Category: Teens

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.

  • 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.
  • Tune in every other Wednesday at 10 a.m. to the Indy Now Book Club with Ryan and Jillian on Fox59 for reading recommendations and IndyPL program highlights from your own local librarians.
  • You can also get reading recommendations online from NovelList or Book Connections. Read book reviews, see “read alike” lists, browse starred reviews, and more.

Reading Recommendations for Teens – October 2023

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!

Teen Horror Books

As if raging hormones, annoying parents, and having to navigate the high school and college experience wasn’t enough, these books and movies will give teens and young adults something to truly worry about. Adults might even find them scary too.

Title - The Taking of Jake LivingstonTitle - Clown in A CornfieldTitle - Through the WoodsTitle - I Know What You Did Last Summer

Native Voices for Young Readers

Commemorate Indigenous People’s Day (October 10th) and American Indian Heritage Month (November) by reading some books by Indigenous authors! Whether you want to learn more about Native culture and history, or want an exciting and original fiction story – this list’s got it all! You’ll find here books for elementary schoolers, middle-graders, teens, and young adults – there’s something for everyone.

Title - Notable Native PeopleTitle - Native Americans in HistoryTitle - Chasing BigfootTitle - Makoons

Witchy Reads for Halloween

Get into the Halloween season with these witch-themed books and graphic novels for kids and teens.

Title - All Our Hidden GiftsTitle - Beetle & the HollowbonesTitle - The Girl From the Other SideTitle - Little Witch Academia

Time Travel Graphic Novels for Teens

Check out this selection of graphic novels and manga from our teen collection that feature elements of time travel. These graphic novels are filled with chances to change the past/future, bearing witness to historical events, jumping between realities, letters from a future self, and manipulation of space and time by powerful beings.

Title - DisplacementTitle - A Girl Called EchoTitle - The Knife at your BackTitle - Inkblot

Dungeon and Dragons Stories

This list is a look at some stories of dungeon divers, dungeon clubs, dungeon trainers and dungeons in general. Enjoy! See our full listing of Dugneon and Dragon upcoming programs.

Title - No Humans Allowed!Title - Warriors & WeaponsTitle - Lost in the Mushroom MazeTitle - The Dungeoneers

Knitting Pop Culture

It’s hot outside! If you’re staying indoors, binge-watching movies and tv shows, try knitting while you watch. This winter you could be wearing mittens inspired by Little Women, a hat inspired by The Great Gatsby, a knitted Princess Leia’s snow vest, a homemade knitted sweater of your favorite Disney character, or a Hogwarts house cardigan.

Title - Knitting MagicTitle - Knitting the GalaxyTitle - Knitting With DisneyTitle - Highland Knits

Teen Manga

Explore the teen Manga collection at IndyPL! Manga is a style of Japanese comic books, aimed at adults, teens, and children. If you’re new to the genre, you’ll find the first book of many popular teen series here. Click on the book to find the rest in the series!

Title - JojoTitle - BeastarsTitle - The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of GoodbyesTitle - Assassination Classroom

Teens in Peril in Space

Nothing spices up adolescence like killer aliens. Or hard vacuum. Or a sinister interstellar conspiracy.

Title - Brightly BurningTitle - Victories Greater Than DeathTitle - ToxicTitle - The Loneliest Girl in the Universe

In-Person & Online Book Discussions for Teens

Teens having a meeting

Looking for your next good book, something new to try, or homework and research resources? We can help! From books to movies to magazines and music, learn more about all the library has to offer teens!

Programs

  • Event: Teen Intro to Dungeons and Dragons
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Michigan Road Branch
  • Description: Have you ever wanted to learn to play Dungeons & Dragons? Do you already play and want to find more people interested in the game? Join us and learn the basics. From Dice to pre-generated characters, all materials are provided. You only need to bring yourself!
  • Register Here

e-Books & Streaming

IndyPL’s e-Collection for Teens

You can download and stream millions of e-books, movies, music, and more instantly for free with your IndyPL Library card. No late fees, no worries. See all of our e-books and streaming platforms or browse these collection specifically for teens:

Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. Additionally, the Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

Books Unbanned e-Collection for Teens from the Brooklyn Public Library

“Brooklyn Public Library is adding our voice to those fighting for the rights of teens nationwide to read what they like, discover themselves, and form their own opinions. Inspired by the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement, BPL’s Books Unbanned initiative is a response to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books tackling a wide range of topics from library shelves.”

For a limited time, individuals ages 13-21 from all over the country are invited to apply for a free electronic library card to check out from BPL’s full e-book collection as well as use their learning databases. To apply, email Books Unbanned. The free library card is valid for one year. You can use it to check out from the Library’s archive of 350,000 e-books; 200,000 audiobooks and over 100 databases.

Reading Recommendations

Are you looking for your next good read? We can help! IndyPL Staff Picks: What We’re Reading for Teens shares our most current reading suggestions or browse through all of our booklists for teens.

Online Resources

You can use your library card to access several different databases and online learning modules for both homework or fun. Here are a couple popular choices. You can see our complete listing here divided into several helpful categories like Arts & Entertainment, Auto Repar, Homework Help Grades 6-12, and more.

