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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect English books for 14-year-olds that will keep them hooked and help expand their horizons? You've come to the right place! Whether your teen is a voracious reader or just getting into the habit, finding the right book can be a game-changer. Keep reading as we dive into various lists of English books that are sure to captivate and inspire young readers at this pivotal age.

Fun English Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the beloved Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns that he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here, he makes friends and enemies and uncovers a dark mystery tied to his past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical entry into the world of reading, filled with adventure, friendship, and the timeless battle between good and evil. It captures the imagination and encourages a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mystery, and epic adventures.

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a dystopian future, teenager Katniss Everdeen volunteers to fight in the annual Hunger Games—a televised death match. The book explores themes of survival, societal structures, and resistance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It hooks readers with intense action and complex emotional dilemmas, making it hard to put down. It also prompts reflection on issues like power, inequality, and personal integrity.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy thrilling, fast-paced narratives and strong female protagonists.

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods like him. He soon embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods by finding the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastic blend of modern adventure and ancient mythology, making it both educational and extremely entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced stories and learning about Greek mythology.

• 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. Stanley uncovers the history of the camp and solves a mystery from his own family's past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with a unique narrative structure that challenges and engages readers, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that are both humorous and thought-provoking.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic
  • Synopsis: The story follows August Pullman, a boy born with facial differences, as he attends a mainstream school for the first time. It explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and the importance of accepting others, providing young readers with valuable life lessons in an engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about overcoming challenges and the importance of kindness.

Educational English Books for 14-Year-Olds

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Set in the racially charged South of the 1930s, the novel follows young Scout Finch and her brother, Jem, as they witness their father, attorney Atticus Finch, struggle against racial prejudice to defend a black man wrongly accused of rape.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding historical context, ethical reasoning, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that tackles complex themes such as racial injustice and moral growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in American history and exploring deep ethical and social issues.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This story follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in the fictional town of Avonlea.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary expansion, creative thinking, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's vibrant personality and her journey from childhood to maturity offer delightful experiences alongside meaningful life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of humor and poignancy.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly utopian society devoid of suffering, a boy named Jonas is selected to be the Receiver of Memories, and he uncovers the dark truths about his community's existence.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, comprehension of complex concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents a thought-provoking exploration of freedom, conformity, and the importance of human emotions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to question and think deeply about the world around them.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey across dimensions to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific concepts, problem-solving, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science and fantasy to challenge the imagination and inspire courage and determination.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by science and adventure, and those who love stories about the battle between good and evil.

• Lord of the Flies by William Golding
  • Genre(s): Allegory, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A group of British boys are stranded on an uninhabited island and their attempt to govern themselves soon descends into chaos.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of human nature, social order, leadership dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling examination of civilization versus savagery and the inherent evil present in all humans.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in psychology and social structures, and those who appreciate intense, thought-provoking narratives.

Challenging English Books for 14-Year-Olds

• 1984 by George Orwell
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Political Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel presents a chilling depiction of life under a totalitarian regime that watches over every aspect of a person's life, emphasizing the perils of government overreach and totalitarianism.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex political and social concepts, coupled with Orwell's rich, allegorical language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound, thought-provoking read that encourages critical thinking about surveillance, freedom, and personal autonomy.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in politics and societal structures, and those who enjoy deep, reflective narratives.

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel explores a futuristic society that is seemingly perfect and free of pain, achieved through technological advancements, but at the cost of personal freedom and emotional depth.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses complex language and introduces mature themes about technology, control, and the loss of individuality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a critical look at the potential consequences of our reliance on technology and challenges the reader to think about the balance between comfort and freedom.
  • Perfect for: Those fascinated by science fiction and ethical dilemmas, and readers who appreciate stories that question the status quo.

• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: In a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found, one fireman begins to question his role in enforcing societal norms.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of censorship, the role of government, and the power of literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the importance of critical thinking and resistance in the face of conformity and censorship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are passionate about literature and freedom of expression, and those who enjoy a strong critique of societal norms.

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Psychological Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This intense psychological thriller follows a young man, Raskolnikov, who believes he is superior and above the law but struggles with guilt and paranoia after committing a crime.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves deep into complex themes of morality, guilt, and redemption, with dense and introspective narrative passages.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping exploration of the human psyche and moral dilemmas, encouraging readers to ponder deep ethical questions.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in psychology and philosophy, and readers who appreciate deep, character-driven stories.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl, Jane Eyre, grows up facing adversity, later becoming a governess and falling in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester, only to discover his dark secret.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate thematic content on social criticism, morality, and the struggles of adhering to personal convictions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a strong, resilient female protagonist and a rich narrative that explores themes of love, independence, and morality.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex characters and themes of self-discovery and romance.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 14 and looking to dive into the world of English books, you're in for an adventure. To make the most of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to help you develop strong reading habits. These will not only improve your comprehension but also make reading more enjoyable.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many pages or chapters you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and build a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances your concentration.
  • 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: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to contribute to discussions to get the most out of the experience.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize an app that tracks reading progress and suggests books.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated with achievements and recommendations.
  • Tips: Set aside time to update your progress after each reading session.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Practice reading books out loud to yourself or others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps retain information.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the characters as you read.

• Summarize What You Read
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter or book after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and memory of the content.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and revisit them before starting new chapters.

These exercises are great stepping stones to becoming an avid reader. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to incorporate these practices into your daily routine. Happy reading!