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

Are you on the hunt for sad books for 14-year-olds that capture the complexities of teenage emotions? Finding the right book that resonates can be a powerful experience, whether it's to feel understood or just to enjoy a good, cathartic cry. In this blog, we've rounded up various lists of sad books perfect for young teens. Keep reading to discover which titles might tug at the heartstrings of the 14-year-old in your life.

Fun Sad Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel 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's a touching story that balances the harsh realities of life with the beauty of love and friendship, making it both heartwrenching and uplifting.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a deep emotional connection with characters and an interest in exploring themes of love and mortality.

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The story is about Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, two fifth-graders who create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia, where they rule as king and queen. It explores friendship, imagination, and the experience of loss.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages young readers to use their imagination and confronts them with real-life issues, providing a safe space to explore difficult emotions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and are dealing with or curious about the themes of friendship and loss.

• A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: Conor, a boy dealing with his mother's terminal illness, is visited by a monster who tells him dark and twisted stories. These stories help Conor face the truth about his life and his nightmares.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy elements with the tough realities of loss, blending them in a way that is accessible and profoundly moving for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate dark fantasy and are looking for a way to cope with personal grief or hardship.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the horrors of war and the power of words and friendship to provide comfort in the darkest times.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in history and the impact of war, as well as lovers of strong, impactful storytelling.

• Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After his classmate and crush, Hannah Baker, takes her own life, Clay Jensen discovers a box of tapes recorded by Hannah explaining the thirteen reasons why she decided to commit suicide.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses serious topics like suicide and bullying in a thought-provoking manner, urging readers to think about how they treat others.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in intense, real-life issues and the consequences of human behavior.

Educational Sad Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The novel follows a young boy named Billy and his two coonhounds during the Great Depression in the Ozarks. It explores themes of determination, love, loss, and the bond between a boy and his dogs.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, resilience, understanding of historical settings
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant tale that captures the joy of youthful adventures and the unbearable pain of loss, teaching important life lessons along the way.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who appreciate stories of adventure and emotional growth.

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Epistolary
  • Synopsis: Told through letters to an anonymous friend, this novel shares the introspective observations of a teenager named Charlie as he navigates the complexities of adolescence, including issues of friendship, first love, and mental health.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, emotional expression, critical thinking about social issues
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep, empathetic look into the challenges of growing up, and it's celebrated for its honest portrayal of mental health.
  • Perfect for: Teens who feel like outsiders and those interested in a deeper, introspective look at adolescence.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this story follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis. It's a tale of bravery and friendship in a time of cruelty and fear.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, ethical reasoning, courage in adversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling, sensitive introduction to the horrors of the Holocaust through the eyes of a child, emphasizing the importance of bravery and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of heroism during challenging times.

• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel focuses on the tense relationship between two groups—the Greasers and the Socs—in 1960s Oklahoma. It explores themes of loyalty, violence, and the search for identity among a group of young men on the fringes of society.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social awareness, critical thinking about societal divisions, emotional literacy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful examination of socio-economic divides and the universal quest for belonging, told through compelling characters and dramatic conflicts.
  • Perfect for: Teens grappling with issues of identity, class conflict, and the desire for acceptance.

• Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This poignant novel chronicles the life of Charlie Gordon, a man with an IQ of 68, who undergoes an experimental surgical procedure to increase his intelligence. The story is told through progress reports written by Charlie, capturing his intellectual growth and the emotional ramifications that follow.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical reasoning, understanding of psychological and emotional development, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique exploration of the human condition and the impacts of intelligence on personal identity and interpersonal relationships.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in psychological depth and ethical dilemmas in a scientifically imagined scenario.

Challenging Sad Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: This sweeping novel set in 19th-century France explores the lives and interactions of several characters, primarily focusing on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's length, complex characters, and intricate plot, along with its exploration of deep moral and legal issues, make it a challenging read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound narrative that not only tells a compelling story but also delves into themes of justice, morality, and human rights, providing readers with much to ponder about personal and societal values.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical narratives and are looking for a deep, thought-provoking story.

• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
  • Genre(s): Autobiographical Novel, Psychological Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel follows Esther Greenwood, a young woman who wins an internship at a magazine in New York City, but instead of enjoying her time, she spirals into mental illness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of mental health, identity, and societal expectations, which are presented in an intensely personal and poignant narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a deep insight into the struggles of mental health and the pressures of societal expectations, making it a meaningful read for those interested in psychology and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Teens dealing with or interested in mental health issues and those who appreciate introspective and emotional narratives.

• Night by Elie Wiesel
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Historical Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This memoir describes the author's survival through several concentration camps during the Holocaust when he was a teenager.
  • Why this book is challenging: The harrowing descriptions of the Holocaust and the profound questions it raises about humanity and survival make this a demanding but essential read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a crucial work for understanding the depths of human cruelty and the resilience of the human spirit. It also serves as an important reminder of the horrors of genocide.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, particularly the Holocaust, and those looking to understand more about human rights and resilience.

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic Fiction, Tragedy
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the intense and tragic relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an orphan taken in by Catherine's father, set against the moody backdrop of the Yorkshire moors.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its complex narrative structure, intricate themes of passion, revenge, and the supernatural, and the morally ambiguous characters challenge readers to think critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into dark themes of human nature, and its rich, poetic prose provides a rewarding experience for those who appreciate literary depth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy dark, romantic tales and exploring complex emotional and ethical dilemmas.

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Psychological Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the young student Raskolnikov who, driven by desperation and moral reasoning, commits a murder and then grapples with guilt, justice, and redemption.
  • Why this book is challenging: The psychological depth and philosophical undertones exploring morality, free will, and the nature of suffering make this a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound psychological exploration that challenges readers to consider deep questions about morality and human nature, making it a stimulating and enriching read.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in psychology, philosophy, and deep moral questions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading sad books can be a profound experience, especially for 14-year-olds as they navigate complex emotions. To make the most out of these stories, here are some exercises that can help develop strong reading habits and deepen understanding:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps in completing books.
  • Tips: Keep goals realistic and adjust as needed to keep reading enjoyable.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and offers diverse perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to bring up different themes or characters in each discussion to keep it engaging.

• Reflect on Emotions
  • What it is: Take time to reflect on how the book makes you feel.
  • How it helps: Helps process complex emotions and relate personally to the story.
  • Tips: Write down your feelings or discuss them with someone to better understand your reactions.

• Create a Book Playlist
  • What it is: Compile a playlist of songs that match the mood or themes of the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens the reading experience and helps connect with the book on a different sensory level.
  • Tips: Listen to the playlist while reading or reflecting on the book to enhance immersion.

• Draw or Journal Themes
  • What it is: Create drawings or journal entries based on themes or scenes from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages creative expression and helps solidify understanding of the book’s themes.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic skill; focus on expressing your interpretation and feelings.

These exercises are not just about getting through the pages; they're about enriching your reading experience. By engaging more deeply with the books you read, you'll gain more than just the satisfaction of finishing a story—you'll build empathy, understanding, and a lifelong love for reading. Happy reading!