10+ Best Books for 14-Year-Old Girls w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect books for 14-year-old girls? Whether she’s into thrilling adventures, heartwarming tales, or stories that challenge the mind, finding the right book can be a game changer. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to discover our curated lists of books that are sure to captivate and inspire any young reader.

Fun Books for 14-Year-Old Girls

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a dystopian future, 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to replace her sister in the Hunger Games, a televised competition where participants must fight to the death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling page-turner that also explores themes of survival, tyranny, and resistance. It encourages critical thinking about authority and personal ethics.
  • Perfect for: Fans of action-packed stories and readers interested in strong female protagonists.

• To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The life of Lara Jean Song Covey, a high-school junior, spirals out of control when the private letters she wrote to her crushes are mysteriously mailed to them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sweet and light-hearted read that captures the complexities of young love and family dynamics. It also emphasizes the importance of honesty and bravery in personal relationships.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy heartfelt romantic comedies and stories about high school life.

• Cinder by Marissa Meyer
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This futuristic retelling of the Cinderella story features Cinder, a cyborg mechanic, who becomes entangled in a struggle against an oppressive government and a deadly plague.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fairy tale elements with a strong sci-fi twist, offering a fresh and exciting narrative. It also highlights themes of identity, prejudice, and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love retellings of classic stories with a modern, technological twist.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: August Pullman, born with facial differences that have prevented him from attending a mainstream school, starts fifth grade at a new school and wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy, courage, and the importance of acceptance. The story is touching and helps readers understand different perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories about overcoming challenges and the importance of kindness.

• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  • Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old cancer patient, meets and falls in love with Gus Waters, a similarly afflicted teen from her cancer support group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant and thoughtful exploration of life, love, and mortality. It encourages readers to appreciate the beauty and tragedy of human experience.
  • Perfect for: Teens who are looking for a deep, emotional story that deals with real-life issues.

Educational Books for 14-Year-Old Girls

• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This series of vignettes follows Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, as she navigates the challenges of adolescence and dreams of a different future.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, creative writing
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant and powerful glimpse into the struggles and aspirations of a young girl in a Hispanic community. The book’s beautiful, poetic style also enhances literary appreciation.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in culturally rich narratives and character-driven stories.

• I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This is the memoir of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban. The book details her fight for education for girls and her journey to becoming the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of global issues, advocacy, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of courage and determination against overwhelming odds. Malala's advocacy for girls' education is both enlightening and motivating.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are inspired by real-life heroes and those interested in activism and human rights.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Historical
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is accidentally sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, vocabulary, understanding of historical contexts
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and misadventures teach valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the power of imagination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and stories about youthful exuberance and self-discovery.

• Hidden Figures: Young Readers' Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book reveals the untold story of the African American women mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mathematical concepts, racial and gender equality
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling look at the contributions of these brilliant women, highlighting how they overcame great social and professional obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science, history, and inspiring stories of overcoming adversity.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War-era America.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical and social issues, character development, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of love, duty, and ambition through the detailed and diverse aspirations of each sister, offering readers a chance to reflect on their own life choices and family relationships.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate stories of sisterhood and personal growth.

Challenging Books for 14-Year-Old Girls

• Middlemarch by George Eliot
  • Genre(s): Classic, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is set in a fictitious English town in the 1830s and explores the lives of several inhabitants, focusing on themes such as marriage, idealism, self-interest, religion, and politics.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is dense with intricate plots and a wide range of characters, requiring readers to engage with complex themes and historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into Victorian society and the human psyche, providing rich insights and a multifaceted view of life's complexities.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy detailed character studies and exploring socio-political themes in literature.

• The Secret History by Donna Tartt
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows a group of elite college students who are under the influence of their charismatic classics professor, leading to a spiral of tragic events.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features sophisticated themes of moral ambiguity, aestheticism, and the consequences of intellectual elitism, wrapped in rich, elaborate prose.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides a gripping narrative that challenges moral perceptions and offers a dark, thought-provoking look at the consequences of intellectual isolation.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in a blend of suspense, philosophy, and the dark academia aesthetic.

• Beloved by Toni Morrison
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: Set after the American Civil War, this novel follows a former slave who is haunted by the ghost of her dead child.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses nonlinear storytelling and stream-of-consciousness narration to explore complex themes such as trauma, identity, and freedom.
  • Why we recommend this book: Morrison's poetic prose and the profound emotional depth of the story offer a powerful examination of history and humanity.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking to deepen their understanding of American history and the enduring impacts of slavery.

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Psychological Fiction, Crime
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student who convinces himself that he is above the law and can commit a crime to improve his fortunes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The deep philosophical dialogues and the psychological depth require careful reading and contemplation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of morality, guilt, and redemption, offering readers a deep dive into the struggles of the human condition.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in psychological depth and moral philosophy in their reading choices.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance, Bildungsroman
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the experiences of its eponymous heroine, including her growth to adulthood and her love for Mr. Rochester, the brooding master of Thornfield Hall.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex narrative treats themes of social criticism, the morality of the Victorian era, and the struggles of an individual against societal norms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines rich language with intricate emotional and moral development, offering a compelling narrative and a strong, independent female protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a strong narrative voice and themes of personal growth and romantic tension.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're a 14-year-old girl or know someone who is, developing good reading habits can be both fun and rewarding. Here are some simple exercises designed to boost your reading skills and make your reading experience even more enjoyable. Let’s dive in!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books or pages to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and motivated to read regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special, comfortable spot just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances your reading experience by making it cozy and inviting.
  • Tips: Add comfy seating, good lighting, and keep your favorite books close.

• Read with Friends
  • What it is: Form a book club or read the same book as a friend.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a social activity and allows for sharing ideas.
  • Tips: Schedule regular discussions to talk about the book’s themes and characters.

• Explore Different Genres
  • What it is: Actively choose books from different literary genres.
  • How it helps: Broadens your understanding and appreciation of literature.
  • Tips: Rotate genres each month to keep things interesting and diverse.

• Use Technology
  • What it is: Utilize e-readers, audiobooks, or reading apps.
  • How it helps: Provides different ways to enjoy books and can be convenient.
  • Tips: Try out various formats to find what works best for your lifestyle and preference.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Participate in Library Programs
  • What it is: Join reading programs or workshops offered by your local library.
  • How it helps: Connects you with a community of readers and exposes you to new books.
  • Tips: Keep an eye on the library’s calendar for upcoming events and programs.

These exercises are not just about reading more, but about making reading a part of your daily life and enjoying it to the fullest. Try them out, mix them up, and find what really gets you hooked on books. Happy reading!