10+ Best Ya Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Hey there! Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for a 14-year-old? You're in the right spot! Our latest roundup features a collection of YA books for 14-year-olds that are sure to captivate, inspire, and entertain young readers. Whether they're into thrilling adventures or heartwarming tales, we've got something that will catch their eye. Keep reading to dive into our diverse lists of YA books crafted just for 14-year-olds!
Table of Contents
Fun Ya Books for 14-Year-Olds
- 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 sent to a camp for demigods like him. He soon embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling introduction to Greek mythology, wrapped in modern adventure. Great for enhancing imaginative thinking and understanding of mythological stories.
- Perfect for: Fans of adventure stories and mythology.
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: The story centers on Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting differences, providing young readers with perspectives on kindness and resilience.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a heartwarming story and those learning about empathy and courage.
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
- Synopsis: Set in the 1980s, the story follows two misfit teens, Eleanor and Park, as they fall in love over comic books and mixtapes.
- Why we recommend this book: It captures the intensity of first love and the challenges of teenage life. Plus, it's a nostalgic trip for those who appreciate retro culture.
- Perfect for: Teens interested in romance and stories about social and familial issues.
- City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
- Synopsis: Clary Fray discovers the world of the Shadowhunters as she begins a quest to find her missing mother and uncovers her own supernatural heritage.
- Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action, mystery, and a complex fantasy world that can spark a love for reading through its engaging narrative.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love exploring detailed fantasy worlds and epic sagas.
- The Maze Runner by James Dashner
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Thriller
- Synopsis: Thomas wakes up in a maze with a group of boys and no memory of the outside world. Together, they must work to escape.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers suspense and thrills with every turn of the page, perfect for keeping readers hooked and eager to solve the mysteries.
- Perfect for: Fans of intense, fast-paced stories and puzzles.
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
- Genre(s): Romance, Tragedy
- Synopsis: Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old cancer patient, meets and falls in love with Gus Waters from her cancer support group.
- Why we recommend this book: It deals with complex emotions and themes of love and loss in a way that is accessible and profoundly moving for young adults.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotional depth and stories about overcoming adversity with courage and humor.
Educational Ya Books for 14-Year-Olds
- A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Biography
- Synopsis: This dual narrative book tells the stories of two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The boy becomes one of the "Lost Boys" refugees, and the girl fetches water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical events, empathy, global awareness
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look at the struggles faced by young people in different times in Sudan, fostering a deeper understanding of global issues and resilience.
- Perfect for: Students interested in history and those looking to learn about different cultures and the challenges they face.
- Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
- Genre(s): Memoir, Poetry
- Synopsis: Jacqueline Woodson shares her experiences growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her awakening to her writing talent.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural history, poetic techniques, self-expression
- Why we recommend this book: It's beautifully written in verse, making it accessible and deeply engaging, offering insights into societal issues through personal narrative.
- Perfect for: Young poets and readers interested in memoirs and social history.
- The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
- Genre(s): Non-fiction, Autobiography, Science
- Synopsis: This is the inspiring story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to create electricity for his village, transforming his life and community.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Innovation, problem-solving, environmental science
- Why we recommend this book: It's an uplifting tale that shows how ingenuity and determination can overcome adversity and make a significant impact.
- Perfect for: Aspiring inventors and students interested in science and sustainability.
- The Giver by Lois Lowry
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
- Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without suffering, a boy named Jonas uncovers the dark truths that underlie his society’s existence.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, dystopian literature, ethical reasoning
- Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the importance of memory, emotion, and individuality in a conformist society.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and exploring philosophical questions.
- Hidden Figures: Young Readers' Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Genre(s): Biography, History, Science
- Synopsis: This book details the untold true story of the African-American female mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context, mathematical concepts, gender and racial equality
- Why we recommend this book: It highlights significant yet previously unrecognized contributions to science and technology, inspiring readers with powerful role models.
- Perfect for: Young STEM enthusiasts and anyone interested in history and civil rights.
