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Best Fiction Books for Teens

Best Fiction Books for Teens – Top 10 Fiction Novels

Fiction novels are literary works of prose that tell a story that is not based on real events or people. They are often created from the author’s imagination and are designed to entertain and engage readers using characters, plot, setting, and other literary devices. Historical Fiction novels can span a wide range of genres, including romance, science fiction, mystery, historical fiction, fantasy, and more. They typically feature a narrative arc, with a beginning, middle, and end that takes readers on a journey through the characters’ experiences and emotions. Fiction novels can be both standalone works or part of a series, and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Top 10 Fiction Novels Books

Fiction offers an escape from reality and allows readers to explore different worlds, experiences, and emotions through the eyes of characters they can relate to. Fiction can also help teenagers develop empathy and understanding of other perspectives, as well as provide an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Additionally, reading fiction has been shown to improve language and literacy skills, expand vocabulary, and boost creativity and imagination. With so many different genres and styles of fiction available, there is something for everyone, making it a popular choice among teenagers and readers of all ages.

If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin

“If He Had Been with Me” is a young adult novel by Laura Nowlin. The story follows Autumn and Finny, two childhood friends who have drifted apart as they’ve grown older. Autumn has become popular and is dating the captain of the football team, while Finny is a loner who spends most of his time reading books.

If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin

Despite their differences, Autumn and Finny are still drawn to each other, and they begin to reconnect as they approach their senior year of high school. However, as they spend more time together, they realize that they have deep feelings for each other that go beyond friendship.

The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the power of connection. It also touches on the challenges of navigating social hierarchies in high school and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.

Overall, “If He Had Been with Me” is a touching and bittersweet story about the complexities of teenage relationships and the enduring power of first love.

The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith

“The Way I Used to Be” is a young adult novel by Amber Smith. The story follows Eden, a high school freshman who is raped by her brother’s best friend. The novel is told in four parts, each covering a year of Eden’s life after the assault.

The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith

At the beginning of the novel, Eden is struggling to come to terms with what happened to her. She keeps the assault a secret and begins to engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as drinking and hooking up with boys. As time passes, Eden becomes increasingly isolated and withdrawn, unable to confide in her friends or family.

Throughout the novel, Eden grapples with the long-term effects of the assault on her life, including her relationships with others, her self-image, and her ability to trust. The novel also explores themes of trauma, mental health, and the societal stigma surrounding sexual assault.

Overall, “The Way I Used to Be” is a raw and powerful portrayal of the aftermath of sexual assault and the complex emotions and experiences that survivors often face. The novel is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of an important issue that affects many young people today.

Missing Dead Girls by Sara Walters

“Missing Dead Girls” is a thriller novel by Sara Walters. The story follows Kim, a young woman who works at a convenience store in a small town. When a local girl goes missing, Kim becomes obsessed with the case and begins to investigate on her own.

Missing Dead Girls by Sara Walters

As Kim delves deeper into the disappearance, she uncovers a dark underworld of violence and exploitation that has been hidden in her seemingly idyllic community. Along the way, she encounters a cast of complex and morally ambiguous characters, including a troubled police officer, a reclusive artist, and a group of teenage girls who may know more than they’re letting on.

As the body count begins to rise, Kim finds herself drawn further into the dangerous web of secrets and lies that surrounds the missing girls. Along the way, she must confront her own demons and reckon with the devastating impact that the violence has on her community.

Overall, “Missing Dead Girls” is a gripping and unsettling thriller that explores the darker side of small-town life. The novel is a powerful commentary on the ways in which violence against women is often ignored or dismissed, and the toll that it takes on those who are left behind.

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

Iron Widow is a young adult science fiction novel by Xiran Jay Zhao, published in 2021. The book is set in an alternate version of 1950s China, where mechas called Chrysalises are used to defend the country from foreign threats. The story follows Wu Zetian, a teenage girl who becomes an Iron Widow – a pilot of a Chrysalis – in order to avenge her sister’s death and protect her country.

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

As an Iron Widow, Wu Zetian must bond with a male pilot to power her Chrysalis. However, the bonding process is incredibly dangerous, and the male pilots usually die within a few battles. Wu Zetian discovers that she has a unique ability to manipulate energy and use it to power her Chrysalis alone, without a male pilot. This makes her both feared and respected, but also puts her in danger from those who want to keep the status quo.

The novel explores themes such as gender roles, power, and sacrifice, as Wu Zetian navigates her new role as an Iron Widow and fights against the oppressive system that exploits young girls like her. The story is action-packed, with intense battles and political intrigue, but also has a strong emotional core as Wu Zetian grapples with the consequences of her choices and the toll they take on her.

Overall, Iron Widow is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that blends sci-fi and historical elements to create a unique and engaging story.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

“They Both Die at the End” is a young adult novel written by Adam Silvera and published in 2017. The story is set in a world where people receive a phone call on the day they are going to die, and follows the lives of two teenage boys, Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio, who receive this call on the same day.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Mateo is a shy and introverted boy who has been living his life in fear and isolation. Rufus, on the other hand, is a rebellious and adventurous boy who has just escaped from a violent gang. After both boys receive the call from Death-Cast, a company that predicts people’s deaths, they decide to live their last day to the fullest and connect with each other through an app called “Last Friend”.

As they spend their last day together, Mateo and Rufus form a deep and meaningful connection, and their friendship turns into something more. They share their hopes, fears, and dreams, and try to make the most of their remaining time. Along the way, they meet various people who are also dealing with their own mortality and find comfort in their shared experiences.

Despite the title of the book, the story is not really about their deaths, but rather about how they choose to live their lives in the face of it. The novel explores themes such as friendship, love, acceptance, and the fragility of life, and is a poignant reminder to appreciate the time we have and to live our lives to the fullest.

