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High schoolers are ready to read the classics, and they'll do plenty of that in school. But give them too much "Silas Marner" and they may lose the pure joy of reading for pleasure.

That's why it's important to make sure high schoolers have a variety of books that reflect their own experience and open doors to contemporary and fantasy worlds they've never imagined.

Embrace the growth of the graphic novel genre for the high schoolers you know. You'll win some cool points, and with new adaptations of books like The Iliad and Heart of Darkness, your high schooler has a better-than-Cliffs-notes way to power through the classics you may never have finished yourself. (Admit it.)

Here are 19 of the best books for high schoolers.

This follow-up novel features a high schooler who is struggling after she finds herself pregnant with a daughter. Her dream of becoming a chef is something she just can't deny.

The March sisters enjoy adventures in Civil War New England as they struggle to balance obligation with freedom. They say everyone has a favorite sister; obviously, everyone's favorite is Jo. Try the audio book from Audible, which features Laura Dern, who plays Marmee in the movie.

Hinds' vivid style will turn reading a classic from the chore it might feel like into page-turning excitement. (Now do Ulysses?)

The son of an American president finds himself squaring off against a young Prince of Wales. When the two make nice, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways that surprise them.

One of our editors calls the most authentic account of cancer and death I've ever read." And The Fault in Our Stars " Turtles All the Way Down is an authentic look at mental illness, which Green is frank about struggling with.

Jay Reguero is comfortable in Michigan before discovering his Filipino cousin was murdered as part of Pesident Duterte's war on drugs. In searching for the truth, he'll have to reckon with his own immigrant identity.

But Hey, Kiddo, is a far more grown-up book, examining his own childhood as the son of a drug addict who left the family.

This follow-up features 16-year-old Bri, who dreams of becoming a great rapper. With a tough home life, she finds herself at the center of a controversy that stands between her and her dream.

Halse Anderson's story-in-verse recounts personal stories of abuse, 20 years after her groundbreaking novel Speak. It's a beautifully spun call to action.

The Breakfast Club-style detention crew turns dark when one of the students doesn't make it out alive. Everyone else is a suspect.

Patrick Ness wrote this after the premature death of Siobhan Dowd prevented her from writing it herself. The monster in Conor's backyard wants the truth from him - and truth isn't easy as he struggles with bullies and the illness of a loved one.

Eleanor is bullied, especially for her size, and Park may be the only who stands up for her. Their love story captures the swoon of a first romance, but is grounded by real life problems.

Hendrix tells the true story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor who speaks out as the Nazis gain power. Forced to flee, he is determined to stop Hitler.

It's set in the land of Orisha, where a caste system divides people and magic has recently been recovered. Our hero Zelie struggles to unite the kingdom before it tears itself apart.

The series' star, Day, has given up world-saving in favor of keeping his little brother, Eden, safe. The brothers find themselves at odds as Eden gets drawn to the city's dark side.

We don't know why Vonnegut seems designed for precocious high schoolers, but the appeal is undeniable. This satirical novel is an accessible entry point for Vonnegut stans. The narrator, John, sets out to write a book about "The Day the World Ended" and find the creators of the atomic bomb that was used in Hiroshima.

But for your high schooler, take it from the top and go for this stunning debut memoir. Eggers was a college senior when he lost both his parents to cancer and became responsible for his 8-year-old brother.

In Kuper's vision, much of the narrative is shown through the eyes of African natives, no longer faceless "others." (Fun fact for mom and dad: Kuper illustrated Spy vs. Spy in MAD Magazine.)

In a not-so-distant future, 17-year-old Layla Amin is forced into an internment camp for Muslim Americans. She'll have to fight for her freedom. Dare we call this novel prescient?
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You'll Win Cool Points With These Standout High School Book Picks

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High schoolers are ready to read the classics, and they'll do plenty of that in school. But give them too much "Silas Marner" and they may lose the pure joy of reading for pleasure. That's why it's important to make sure high schoolers have a variety of books that reflect their own experience and open doors to contemporary and fantasy worlds they've never imagined.

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11 Great Book Lists for High School Students - WeAreTeachers

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If you're looking for new material for your high school syllabus, look no further than our favorite book lists for high school students.

