Books for Children & Young Teenagers
I've put together this page because I know how hard it can be finding stories for older children, through to early and mid teenagers. It can be difficult finding literature for young teenage boys that isn't either violent or disgusting, and for tween girls all that seems to be available is trashy romance novels. Below I've collected together some of the best books I have found for this age group - some you probably read yourself as a child, and others may be new to you. I hope you find a novel or two for the child or young teenager in your life below!
Click on the book titles to view or purchase the books.
Bartlett and the Incredible Ice Voyage by Odo Hirsch
These books have such fond memories for me; they are the kind that make me wish I was a child again so that I could go back and read them. I barely remember what they were even about, but I loved every inch of them. These would be enjoyed by both boys and girls.
Also in the Bartlett series:
Bartlett and the Island of Kings
Bartlett and the City of Flames
The Chronicals of Narnia by C.S Lewis
I adored these books growing up - and continued to love them well into my mid teens. C.S Lewis captured my imagination with the magical world of Narnia - with my special favourite being The Horse & His Boy. Suitable for both boys and girls - the set I have linked to is a beautiful hardback box set.
Anne of Green Gable Series by L.M Montgomery
There aren't many of us who didn't read these growing up. Whilst I've heard some describe them as children's books, I never enjoyed them until I was in my early teens. The beautiful descriptions, enchanting characters and romantic notions depicted in these books is delightful. I remember my favourite being Anne of Ingleside and Rainbow Valley.
The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien
The Hobbit is shorter than the epic Lord of the Rings books, and is an entertaining, enjoyable adventure story. This book would be perfect for teenage boys or girls who love fantasy adventure.
The Famous Five by Enid Blyton
The Famous Five series spans many, many books. I don't think I ever got to read them all, but as with all of Enid Blyton's books I remember loving each one that I did read. The Famous Five is more grown up than the Secret Seven, and will be enjoyed by both boys and girls.
Hazel Green by Odo Hirsch
Odo Hirsch is an Australian author who writes the most delightful stories.
Little girls through to early teens would love the Hazel Green series!
Antonio S and the Mystery of Theodore Guzman by Odo Hirsch
Another novel by Australian author Odo Hirsch - and another true delight.
Suitable for boys and girls.
Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah
This is a novel for a child in their teens, through to adult. Chinese Cinderella is the true story of Adeline Yen Mah, growing up as the unwanted daughter in a wealthy Chinese family in the 1940's. The name 'Cinderella" was what caught my eye as a child, however it is both a heartwarming and heart wrenching tale, and has remained a life-long favourite. Follow the remarkable story of little Adeline, as she overcomes her hardships against all odds, and realises her dreams.
Go to Novels & Coffee Table Books
Click on the book titles to view or purchase the books.
These books have such fond memories for me; they are the kind that make me wish I was a child again so that I could go back and read them. I barely remember what they were even about, but I loved every inch of them. These would be enjoyed by both boys and girls.
Also in the Bartlett series:
Bartlett and the Island of Kings
Bartlett and the City of Flames
I adored these books growing up - and continued to love them well into my mid teens. C.S Lewis captured my imagination with the magical world of Narnia - with my special favourite being The Horse & His Boy. Suitable for both boys and girls - the set I have linked to is a beautiful hardback box set.
There aren't many of us who didn't read these growing up. Whilst I've heard some describe them as children's books, I never enjoyed them until I was in my early teens. The beautiful descriptions, enchanting characters and romantic notions depicted in these books is delightful. I remember my favourite being Anne of Ingleside and Rainbow Valley.
The Hobbit is shorter than the epic Lord of the Rings books, and is an entertaining, enjoyable adventure story. This book would be perfect for teenage boys or girls who love fantasy adventure.
The Famous Five series spans many, many books. I don't think I ever got to read them all, but as with all of Enid Blyton's books I remember loving each one that I did read. The Famous Five is more grown up than the Secret Seven, and will be enjoyed by both boys and girls.
Odo Hirsch is an Australian author who writes the most delightful stories.
Little girls through to early teens would love the Hazel Green series!
Another novel by Australian author Odo Hirsch - and another true delight.
Suitable for boys and girls.
Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah
This is a novel for a child in their teens, through to adult. Chinese Cinderella is the true story of Adeline Yen Mah, growing up as the unwanted daughter in a wealthy Chinese family in the 1940's. The name 'Cinderella" was what caught my eye as a child, however it is both a heartwarming and heart wrenching tale, and has remained a life-long favourite. Follow the remarkable story of little Adeline, as she overcomes her hardships against all odds, and realises her dreams.
Little Women by Louise May Alcott
A heartwarming tale to be enjoyed from early teenage years onward. This edition is a beautiful penguin hardback that makes this book even more special.
Little House on the Prairie Books by Laura Ingalls-Wilder
Little House on the Prairie is the book we hear of most, but did you ever read the entire series? My favourites were By the Shore of Silver Lake, Little Town on the Prairie and These Happy Golden Years. This box set features all 8 novels, including the 9th novel, The First Four Years, that was published after Laura's death. The Little House books are delightful and suitable for children right through to teenagers.
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls-Wilder
The second book in the Little House series, I've highlighted Farmer Boy because unlike a few of the other novels in the series, this book would definitely be enjoyed by boys. This is the story of Almanzo Wilder's (Laura's husband) childhood and is an enjoyable tale.
Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin
Almost an opposite in circumstances to Chinese Cinderella, Li Cunxin came from a large, loving but very poor family. He shares his real life story in an enjoyable context, and this book remains one of my favourites. This version is a special condensed Young Readers Edition.
Almost an opposite in circumstances to Chinese Cinderella, Li Cunxin came from a large, loving but very poor family. He shares his real life story in an enjoyable context, and this book remains one of my favourites. This version is a special condensed Young Readers Edition.
Go to Novels & Coffee Table Books