Recommended Reading List
The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel, a young girl who steals
books and finds comfort in words while death looms over her world. The
story is narrated by Death, offering a unique and poetic perspective on
war, loss, and resilience.
Noughts & Crosses – Malorie Blackman
A dystopian novel that reverses historical racial dynamics, where dark-
skinned Crosses hold power over light-skinned Noughts. It follows the
forbidden romance between Sephy, a Cross, and Callum, a Nought,
exploring themes of prejudice, discrimination, and love.
A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness
A deeply emotional novel about a boy named Conor who struggles with
his mother’s illness and is visited by a mysterious monster that tells him
three stories. A moving exploration of grief, truth, and healing.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – Holly Jackson
A gripping mystery about Pippa Fitz-Amobi, a determined teen who
reopens a closed murder case for her school project. As she investigates,
she discovers dark secrets that put her own life at risk.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before – Jenny Han
A sweet and lighthearted romance about Lara Jean, whose secret love
letters accidentally get sent to her crushes, forcing her to deal with the
aftermath. A story about love, family, and self-discovery.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – Ann Brashares
A heartwarming story about four best friends who stay connected over a
summer apart by sharing a magical pair of jeans. A celebration of
friendship, growing up, and self-acceptance.
The House of Hollow – Krystal Sutherland
Recommended Reading List
A dark, eerie fantasy about three sisters with mysterious pasts who
discover unsettling truths when one of them goes missing. A haunting and
beautifully written read.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky
A coming-of-age novel following Charlie, an introverted teen navigating
high school, love, and mental health struggles. Written in letters, it’s an
emotional and relatable read.
Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card
A sci-fi classic about Ender Wiggin, a brilliant boy recruited to train in a
futuristic battle school to fight an alien threat. A thrilling mix of strategy,
leadership, and morality.
Alex Rider: Stormbreaker – Anthony Horowitz
The first book in the Alex Rider series follows a teenage spy who is thrown
into a dangerous mission after discovering the truth about his uncle’s
death. Fast-paced, action-packed, and perfect for fans of James Bond-style
adventures.
Ready Player One – Ernest Cline
Set in a dystopian future where people escape reality through a vast
virtual world, teenager Wade Watts embarks on a high-stakes treasure
hunt filled with 1980s pop culture, video games, and adventure.
Hatchet – Gary Paulsen
A gripping survival story about Brian, a 13-year-old boy who must fend for
himself in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. A tale of resilience,
independence, and survival.
War Horse – Michael Morpurgo
Told from the perspective of a horse named Joey, this historical novel
follows his journey through World War I, witnessing the horrors of battle
and the deep bond between humans and animals.
Anne of Green Gables – L.M. Montgomery
A timeless classic about Anne Shirley, an imaginative and outspoken
orphan who finds a home at Green Gables. Full of humor, warmth, and
charm.
Recommended Reading List
Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
A classic novel about the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as
they navigate love, ambition, and sisterhood during the Civil War era. A
story of resilience and independence.
One of Us Is Lying – Karen M. McManus
A thrilling mystery about five students in detention, one of whom dies
under suspicious circumstances. As secrets unfold, the remaining four
must prove their innocence.
You Should See Me in a Crown – Leah Johnson
A joyful, empowering story about Liz Lighty, a Black, queer teen who runs
for prom queen to secure a scholarship—only to fall for her competitor. A
fun and uplifting read.
The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
A dystopian adventure featuring Katniss Everdeen, a strong and
resourceful heroine who must fight for survival in a brutal televised
competition. A thrilling, action-packed read with deep themes.
Stone Cold – Robert Swindells
A gritty novel about a teenager named Link who becomes homeless and
must navigate the dangers of life on the streets, including a mysterious
serial killer targeting the homeless. This short but intense read explores
themes of social injustice and survival.
