Books About Adolescence · 175 titles considered

The Best Adolescence Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about adolescence? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Adolescence

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

Ghost

By Jason Reynolds · Book #1 in the Track series

A young sprinter must outrun his past to achieve greatness on the track team.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2016)Cybils Award (2016)Odyssey Honor (2017)

208 pages· 39,201 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 53,994 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw dreams of being the fastest sprinter on his middle school track team, but his troubled past threatens to derail him. Haunted by memories of fleeing his violent father, Ghost struggles to channel his raw talent under the guidance of a former Olympic coach. As he races toward the Junior Olympics, Ghost must confront his fears and prove to himself that he can overcome his history. Will he find the strength to stay on track, or will his past catch up to him? Discover the electrifying journey of a boy running for more than just victory.

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$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2012

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

By Benjamin Alire Sáenz · Book #1 in the Aristotle and Dante series

Two teens form a life-changing friendship, uncovering truths about themselves.

Michael L. Printz Honor (2013)Stonewall Book Award – Children's & Young Adult Literature (2013)

390 pages· 64,842 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 690,212 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ari, a troubled teen with a brother in prison, meets Dante, a curious soul with a unique perspective. Their unlikely friendship blossoms at a swimming pool, leading them to explore deep questions about identity and family. As they navigate their complex worlds, Ari and Dante discover profound truths that redefine who they are and who they aspire to be. Will their bond withstand the challenges they face, and what revelations will it bring about their lives?

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$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Glitter Gets Everywhere

By Yvette Clark

A girl navigates grief and change after moving from London to New York.

320 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 545 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Kitty's world shatters when her mother dies, and her father uproots the family from London to New York. Struggling to hold onto her mother's memory, Kitty befriends a blue-haired boy in the bustling city. As she adapts to her new life, she wonders if her memories can transcend place and time, offering hope and connection in unexpected ways. Can Kitty find a new normal amidst the chaos and keep her mother's spirit alive?

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$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Red, White, and Whole

By Rajani LaRocca

An Indian American girl faces her mother's illness, torn between cultural worlds and expectations.

Newbery Honor (2022)

224 pages· 21,311 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 8,231 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Reha, an Indian American girl, navigates the clash between her school life and family traditions. When her mother is diagnosed with leukemia, Reha's world shatters. Despite her fear of blood, she dreams of becoming a doctor to save her mother. Can she bridge the gap between her two worlds and meet her parents' expectations to heal her family? This poignant tale explores identity, cultural conflict, and the unyielding bonds of love.

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$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Genesis Begins Again

By Alicia D. Williams

A girl battles self-doubt and family turmoil to find self-love.

Newbery Honor (2020)Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)

370 pages· 76,058 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,036 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Genesis struggles with self-hatred and a chaotic home life. Her father's gambling leads to eviction, and her family's harsh words deepen her insecurities. At a new school, Genesis discovers her singing talent, but can she overcome her doubts and embrace her true self? As she nears the end of her list of self-loathing, Genesis must decide if she can rewrite her story and find the courage to love herself.

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$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2017

Eliza and Her Monsters

By Francesca Zappia

An online creator's secret identity is exposed, threatening her world and newfound offline connections.

420 pages· 76,968 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 65,601 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Eliza Mirk, a shy teen, secretly runs a famous webcomic. Her online world is perfect until Wallace, a new student, challenges her to embrace real life. When her identity is revealed, Eliza's carefully crafted world unravels, risking her art, friendships, and sanity. Can she find balance between her digital fame and the real world?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

We Dream of Space

By Erin Entrada Kelly

Three siblings face personal struggles as the Challenger launch looms, altering their lives forever.

Newbery Honor (2021)

400 pages· 47,156 words· Est. 6 hour read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 9,129 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1986, siblings Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas navigate personal challenges in a tense household. Cash risks failing school, Fitch battles an explosive temper, and Bird dreams of commanding a NASA shuttle. As the Challenger launch approaches, their science teacher, Ms. Salonga, inspires them to dream beyond their struggles. When the fateful day arrives, it unites them in unexpected ways, forever changing their paths. Will they find their place in the universe, or remain lost in their own orbits?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Hey, Kiddo

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka · Book #1 in the Hey, Kiddo series

A boy navigates life with an absent father and addicted mother.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2018)Cybils Award (2018)Golden Kite Honor (2019)Odyssey Award (2020)

320 pages· 15,721 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 35,667 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Jarrett's childhood is anything but ordinary. With a mother battling addiction and a father he's never met, he finds solace in art while living with his outspoken grandparents. As he grows, Jarrett seeks the truth about his family, confronting his mother's struggles and searching for his elusive father. Can he piece together his fractured past and find his own path forward?

Sale price

$1881

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2000

Hope Was Here

By Joan Bauer

A small-town diner becomes the battleground for a mayoral race against corruption.

Newbery Honor (2001)

186 pages· 42,314 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 21,599 ratings

$19.80Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Hope moves to Wisconsin with her aunt to manage a diner, only to find herself swept into a mayoral campaign. The current owner, G.T., challenges a corrupt candidate, igniting a fight for justice. As Hope navigates new friendships and unexpected challenges, she discovers the power of community and the strength within herself. Will G.T.'s vision for change inspire the town, and can Hope find her own place in this unfolding drama? In a town where everyone needs a little hope, the stakes are high, and the future is uncertain.

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$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2015

The Boy in the Black Suit

By Jason Reynolds

Matt's life is falling apart until he meets Lovey, who might just help him find hope again.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2016)

272 pages· 67,181 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,085 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Matt, burdened by his mother's death and his father's struggles, works at a funeral home to make ends meet. Life feels bleak until he meets Lovey, a girl who's faced more than he can imagine. Drawn to her resilience, Matt wonders if she holds the key to overcoming his own grief. Can Lovey help him find strength and hope in a world that keeps knocking him down?

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Adolescence Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about adolescence for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$2195

When My Worries Get Too Big!

Ages 6–10 · 2004

Help children manage anxiety with practical strategies and interactive tools.

Sale price

$1899

Grandma's Tipi

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A summer at Standing Rock reveals family secrets and timeless traditions.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1895

Skim

Ages 14–17 · 2008

A goth teen navigates love and loss amidst school chaos.

#6 in Series

Sale price

$899

Lola Levine and the Halloween Scream

Ages 6–10 · 2017

A young girl navigates the challenges of Halloween and friendships

Series

Sale price

$599

Mei's Wild Ride

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A teenage girl transforms into a giant red panda and must navigate her relationships and identity.

View all adolescence picture books

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Adolescence Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about adolescence for developing and independent readers.

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$1099

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Ages 9–12 · 1970

A girl navigates friendship and faith, seeking her own spiritual path.

Sale price

$1799

Mosquitoland

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A girl's journey to her sick mother reveals unexpected truths and challenges her sanity.

Sale price

$1799

The Catcher in the Rye

Ages 15–18 · 1951

A teen escapes prep school, navigating New York's chaos and his own turmoil.

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Ages 8–12 · 2007

Middle school misadventures test a boy's friendship and self-discovery through his diary entries.

#3 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

The Last Straw

Ages 8–12 · 2009

Greg must toughen up or face military school. Can he avoid his dad's plans?

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1299

Celebrate Your Body

Ages 8–11 · 2018

Navigate puberty with confidence and empowerment in this body-positive guide for young girls.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

The Golden Hour

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A high school student returns from spring break to a school recovering from a traumatic event and finds grounding through photography, friendship, and a calf named Daisy.