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

Are you on the hunt for the next great read for your teen? Dive into the world of "Booktok Books for 14-Year-Olds," where the latest and most talked-about titles are taking TikTok by storm! Whether your young reader is looking for adventure, mystery, or a touch of magic, these books come highly recommended by the vibrant Booktok community. Keep reading to discover various lists of must-read Booktok books that are perfect for 14-year-olds, and get ready to add some exciting new titles to their reading list!

Fun Booktok Books for 14-Year-Olds

• A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around high school student Pippa Fitz-Amobi who decides to solve a closed murder case for her final year project. She discovers that things in her small town are not as clear as they seem.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, fast-paced mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end. It encourages critical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love solving puzzles and fans of crime dramas.

• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: A convict, a sharpshooter, a runaway, a spy, a Heartrender, and a thief embark on a deadly heist that could make them rich beyond their wildest dreams, if they survive.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a cast of diverse, complex characters and a thrilling, high-stakes plot. It’s great for fostering imagination and teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantasy worlds and ensemble casts with intricate backstories.

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Young Adult, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: Starr Carter navigates two worlds: her poor neighborhood and her fancy suburban prep school. Her life is shattered when she witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses crucial social issues like racism and police violence with authenticity and empathy, encouraging awareness and dialogue.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in understanding more about social justice and current events.

• One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Five students walk into detention, but only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a twisty mystery that also explores the pressures of high school life and the importance of integrity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy suspenseful stories and exploring complex character dynamics.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Young Adult, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: August Pullman, born with facial differences that prevented him from going to 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 promotes empathy, kindness, and acceptance, and is a heartwarming read that can impact one’s view on people and the world.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who are navigating school dynamics and learning about kindness and acceptance of differences.

Educational Booktok Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This is the story of William Kamkwamba, a boy from Malawi who builds a wind turbine to save his village from drought and famine by teaching himself from books he finds in a library.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science, engineering, resilience, and resourcefulness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring true story that shows how innovation and determination can change communities. It also highlights the importance of education and sustainability.
  • Perfect for: Young innovators and anyone interested in stories of extraordinary achievements against all odds.

• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The novel is a collection of vignettes from the life of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, discovering her personal and cultural identity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, literary analysis, creative writing
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful and poetic look into the struggles of growing up between two cultures, and it's written in a unique and accessible style that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens exploring their own identity and those interested in literary styles and cultural narratives.

• Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book unveils the untold true story of African-American women mathematicians at NASA who played a crucial role in America's space program.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: History, mathematics, civil rights knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights significant yet previously unrecognized contributions to science and technology, promoting equality and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Students interested in history, space exploration, and stories of overcoming adversity.

• I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Inspirational, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: Malala Yousafzai tells her story of standing up for education rights in her Taliban-controlled home in Pakistan and how she survived an assassination attempt at just fifteen years old.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of global issues, advocacy, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful testimony to the strength of the human spirit and the fight for education. Malala's story is inspiring and eye-opening, especially for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young activists and anyone interested in human rights and education.

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old with autism, as he investigates the mysterious death of a neighborhood dog and uncovers secrets about his own family.
  • Skills and subjects this of book improves: Empathy, logic, understanding of autism
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective through the eyes of an autistic protagonist, combining a compelling mystery with insights into different ways of thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in mystery and exploring diverse perspectives and neurological diversity.

Challenging Booktok Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy, LGBT
  • Synopsis: This novel is a retelling of the Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled young prince who becomes the beloved companion of Achilles. Their relationship is tested by the horrors of the Trojan War and the will of the gods.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex themes of love, fate, and glory intertwined with dense mythological references and an elevated prose style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound narrative that deepens understanding of Greek mythology and explores timeless themes of love and destiny.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy mythology, epic tales, and exploring deep emotional and philosophical questions.

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Science Fiction, Horror
  • Synopsis: This classic novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book employs intricate language and explores complex themes such as the ramifications of playing God, the limits of scientific exploration, and the ethics of creation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a foundational work of science fiction and horror that provokes thought about innovation, responsibility, and human values.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in classic literature and the ethical questions surrounding science and technology.

• 1984 by George Orwell
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Political Fiction, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel is set in a dystopian future where society is ruled by a totalitarian government led by the Party and its leader, Big Brother. It follows Winston Smith, who begins to question the Party's oppressive rules and undergoes dangerous thoughts of rebellion.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex political and social commentary, a sophisticated vocabulary, and a deep exploration of themes like surveillance, truth, and freedom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides critical insights into the mechanisms of totalitarianism and the importance of personal and political freedom.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in politics, history, and the implications of government control.

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Fiction, Crime, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel focuses on the mental anguish and moral dilemmas of Rodion Raskolnikov, a poor ex-student in St. Petersburg who formulates and executes a plan to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker for her money.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves deeply into psychology, ethics, and morality with dense and reflective prose, exploring complex emotions and philosophical questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound study of the human condition, guilt, and the search for redemption that encourages deep thinking and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate psychological depth and moral complexities in their reading material.

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a seemingly perfect global society where happiness is maintained through genetic engineering and mind-altering substances, the book explores the cost of state-controlled happiness as it follows the lives of individuals who start to question the system.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a richly imagined future world, replete with innovative technological vocabularies and complex themes concerning freedom, happiness, and societal control.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the role of technology in our lives and the balance between individuality and societal harmony.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful teens interested in science fiction and exploring the implications of future technologies on human society.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of BookTok books, especially curated for 14-year-olds, developing good reading habits can really enhance your experience. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help you get the most out of your reading adventures. Let's make your reading time even more enjoyable and productive!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books or pages you want to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a consistent habit.
  • 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 for reading.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and enhances your focus on reading.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Join or Start a Book Club
  • What it is: Gather a group of friends who read the same book and discuss it regularly.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and enhances understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: Use social media or school platforms to organize and schedule your book club meetings.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize an app to track your reading habits and discover new books.
  • How it helps: Keeps your reading list organized and easily accessible.
  • Tips: Explore apps like Goodreads or Libby for tracking and recommendations.

• Read Aloud or Listen to Audiobooks
  • What it is: Alternate between reading the text and listening to the audiobook version.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and comprehension, and can make reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Try listening to an audiobook during activities like commuting or cleaning.

• Take Breaks and Reflect
  • What it is: Pause your reading to think about the story and characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances retention and deepens understanding.
  • Tips: Jot down your thoughts or discuss them with a friend to clarify your reflections.

• Participate in Reading Challenges
  • What it is: Join challenges that encourage reading books with different themes or genres.
  • How it helps: Broadens your exposure to diverse literature and keeps reading exciting.
  • Tips: Look for challenges on BookTok or library websites.

These exercises are designed to make your reading experience more engaging and fulfilling. Whether you're exploring fantastical worlds, untangling mysteries, or experiencing historical adventures, developing good reading habits will help you get the most out of every page. Happy reading!