According to the National Literacy Trust report in 2022, less than 3 in 10 children read daily and less than half of all children enjoy reading - the lowest figures they've reported on. We also know that teenagers tend to read books that are too easy1.
As a result, this World Book Day, I decided to put together a list of some great books that will both engage and interest teens (and adults) - with the aim of having something for everone! This isn't a 'top' list as I think all of these books are great.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Some students may read this during their school years but we think that everybody should . The story of a small town in the Deep South in 1930's America. Lee explores prejudice through the eyes of young Scout, highlight injustice and innocencce. Young readers may find this initially hard to get through so may need encouragement to continue, but once they are in the midst of the action I'm sure they'll enjoy it.
You should be able to find this book in your local library or you can purchase it in any good bookstore.
Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkein
Students may be familiar with the films but the world that J.R.R. Tolkein creates is truly a masterpiece in storytelling. The descriptive writing alone will transport any reader into Middle Earth as you follow the adventures of hobbits, elves, dwarves and orcs.
Many bookstores have the triology as one book but you can also find them individually. Try the library if you aren't sure if this is something you would enjoy. Alternatively, dip your toe into Tolkein's world with The Hobbit (Lord of the Rings' prelude).
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
This book is for those who love to laugh! Earth is unexpectedly demolished for a hyperspace express route. Often books feel the need to be 'grown up' but this intergalatic adventure is truly silly as well as smart. This is the first of a five-part adventure across the galaxy. If you love Doctor Who, you would love this.
In only a couple hundred pages, this is one of the shorter stories so it may capture those who find it hard to get started when it comes to reading.
1984 by George Orwell
You may have heard of this story but have you read it? Looking at an alternative world, this book explores a totalitarian regieme that not only controls the actions of its citizens but also their thoughts and emotions. Those interested in politics and history will take particualr enjoyment out of this book.
This classic should be readily available at the library and is relatively inexpensive at bookstores.
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
A modern take on Romeo and Juliet, this book uses forbidden love to explore race relations and class divisions, and violence. It is more suitable for older teens as it can be uncompromising in showing the unpleasant side of life.
This isn't the shortest book but it will take you on an emotional rollercoaster once you get started.
Holes by Louis Sachar
A modern Western story will engage readers that may not enjoy other types of books that are more common. Following the bad luck of Stanley Yelnats, we look to uncover the truth behind this strange Dentention Camp and why holes are so important.
I love the way Sachar explores multiple plotlines. While making us laugh, he can also make us feel sad. This is particularly good for those at the younger end of teens (although I still enjoyed it as an adult!).
Soccernomics by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski
Not all books have to be fiction! This book is written from an economist's point of view but answers many of the questions that football fans face - "Why do England lose?" and "Penalties - what are they good for?"
Luckily, you don't need to be an economist or a mathematician to understand this book even while looking at data. But it may challenge those with 'mathephobia' to enjoy the practical use of data.
If nothing else, hopefully this book will make you think about football in a more interesting way!
Check it out at bookstores and it may even be in the library's ecnomic section.
Maus I and II by Art Spiegelman
This is a little different as it is a graphic novel that tells the story of a Jewish survivor of Hitler's Third Reich. The son is a cartoonist and details the stories of his father as well as the 'present' day which is still haunted by those experiences.
Illustrating Jews as mice and the Nazis as cats, it can be easy to forget this is a real story. Don't be fooled by the fact that it is a cartoon: it contains swears, nudity and violence is unadulterated. Not without controversy, this depiction of the horrors of dehumanisation has been banned in some US schools.
While not all libraries have copies of this graphic novel, you can get the complete works in local bookstores.
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
This inspirational book details the story of Malala, who stood up for her right to education when the Taliban took over. She was shot at point-blank range in the head and narrowly survived. Since then she has been a vocal proponent of education and the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
This story shows that one person can make a difference and that age is not an inhibitor. There's even a Young Readers edition for those less confident with their reading.
Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright! - An Animal Poem for Every Day of the Year: National Trust Poetry Collections by Fiona Waters
I want to give you a completely different book that can be read cover to cover or a little every day. This book of poems about animals, covers a range of works from the classics to more contemporary poets.
I personally love how this is designed to read a poem every day so even the most reluctant readers have no excuse. The illustrations are beautiful and help bring the poems to life.
This book was published in 2020 so it may not be in the library yet but it is in local bookstores.
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