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We asked our community which works of literature were must-reads for high schoolers. Here are your top picks.

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A huge number of books exist out there, ready and waiting for you to read them. Whether you prefer manga or ancient, epic poems, reading is great for all sorts of reasons.

What follows is a list of highly beneficial books to read in high school (or after!). These are remarkable books- books that made history, books that challenge societal perceptions of the world, and books that are quite simply interesting and moving. The books are presented in alphabetical order, and a short description is given for each book, as well an explanation of why it is worth reading.

Why Is Reading Important?

Why should you read these books? Why should you read at all for that matter? Reading is essential to communication, especially in an era of emails and texting. Beyond even that, though, reading has an array of crucial purposes. It will help improve your grades and test scores. You'll learn about other places, other times, and other cultures. You'll encounter issues you can relate to-issues that speak to you and challenge you to think and feel in new ways. You will grow, empathetically and intellectually. Plus, you'll understand more of the references that crop up all the time in pop culture.

Below are 31 books to read in high school that will help you prepare for college and beyond.

1984 (George Orwell)

This dystopian novel by George Orwell was written 35 years before the date referenced by the title. In this book, Orwell tells a story that warns readers about the possible consequences of complacency in the face of rising dictators (think Hitler and Stalin) and burgeoning technology ripe for misuse. He describes a world where everything is monitored, right down to citizens' thoughts, and where any opposition to the ruling class is punishable by extreme measures. The oft-encountered quote, "Big Brother is watching," finds its origin in this novel.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain)

This sequel to Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is much graver in nature than its predecessor. There are still plenty of good antics worthy of a laugh, but it concerns itself largely with a young boy's attempt to escape severe family dysfunction and the moral implications of his taking an escaped slave as a companion on his adventure down the Mississippi River. Readers should be warned that the " n-word" is used liberally throughout the novel, which tends to be jarring to many a modern ear.
Mark Twain wants you to read his novel(s).
The Awakening (Kate Chopin)

Set in the Creole culture of the late 1800s, this novel by Kate Chopin details one woman's process of becoming aware of herself. At the time, women were essentially property, and they were expected to act in demure and socially acceptable ways. As the protagonist "awakens" to her emotional and sexual needs, as well as the ultimate truth of her own independence, all sorts of problems ensue. The novel examines the balance between self-respect and selfishness.

The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath)

This autobiographical novel by poet Sylvia Plath explores the deep, dark reality of mental illness. The protagonist, Esther, a stand-in for Plath herself, is a college student exploring her talents, interests, and sexuality as she descends into an unsettling spiral of mental instability. It is essential for students to understand the seriousness of mental illness as it is so earnestly portrayed in this book.

Black Rain (Masuji Ibuse)

Bless Me, Ultima (Rudolfo Anaya)

This semi-autobiographical novel by Rudolfo Anaya contains a healthy dose of magical realism and is considered a staple of Chicano literature. It combines Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences, showing openly the ways in which these forces within the protagonist's life come into conflict. Young Antonio is growing up in a world that leaves him with more questions than answers: major questions about life and death, good and evil, and so on. These issues seem too big for his six-year-old mind, and yet he grapples with them valiantly through the end of the novel.
Antonio has lots of questions surrounding his faith traditions.
Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)

In Brave New World, Aldous Huxley explores themes similar to those found in Orwell's 1984. Huxley wrote this novel earlier than Orwell wrote his, and yet both deal with dystopian concepts. In particular, Huxley balances utopian and dystopian interpretations of a world that is highly controlled, easily manipulated, and extremely dysfunctional, ready to fall apart at any provocation. There are insiders of and outsiders to this world, and each character views and interacts with the society in a different light.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (Dee Brown)

Dee Brown covers a lot of historical ground in this book. In it, Brown describes the history of European Americans as they interact with (and slaughter) the Native Americans who already inhabit what they claim as their country. It's an infuriating and accurate tale of mistreatments and abuses, as well as the unfortunate decline of a noble people trying to defend their established way of life. It's essential for students to understand this part of United States history.

The Catcher in the Rye (J. D. Salinger)

This bold and controversial novel by J. D. Salinger centers around ideas including adolescent sexuality and relationships. The protagonist is constantly bouncing around from person to person, place to place, activity to activity. Critics were greatly offended by Salinger's frank discussions of sexual matters and his generally very casual style. This book is an important read in part because of its direct relevance to struggling adolescents and the issues they face.