Challenging Ya Books for 14-Year-Olds
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
- Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as mortality, war, and the power of words, all presented through a unique narrative voice.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a profound look at the human aspects of war, fostering empathy and understanding through a gripping, beautifully written narrative.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in history and those who appreciate stories that explore deep ethical questions.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Legal Drama
- Synopsis: In the racially charged atmosphere of the 1930s South, Atticus Finch defends a black man accused of raping a white woman, while his children, Scout and Jem, come of age in a town filled with prejudice and ignorance.
- Why this book is challenging: It confronts themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and ethical dilemmas through complex characters and situations.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a critical examination of human behavior and prejudices that offers invaluable lessons on integrity, courage, and empathy.
- Perfect for: Young readers looking to understand social issues and the importance of standing up for what is right.
- 1984 by George Orwell
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
- Synopsis: This novel introduces Winston Smith, who lives under the oppressive regime of The Party in Oceania, where Big Brother watches everyone, and independent thinking is considered a thoughtcrime.
- Why this book is challenging: It features complex political theories and the stark depiction of totalitarianism, requiring readers to engage with sophisticated and abstract ideas.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking about surveillance, freedom, and government control, making it incredibly relevant in today's digital age.
- Perfect for: Teens interested in politics, history, and the implications of government overreach.
- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
- Synopsis: This novel portrays a disturbing future society where humans are genetically engineered, indoctrinated into their predetermined roles, and kept docile by a happiness-inducing drug.
- Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes like the use of technology in controlling society, the conflict between freedom and happiness, and the degradation of human values in a consumerist culture.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a provocative exploration of the potential consequences of unchecked technological and scientific advancement.
- Perfect for: Readers fascinated by science fiction and ethical dilemmas regarding technology and society.
- Life of Pi by Yann Martel
- Genre(s): Adventure, Psychological Fiction, Spiritual
- Synopsis: Pi Patel, a young Indian boy, survives a shipwreck in which his family dies, and is left on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
- Why this book is challenging: It blends elements of philosophy, religion, and practical survival, requiring readers to ponder deep existential questions.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a survival story on both physical and spiritual levels that challenges perceptions of reality and faith.
- Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy stories that provide both a thrilling narrative and a chance to reflect on life's bigger questions.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're 14 and diving into the world of YA books, developing solid reading habits can really enhance your experience. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed just for you to get the most out of your reading time. Let's make those pages turn even more exciting!
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how many books you want to read in a month or choose a number of pages to read each day.
- How it helps: Helps you stay focused and motivated to read regularly.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Create a Dedicated Reading Space
- What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
- How it helps: Enhances concentration by associating one place with the activity of reading.
- Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting to protect your eyes.
- Join or Start a Book Club
- What it is: Gather a group of friends who read the same book and discuss it regularly.
- How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and provides different perspectives on the same material.
- Tips: Use social media or school clubs to find or start a book club.
- Use a Reading App
- What it is: Utilize technology to track your reading habits and discover new books.
- How it helps: Keeps your reading list organized and easily accessible.
- Tips: Explore apps like Goodreads for community reviews and recommendations.
- Read Aloud or Listen to Audiobooks
- What it is: Read books aloud to yourself or listen to the audiobook version.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and comprehension, and adds a fun twist to reading.
- Tips: Try alternating between reading and listening to the same book to enhance understanding.
- Keep a Reading Journal
- What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from your readings.
- How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress and reactions.
- Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day after reading.
- Participate in Reading Challenges
- What it is: Join challenges that prompt you to read books based on specific criteria or themes.
- How it helps: Expands your reading scope and introduces you to books you might not have picked up otherwise.
- Tips: Look for reading challenges online or create your own with friends.
There you have it! By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, not only will you enhance your reading skills, but you'll also make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. Remember, the key to building and maintaining good reading habits is consistency, so pick the exercises that excite you the most and stick with them. Happy reading!