10+ Best Books for 17-Year-Old Girls w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for a 17-year-old girl in your life, or maybe you're looking for a new adventure yourself? Finding the right book can be a game-changer at this exciting age. Our curated list of books for 17-year-old girls is packed with stories that resonate, inspire, and entertain. Whether she’s into magical escapades, heart-tugging dramas, or tales that twist reality, there’s something here that will catch her eye. Keep reading to dive into our diverse selections and find that perfect page-turner!

Fun Books for 17-Year-Old Girls

• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: The story follows Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old cancer patient who reluctantly attends a support group where she meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters, a former basketball player and amputee.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines humor and tragedy, encouraging readers to reflect on life's fragility and the importance of connection.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a touching, thought-provoking read about love and life.

• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the exhilaration of first love and the power of a beautifully written, heartfelt story.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy sweet, nostalgic love stories with realistic characters.

• To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Lara Jean Song Covey, a high school junior who writes letters to boys she feels an intense emotion for, storing them in her closet. Her life spirals out of control when the letters are accidentally sent out.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming and lighthearted read that explores young love and the complexities of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who loves romantic comedies and stories about family and sisterhood.

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: The book follows Starr Carter, a 16-year-old who navigates between the poor, mostly black neighborhood where she lives and the affluent, mostly white prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend by a police officer.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful and necessary perspective on race, activism, and the need for empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in current social issues and those looking for a story that encourages deep reflection and conversation.

• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
  • Synopsis: Cath Avery arrives at college only to struggle with living apart from her twin sister, dealing with her social anxiety, and determining her own identity without her family. Throughout, she escapes by writing fan fiction about a popular fantasy series.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and relatable story about growing up and finding your own voice.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who love fan fiction, are starting college, or are dealing with changes in their personal relationships.

Educational Books for 17-Year-Old Girls

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts Tara Westover's journey from growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho with no formal education to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. It explores the struggle for self-invention and the power of education to change one's life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of educational disparities, self-awareness, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling testament to the thirst for knowledge and the fight for personal independence.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in inspirational stories of overcoming adversity through education.

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of medical ethics, history of science, racial issues
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep and personal look at the intersection of ethics, race, and medicine.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in science and medical history, as well as readers who appreciate stories about unsung heroes.

• I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Biography, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: Malala Yousafzai recounts her experience advocating for girls' education in her Taliban-controlled home in Pakistan and the violent consequences she suffered for her activism.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of global education issues, resilience, activism
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of courage and a young girl's determination to support education against daunting odds.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in human rights and stories of young activists.

• Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Genre(s): History, Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This book highlights the contributions of African American women mathematicians at NASA, such as Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan, who played crucial roles in America's space missions despite facing racial and gender discrimination.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of racial and gender equality, mathematical appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It sheds light on the significant yet often overlooked achievements of these brilliant women.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love STEM subjects and stories that combine history with inspiring breakthroughs in equality and science.

• We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
  • Genre(s): Essay, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: Based on her TEDx talk, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers a unique definition of feminism for the 21st century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of feminism, social equality, persuasive writing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a concise yet powerful essay that addresses the importance of understanding and advocating for feminism today.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking to deepen their understanding of modern feminism and its impact on daily life.

Challenging Books for 17-Year-Old Girls

• Middlemarch by George Eliot
  • Genre(s): Classic, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a fictitious English Midlands town in the 1830s, this novel explores the complex web of relationships and social change through the lives of several inhabitants, focusing on the idealistic Dorothea Brooke.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's intricate plot and extensive cast of characters demand close reading and comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights into personal and social life that remain relevant today, encouraging readers to think critically about societal norms and personal ethics.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex narratives and exploring historical and philosophical themes.

• The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Satire
  • Synopsis: In Soviet Moscow, the Devil arrives with his retinue to wreak havoc. Parallel to this, the story of Pontius Pilate, and a writer known as the Master and his lover Margarita, unfolds.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its layered narrative, blending fantasy with harsh realities and complex philosophical themes, makes it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: The novel’s rich use of allegory and satire provides a unique way to reflect on good and evil, freedom, and the human spirit.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in deep, allegorical literature and readers who appreciate a blend of fantasy with philosophical questioning.

• Beloved by Toni Morrison
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of Sethe, an escaped slave who is haunted by the ghost of her dead daughter.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with heavy themes such as the psychological impacts of slavery and uses a non-linear narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a powerful examination of the enduring traumas of slavery and the struggle for identity, offering profound emotional and historical insights.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a deep, emotionally engaging story that challenges historical narratives.

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This epic novel chronicles the French invasion of Russia and the impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society through the eyes of five aristocratic families.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its sheer length, historical depth, and philosophical digressions present a considerable challenge to readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a sweeping view of life during a tumultuous period, with intricate character development and profound philosophical insights.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate historical detail and are looking for a challenging read that combines history with deep philosophical questions.

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Satire
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternate reality, the novel explores a variety of characters, including those at an elite tennis academy and a nearby substance-abuse recovery center, tied together by the pursuit of a mysterious and addictive film.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its nonlinear narrative, extensive footnotes, and dense prose require significant intellectual engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a deep dive into themes of addiction, entertainment, and the pursuit of happiness, challenging readers to question their own relationships with these concepts.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a complex, thought-provoking novel that blends humor with deep existential questions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're a 17-year-old girl looking to develop some stellar reading habits, you're in the right place. Below, I've put together a few exercises that are not only fun but will also help you get the most out of your reading experiences. Whether you're reading for pleasure, school, or just to learn something new, these exercises can make your reading sessions more effective and enjoyable.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read in a month or year.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and focused on a reading routine.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
  • How it helps: Exposes you to diverse perspectives and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: If you can't find a local club, look for virtual clubs online.

• Read Broadly
  • What it is: Make a conscious effort to read books from various genres and authors.
  • How it helps: Broadens your understanding and appreciation of different narratives and styles.
  • Tips: Challenge yourself with a book outside your comfort zone every now and then.

• Use Technology to Your Advantage
  • What it is: Utilize apps and devices that can enhance your reading experience.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more accessible and convenient, especially on-the-go.
  • Tips: Try audiobooks and e-readers to see what works best for you.

• Reflect on What You Read
  • What it is: Take some time after reading to think about the themes, characters, and plot.
  • How it helps: Improves memory retention and critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Write down your reflections or discuss them with friends.

• Read Before Bed
  • What it is: Make reading a part of your nighttime routine.
  • How it helps: Helps you unwind and improve sleep quality.
  • Tips: Choose lighter reading material at night to relax your mind.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can transform the way you read and interact with books. Not only will they help you develop strong reading habits, but they'll also make your reading time something to look forward to. So, grab a book, find a cozy corner, and start exploring the wonderful world of reading today!