The Crucible (Arthur Miller)

Arthur Miller wrote this tragic play in the early 1950s. While it is somewhat loosely based on the Salem witch trials of 1692, and while it is likely intended as an allegory to McCarthy's rooting out of suspected Communists at the time of the play's writing, the issues it touches on are much more broadly applicable. This is an important dramatic work on how hysteria, cruelty, and ignorant gullibility destroy communities.

Bonus: Studying The Crucible for school and struggling? Check out ourThe Crucible study guides here!

There are lots of accusations of creepy stuff in The Crucible.

The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank)

Anne Frank's published diary is different from a typical literary work. It's a true account of the life of one Jewish girl during the Holocaust, and, while Anne Frank wrote some passages with publication in mind, others she did not. When the book was first published, many passages that her father, Otto Frank, found too long, unflattering, or inappropriate were excluded. Today, the book is available with all material included. Gaining some understanding of this horrific genocide is crucial to students.

Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)

Books are on trial in this astounding work by Ray Bradbury. Set in yet another dystopian future where firemen are employed to burn books and the houses that contain them, Fahrenheit 451 tells the story of a fireman who begins to wonder what books have to offer. This novel is an ode to literacy, and, while it has its tragic moments, it ultimately leaves readers with a message of hope.

Flowers for Algernon (Daniel Keyes)

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf (Ntozake Shange)
The rainbow contains all sorts of symbolism.
Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)

The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)

Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)

The Great Gatbsy (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in The Great Gatsby a novel that in many ways closely reflected his own experience. The decadence of the Jazz Age was, as is revealed in the novel, both enticing for many and revolting for some. The Great Gatsby follows the quest of a wealthy young man to win back the love of his life by extravagant displays of riches and social connections. As the plot builds to its climax, readers, along with Gatsby's simpler, humbler friend and neighbor, are left to ponder the passing of an era in American history.

BONUS: Reading The Great Gatsby for school but finding it hard to keep track of all the characters? We have several study guides that might be able to help, including our guide to all the characters in The Great Gatsby.

The Joy Luck Club (Amy Tan)

Lord of the Flies (William Golding)

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (J. R. R. Tolkien)

As with any work, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are not everyone's cup of tea, but they're hugely rewarding pleasure reading for too many fans to count. Tolkien's masterpieces are more than just pleasure reading, though; the trilogy covers major themes of the epic struggle between good and evil, the necessity of persevering through immensely difficult ordeals, and how to apply mercy. Tolkien asks major questions about those who are evil versus those who are misguided and what we should do when our paths intertwine with any such individuals. The Hobbit is lighter and more kid-focused, but still addresses important themes.

The Odyssey (Homer)

The Odyssey is an epic poem nearly three thousand years old that's attributed to the blind poet Homer. It tells the story of a war hero's ten-year quest to return to his home, wife, and son. He encounters a number of varied setbacks along the way, and the trouble isn't over when he gets home. The Odyssey deals with human interactions with the gods, bringing up questions of righteousness, wrongdoing, and pride as well as ideas of faithfulness and patience.

Odysseus was a fan of the ladies.
Oedipus Rex (Sophocles)

This play by Greek dramatist Sophocles is about a man who inadvertently kills his father and marries his mother. It's dark subject matter, and nothing good comes of it, as you may well suspect. This another example, as in The Odyssey, of the divine tinkering with human lives and the great sin of pride.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Ken Kesey)

Ken Kesey documents in this work the darkest side of mental health care as it existed in the 1960s. While certainly not all mental health care was like what's described in the book, nor is it all like that today, audiences of the novel are aghast that any care might even vaguely resemble the horrors discussed. Despite how disturbing the storyline is, it's important for readers to recognize the vulnerability of this too often overlooked segment of society.
Next up: one of my favorites, William Shakespeare.
Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)

Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet (William Shakespeare)

William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is familiar to most people on some level: two teenagers from feuding families fall in love and ultimately sacrifice their lives to their passion. Of all of Shakespeare's works, it's a particularly popular one to read in high school for a variety of reasons. For one thing, it deals explicitly with teenaged love, and, for another, it's a relatively simple plot that's nonetheless action-packed. It also opens with a shameless series of very witty dirty jokes, and such humor is scattered throughout the rest of the show. Then there's the thematic material, which includes obedience, fate, and rash decisions, among others.

