectives, complex and detailed world-building, flashbacks to the characters’ histories, and a blend of darkness, magic, action, humor and romance.

The Shannara Series by Terry Brooks
Shea Ohmsford thought life in Shady Vale was peaceful, until he learns the Warlock Lord is plotting to destroy the world. With only the legendary Sword of Shannara and his courage to rely on, he must face deadly enemies and impossible odds to save everything he loves.

Gone series by Michael Grant
In a world where every adult has vanished, teens are left to survive…and discover deadly new powers of their own. With mutated animals, lurking monsters, and society collapsing around them, I’d say this YA novel is perfect for teen readers who love fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian novels!

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
This young adult novel is about five students who get stuck in detention together and one of them dies. The one who dies ran a gossip site about his classmates at the school and the other four were all scheduled to have stories about them go up the following day. Which means all of them had motive. This is my favorite by her, but any of her other mystery/thrillers would be a great read!

The Blackthorn Key series by Kevin Sands
Teen genius Christopher Rowe thought his biggest challenges were potions and puzzles…until a deadly cult starts hunting London’s apothecaries. This one is packed with mystery, magic, and high-stakes danger!

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