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 Books Featuring Podcasts
Podcasts keep getting more popular! According to statistics by Infinite Dial, almost half of Americans 12 and older have listened to a podcast in the last month. From True Crime to Politics to Entertainment to History, almost any topic is fair game for podcasting. It’s only natural that this popularity would affect the world of books too! These teen books feature podcasts. The main character is the podcaster or a podcast is produced by someone else and affects the main character in some crucial way.
Short Story Horror for Teens
Low on time but still looking for summer scares? Check out an anthology of horror short stories for teens.
Teen Coming Out Stories
National Coming Out Day is October 11th. This day celebrates and acknowledges the often difficult and emotional process of “coming out of the closet” and endeavors to bring awareness and visibility to LGBTQ+ people. This book list features teens of many different orientations and their stories of coming out in the world. These experiences are sometimes joyful but sometimes the teenaged characters face a great deal of hardship in their journeys to being out in the world. Readers should exercise care with these titles if challenging coming out experiences would be difficult or triggering for them to read about.
Contemporary LGBTQ+ Latine Books for Teens
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) with this list featuring contemporary LGBTQ+ Latine teen characters and their stories. These books center Latine and LGBTQ+ themes, characters, and storylines with a focus on own-voices literature. Many, but not all, are romances or have a strong romantic subplot.
Spanish Teen Fiction
Discover a world of passion, intrigue, and adventure with our newest Spanish titles. From heart-pounding thrillers to heartwarming romances, we’ve got something for everyone. Immerse yourself in rich cultures and captivating stories. Don’t miss out on this literary fiesta! Come explore the magic of Spanish literature.
Indigenous Speculative Fiction for Teens
Enjoy this list of Indigenous Speculative Fiction for teens featuring Alex Award winners! The Alex Awards (awarded yearly through the Young Adult Library Services Association of the American Library Association) are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18.
Manga About Pursuing Your Passion
Are you a go-getter in pursuit of your goals? Perhaps you are looking for motivation to explore a secret passion or hobby? If you’re in need of a little inspiration, check out this selection of manga titles featuring tenacious characters pursuing their dreams. Each title is labeled with the intended audience.
Teen Fiction without Romance
Sometimes I find myself just wanting to read some dramatic, adventurous teen fiction… without the characters trying to get all in each other’s business all the time. Here are some titles for if you can relate to that sentiment.
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.
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.
In-Person & Online Book Discussions for Teens
- Event: Author Talk and Discussion: Tia Williams
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 26, 11:00am
- Location: Central Library
- Description: Join us for an author talk and discussion featuring New York Times bestselling author, Tia Williams, who wrote “Seven Days in June,” “The Accidental Diva,” the It Chicks series, and “The Perfect Find,” which was adapted to a Netflix film starring Gabrielle Union.
- No Registration Required.