As an added bonus, those who read Hamlet may wish to read Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. It follows the events of Hamlet from the perspective of two minor and typically much-maligned characters. It's also hilarious, if absolutely weird.

Slaughterhouse-Five (Kurt Vonnegut)
(Not an actual representation of Janie. Same approach to life, though.)
Their Eyes Were Watching God (Zora Neale Hurston)

Things Fall Apart (Chinua Achebe)

To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird deals with elements of racism, courage, sympathy, understanding, and hope. It tells the story of a small town where a black man has been falsely accused of raping a white woman. The daughter of the lawyer defending the accused is the main protagonist, and another aspect of the story is her journey from bemused mockery to gentle understanding with regard to an eccentric man in the town. To Kill a Mockingbird rose to prominence during the Civil Rights Movement and remains as potent today as it ever was.

The Ugly American (Eugene Burdick and William Lederer)

Conclusion

If you can read through these 30-odd books before you graduate high school, you'll be in a good shape, from a literary perspective.

Even if you can't read all of them, picking a few would not be a bad place to start. You might start with those that simply sound the most interesting to you, or you could look for themes in the books that relate to what you're learning in school. If you're studying McCarthyism, for instance, maybe try The Crucible; if you're studying the Holocaust, maybe try The Diary of a Young Girl.

These stories are immensely powerful. Some are newer, having instantly won their place in the pantheon of classics, while others have proven themselves by withstanding the test of time.
Open a book, and you'll find all sorts of messages! Usually not in bottles, though.
Readers will find that they resonate with some books more than others, and that's fine; the point is that all of these books have important messages to communicate, and I encourage readers to be open to finding out what those messages are.

What's Next?

A lot of these books may be read or referenced in AP English Lit classes. Check out our guide to AP Literature for tips on preparing for the exam. If you're not sure whether to take AP English Language or AP English Literature, allow us to provide you with some thoughts on the topic.

While we're on the topic of literature, why don't you take a moment to read some recommendations on which English classes you should take during your high school career?

Are you both a reader and interested in becoming a doctor? Then you should definitely take a look at our list of books to read as a pre-med student.

And as a reminder, if you decide to read The Great Gatsby or The Crucible, you can check out our analyses of each to help you along the way!

Thinking ahead to college applications?
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The 31 Best Books to Read in High School

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Looking for books to read in high school? Check out our 31 excellent ideas to help widen your horizons and prepare for college.

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It's almost a cliche at this point to say that teen fiction isn't just for teens anymore. Just last year, the Association of American Publishers ranked Children's/Young Adult books as the single fastest-growing publishing category.

Which is why we were only a little surprised to see the tremendous response that came in for this summer's Best-Ever Teen Fiction poll. A whopping 75,220 of you voted for your favorite young adult novels, blasting past the total for last year's science fiction and fantasy poll at, dare we say it, warp speed.

And now, the final results are in. While it's no surprise to see Harry Potter and the Hunger Games trilogy on top, this year's list also highlights some writers we weren't as familiar with. For example, John Green, author of the 2012 hit The Fault in Our Stars, appears five times in the top 100.

Selecting a manageable voting roster from among the more than 1,200 nominations that came in from readers wasn't easy, and we were happy to be able to rely on such an experienced panel of judges. But deciding what does and doesn't count as a young-adult novel isn't an exact science. If you're surprised not to see some of your favorite books among the winners, you might want to look at this blog post, which describes the thinking behind the tough calls.

Summer, like youth, is fleeting. But the books we read when we're young can stay with us for a lifetime. Here's hoping that when the school bell rings in a few short weeks, it will find you engrossed in just such a memorable read, selected by the NPR audience. Enjoy. (For your convenience, here's a printable version of the top-100 list, and here's a list of the 235 finalists.)

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Your Favorites: 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels

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More than 75,000 of you voted for your favorite young-adult fiction. Now, after all the nominating, sorting and counting, the final results are in. Here are the 100 best teen novels, chosen by the NPR audience.