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55 Best Classic Books For Teens

“Tomorrow is another day.” I have learned that from the American author Margaret Mitchell in her classic novel Gone with the Wind. These are the last words of the novel’s main character Scarlett who is 16 years old.

Furthermore, this coming-of-age story is suitable for teens because it relates to us the subject of love and relationships. Though Scarlett experiences many heartbreaks, she remains hopeful for a better tomorrow. Thus gaining strength to face life.

As teenagers, we struggle with identity, belonging, self-worth and you name it. Sometimes we are caught up in competition, jealousy, anger, guilt, and forgiveness,  do you relate? It is part of growing up.

What’s more, we are always seeking guidance to find who understands us. Most times we find that solace in our smartphones. But I have also found transformation out of good teen reads. Fellow teens, this list will be handy. Mom and Dad, it’s for y’all, check the best title for your teen. Join us as we explore these timeless books suitable for teens below.

Here are the 55 Best Classic Books For Teens.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This masterpiece novel for teens is a young girl’s coming-of-age story. The plot draws inspiration from the author’s observation of her family, neighborhood, and incidents that occurred in her growing up. The title is a popular high school and middle school read in the US.

Moreover, it addresses the theme of racial injustice while emphasizing tolerance and denouncing prejudice. It’s also a lesson to teens on social issues such as class and gender roles.  The novel also promotes courage and compassion which are valuable morals for teenagers as they grow up.

The book was published in 1960 by American novelist Lee and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. It was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film by the same name in 1962. In honor of Lee’s efforts, the book is annually performed as a play in her hometown since 1990.

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2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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It is a classic novel for teens and is at the center of most American high school curricula as well as American popular culture. The narrative was sparked by Fitzgerald’s youthful romance ordeal with a famous American socialite.

Additionally, the novel is a first-person narration by the protagonist Nick Carraway. He unfolds to the reader his encounters with the mysterious millionaire known as Jay Gatsby.

More to it, Gatsby is obsessed to get together with his ex-lover Daisy Buchanan. He strives to achieve her lifestyle to win her over but with no success. Yet Daisy and Tom appear to have it all but are also struggling to find happiness.

Subsequently, the book teaches teenagers to appreciate who they are and avoid going back to the past. In case of bad past experiences, they should move forward with optimism. The American author Fitzgerald released the title in 1925.

3. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

American author Salinger presented this masterwork of teen literature in 1951. The 16-year-old Holden Caulfield is expelled from preparatory school. He is a well-off boy so he goes out on a weekend out alone in New York City. Thus he lets the reader into the story of his two-day escapades.

To add on, the story illuminates the struggles of teenagers. Their pain points with morality, identity, sense of belonging, and connection with the adult world.

This novel was featured on BBC’s “The Big Read” survey in 2003. In 2005, it was listed among the 100 best English-language books written since 1923 by Time magazine. Modern Library also ranked it on its listing of the top 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.

4. 1984 by George Orwell

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This 1949 vintage story is the work of English novelist Eric Arthur Blair under his pen name George Orwell. In the novel lies insights and entertainment for teenagers.

What’s more, it is a cautionary tale that uses science fiction to open the eyes of the reader to the dangers of authoritarian leadership. Thus allowing teens a chance to think critically about social issues such as leadership.

5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Austen the English novelist penned this first-class novel fit for teens in 1813. It follows through the life of the Bennet family which consists of five daughters. The absence of sons in the family creates the problem of inheritance. Thus Mrs. Bennet tries to fix a marriage for her elder daughters to secure the future of the entire family in the event their father passes on.

On top of that, Elizabeth Bennet is the second born in her family and the protagonist in the novel. She finds herself in an arranged relationship with Fitzwilliam Darcy who is a rich aristocratic landowner.

Better still, both being from different social statuses, they are faced with pride and prejudice challenges in their relationship. This book is a lesson to teenagers on the difficulties that may arise in relationship life.

6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

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The English writer and poet released the title in 1847. It is an exemplary literature suitable for teens. The story is about orphaned Jane who struggles throughout childhood until she becomes a governess.