Creativebug
Creativebug is a library of free video tutorials taught by designers and artists on sewing, knitting, quilting, painting, drawing, and much more. Apple and Android apps are available. learn more here.

DrivingTest.org
BMV practice exams, along with additional resources on everything from what to wear on testing day to common testing mistakes. With further practice tests for motorcycle driving or commercial driving licenses, this is your one-stop shop. You can also read or download the Indiana Driver’s Handbook.

Teen Advisory Boards

At many of our locations, teen advisory groups get directly involved directly with the library by providing insight into teen interests. Through regular meetings, the groups also plan and executes programs for other teens, and assist with displays and books lists. The group setting allows teens to have responsibilities and work with teens outside their regular sphere. Call your local branch to find out more.

Volunteering

Calling all teens (14-17)! Are you looking for a way to complete your service hours or boost your college applications? Or maybe you’d like to support literacy efforts in your community. Consider connecting with your local library for a few hours a week. Learn more about volunteering.

Board games

If you enjoy board, card, and dice games, you are in luck! The Library has books, programs, and gaming recommendations for tabletop gamers of all ages!

New York Times Crossword & Games

Did you know that your library card gives you free 24-hour access to the New York Times crossword puzzle and other games? You must first create a New York Times account if you don’t already have one.

  1. Visit The New York Times: Crossword & Games..
  2. Enter your library card barcode number and click “Get Code.”
  3. Click “Redeem” to submit your randomly generated access code.
  4. Since you need to have a New York Times online account to use the code, the next step prompts you to create an account (which is free) or to log in to your existing account.
  5. You now have access to The New York Times for 24 hours. After the 24 hours are up redeem another code for another 24-hours of access. Enjoy!

Gaming Programs

  • Event: Books and Rooks
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 5:30pm
  • Location: Central Library
  • Description: Looking for an in-person game of chess? Come join players of all ages and skill levels every Monday night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Atrium of Central Library. Chess sets and clocks provided. 
  • No Registration Required.
  • Event: Teen Intro to Dungeons and Dragons
  • Date & Time: Monday, October 02, 6:30pm
  • Location: Michigan Road Branch
  • Description: Have you ever wanted to learn to play Dungeons & Dragons? Do you already play and want to find more people interested in the game? Join us and learn the basics. From Dice to pre-generated characters, all materials are provided. You only need to bring yourself!
  • Register Here

e-Books & Streaming

Browse a wide selection of e-books, downloadable audiobooks, and e-magazines about gaming from OverDrive. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before both app directions and browser directions are available as well as a video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

Need more help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

Reading Recommendations from IndyPL Staff

What To Read Next Based On Your Favorite Board Game

Title - Where the Deer and the Antelope PlayTitle - Campfire StoriesTitle - The Thing With FeathersTitle - What It

Click on a featured booklist to get gaming recommendations or see all our staff gaming lists.

Six Game Night Favorites from IndyPL Staff

Hoot Owl Hoot!

Recommended ages: 4+
Do you love Candyland? Or…are you tired of playing Candyland?! While Candyland is a classic which is available to play, you may also enjoy this colorful game. All players on one team work together to help baby owls return to their nest before the sun comes up.

Dr. Eureka

Recommended ages: 6+
This fast-paced puzzle game has players racing to pour colorful balls back-and-forth between plastic test tubes to recreate specific patterns! If you can mix and match the contents of your test tubes the fastest, you can score points by winning cards!

Pentago

Recommended ages: 7+
Are you a master of tic-tac-toe? You are ready to level up to Pentago! In this two-player game, you compete to get five marbles in a row—with a twist! After placing a marble, you must rotate one quadrant of the game board ninety degrees. You can only win if you have five-in-a-row, after the twist!

Battle Sheep

Recommended ages: 7+
If you like a little strategy, a fun challenge can be had with Battle Sheep! In this game, you start with one stack of sheep in the pasture, and each turn you split a stack and slide some sheep to a new position. If you can spread your flock out across the pasture the most, you will be the winner!

Forbidden Island

Recommended ages: 8+
Work together to find clues, discover ancient treasures, and make it back to your team helicopter–all before the island sinks below the waves forever! With multiple ways to lose and only one way to win, it will take clever teamwork and a little luck to succeed at this mission!

Ascension

Recommended ages: 10+
In many card games, everyone shares the same deck of cards. In Ascension, each player has their own small deck. By playing your starting cards carefully, you can add powerful new cards to your deck that you shuffle in and play on later turns! This fun game has a light fantasy theme, but your real goal will quickly become to collect as many of the shiny red gems as possible!

These game recommendations were contributed by Christopher Brozo, a Youth Multimedia Learning Specialist in the Learning Curve at Central Library. He loves tabletop games of all kinds, especially strategy and cooperative games! He co-hosts Family Game Night at Central, a weekly program for kids, families, and friends. Do you have a favorite game? Be sure to tell the guy who is wearing a black Learning Curve lab coat and practicing yo-yo tricks.