10+ Best Audio Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect audio books for 14-year-olds that will keep your teen engaged and entertained? You've come to the right place! Whether they're into thrilling adventures, mysterious tales, or something entirely different, finding the right audio book can transform their listening experience. Keep reading as we dive into various lists of captivating audio books specially curated for 14-year-olds, ensuring you find just the thing to match their interests and imagination.

Fun Audio Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This book introduces Harry Potter, an eleven-year-old who discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends, enemies, and uncovers the truth about his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gateway to the magical world of reading, with its engaging plot and relatable themes of friendship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for an escape into a magical world and anyone new to the fantasy genre.

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a dystopian future, teenager Katniss Everdeen volunteers to participate in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death, in place of her younger sister.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling story that also explores themes of survival, totalitarianism, and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in action-packed narratives and critical thinking about society and personal ethics.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and is sent to Camp Half-Blood, where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines fun, adventure, and education with a modern take on Greek mythology, making it an engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Adventure seekers and mythology buffs looking for a contemporary twist.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time and faces challenges and triumphs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting differences, providing valuable life lessons through a compelling narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories and those looking to understand and appreciate diversity.

• The Maze Runner by James Dashner
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Thomas wakes up in a maze with a group of boys and no memory of the outside world other than strange dreams about a mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, fast-paced story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, perfect for getting teens excited about reading.
  • Perfect for: Fans of intense thrillers and complex puzzles.

Educational Audio Books for 14-Year-Olds

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Set in the American South during the 1930s, this novel follows young Scout Finch and her brother, Jem, as they navigate a world of racial injustice and moral growth under the guidance of their father, attorney Atticus Finch.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking about ethics and morality, understanding of historical racial issues, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that addresses complex themes of racial injustice and moral integrity through the innocent eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, ethics, and powerful storytelling.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This story details the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her adventures and mishaps as she grows up bring vibrancy to their quiet lives.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary development, emotional intelligence, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's vibrant imagination and the rich descriptions of Prince Edward Island make this a delightful and inspiring listen.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about growth, imagination, and exploration of one's identity.

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found, fireman Guy Montag begins to question his role and the value of a society without books.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking about censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of technology in society
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges listeners to think about the importance of intellectual freedom and the consequences of its absence.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in science fiction and exploring profound social and ethical questions.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel follows twelve-year-old Jonas's journey in a society that has eliminated pain and strife by converting to "Sameness," a plan that has also eradicated emotional depth from their lives. Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memory, the person who stores all the past memories of the time before Sameness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking about societal norms, understanding of emotions and human experiences, philosophical questioning
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thought-provoking look at the importance of memory, individuality, and freedom.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who enjoy stories that explore futuristic societies and moral dilemmas.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig large holes every day. Through his labor, Stanley uncovers the truth behind the camp's strange practice and his family's curse.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, understanding of justice and friendship
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inventive story that combines adventure, mystery, and a unique historical narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories that feature puzzles, mysteries, and unexpected twists.

Challenging Audio Books for 14-Year-Olds

• 1984 by George Orwell
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Political Fiction
  • Synopsis: In a totalitarian future, Winston Smith wrestles with oppression in Oceania, a state where the Party scrutinizes human actions with the ever-watchful Big Brother. Defying a ban on individuality, Winston dares to express his thoughts in a diary and pursues a relationship with Julia.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex political and social themes, including surveillance, individuality, and totalitarianism.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking about freedom, government control, and the impacts of surveillance on personal autonomy.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in politics and societal structures, and those who enjoy deep, thought-provoking narratives.

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel presents a futuristic society where individuals are predestined to roles in an intelligence-based social hierarchy. In this world, happiness is maintained through artificial comforts and mind-altering drugs.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes such as genetic engineering, state control, and the sacrifice of individuality for the sake of social stability.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a glimpse into a unique dystopian world that provokes discussion on human nature and our future.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who are fascinated by science fiction and ethical dilemmas.

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Psychological Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This intense psychological thriller tells the story of Raskolnikov, a desperate and impoverished student who believes he is beyond the moral law and commits a murder. The novel tracks his mental anguish and moral dilemmas.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into deep philosophical questions about morality, guilt, and redemption.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of the human psyche and the struggles between right and wrong, providing rich material for reflection.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy psychological depth and moral complexity in their stories.

• Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Epic
  • Synopsis: This sprawling epic covers the lives of several characters in early 19th-century France, focusing on the ex-convict Jean Valjean who struggles to escape his past and become a force for good in the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its vast scope, intricate plotlines, and historical depth present a significant challenge to readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich historical context and enduring themes of justice, redemption, and human struggle.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate historical narratives and stories of personal transformation.

• Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: The novel depicts a dystopian United States in which private businesses suffer under increasingly burdensome laws and regulations. Dagny Taggart and Hank Rearden struggle to keep their businesses alive as society crumbles around them.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex philosophical inquiries into the role of individualism and government in society.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think critically about economics, governance, and personal responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in philosophy, economics, and political theory.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of audiobooks and you're around 14 years old, you're in for an exciting journey. Audiobooks are a fantastic way to enjoy literature and can help you develop some great reading habits. Here are a few exercises tailored just for you to get the most out of your audiobook experiences:

• Set Listening Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend listening to audiobooks each week.
  • How it helps: Helps manage time and ensures consistent engagement with books.
  • Tips: Start with manageable goals, like 15 minutes a day, and gradually increase.

• Listen and Follow Along
  • What it is: Listen to the audiobook while following along with a physical or digital copy of the book.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the text.
  • Tips: Highlight or note important passages as you follow along.

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after listening.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and recall of key events and themes.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and revisit them before starting the next chapter.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Start a book discussion group with friends who are also listening to or reading the same book.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: Try to bring up different perspectives or questions in each meeting.

• Audio Review Recording
  • What it is: Record your own audio reviews or thoughts about the book after finishing it.
  • How it helps: Develops articulation and helps consolidate your opinions and thoughts on the book.
  • Tips: Keep your recordings in a personal archive to track how your thoughts evolve over time.

These exercises aren't just about improving your listening skills; they're about enriching your overall experience with books. By setting goals, engaging actively, and sharing your thoughts, you'll not only enjoy your audiobooks more but also boost your comprehension and critical thinking skills. Give them a try and see how much more you can get out of your next audiobook!