Additionally, she is committed to her self-worth and dignity, rooted in high religious principles. That is the reason she refuses to become Mr. Rochester’s lover. Yet he is attracted to her firm stands and her value for freedom and independence. So he keeps pursuing her.

In the end, she falls in love with Rochester because she finds an emotional home in him. This takes place after her lifelong search for people she can connect with without success. The book is a lesson to teens on the importance of firm principles.

7. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The story takes place in the mythical land known as Middle-earth. The focus is on an artifact referred to as One Ring made by Dark Lord Sauron. This ring is in control of all other rings and rules the Middle-earth planet.

To boot, all Peoples of Middle-earth rally against Sauron to destroy his One Ring to free the planet from his control. Thus the book is teaching teenagers to learn to fight for change as well as prevent the decay of their society. The English author Tolkien published the book in 1954.

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8. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

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A classic novel for teens. The story is about a young boy Jim who is a slave to the household of Miss Watson. He flees his master upon finding out she wanted to sell him.

To add on, he meets with Huck the narrator of the story. He is also on an escape mission, fleeing his father who is an abusive alcoholic, and after Huck’s fortune. His father had kidnapped him so that he takes over his son’s wealth. Huck fakes his death and sails on the Mississippi River where he meets Jim.

With this story, teenagers can engage with some of society’s social issues like slavery and racism. Hence such lessons serve as examples of how they ought to address these social matters in life. The American author Twain published the book in 1884.

9. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

A vintage book appropriate for teens. The English novelist Shelley published the work in 1818. She warns the reader of the consequences of hasty decisions especially related to science and technology.

In the novel, Victor Frankenstein is a talented scientist who creates a being of his own. Afterward, he realizes his creation was far off from his expectation. Thus he rejects his creation and everyone follows suit. So teens can learn the importance of carefully thinking about the consequences of their actions before engaging in any activity.

10. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

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These are the writings of a young girl called Anne Frank. She kept a diary in which she recorded the ordeals of her life while hiding during the persecution by the Nazis. She succumbed to typhus at 15 years in 1945 while in a concentration camp.

Additionally, her diary was handed over to her father following her death. Thus publishing of the accounts into a book happened thereafter. Originally written in Dutch-language, the diary has been published in over 70 languages.

The book was adapted into a 1955 play known as The Diary of Anne Frank. There is also a 1959 movie version of the same. Since the story is about the life experiences of a teenage girl, peers of this age group connect with it well. It was first published in English in 1952.

11. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

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It is a first-rate work of historical fiction published by English author Dickens in 1859. It focuses on the French Revolution accounts citing occurrences in both London and Paris.

When French Doctor Manette is released after his 18-year prison term, he goes to live with his daughter Lucie in London. Neither of them has met the other before. Thus this can teach teens historical accounts. It can also be an example to help approach the challenges of reuniting with absentee parents.

12. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

When the orphan Heathcliff is in love, he is willing to do anything for his young lover. Differences between them such as class split them. Hence Heathcliff’s love turns into pain and he lives the rest of his life on vengeance against the girl’s family.

This novel is a reminder to the reader that everyone has a bad and good side. It also serves as a lesson that love can be a source of lifetime pain. Thus such teachings are handy for teens to show them both sides of love for a better understanding of the subject. The English novelist Brontë published the book in 1847.

13. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

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The American writer Alcott displays the “All-American girl” character in this novel. It was published in two volumes first in 1868 and 1869.

This coming-of-age novel tells us the stories of four sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. The book is semi-autobiographical and hence partly includes personal encounters of Alcott and her sisters. Thus it is relatable to teens.

14. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Huxley was an English author and he published this literature epitome in 1932. It is based on a futuristic country in which scientific advancements have taken over the citizen’s way of life. From reproductive health to psychological manipulation as well as sleep learning. Thus this book is suitable for teens to encourage their curiosity on the positive side of technology while also warning them on the downside of the same.

15. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

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The French writer Dumas portrays the revenge pursuit of a prison escapee. Thus making this 1845 masterly work a moral lesson for teens on the subjects of vengeance, and justice.

