10+ Best Adventure Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape for your teen? Look no further! Our roundup of adventure books for 14-year-olds is packed with thrilling journeys and unforgettable experiences that cater specifically to young adventurers. Whether they're into exploring distant lands or uncovering hidden secrets, these books promise to keep them glued to the pages. Keep reading to dive into our diverse selection of adventure books for 14-year-olds that are sure to spark their imagination and adventurous spirit!

Fun Adventure Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: After a plane crash, 13-year-old Brian Robeson must survive alone in the Canadian wilderness with only his wits and a hatchet, a gift from his mother.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping survival story that emphasizes resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of human spirit. Perfect for instilling a sense of adventure and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love outdoor adventure and survival stories.

• The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is thrust into a world of Greek mythology where he must prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines action-packed adventure with Greek mythology, making it both educational and entertaining. It's great for enhancing imaginative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy, mythology, and action-filled plots.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, kidnaps a fairy to ransom her for gold, but he doesn't anticipate the magical world's response.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of magic, technology, and crime that keeps readers hooked. Great for encouraging strategic thinking and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy teens and young readers who enjoy stories with antiheroes and high-tech fantasy.

• The Maze Runner by James Dashner
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Thomas wakes up in a maze with a group of boys and no memory of the outside world other than strange dreams about a mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling page-turner with a complex plot and a mysterious setting that encourages critical thinking and engagement.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love puzzles, mysteries, and dystopian settings.

• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Pirate Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Jim Hawkins embarks on a perilous voyage to find a pirate treasure, encountering villains and adventures along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic tale of piracy and adventure that explores themes of bravery and betrayal. A great introduction to classic literature that remains exciting and relevant.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring adventurers and fans of classic storytelling and high seas adventure.

Educational Adventure Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Buck, a domestic dog who is kidnapped and sold to freight haulers in the Yukon Territory. Adapted to survive the cruel conditions, he eventually becomes the leader of a wolf pack.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Adaptability, understanding of natural instincts, historical perspective on the Klondike Gold Rush
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale of survival and transformation that also offers insights into animal psychology and the gold rush era.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical adventures and animal stories.

• Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: Phileas Fogg bets his fortune that he can travel around the world in eighty days. Along with his servant, Passepartout, he sets out on a journey that is filled with adventure and unexpected challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Geography, time management, cultural awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical detail with a timeless story of adventure, making it both educational and thrilling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love geography and classic tales of adventure.

• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of a young Native American girl, Karana, who spends eighteen years stranded alone on an island off the California coast.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resilience, self-reliance, understanding of Native American history
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspirational story of survival and courage, beautifully written to capture the challenges and triumphs of living alone.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of survival and historical narratives.

• The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: After being shipwrecked on a tropical island, the Robinson family uses ingenuity and hard work to survive and thrive in their new island home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, family bonding, survival skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that promotes creativity and the importance of family.
  • Perfect for: Families looking for a read-together book and young readers interested in stories about survival and adventure.

• My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Sam Gribley runs away from home to live in the Catskill Mountains, where he faces the challenges of living off the land and finding his place in the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Independence, knowledge of nature, survival tactics
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about the beauty and challenges of nature through the eyes of a young protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Readers who dream of adventure and self-sufficiency in the great outdoors.

Challenging Adventure Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic, Sea Story
  • Synopsis: The narrative follows Ishmael's voyage on the whaling ship, Pequod, commanded by the obsessive Captain Ahab who is on a quest to seek revenge on Moby Dick, a giant white whale.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex language, intricate themes, and philosophical undertones make this book a demanding read for young adults.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of good and evil, obsession, and the human condition, offering rich material for discussion and contemplation.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep themes and classic literature.

• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who is falsely imprisoned, escapes, and uses hidden treasure to exact his revenge on those responsible for his incarceration.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its lengthy narrative and complex plot involving multiple characters and intricate revenge schemes require significant attention and analytical skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating tale of betrayal, adventure, and ultimate justice, which can be thrilling and morally instructive.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in historical settings and intricate plots.

• Watership Down by Richard Adams
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: A group of rabbits escape their doomed warren and face many dangers to find and protect their new home, encountering different rabbit societies along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel uses sophisticated language and incorporates themes of survival, leadership, and ethics that are complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an epic tale that encourages critical thinking about society, leadership, and the environment through the engaging perspective of rabbits.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate animal stories with deeper meanings and complex narratives.

• Airman by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Historical Fiction, Steampunk
  • Synopsis: Conor Broekhart is born to fly; however, after being framed for a crime, he is sent to prison where he must escape and use his brilliant mind to save his family and clear his name.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book combines historical elements with scientific invention, requiring readers to understand complex concepts and historical contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends adventure with elements of science and history, providing a thrilling narrative that also educates.
  • Perfect for: Fans of historical adventures and inventive storytelling.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without suffering, choices, or differences, a young boy named Jonas uncovers the dark truths behind his society's existence and struggles with the responsibilities of his new knowledge.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents profound themes about society, freedom, and the meaning of life that are explored through complex narrative techniques.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides a thoughtful exploration of the importance of memory, emotion, and individuality in a conformist society.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in science fiction and philosophical questions about society and humanity.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of adventure books, you're in for a thrilling ride. To make the most of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits, especially tailored for 14-year-olds like you. Let's get started!

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set amount of time to read each day.
  • How it helps: This helps create a consistent reading habit and builds reading stamina.
  • Tips: Start with a small, easily achievable goal and gradually increase it.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Having a dedicated space can enhance focus and make your reading sessions more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: This can deepen your understanding and enhance your ability to analyze the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize an app that can track your reading progress or suggest new books.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and introduces you to more books within your favorite genre.
  • Tips: Choose apps that offer a reward system for meeting reading goals.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud, either to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try changing your tone and pace to match different characters or scenes.

Wrap-up: These exercises aren't just about improving your ability to read; they're about making reading an integral and enjoyable part of your life. Adventure books have the power to transport you to new worlds, and with these habits, you'll be ready to explore every page fully. Happy reading!