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.
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 Graphic Novels by Nonbinary Creators
Shine a light on nonbinary creators for International Nonbinary People’s Day this July 14th. Read a graphic novel from our teen collection by a nonbinary author or artist.
Teen Books that Touch on America as a Nation of Immigrants
The tapestry of the United States is constantly shifting with colorful and vivid immigration happenings, stories, events, and news. Here is a fantastic book list for teens abounding with fantastic and fascinating stories that catch a rich glimpse of what it’s like being a modern-day immigrant in the United States.
Star Wars and Star Wars Adjacent Books for Teens!
May the fourth (the unofficial holiday celebrating the Star Wars movie franchise) is right around the corner and to celebrate we have curated a list of Star Wars and Star Wars adjacent books just for you! We hope you enjoy these books and may the force be with you.
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.
Turtles All the Way Down
John Green’s last (as of April 2024) YA novel is being adapted into a movie coming out on MAX on May 2nd. Popular with both teens and adults, “Turtles” deals with themes of OCD, Anxiety and friendship. Listed are some further books that explore the same topics through engaging characters.
Horror Comics for Tweens and Teens
Ghosts and ghouls and vampires, oh my! Here at the Library, we enjoy a good scare anytime of the year. Check out these frightening horror comics and manga series which are sure to give you a good fright! And don’t forget to celebrate Free Comic Book Day on May 4th, 2024 with The Indianapolis Public Library! Stop by any Indianapolis Public Library branch to pick up a free comic book from our selection for all ages, while supplies last, May 4th only.
Queer YA Romance
Ahhh young love… These love stories are for the LGBT+ community and anyone who wants a book that will make them blush.
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.
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.
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.
Teens in Peril in Space
Nothing spices up adolescence like killer aliens. Or hard vacuum. Or a sinister interstellar conspiracy.
In-Person & Online Book Discussions for Teens
Adult Fiction Written by Autistic Authors
Disability Pride Month is every July. This list incorporates merely a taste of the many amazing books written by authors who have autism.
Featuring disabled, neurodivergent, and LGBT+ characters alongside unique author perspectives, experience a story from a new point of view. Science fiction, horror, fantasy, mystery and, of course, romance are all included.