Additionally, the novel emphasizes the place of mercy and forgiveness which are positive morals for anyone. The use of larger-than-life personalities and coincidences also make the book entertaining.

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16. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

The 1851 novel set on the sea environment is the definitive work of American author Melville. Ishmael narrates the story of Captain Ahab who sails a ship known as Pequod. Ahab is caught up in an act of revenge against the giant white whale. The whale had bitten off his leg while on a voyage.

Moreover, the novel paints the picture of a dangerous sail that Captain Ahab takes those aboard his ship through while seeking revenge. This is a lesson to teens that revenge is risky and can be damaging. The story is also a trip to the sea which makes the novel an interesting adventure.

17. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

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The Irish author Swift published this outstanding piece in 1726. This work is over 200 years old and its sense of satire in addressing human nature and in conveying the “travellers’ tales” is still relevant.

More to it, the protagonist Gulliver offers a narration of his life in different roles. He begins as a doctor and then transitions to a captain of different ships he uses to travel around the world. His travel adventures are sea explorations making them fun for teens.

18. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Tolkien published this model of literature in 1937 and it’s his first book. The novel is fit for teens as it addresses the theme of bravery. Bilbo Baggins is the protagonist so he is the hobbit. Like many of Tolkien’s novels, the plot is set up in the fantasy world of Middle-earth.

Further, Bilbo is a home-loving creature who never leaves his hobbit hole. But he gains courage and teams up with a wizard and dwarves to take back the home of the dwarves from the dragon Smaug. Bilbo is the leader of this adventure and ends up as the hero in the story.

19. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

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It is a collection of twelve short stories written by the British author Doyle in 1892. This outstanding work connects teenagers, especially those with a knack for thrillers, mysteries, and crime books.

We are introduced to the character Sherlock Holmes. The first story is A Study in Scarlet published in 1887. It introduces us to the detective duo, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Hence in the novel, Watson experiences a disastrous war record. He is shot during the war and decides to search for a new start in London.

20. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Dorian Gray sells his soul to youthful pleasures and high regard for his beauty. He makes a portrait of himself that is perfect and beautiful. As the years advance, he is caught up in a life of crime yet maintains a good outward appearance to cover up for his dark inner being.

On top of that, he is haunted by his conflicting personalities. In the end, he stubs his portrait because it showed his positive side, and inside him lay the conviction of his wrongdoings. After destroying the portrait he commits suicide since he could not stand his guilty conscience.

The Irish poet Wilde published this masterpiece in 1890. It is handy for teens as it warns of the consequences of double-life personalities.

21. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

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One of the finest works befitting teens is this piece by the American writer Hawthorne published in 1850. He portrays the life of Hester Prynne who persists in her acts of goodness granting her triumph over the conflict she had with her community.

Prynne commits a taboo by conceiving a daughter out of wedlock. Her community forces her to wear a scarlet marked letter ‘A’ denoting “adultery” as a form of punishment. She redeems herself by observing the punishment. Thus her obedience and good deeds win her the trust of her community. The moral lesson of the story is that persistence of good deeds triumphs over any conflict.

22. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

This prime work by English writer Dickens is worthy for teens. The novel was published in 1861. It is a coming-of-age story that embraces first-person narration about Pip.

What’s more, he is an orphan and is brought up by his elder sister. She raises him with the knowledge that a woman’s love is associated with cruelty.

Pip works to amass a lot of wealth and deserts his true friends including caring Biddy who was his lover. He takes on with cold, mocking Estella whom they also part ways. Thus the lesson in the story is that affection and loyalty are supreme over wealth or class.

23. Animal Farm by George Orwell

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Orwell who was an English novelist penned this superior title in 1945. This animal tale is a symbolic work satisfactory to teach teens historical events in an interesting narrative. The novel symbolizes the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Additionally, the story involves a group of farm animals who rebel against their owner (a human farmer). The animals are in search of equality, freedom, and happiness hence their rebellion.

The animals face betrayal and end up under the submission of a dictator pig given the name of Napoleon. Their state in the farm remains in poor conditions and things never get better even after the rebellion.

