The teenage years are a time of immense growth, exploration, and self-discovery. One way to navigate this exciting period is through the wisdom and perspectives offered by books. The human brain doesn’t fully mature until around the mid-20s. This means that during the teenage years, the brain is still undergoing significant development and can therefore be nourished with the help of the right books to enable these young adults reach their full potential.
Getting teens to read at a time when most teens spend a lot of time on social media can be challenging. This means the books we recommend must be very engaging and immersive and challenge them to make better choices.
A well-rounded teenager is one who is developed in various aspects of their life, not just academically but also socially, emotionally, and physically. A well-rounded teen values education and strives for academic excellence, but also understand that grades aren’t everything. They are emotionally intelligent, possess good leadership skills and are good communicators. They take care of their mental health.
Well-rounded teens are also self-reliant. They have excellent problem-solving skills, great decision-making abilities, and possess basic life skills like cooking, budgeting, and time management. Finally, a well-rounded teen is resilient. They are able to bounce back from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and keep going.
We’ve put together a list of 5 books that model these attributes and teach these life skills.
“I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai.
This autobiography tells the powerful story of Malala Yousafzai, a young girl from Pakistan who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban. Her courage, resilience, and determination to fight for girls’ rights to education is truly inspiring. The book is an eye-opening look at the power of one person’s voice against adversity.
“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger.
A classic coming-of-age novel, “The Catcher in the Rye” explores themes of identity, alienation, and rebellion through the eyes of its protagonist, Holden Caulfield. The raw and honest depiction of adolescent angst resonates with teenagers globally and offers valuable insights on navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
While not a typical teen read, “Atomic Habits” offers practical and transformative advice on how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. It’s a valuable guide for teenagers learning to navigate their independence and responsibilities. These books cover a wide range of topics – from personal growth and social issues to historical events and life skills. They offer different perspectives and lessons that can help shape a teenager’s worldview. So, pick up a book, dive into its pages, and let the journey of learning and discovery begin!
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill.
It is a classic self-help book that explores the psychological power of thought and the brain in the process of furthering your career for both monetary and personal satisfaction. The book asserts that desire, faith, and persistence can propel one to great heights if one can suppress negative thoughts and focus on long-term goals. “Think and Grow Rich” offers a holistic approach to wealth creation, emphasizing the importance of mindset, positive thinking, and personal belief in achieving financial success.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.
Set in the American South during the Great Depression, this novel explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth. The story, told through the innocent eyes of Scout Finch, serves as a powerful lesson about understanding and combating prejudice.
Find these titles and many more teen reads at Discoverbooks.com. If you want to read more about finding time to read in college click our blog post Finding Time to Read: College Edition.
