16 books to read before you’re 16

1) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a gripping classic that follows Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in the South during the 1930s. When her father, Atticus Finch, defends a black man accused of assaulting a white woman, Scout witnesses the prejudice and injustice prevalent in their society. This powerful tale explores themes of racial inequality, moral growth, and the importance of empathy, leaving readers captivated by its poignant storytelling and timeless lessons.

2) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" delves into the life of Charlie, an introspective and observant teenager navigating the complexities of high school. Through a series of letters, Charlie shares his journey of self-discovery, friendship, love, and the challenges of adolescence. As he befriends stepsiblings Sam and Patrick, he finds solace in their unconventional friendship, discovering the joys and heartaches that come with growing up. This poignant coming-of-age novel resonates deeply with its raw honesty and heartfelt exploration of life's ups and downs.

3) The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

"The Diary of a Young Girl" is an intimate and moving account written by Anne Frank, a Jewish girl hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Through her diary, Anne candidly expresses her thoughts, dreams, and fears while confined in a secret annex. Her resilience, intelligence, and unwavering hope shine through despite the harrowing circumstances. This poignant narrative offers a glimpse into the life of a courageous young girl and serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

4) The Colour Purple by Alice Walker

"The Color Purple" is a stirring tale that follows the life of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century grappling with abuse and hardship. Through a series of letters, Celie narrates her journey from a life of oppression to finding her own voice and strength. Her bond with the independent and spirited Shug Avery helps her discover her identity and resilience. Set against the backdrop of racial and gender discrimination, this novel is a testament to the power of sisterhood, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity for healing and growth.

5) The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

"The Catcher in the Rye" invites readers into the mind of Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager grappling with the phoniness he perceives in the adult world. Following his expulsion from prep school, Holden embarks on a journey through New York City, encountering various characters and situations that challenge his views on life, authenticity, and connection. Through Holden's witty and candid narration, this novel explores themes of alienation, adolescence, and the search for meaning, making it a timeless and thought-provoking read for young adults.

6) Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

"Ghost Boys" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that centres on the story of twelve-year-old Jerome, who becomes a ghost after a tragic encounter with a police officer. As a ghost, Jerome meets other ghost boys, including Emmett Till, whose fates were similarly shaped by racial prejudice and violence. Through his encounters with these spirits and his connection with the living, Jerome navigates issues of race, injustice, and the impact of systemic racism on society. This powerful narrative encourages readers to confront difficult truths and fosters empathy while addressing timely and essential themes.

7) Dean Atta and Black Flamingo

"Black Flamingo" by Dean Atta is a powerful novel-in-verse that traces the journey of Michael, a mixed-race gay teen, as he navigates his identity, finds his voice, and embraces his true self. Through poetry, Michael shares his experiences of self-discovery, exploring his identity as a person of mixed heritage, his struggles with fitting in, and ultimately, his passion for drag and performance. This coming-of-age story celebrates individuality, diversity, and the beauty of embracing one's uniqueness in a world that often tries to confine us to narrow definitions of identity and masculinity.

8) The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

"The Hate U Give" follows the life of Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend, Khalil, by a police officer. As Starr navigates between her predominantly black neighbourhood and her predominantly white prep school, she grapples with the aftermath of Khalil's death and the systemic racism that plagues her community. Through Starr's powerful voice, this novel explores themes of racial injustice, activism, and the complexities of finding one's voice in the face of adversity. It's a compelling and timely story that sheds light on the realities of racial discrimination and the importance of speaking up against injustice.

9) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

"The Book Thief" unfolds in Nazi Germany, narrated by Death. It tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace in books and words amidst the chaos of World War II. As Liesel steals books and shares them with her neighbours and the Jewish man hiding in her basement, she discovers the transformative power of storytelling in the darkest of times. With beautiful prose and unforgettable characters, this novel explores the resilience of the human spirit, the impact of words, and the enduring strength found in unexpected places during one of history's darkest periods.

10) Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

"Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds is a gripping and lyrical novel in verse that takes place during a critical sixty seconds in the life of fifteen-year-old Will. After his brother's murder, Will is consumed by grief and anger, seeking revenge by following the "rules" of his neighborhood: take the elevator, find his brother's killer, and exact justice. Yet, as he descends, each floor brings ghosts from his past, forcing him to confront the cycle of violence and consider the impact of his choices. Reynolds' raw and compelling narrative delves into themes of gun violence, family, and the complexity of decision-making in the face of tragedy, leaving readers breathless with its emotional depth and thought-provoking message.

11) The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini

"The Kite Runner" follows the lives of Amir and Hassan, childhood friends from different social backgrounds in Afghanistan. Set against the backdrop of a changing Afghanistan, the novel explores their deep bond, shattered by a traumatic event that haunts Amir into adulthood. As Amir seeks redemption and grapples with guilt, the story unfolds against the tumultuous backdrop of Afghan history, providing a poignant exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the enduring power of redemption. Hosseini's vivid storytelling weaves a tale of love, loss, and the search for atonement that captivates readers with its emotional depth and vivid portrayal of a country in turmoil.

12) I Am Malala by Malala Yousafazi

"I Am Malala" is the incredible memoir of Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani girl who defied the Taliban and fought for girls' education. Malala recounts her extraordinary journey from a young girl advocating for education in her native Swat Valley to surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban and becoming a global symbol of resilience and activism. Her inspiring story sheds light on the power of education, the fight for equality, and the courage to stand up for one's beliefs against all odds. With grace and determination, Malala's narrative inspires readers to believe in the possibility of change and the importance of raising one's voice for justice and equality.

13) Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

"Noughts and Crosses" is a gripping tale set in an alternate world where society is divided between the ruling dark-skinned Crosses and the oppressed white Noughts. Sephy, a Cross, and Callum, a Nought, share a deep bond despite the societal pressures and prejudices that separate them. As their relationship defies convention, they navigate a world rife with discrimination, violence, and political turmoil. Malorie Blackman's powerful narrative confronts issues of race, identity, and privilege, challenging readers to question social norms and consider the impact of prejudice and inequality on individuals and societies.

14) Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan

The "Percy Jackson" series by Rick Riordan embarks on a thrilling adventure with Percy, a modern-day demigod and the son of Poseidon. Unaware of his divine heritage, Percy discovers his true identity and is thrown into a world of gods, monsters, and ancient prophecies. Alongside his friends, including the fiercely loyal Annabeth and the satyr Grover, Percy navigates quests, battles mythological creatures, and faces off against titans as he tries to prevent catastrophic events from shaking the foundations of the world. Riordan's series brilliantly weaves Greek mythology into contemporary settings, offering a blend of action, humor, and captivating storytelling that makes for an exhilarating read for young adventure seekers.

15) Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll

"Alice in Wonderland" invites readers into a whimsical and surreal world where a curious young girl named Alice falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical realm. There, she encounters eccentric characters like the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts, embarking on a series of nonsensical yet captivating adventures. Lewis Carroll's timeless classic is a delightful journey filled with absurdity, wordplay, and imagination, offering readers an escape into a world where logic bends and anything is possible, encouraging us all to embrace our curiosity and creativity.

16) The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon

"The Bone Sparrow" follows the story of Subhi, a young boy born in an Australian detention center, where he has lived his entire life. Confined within the camp's fences, Subhi finds solace in stories passed down by his mother and the friendship he shares with Jimmie, a girl from the outside. As Subhi's world expands through Jimmie's stories and their friendship, the novel sheds light on the harsh realities faced by refugees and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Zana Fraillon's poignant narrative raises awareness about the plight of refugees, highlighting the importance of hope, friendship, and the power of storytelling as a means of survival and connection.