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24. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Scottish novelist Stevenson published this adventure novel in 1883. It is a coming-of-age story hence fit for teens. The young boy Jim Hawkins is adventurous and on his rounds collects a treasure map. So he goes on a treasure chase. The owner of the treasure is a famous captain known as Flint.

More to that, Jim meets a one-legged cook, Long John Silver. The cook offers to lead the treasure search mission. In the end, Jim and his friends find the treasure and return home while Silver escapes with some of the money.

25. The Call of the Wild by Jack London

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It is a paradigm adventure story thus right for teens. Buck is a dog who is at the center of the story. He is stolen from his California home and ends up in Alaska as a sled dog.

Moreover, Buck loses his civilization and becomes primitive. He also adapts to the harsh environment emerging as a leader in the wild. The American writer Jack published the book in 1903.

26. The Odyssey by Homer

Homer the Greek poet wrote this masterpiece suitable for teens around the 8th century BC. This adventure story was published in the English language in 1614. The story is in the form of a poem that is written in 24 books.

In the novel, the plot is focused on the Greek hero Odysseus. He is the king of the Ithaca kingdom. He takes part in the Trojan War which lasts ten years. At the end of the war, he embarks on a journey to return to his home which takes him another ten years.

Subsequently, his absence leads to the presumption of his death. Thus his wife Penelope together with his son Telemachus battle with suitors seeking Penelope’s hand in marriage. Hence upon the arrival of Odysseus, he deals with these rude suitors camped in his palace to reunite with his wife.

27. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

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This is a definitive gothic horror novella and the work of Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. A London-based legal practitioner called Gabriel John Utterson investigates peculiar occurrences behind the death of his friend Dr. Henry Jekyll.

Furthermore, caught up in the scandal is the murderous criminal, Edward Hyde. The book was published in 1886. It is a suitable read for teens that can trigger their curiosity and create awareness about legal and criminal matters.

This novel is the source of the “Jekyll and Hyde” phrase. It refers to a person with a different personality character. Meaning sometimes they appear to be good and other times very bad or rude.

28. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

The novel is a classic science fantasy appropriate for teenagers. The American fiction writer L’Engle unfolds to the reader the power love has in combating evil.

The characters in the adventure are Meg Murry and her younger brother Charles Wallace Murry. Their friend Calvin O’Keefe also brings along his twin siblings Sandy and Dennys Murry. They are all driven by love to save their worlds from the havoc caused by The Black Thing.

To add on, the team is on a rescue mission to save Meg’s father. So they travel through space and time to various galaxies. They are bound by cords of love throughout their expedition. The book was published in 1962.

29. The Iliad by Homer

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This is an ancient Greek epic poem published in the English language in 1598. It describes events during the final year of the Trojan War. Thus serves as an adventure story appropriate for teens. The theme of love and friendship prevail in the poem as well as free will and honor. The poem is written in 24 volumes.

30. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

The Nobel Prize-winning British writer Golding released the novel in 1954. He aimed to bring the reader to the realization that society’s ethical degradation is mostly contributed by poor individual ethical values. Meaning that the political systems have very little influence on an individual’s ethical standing.

Moreover, to pass the message, Golding uses a group of young boys who are alone on a deserted island. Since they have no other authority ruling over them, they set up rules and a system to govern them. These children grow up to become a violent and brutal community. Thus making the book suitable for teens to help them gain insights into the significance of ethics in an individual.

31. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

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The English novelist Austen published this prototype in 1811. The novel is a coming-of-age story so it’s perfect for teens. The story is about the Dashwood sisters Elinor who is 19 years, Marianne 16, and Margaret 13. They are kicked out of their home after the death of their father.

On top of that, these girls move to Barton Cottage with their mother on the property of a distant relative. While there they experience love and romance. But they also suffer heartbreaks.

In the context of the novel, the word sense refers to sensitivity or emotional receptivity. Hence it encourages being sensible. Yet it also warns on the risks of giving up oneself to extreme sensibility.

