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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will uplift and inspire your 14-year-old? Finding the right book can be a game-changer, especially at such a formative age. Our curated list of inspirational books for 14-year-olds is packed with stories that ignite curiosity, foster growth, and encourage resilience. Whether your teen is a voracious reader or just getting started, these books are sure to spark a love for reading and inspire them to dream big. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Inspirational Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends a mainstream elementary school for the first time. Through his experiences, the book explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and the challenges of being different.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that promotes empathy and understanding, showing the importance of accepting everyone for who they are.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories and those looking to understand and celebrate differences in others.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a boy named Jonas living in a seemingly perfect world devoid of suffering, where he is chosen to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories. He learns the dark secrets that underpin his community's existence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the importance of emotions, memories, and individuality in a conformist society.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in thought-provoking stories and exploring complex themes about society and humanity.

• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Survival
  • Synopsis: After a plane crash, thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson must survive alone in the Canadian wilderness with only his wits and a hatchet his mother gave him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting survival story that also deals with growing up and learning to overcome immense challenges through resilience and resourcefulness.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous spirits and those who enjoy tales of survival against the odds.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Harry Potter learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his past and his destiny.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world of imagination and adventure, encouraging readers to believe in the power of friendship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who loves magical adventures and rooting for the underdog.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to a camp for demigods like him. He 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 thrilling mix of adventure and Greek mythology, presented in a way that's accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mythology, adventure seekers, and anyone who enjoys fast-paced, action-packed stories.

Educational Inspirational 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, lawyer Atticus Finch, strive to prove the innocence of a black man unjustly accused of rape.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical reasoning, empathy, historical context of racial issues, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that addresses profound themes of racial injustice and moral growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in American history, social justice, and powerful storytelling.

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Classic, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This story follows 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: Vocabulary development, understanding of human relationships, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: Anne's adventures and mishaps, as well as her growth and acceptance in Avonlea, make for a heartwarming read that celebrates individuality and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Those who love character-driven stories and exploring themes of belonging and identity.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Narrated by Death, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young German girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others during the horrors of World War II.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empathy, critical thinking, and literary analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust and the power of words and friendship in the darkest times.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, particularly World War II, and those who appreciate innovative narrative styles.

• 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 through space and time to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific concepts, problem-solving, understanding of good versus evil
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction with a compelling adventure story, promoting courage and the importance of fighting against darkness.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy science fiction and fantasy with strong, relatable characters and complex themes.

• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the conflicts between two rival groups, the Greasers and the Socs, through the eyes of Ponyboy Curtis, a young Greaser who struggles to find his place in a world filled with violence and social tensions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social awareness, empathy, literary analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful look at the struggles of youth and class disparity, encouraging readers to look beyond outward appearances and find common ground.
  • Perfect for: Teens navigating their own social environments and anyone interested in stories that explore social and personal conflicts.

Challenging Inspirational Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Moby Dick by Herman Melville
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: This epic tale details the voyage of the whaling ship Pequod, led by the vengeful Captain Ahab, who is obsessed with hunting the giant white whale, Moby Dick.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is complex and interspersed with philosophical and scientific digressions, demanding a high level of comprehension and patience from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of themes such as obsession, revenge, and the human condition, offering rich insights and a timeless narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep, thought-provoking literature and classic tales of adventure and conflict.

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Psychological Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the mental anguish and moral dilemmas of Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished ex-student in Saint Petersburg who formulates a plan to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker for her money.
  • Why this book is challenging: The psychological depth and moral complexity of the text require advanced critical thinking and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an intense psychological study of guilt and redemption, encouraging readers to explore complex ethical questions.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in psychology and philosophy, as well as lovers of deep, introspective narratives.

• Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Epic
  • Synopsis: Set in post-revolutionary France, this sweeping epic covers the lives of several characters, but focuses mainly on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's vast scope, intricate plot, and historical references require significant dedication and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful story of justice, revolution, and the human spirit, filled with rich historical detail and complex character development.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate historical contexts and stories that explore the depths of human emotion and resilience.

• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The novel follows a few days in the life of Holden Caulfield, a depressed and disillusioned teenager who has just been expelled from prep school.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's stream-of-consciousness narrative style and its themes of alienation and identity require thoughtful interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of teenage angst and the struggle towards self-identity, resonating with many young readers on a personal level.
  • Perfect for: Young adults navigating their own path to adulthood and those who feel out of step with the world around them.

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This novel presents a futuristic society where humans are genetically engineered, indoctrinated into a rigid caste system, and kept docile by a soothing drug called soma.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's complex themes of control, freedom, and the impact of technology on human behavior offer much for advanced readers to analyze.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking look at a possible future, exploring the costs of a technologically driven peace and the value of individuality.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science fiction and philosophical questions about society and human nature.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some truly inspirational books, you're on a great path to discovering new perspectives and ideas. To get the most out of your reading experience, especially at the age of 14, developing good reading habits can be super helpful. Here are a few exercises that can enhance your reading routine and make those inspirational books even more impactful:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you want to spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and turn reading into 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 as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes your reading time special and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you're reading with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology by using apps that can track your reading progress or suggest new books.
  • How it helps: Keeps you organized and motivated; also provides personalized book recommendations.
  • Tips: Choose apps that allow you to set reminders and track your reading habits.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a book club that focuses on the genres you like.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more regularly and exposes you to different perspectives.
  • Tips: If there aren’t any local clubs, look for virtual ones online.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the books you read but also develop lifelong habits that can benefit your personal and academic growth. Keep turning those pages and let the inspiration flow!