1. Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt
Gary Schmidt wrote a poignant story about society's cruelty towards those brave enough to live the way they want. At the story’s center is a teenager who has already become a father, which immediately sets him at odds with societal expectations. Consequently, adults try to shield their children from him, fearing they consider such a fate normal. This book serves as a powerful reminder that indifference and unwillingness to notice such issues as teenage pregnancy leave teenagers feeling rejected and standing against the whole world.
2. Jumped In by Patrick Scott-Slores
Patrick Scott-Slores uniquely combined poetry and prose. Jumped In is a novel about the transformative journey of a closed young man whose life brightens when he discovers moving poetry. Moreover, the teenager's world is turned upside down by a new friend who is the exact opposite of the main character. Throughout your reading experience, listen to Nirvana songs to fully immerse yourself in the story.
3. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?
- William Golding
This book stands as a classic of teenage literature, but at the same time, it’s different from typical narratives. The plot begins with a group of teenagers getting stuck on an island after a plane crash. With round-the-clock adventures ahead and no adult supervision, It looks like every child’s dream! After electing a team leader, they begin to enjoy themselves. However, soon, children realize that absolute freedom is not synonymous with carelessness.
4. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
As the writer John Green said, Eleanor & Park reminded him not just what it’s like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it’s like to be young and in love with a book.
In this book, a girl, rejected by her classmates due to her appearance, endures bullying and humiliation. The atmosphere at home also offers little solace — her alcoholic stepfather is cruel to her, and her numerous siblings leave her with no personal space or time for peace. The only refuge that remains for the main character is music. One day, she gets on a bus alongside an incredibly handsome Korean guy who seems to be always in thought. How will their story unfold?
5. Rumblefish by S. E. Hinton
I could never understand people being scared of things they didn't know nothing about.
- S. E. Hinton
Rumblefish is another bestseller by The Outsiders author. The main character is a 14-year-old teenager who lives in a world where violence and constant danger are everyday realities. In this ruthless environment ruled by powerful gangs, you can’t show weakness. Survival requires fighting for your life — literally.
6. Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Sherman Alexie’s book is an autobiographical tale about the struggles of an Indian in an all-white school. The story is both humorous and heart-wrenching thanks to the author's skillful writing and the teenager’s perspective on the inequality he faces on the way toward his dreams. This book is about preserving one’s identity and fighting for a rightful place in the sun, even if it means challenging the foundations of society.
7. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
This is a book for those ready to reconsider their beliefs and confront the cruel reality trying to break us. There is a secret organization of teenagers at the local school that puts pressure on other students. The main character decides to challenge the status quo and disobey their rules. The central lesson of such a book is that despite our best efforts, victory isn’t always guaranteed. This Robert Cormier’s book faced controversy and censorship due to its themes: violence, bullying, and moral ambiguity. Despite this, it still resonates with readers for its honest depiction of teenage struggles.
8. That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton
If you have two friends in your lifetime, you're lucky. If you have one good friend, you're more than lucky.
- S. E. Hinton
The events of another S.E. Hinton’s book take place in the same universe as The Outsiders, yet this story is darker and more brutal. In the center are two friends who, experiencing the same pains and sufferings of life, respond to them differently. One wants to escape the endless circle of cruelty, while the other is increasingly immersed in it. Who will win, the teenager striving for change or the harshness of reality that has been unbreakable for years?
9. The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time by Mark Haddon
The protagonist here is a 15-year-old boy who lives by rules known only to him. He will not eat food that touches the edges of the plate and adjusts his mood based on the color of the cars on the street. His behavior stems from a condition called aspergillosis. One fateful day, this special boy witnesses the brutal murder of a neighbor's dog and feels compelled to investigate. But this sets off a chain reaction of secrets and mysteries rooted deep within the boy's family.
As soon as a child steps out of careless reality and parental protection, they confront a world that can be merciless to those who do not conform. School often turns into an arena for trials, where only those prepared to constantly fight back will survive. Fortunately, there are helpful books that will prepare readers for adolescence. These stories not only provide comfort and understanding but also inspire young readers to face their own challenges with resilience and courage. By exploring the complexities of growing up through literature, teens can find guidance and inspiration to forge their path in a scary world.