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32. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

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The story was inspired by the book burnings in Nazi Germany in the 1930s. The American author Bradbury displays the threat that mass media presents to the culture of reading literature. He sets up his narrative in a futuristic America where books are outlawed. Any book that is found is burned up at 451 degrees Fahrenheit.

Guy Montag is a dedicated fireman who destroys any literature he comes across. He later shifts camp and becomes a preserver of literature and cultural writings. The book is an exemplary literature title published in 1953. It is suitable for teens and can serve to ignite their passion for literature and prevent them from getting sucked into excessive mass media.

33. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

It is a paragon published in 1876 by American writer Samuel Clemens under the pen name Mark Twain. He takes us to the 1840s in St. Petersburg town in Hannibal, Missouri which was where Twain grew up. There we join in the adventurous life of a young boy, Tom Sawyer together with his friend Huckleberry Finn. The book suits teens because of its adventure escapes.

34. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

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The English writer Dickens opens up to the reader his life through this classic autobiographical novel. It’s divided into two parts which distinguish his childhood and young life from his mature state.

On top of that, he uses his ordeals as an orphan to narrate the social injustices faced by the less privileged in society. He touches on issues such as access to quality schools, the state of women in marriages, employment of minors, and the place of the criminal justice system. This vintage novel was published in 1850 and is significant to teens to educate them on social concerns.

35. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

This novel is a frequent read in American high schools and college literature forums because of its historical context. A model of historical fiction published in 1939 and the creation of the American writer Steinbeck.

It is during the Great Depression and the Joads family consists of poor tenant farmers. Amidst the Dust Bowl and the effects of drought, economic hardship, and other challenges this family leaves their Oklahoma home.

Over and above that, they set out for better life in California with thousands of other farmers in their region. But things never get better because their leadership was the problem. Thus the book reveals the effects of capitalist systems.

36. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

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Kipling was an English author and he published this paradigm in 1894. The novel is teens appropriate and introduces the reader to the human nature portrayed through animals. It also provokes the reader to learn survival tactics in any situation they are caught up in.

The stage is in the jungle where Mowgli is a young boy who is abandoned and fostered by a pack of wolves. He learns self-sufficiency, survival, and defense mechanisms to fit in the wild environment.

37. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Saint Petersburg in Russia is where Russian author Tolstoy takes his audience to. The scandal in town is the extramarital affair between Anna and the dashing Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky. He serves as a cavalry officer. Following the events, the lovers flee to Italy to safeguard their love. But upon return years later, their lives keep unraveling further.

The story’s climax happens when Anna appears to the public in an opera expressing the desire to live her life. Yet she must contend with a society that scorns and rejects her. Hence because of her ideologies, she is branded an outcast and a fallen woman in Saint Petersburg.

This representation of tragic novels is relevant for teens because it drives home the fact of handling one’s desires versus societal expectations and influences. The book was published in 1878.

38. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

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The British-American writer Burnett published this classic novel in 1911. The book is apt for teens since it delves into the subject of curiosity as is faced by many teenagers.

Mary Lennox is an orphan and so she is in the care of her uncle who lives in the Yorkshire Moors of England. Her uncle owns a mansion and he keeps himself locked up in his room.

Furthermore, when night falls Mary hears the sound of crying on one of the corridors. Her curiosity is on high gear and she sets out to fit in the puzzle of the mysterious mansion.

The gardens surrounding the property are her escape from loneliness. So she discovers a hidden garden that is surrounded by walls and remains locked due to a missing key. One day she is helped by two companions to enter the garden. The question begs whether there is anything alive in the garden or if she can give life to the garden.

39. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

It is one of Holmes’s excellent novels and the creativity of British author Doyle who published it in 1902. The year is 1889 in Dartmoor in South West England.

To boot, Holmes and Watson are investigating an attempted murder associated with a fearsome hound considered to be of supernatural origin. Thus the teaching from the story is fitting for teens to warn them that an individual’s fears can turn out to be the source of their demise.

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40. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

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When George Milton promises to look out for his friend Lennie Small, he is not sure of what the task entailed. Both are migrant ranch workers in California and they move from place to place in search of job opportunities. The time is during the US Great Depression era around the 1930s.

