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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your teen? Finding the right book that captivates and engages can be a challenge, but don't worry! Our curated list of popular books for 14-year-olds is packed with titles that are sure to intrigue and inspire young readers. Whether your teen is a voracious reader or just getting started, there's something here for everyone. Keep reading to discover our top picks for popular books for 14-year-olds and find the perfect match for your young reader’s next adventure!

Fun Popular 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 on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about magic.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gateway to the magical world that also teaches values like friendship, courage, and loyalty. The imaginative setting and exciting plot make it a fun read.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic and adventure, and anyone new to the fantasy genre.

• 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 survival contest. Katniss must rely on her sharp instincts and impressive archery skills to survive.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's thrilling and fast-paced, which keeps readers engaged. It also explores themes of survival, authoritarianism, and media influence.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy action-packed narratives and exploring complex social issues through fiction.

• 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 Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun, adventure, and education about Greek mythology in a modern setting, making it engaging and informative.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love thrilling adventures and learning about mythology.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The story, set in the Depression-era South, follows young Scout Finch and her brother, Jem, as they navigate their understanding of good and evil in their community when their father, lawyer Atticus Finch, defends a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles profound themes of racial injustice and moral growth. A powerful read that encourages critical thinking about ethics and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and social justice.

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic
  • Synopsis: The book tells the story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who goes to a mainstream school for the first time and strives to be treated as an ordinary kid.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes understanding and kindness, and is a heartwarming story that shows the importance of accepting everyone for who they are.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories about friendship and overcoming challenges.

• Holes by Louis Sachar
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center where boys are forced to dig holes every day. He realizes they might be looking for more than just dirt as he digs up the truth about his family's curse.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of adventure and mystery with a multi-layered plot that's both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy stories that are both fun and meaningful, with a mix of humor and mystery.

Educational Popular Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect community without suffering, choice, or difference, a young boy named Jonas is selected to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, understanding of societal structures
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex themes of freedom, choice, and the importance of memory, encouraging readers to question conformity and the meaning of happiness.
  • Perfect for: Young adults interested in thought-provoking narratives about society and individuality.

• A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this novel follows two characters: Nya, a girl from Sudan in 2008 who walks a great distance to fetch water daily, and Salva, a Sudanese boy whose life is disrupted by war in 1985, leading him on a treacherous journey to safety.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of global issues, empathy, historical context of Sudanese conflicts
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful dual narrative that highlights resilience, survival, and the impact of humanitarian efforts.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in real-world issues and inspirational stories of courage.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This is the true story of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from famine, transforming the lives of those around him.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Innovation, problem-solving, environmental science
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of ingenuity and determination, showing how creativity can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and anyone interested in stories about how technology can change lives.

• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-Age, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing who and what she will become in a series of vignettes about her family, neighborhood, and secret dreams.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, poetic writing styles, identity exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a vivid portrait of the Hispanic American experience, delivered through beautifully crafted prose and powerful themes of personal identity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate lyrical writing and stories that explore cultural and personal identity.

• Hidden Figures: Young Readers' Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book reveals the untold story of the black women mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA during the space race.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, mathematical concepts, racial and gender equality
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights significant yet often overlooked contributions to science and technology, inspiring discussions on race, gender, and achieving against the odds.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and historians, and anyone interested in stories of unsung heroes in American history.

Challenging Popular Books for 14-Year-Olds

• 1984 by George Orwell
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Political Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a totalitarian future, Winston Smith wrestles with oppression in a world where independent thinking is a crime and Big Brother watches everyone.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex themes of surveillance, totalitarianism, and the manipulation of truth are advanced topics that provoke deep thought.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a critical examination of power and corruption that encourages readers to think about personal and political freedoms.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in politics and social studies, and those who enjoy deep, thought-provoking narratives.

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a futuristic society where people are genetically engineered, indoctrinated into a rigid caste system, and pacified by a soothing drug, one man struggles to break free.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its intricate exploration of themes such as technology, control, and happiness requires mature understanding and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: Offers a profound critique of the pursuit of perfection and control through technology, which is highly relevant today.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by science fiction and ethical questions about the future of humanity.

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Crime Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Raskolnikov, a desperate and impoverished student, who believes he is superior and capable of committing crimes for a greater good. After murdering a pawnbroker, he faces a moral dilemma.
  • Why this book is challenging: The psychological depth and moral complexity of the protagonist's journey make this a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves into the struggles of morality, guilt, and redemption, providing a deep psychological and philosophical analysis.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy complex characters and themes of moral introspection.

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
  • Genre(s): Gothic Novel, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment, explores themes of ambition, humanity, and remorse.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sophisticated language and deep philosophical questions posed about creation and responsibility make it a challenging read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a foundational science fiction novel that also serves as a profound exploration of ethical and moral questions.
  • Perfect for: Students interested in literature that combines science with ethical inquiries and complex narrative techniques.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic Novel, Romance
  • Synopsis: An orphaned girl grows up to become a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the mysterious Mr. Rochester and discovers the dark secrets of his past.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its use of intricate themes, including social criticism and morality, paired with Victorian prose, demands attentive reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel provides a strong female protagonist and a rich narrative that explores themes of love, independence, and morality.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate strong character development and a blend of romance with gothic elements.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 14 and diving into some popular books, you might be looking for ways to enhance your reading experience and make the most out of every page. Here are a few exercises designed to help you develop strong reading habits that will not only improve your understanding but also make reading more enjoyable. Let’s dive in!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your life.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• 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.
  • 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.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to different perspectives.
  • Tips: Choose a club that reads books you’re interested in.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and focus on the main points.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you're reading with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and makes reading a shared experience.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology to track and manage your reading habits.
  • How it helps: Provides tools to organize your reading list and keep notes.
  • Tips: Explore apps that offer features like reminders and progress tracking.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read books out loud to yourself or to others.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match the narrative to make it more fun.

Remember, the key to developing good reading habits is consistency and enjoyment. Try these exercises to find what works best for you, and don't be afraid to mix it up to keep your reading time exciting. Happy reading!