Books About High School · 367 titles considered

The Best High School Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Teenagers, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about high school? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About High School

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

With the Fire on High

By Elizabeth Acevedo

A young mother finds magic in cooking, but can she turn her culinary dreams into reality?

Golden Kite Honor (2020)

392 pages· 72,363 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 90,736 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Emoni Santiago juggles motherhood and school, finding solace in her magical cooking. Her dream of becoming a chef seems impossible, but the kitchen is where her true self emerges. As she navigates life's challenges, will Emoni dare to pursue her passion and defy the odds? Discover the journey of a young woman whose culinary creations might just change her destiny.

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$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2018

The Poet X

By Elizabeth Acevedo

A young poet battles silence and tradition to find her voice in Harlem.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2018)Carnegie Medal for Writing (2019)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2018)Americas Honor (2019)Golden Kite Honor (2019)Michael L. Printz Award (2019)Odyssey Honor (2019)

357 pages· 32,942 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.4 Goodreads · 145,744 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Xiomara Batista, an Afro-Latina teen in Harlem, feels trapped by her family's strict expectations and her own unspoken desires. Her secret love for poetry becomes a lifeline, especially after meeting Aman, a boy her family must never know about. When invited to join a slam poetry club, Xiomara faces a choice: stay silent or risk everything to be heard. Will she defy her mother's rules and embrace her true self, or will fear keep her words hidden? In a world that tries to silence her, Xiomara's voice demands to be heard.

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$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1999

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By Stephen Chbosky

A wallflower navigates the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, facing love, loss, and self-discovery.

224 pages· 62,621 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 2,070,196 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Charlie, an introspective high schooler, grapples with the chaos of growing up. Amidst first loves, family secrets, and the allure of rebellion, he must find his place in a world that feels both thrilling and overwhelming. As he teeters on the edge of adolescence and adulthood, will Charlie embrace life or retreat into the shadows? This poignant tale captures the essence of youth's roller-coaster ride, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and reflect on their own journey.

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$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2019

Slay

By Brittney Morris

A teen game developer battles a troll threatening her secret game and identity.

336 pages· 82,144 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 16,075 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Kiera Johnson leads a double life: honors student by day, secret game developer by night. Her creation, SLAY, offers a haven for Black gamers until a murder links it to controversy. As an anonymous troll threatens to expose her, Kiera must defend her game and identity. Can she protect her virtual world without losing herself? The stakes are high in this gripping tale of identity, community, and resilience.

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$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Monday's Not Coming

By Tiffany D Jackson

A girl vanishes, and only her best friend notices. Can she uncover the truth?

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2019)

435 pages· 83,524 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 90,512 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Monday Charles is missing, and Claudia is the only one who cares. As Claudia searches for her best friend, she faces silence from Monday's family and indifference from others. With each passing day, the mystery deepens: how can a girl disappear without a trace? Claudia must unravel the truth before it's too late, but will she find answers or more questions? Dive into a gripping tale of friendship, secrets, and the haunting reality of being forgotten.

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$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2020

Felix Ever After

By Kacen Callender

A teen's revenge plan leads to unexpected love and self-discovery.

Stonewall Book Award – Children's & Young Adult Literature Honor (2021)

368 pages· 85,209 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 67,797 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Felix, a transgender teen, seeks revenge on an anonymous bully who exposed his past. As he navigates a complex love triangle, Felix embarks on a journey of self-discovery, questioning his identity and redefining his self-worth. Will he find the love he deserves, or will his plan backfire, leaving him more vulnerable than ever? Dive into a story of identity, love, and the courage to embrace oneself.

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$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2017

Far from the Tree

By Robin Benway

Three teens, connected by blood, navigate adoption, family secrets, and belonging.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2017)

374 pages· 88,170 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 50,481 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Grace, adopted at birth, discovers she's a middle child after giving up her own baby. She seeks her biological siblings: Maya, a spirited sister questioning her place, and Joaquin, a guarded brother wary of family ties after years in foster care. As they confront their pasts, they must redefine what family truly means. Can they find connection amidst secrets and fears?

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$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2021

Ace of Spades

By Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Two students face a dangerous game as an anonymous bully reveals their secrets.

422 pages· 101,898 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 104,227 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Devon and Chiamaka, top students at Niveus Academy, are thrilled to be senior prefects. But their dreams unravel when 'Aces' starts exposing their secrets through anonymous texts. As their futures hang in the balance, they must unmask this mysterious tormentor before the game turns deadly. Can they outsmart Aces, or will their lives be shattered?

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$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

By Holly Jackson · Book #1 in the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series

A closed murder case reopens, revealing dark secrets and danger.

389 pages· 91,912 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 1,920,364 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Paperback

Summary: Pip, a high school senior, reopens a closed murder case for her final project, questioning the guilt of Sal Singh, who allegedly killed Andie Bell. As she uncovers hidden truths, Pip realizes someone wants the past to stay buried. With her own safety at risk, can she prove Sal's innocence before it's too late? Dive into a gripping mystery where the past and present collide, and nothing is as it seems.

Sale price

$1139

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2015

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

By Becky Albertalli · Book #1 in the Simon series

A secret email threatens Simon's quiet life and his chance at love.

303 pages· 60,965 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 473,582 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Simon Spier, a high school junior, navigates the complexities of being not-so-openly gay. When a private email falls into the wrong hands, Simon faces the risk of his secret being exposed. As he struggles to maintain friendships and his own identity, Simon must also confront his feelings for a mysterious, charming boy he's only met online. Will Simon step out of his comfort zone and embrace his true self, or will he lose everything he holds dear? This heartfelt coming-of-age tale explores identity, friendship, and the courage to be oneself.

The Bookroo Book Club