Overall, “They Both Die at the End” is a heartfelt and emotionally resonant novel that will make readers laugh, cry, and reflect on the importance of living in the moment.

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

“The Ballad of Never After” is a young adult fantasy novel written by Stephanie Garber and published in 2022. It is a companion novel to Garber’s previous trilogy, “Caraval,” but can be read as a standalone.

The story follows Evangeline Fox, a talented musician who dreams of becoming a composer but is forced to marry a man she doesn’t love. In a moment of desperation, she makes a deal with the mysterious Jacks, the Lord of the Marrow Marsh, to trade her soul for the chance to escape her arranged marriage and pursue her musical dreams.

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

Evangeline soon discovers that Jacks is not what he seems, and she is drawn into a dangerous game of music and magic in a world where faeries and humans coexist. As she navigates the treacherous world of the fae, she must also confront her own desires and the consequences of her actions.

The novel explores themes such as love, sacrifice, and the power of music, and is filled with enchanting imagery and vivid descriptions of the fantastical world. Garber’s prose is lyrical and evocative, transporting the reader to a world of wonder and magic.

Overall, “The Ballad of Never After” is a captivating and spellbinding novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy and romance. It is a beautifully written tale of love, music, and the price of making deals with the fae.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

“We Were Liars” is a young adult novel written by E. Lockhart and published in 2014. The story follows Cadence Sinclair, a teenage girl from a wealthy family who spends her summers on a private island owned by her grandfather. Cadence spends these summers with her cousins, Johnny, Mirren, and Gat, and the four of them call themselves “the Liars”.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

The novel is divided into four parts, each representing one summer on the island. In the first summer, Cadence suffers a mysterious accident and can’t remember what happened. In the subsequent summers, she tries to piece together the events of that fateful summer and uncovers dark family secrets.

The novel explores themes such as privilege, family, memory, and the power of truth. It is a suspenseful and atmospheric story with a twist ending that will leave readers stunned.

Lockhart’s writing style is poetic and introspective, and she uses metaphors and symbolism to convey the emotional depth of the characters. The novel also includes snippets of fairy tales and folk stories that add to the haunting and dreamlike atmosphere.

Overall, “We Were Liars” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to question their own perceptions of reality and the stories they tell themselves. It is a gripping and emotional read that will stay with readers long after the final page.

Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi

“Imagine Me” is a young adult novel written by Tahereh Mafi and published in 2020. It is the sixth and final book in the “Shatter Me” series, which follows the story of Juliette Ferrars, a teenage girl with a lethal touch who becomes a weapon for the Reestablishment, a dystopian government.

Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi

The story picks up after the events of the previous book, “Defy Me,” and follows Juliette as she grapples with her newfound power and tries to reconcile with her past. With the help of her friends and allies, including her love interest, Warner, and her former enemy, Kenji, she fights to take down the Reestablishment and establish a new world order.

The novel explores themes such as identity, redemption, and the consequences of power. It is a fast-paced and action-packed story with intense and emotional moments that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Mafi’s writing style is lyrical and poetic, with a focus on the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters. The novel also includes journal entries and flashbacks that provide insights into the characters’ pasts and motivations.

Overall, “Imagine Me” is a satisfying and fitting conclusion to the “Shatter Me” series that will leave readers feeling fulfilled and emotional. It is a thrilling and poignant story that will resonate with fans of dystopian fiction and romance.

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

“The Catcher in the Rye” is a classic novel written by J.D. Salinger and first published in 1951. The story is narrated by Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who has been expelled from his prep school and is wandering around New York City before returning home to his family for Christmas.

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

Holden is disillusioned with the world around him and struggles to connect with the people in his life. He is critical of the “phoniness” he sees in society and often feels isolated and lonely. Throughout the novel, Holden reflects on his past experiences and tries to make sense of his feelings, ultimately coming to the realization that he cannot hold onto his childhood innocence forever.

The novel explores themes such as adolescence, alienation, and the loss of innocence. It is a poignant and thought-provoking story that has resonated with readers for generations.

Salinger’s writing style is conversational and authentic, with Holden’s voice and perspective shaping the narrative. The novel also includes vivid descriptions of the city and the people Holden encounters, as well as flashbacks and dreams that add depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, “The Catcher in the Rye” is a timeless and powerful novel that captures the struggles and complexities of growing up. It is a classic coming-of-age story that continues to be relevant and influential today.

I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman

“I Was Born for This” is a young adult novel written by Alice Oseman and published in 2018. The story follows two main characters: Angel Rahimi, a devout fan of a boy band called The Ark, and Jimmy Kaga-Ricci, one of the members of The Ark. The novel alternates between their perspectives as they navigate their own personal struggles and unexpected connections.

I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman

Angel is a Muslim teenager who has found solace in The Ark’s music and fan community, but she is struggling to reconcile her faith with her devotion to the band. Jimmy is a member of The Ark who is dealing with the pressures of fame and the expectations of his fans and bandmates. When Angel and Jimmy’s paths cross, they begin to challenge each other’s perceptions and develop a unique connection.

The novel explores themes such as identity, mental health, and the impact of fandom culture. It is a nuanced and insightful story that sheds light on the complexities of modern adolescence.

Oseman’s writing style is witty and engaging, with a focus on the emotional depth and growth of the characters. The novel also includes snippets of fan fiction and social media interactions that add to the authenticity and relatability of the story.

Overall, “I Was Born for This” is a powerful and empathetic novel that celebrates the importance of finding community and support in unexpected places. It is a heartfelt and thought-provoking read that will resonate with readers of all ages.