Are you looking for reading recommendations for teens? We can help! Visit us in person or online to get great ideas for your next great read. For one-on-one help call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations. You can also call, text, or email ask-a- librarian! Here are some more ideas to help you find what to read next.
- Hoosier Next Read is a personalized book recommendation service from The Indianapolis Public Library. Share your reading preferences, and our Library staff will send you a custom list of 2–5 titles within 7 business days so you’ll always have your next great read ready.
- Follow our staff’s most recently published book lists on the library catalog home page.
- Don’t miss our If You Like… suggestions that cover all the favorite genres like science fiction, graphic novels, romance, and more.
- Join us Sunday nights at 8:30 p.m. on Facebook for Currently Reading where book enthusiasts offer their suggestions.
- Catch book recommendations and Library program highlights from your own local librarians once a month on the Indy Now Morning Show with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59. The show airs at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Browse our past appearances.
- You can also get reading recommendations online from NovelList or Book Connections. Read book reviews, see “read alike” lists, browse starred reviews, and more.
Make a selection from one of the book lists below created by our staff of avid readers whose reading experiences and tastes cover about any interest you can think of!
2025 Staff Picks & Gift Guide
Explore our 2025 Staff Picks for adults, teens, and kids to discover your next great read from our curated selections. Find the perfect audiobook to accompany your morning walk, or choose a movie to enjoy on a cozy winter afternoon. Whether you’re searching for engaging books, entertaining media, or thoughtful gifts, our 2025 Staff Picks & Gift Guide offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Staff Picks
2025 Best of Teen
This year we loved so many Young Adult books that we had to split them into two lists. This list covers everything except SciFi/Fantasy– including nonfiction, suspense, romance, and historical fiction.
2025 Best of Teen Fiction, Science Fiction, and Fantasy
Some things never get old and YA SciFi/Fantasy is certainly one of those things! This year, revisit the world of the Hunger Games in Suzanne Collins’s Sunrise on the Reaping. Or, indulge in all of your favorite YA fantasy tropes: teens with and without powers, prophecies galore, and of course, a touch of romance!
The Constitution and Bill of Rights in Graphic (Meaning Illustrated) Detail
Did you know that Bill of Rights Day is celebrated December 15th? It commemorates the 1791 ratification of the first ten amendments to the US Constitution. Reading a document from centuries ago, even one so important, might feel like a heavy load. As with any item that’s “inspired by a true story,” you may be inspired to fact-check!
If You Like K-Pop Demon Hunters
The film K-Pop Demon Hunters (KPDH), streaming on Netflix, has become an international sensation. The film appeals to all audiences with an action-packed, pop-culture fantasy based in Korean folklore and a great soundtrack.
In KPDH, a trio of Korean pop stars fight against demons and use their voices to protect the human world from evil. When a group of demons enter the human world and start to cause trouble with a K-pop group of their own, the two groups clash. Both sides harbor dark secrets and whoever triumphs in this complicated battle between good and evil will control the fate of countless souls.
Themes of the film include hidden identity, loss of identity, self-sacrifice, self-acceptance, redemption, and found family. If you cannot get enough of the story and do not want to wait for the inevitable sequel, check out these teen fiction titles that feature similar themes and appeal factors.
Iyashikei Manga – Cozy, Healing Stories
Feeling stressed? Relax with a cozy, healing manga. Iyashikei (癒し系 – literally translated as “healing”) manga are typically peaceful, slice-of-life stories with very little conflict. They are created to be comforting and are often set in an alternative reality or fantasy-like world. The focus of iyashikei tends to be more about world-building than plot, so check out one of these titles if you’re looking for a soothing escape from reality!
Korean Manhwa for Teens
Manhwa (만화) is the general term for Korean comics and print cartoons. These manhwa titles are a part of our teen collection and feature a variety of genres. While manhwa can seem similar to Japanese manga, there are several differences. Manga typically features black and white illustrations and manhwa is usually illustrated in color. Another difference is how it’s read; manga is typically read from right to left and manhwa is read from left to right. If you’re a reader of webcomics, some of these titles may seem familiar as many were originally published online.
Manga About Idols
Explore the various sides of the entertainment industry with these idol-focused manga titles. With a variety of genres to choose from – comedy, romance, drama, or mystery – these stories shine a spotlight on the world of idols, fans, and celebrity culture. This list features a mix of titles from our teen and adult collections, each title on the list is labeled with the intended audience.
You’ve Come to the Write Place
Writing is a wonderful tool of expression for anyone to enjoy. Though writing a novel may not be for everyone, there are many other types of writing to explore. The materials featured on this list can help you discover new writing styles, and maybe even help you find your niche.
100 Books Before Graduation
Read 100 books before graduating from high school and receive prizes as you work toward your goal. Prizes will be awarded after reading 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 books! Most importantly, students will expand their mind, vocabulary, critical thinking, and test scores! This program is for students in grades 7-12. Learn more about 100 Books Before Graduation and register.