At the end of the story, George is forced to kill his friend Lennie by shooting him. Lennie had shot a woman and was on the run. Thus the woman’s husband who is known to be cruel bays for the blood of Lennie. So George sees it best to kill his friend himself to avoid more trouble. Hence this act betrays their friendship.

Additionally, this novel is teens appropriate because it puts forward the value of integrity through honoring your words. Steinbeck wrote this 1937 classic partially based on his experience of working alongside migrant farm workers in his teenage years.

41. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

The American author Hemingway published this superior work of fiction in 1952. The story is relevant for teenagers because it’s an amusing sea adventure. It also encourages the principles of hard work and persistence in life.

We meet the old Cuban fisherman Santiago. It seems luck is far from him since he persists to go fishing for eighty-four days with no single catch. He is lucky on the 85^th day when he catches a huge marlin fish. He uses a harpoon to kill the fish so that he can bring it to his boat.

To add on, the blood from the fish fills the boat and sharks attack him on his sail to shore. The sharks devour the marlin and leave Santiago with only its head which he dedicates to his loyal friend. The skeleton of the marlin is what he is left with yet he goes to sleep and dreams about fun memories of his youth and sightseeing of the African beach and wildlife.

42. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

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This coming-of-age story by American author Mitchell is a fine work of romance befitting teens. The positive mindset towards life is the main teaching of the story. Scarlet ends with the words “Tomorrow is another day”.

Set in Georgia during the American Civil War and Reconstruction Era, we meet 16-year-old Scarlett. She is the eldest of the O’Hara daughters and their father Gerald O’Hara is a wealthy Irish immigrant.

Over and above that, Scarlett expresses her love feelings for Ashley Wilkes who doesn’t feel the same for her. So he marries Melanie Hamilton. Heartbroken Scarlett marries out of revenge and her husband dies in war.

She later marries Rhett Butler and they both share similar feelings for each other. Butler at some point leaves because he no longer feels love for Scarlett and at the same time Wilkes (Scarlett’s first love) is widowed. She comforts him but then realizes she never loved him. She decides to go after her true love Butler hopeful the future would be better.

43. A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Friendship is the main theme of this classic novel by American novelist Knowles. The teenage boys, Gene and Finny go through what most teenage friendships are about. That is they are full of competition, jealousy, anger, guilt, and forgiveness.

Moreover, Gene is very insecure which causes a strained relationship with his friend. In the end, these insecurities cause an accident that leaves Finny crippled. The book was published in 1959.

44. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

The American poet Plath takes us to the world of teens’ struggles with identity and societal norms in this 1963 outstanding piece. Esther Greenwood is on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a poet.

Subsequently, she finds a summer internship in New York City as a guest editor for a lady-focused magazine. There is no fulfillment during her apprenticeship because she grapples with identity and social concerns.

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45. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The 14-year-old boy, Ponyboy Curtis gives us a sneak preview into his life for about two weeks. He battles with questions of what is right or wrong which is the case for many teens. This uncertainty makes him view himself as an outsider in his society. Thus this classic title is perfect for teens and the creativity of American writer Hinton. It was published in 1967.

46. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

It is a first-rate work in the comedy science fiction genre. Its occurrences are filled with excitement which makes it appealing to teens. This novel is the first of The Hitchhiker’s trilogy.

The novel centers on Arthur Dent who is an English man pursuing the destruction of the Earth. He is stopped and even captured to avoid the catastrophe. He escapes from his confinement and remains focused on his mission without turning back. It was published in 1975 by the English author Adams.

47. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

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The English poet Chaucer introduces us to life in late medieval England. Thus he uses this definitive work to reveal social classes of the 14th century, the dress code, pastimes enjoyed, and more activities at the time.

The plot of the story follows a group of pilgrims who are en route to the Canterbury Cathedral. On their way, they engage in storytelling and their tales depict their customs, traditions, and lifestyle.

The book was published in 1392 and is relevant for teens because it is a source of information on late medieval England. More to it, each story has a moral lesson making it fun to expect discoveries throughout the book.

48. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

This novel is a model of magical realism and transports us to the seven generations of the Buendía Family. It is credited to the Colombian author Márquez. The book was published in the English language in 1970.

To summarize the story, José Arcadio Buendía is the founder of the Macondo community. He murders someone in Colombia and flees with his family to an unknown destination. On their journey, he has a dream of a magnificent city called Macondo. So he builds a city based on his dream.

Over and above that, Macondo is a lonely city that is isolated from the world. Over time the city opens its doors to interact with the outside world and that is the start of its downfall. The community is wiped out slowly until only one member of the Buendía generation is left. The theme of isolation and its effects is evident in the book, hence a suitable lesson for teens.

49. The Giver by Lois Lowry

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Lowry the American writer uses her creativity to paint the picture of a society where choice is not an option because everything is given. The young boy Jonas takes us through what life is like in his community.

It’s a happily-ever-after kind of society free of crime and sadness. Yet it is sad that people have no chance to make choices. Everything is chosen for you including your parents, job, partner, and all aspects of life. For instance, when children get to the age of 12, they are shown the jobs they ought to pursue for the rest of their lives. The book was published in 1993 and is a perfect lesson for teens to appreciate their freedom to make choices.

50. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

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Live in pursuit of your dream without fear of failure. Keep in mind obstacles are certain along the way but they are not blockades to your vision. That is the primary theme of this 1988 classic novel by the Brazilian author Coelho. This theme suits teens to prepare them for the reality of their future.

This book offers the accounts of a young Andalusian shepherd. He traverses deserts to find a treasure he has dreamt about in the pyramids of Egypt. He overcomes all the challenges along the way to achieve his dream.

51. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Sue the American author of this authoritative fiction piece takes us to South Carolina around the year 1964. In the home of 14-year-old Lily Melissa Owens is where it begins. The girl lives with her abusive father and her African-American maid known as Rosaleen.

Lily and her maid escape town and end up in the Boatwright premises where they meet three black sisters. These siblings are involved in beekeeping which Lily gains interest in and helps around in the honey-making process. Rosaleen also helps with house activities. This story is a motivation for teens as it shows the strength and power they have to excel in life as portrayed by Lily.

52. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This masterpiece is in the form of epistles by Charlie to his friend whose identity is not mentioned. It is set in the 1990s in Pittsburgh where Charlie recounts his ordeals in his freshman year of high school. He gives us insights into his trials, challenges as well as his wins.

The American author cum screenwriter released the title in 1999. It sits well with teens because it identifies with their real-time experiences as presented by Charlie.

53. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The book is narrated to us by a character called Death. Liesel is a young girl and the protagonist of the story. It is during the Nazi Germany era when the Second World War is beginning.

Liesel’s mother is unable to take care of her so she is taken to a new home. While on their way to her new home, she witnesses her little brother’s death. So she steals her first book which is her lifetime memory of her brother.

This book is a paradigm piece written by the Australian author Zusak. It is an informative creation apt for teens to educate them on the historical accounts of Nazi Germany. It was published in 2006.

Enjoy the Classic Christmas Books Everyone Will Love.

54. Beloved by Toni Morrison

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The American novelist Morrison opens our eyes to the effects of a dysfunctional family through her 1987 prime book, Beloved. She examines the life of a black slave girl named Sethe. She is determined and full of self-love which earns her happiness in life. She is also able to spread the same love to those around her. With that, teens can pick the lesson of self-love making the novel appropriate for the age group.

55. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

A classic novel by the Russian writer Dostoevsky. It was published in 1866 and is right for teens as it points out the consequences of crime. Rodion Raskolnikov is an ex-student who schemes a way of killing an old woman to take over her riches.

Additionally, he justifies his murder plot with the opinion that it was meant for a good cause (to rescue him from poverty). He commits the crime and it turns to a mental anguish of guilty convictions and moral dilemmas all his life.

Through the pages of these best classic books for teens you transcend generations. You are transported to the past, informed of the present, and offered the lens to view the future. Better still, you are entertained and given insights into life from the mirror of literature. These classic reads are timeless and their journey never ends so let’s keep reading.