There is perhaps no one harder to buy for than a teenager. Electronics cost the earth, fashions come and go and it’s easier to get your hands on an actual unicorn than a Labubu. But there is one gift that is simple, affordable and unarguably good – that of a book.
In a world of online sharing, books offer teens a private place to dream, learn and explore. And reading is a wonderful way to unplug from the digital deluge, too. Whether it’s coming of age, falling in love or appreciating a truly excellent joke, put these acclaimed books under your tree this year; they’ll stay with young readers for ever.
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Callum is a Nought, a blanker, a boy dreaming of a better life, while privileged Sephy is a Cross. They can never be together – but the world can’t keep them apart. Noughts and Crosses is an invitation to consider the UK’s racial dynamics; it’s also a gripping adventure, and a classic love story. And if your teen needs further persuasion, Stormzy said it could be his favourite book of all time.
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
“I write this sitting in the kitchen sink,” begins 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain, in this extraordinary story. Cassandra lives in a castle in the English countryside, chronicling her Bohemian family; she has no idea that she is about to fall in love. As captivating now as it was when it was first published in 1948, this book gives teens a heroine to adore.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Forget 6-7, the meaning of life is actually 42… Arthur Dent’s quiet life is turned on its head when his house is demolished to make way for a bypass, and then planet earth is demolished to make way for a new hyperspace bypass. Recognised as a work of comic genius by the likes of Charlie Brooker, Russell T Davies, Caitlin Moran and Robert Webb, it’s been changing teens’ lives since it was first published in 1979.
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
When 11-year-old Addie discovers that hundreds of women in her Scottish hometown were accused of witchcraft and then killed, she feels their plight on a personal level – her neurodivergence means she knows just what it’s like to be seen as “different”. But her campaign for a memorial is met with apathy. What will it take for Addie to be heard? This is a book that’s won prizes, sparked conversations and touched hearts.
Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison
Fourteen-year-old Georgia Nicolson deals with lurker spots, kissing and accidentally shaved-off eyebrows in a book that manages to both capture the reality of being a teenage girl and be absolutely packed with brilliant jokes. Georgia’s honesty is delightful, and very, very funny. Best of all, the joy doesn’t stop when this one’s finished; she stars in nine more books.
Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin
Set in 18th century England, this award-winning novel tells the tale of two boys living at Thomas Coram’s Hospital for parentless children; Toby, rescued from an African slave ship, and Aaron, the illegitimate son of an heir to a great fortune. It’s a rollicking tale that brings to life some of the more uncomfortable sides of British history, and Gavin writes with detail vivid enough to capture even the most cynical of readers.
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ by Sue Townsend
As Adrian battles his way through pimples, family strife and first love, this book kicks off a series of endlessly funny diaries following the aspiring intellectual in his pursuit of the treacle-haired Pandora. Pompous, judgmental and agonised in a way so particular to teenage boys, Adrian’s plight has been beloved ever since it was published in 1982. And it’s more relevant than ever; a new BBC adaptation has just been announced, written by One Day’s David Nicholls.
The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge
“Listen, Faith. A girl cannot be brave, or clever, or skilled as a boy can.” So says her father, but Faith, banished with her family to a strange island, must use all her courage, intellect and skill to unravel the mystery of a tree that feeds on lies. This unnervingly gothic book is set in Victorian England, and the rich and rewarding writing earned The Lie Tree the 2015 title of Costa Book of the Year.
The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
Older readers will devour the tale of Nigerian 14-year-old Adunni, who dreams of being educated, but is instead sold by her father to become a third wife. But Adunni remains undefeated and determined to speak out. With a fandom that includes Malala Yousafzai and Dolly Parton, Adunni’s story is unforgettable.
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
With her wild red hair and crazy clothes, new girl Eleanor is never going to pass unnoticed. She’s in awe of Park, who is quiet, reserved and very cool. Set on a school bus in the 1980s, this is a bittersweet romance of mix tapes and comic books, adolescent insecurity and the electrifying moment when you realise the person you like might just like you, too.
Your next read
The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett
Pratchett’s Discworld books have been adored by young people ever since this, the first, was published in 1983. Useless wizard Rincewind has been hired to protect the tourist Twoflower; the pair manage to burn down the city, only narrowly evade being sacrificed to the God of Fate and almost fall off the edge of the world. A sprawling cast, sharp social commentary and a plot that defies every expectation make this book hugely enjoyable, and thought-provoking, too.
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
Fifteen-year-old Daisy has been sent from her home in New York to stay with her English aunt and cousins deep in the countryside. But when war breaks out and her aunt goes missing, Daisy’s summer becomes strange and terrifying and wonderful. Urgent with beauty and pain and so much love, this is a book you read once and remember always.
