However, most of us parents have heard complaints from their children that they would rather be watching TV or playing video games instead of reading a boring old book. If you need all the help you can get in nudging your child to read more, you should read through our list of the top ten best young adult novels that may encourage your tweens to read more.
#1—The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
The Girl of Fire and Thorns is an hugely underrated young adult novel. The main character, Elisa, isn't your your typical princess. She is a plus-size princess who is not afraid to eat food. Elisa is married off to a king that she never met, and the plot takes you through her coming-of-age story. This novel will resonate with any young preteen girl who is self-conscious of her own body image.
Image: Goodreads
#2—The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
The Alchemist is a novel that delivers a meaningful message about finding your purpose in life and how to be grateful for what you have. This is something that many moody teenagers (and grown-ups) need to hear!
#3—The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
Teenagers are not the best at saving money, because they tend to make impulse buys and live day to day. This novel teaches children the power of saving money from an early age, and how compound interest works. Who knows, it may encourage your child to become the next New York Stock Exchange broker!
#4—The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
The Mortal Instruments is a large, six book long serious that follows a young lady named Clare. Clare is your typical high schooler, with the exception of getting caught up in a secret underground group of demon hunters. Teenagers are able to relate well to Clare, and follow her through how she overcomes common teenage obstacles in life—while the demon hunting side offers a sense of escapism which many young adults crave.
Image: Goodreads
#5—How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This is a great novel for any teenager to read. Dale Carnegie gives his life lessons on how to communicate to others in a meaningful way.
#6—Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
Monument 14 is a great novel for children to read who don't easily get along with others. The plot follows 14 school kids who all vary in ages, genders, and personalities who wind up getting stuck in a Costco during the “end of the world”.
#7—Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
Outliers is a great novel for children to read, because it tackles how success is sometimes only due to being in the right place at the right time.
#8—Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Kids who feel out of place or different from their peers need to read this novel. The plot follows young protagonist Jacob Portman, who is transported to an orphanage filled with all sorts of oddities!
Image: Goodreads
#9—Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
This novel follows two migrant ranch workers who travel the United States during the Great Depression. It will help your children understand the importance of hard work and not taking what they have for granted.
#10—The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
The Power of Positive Thinking is a fantastic novel for your children to read. It covers the importance of overcoming obstacles in life and not letting defeat knock you down.
A sneaky way of introducing your book-shy kids to novels is by playing audiobooks while in the car, cooking dinner or before bedtime. Don't forget to check out all of our book coupons to see how you could save some money!