Refugee Boy – Benjamin Zephaniah
A powerful novel about Alem, a young Ethiopian refugee who is forced to
flee his home and start a new life in England. The novel highlights themes
of identity, resilience, and the refugee experience.
To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
A coming-of-age novel set in the racially divided American South, narrated
by Scout Finch as she witnesses her father, a lawyer, defend a Black man
Recommended Reading List
falsely accused of a crime. Themes of justice, morality, and prejudice
make this a timeless classic.
Private Peaceful – Michael Morpurgo
A deeply moving novel about a young soldier, Tommo, looking back on his
life while awaiting execution during World War I. It explores themes of
brotherhood, love, and the harsh realities of war.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Mark Haddon
Told from the perspective of Christopher, a boy with autism, who
investigates the mystery of a neighbor’s dead dog. This novel offers
insight into neurodiversity while exploring themes of truth, family, and
independence.
Long Way Down – Jason Reynolds
A novel-in-verse about a teenage boy, Will, who steps into an elevator
with a gun, planning to avenge his brother’s murder. As the elevator
descends, he meets ghosts of the past, challenging his perspective on
violence and revenge.
The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas
A modern, hard-hitting novel about Starr, a Black teenager who witnesses
the police shooting of her unarmed friend. It explores race, activism, and
the impact of systemic injustice.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas – John Boyne
A heartbreaking story about Bruno, a German boy who befriends a Jewish
prisoner through the fence of a concentration camp. The novel highlights
the innocence of childhood against the horrors of the Holocaust.
We Were Liars – E. Lockhart
A psychological thriller about a wealthy family’s summer traditions and a
shocking event that unravels dark secrets. Themes of privilege, memory,
and deception make this a gripping read.
Recommended Reading List
Northern Lights – Philip Pullman
A fantasy adventure following Lyra Belacqua as she journeys through
parallel worlds filled with magic, mystery, and political intrigue. This novel
explores themes of free will, destiny, and the pursuit of knowledge.
A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness
A deeply emotional novel about a boy named Conor who struggles with
his mother’s illness and is visited by a mysterious monster that tells him
three stories. A moving exploration of grief, truth, and healing.
The Outsiders – S.E. Hinton
A classic coming-of-age novel about two rival teenage gangs, the Socs
and the Greasers. Narrated by Ponyboy Curtis, the story explores themes
of class conflict, identity, and belonging.
The Woman in Black – Susan Hill
A chilling gothic horror novel about a young solicitor, Arthur Kipps, who is
sent to a remote house to settle an estate, only to encounter a vengeful
ghost. Perfect for fans of eerie suspense and supernatural thrillers.
Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury
A dystopian novel set in a future society where books are banned, and
"firemen" burn any that are found. The story follows Montag, a fireman
who begins questioning the world around him. A thought-provoking read
on censorship and knowledge.
Clap When You Land – Elizabeth Acevedo
A novel-in-verse about two sisters—one in the Dominican Republic, the
other in the U.S.—who discover each other’s existence after their father
dies in a plane crash. A moving story about grief, identity, and family.
Recommended Reading List
Punching the Air – Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam
A powerful novel-in-verse about a Black teenager, Amal, who is wrongfully
incarcerated and turns to art and poetry to survive. Inspired by true
events, this book explores injustice, hope, and resilience.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry – Mildred D. Taylor
Set in 1930s Mississippi, this novel follows Cassie Logan, a young Black
girl navigating racism and injustice while her family fights to keep their
land. A powerful story about strength, dignity, and resistance.
The Maze Runner – James Dashner
A fast-paced dystopian thriller about Thomas, who wakes up in a
mysterious maze with no memory of how he got there. Alongside other
boys, he must navigate the deadly maze and uncover the truth about
their captivity.
They Both Die at the End – Adam Silvera
A heartbreaking yet thought-provoking novel set in a world where people
receive a call on the day they will die. It follows two boys, Mateo and
Rufus, who meet on their final day and form a deep connection.
