Hi guys! In today’s post we will be looking at some book recommendations for when you need something to keep you entertained during the school year besides your phone. So, let’s get into it!
Fantasy
Let’s start off with something simple. If you haven’t read Harry Potter (recommended age: 9+), this is your sign to finally try it, especially if you are into magic sports, spells and adventure!
If you have already read the aforementioned series and loved it, then you should definitely try Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan (recommended age: 9+). A series of five books, it features a young demi-god who finds himself thrust into the world of Greek gods and monsters. It follows a similar plot to Harry Potter in that it follows a young boy in a school-like environment who goes on adventures with his two best friends.
Mystery
My favorite mystery series by far is the A Good Girl’s Guide series by Holly Jackson (recommended age: 14+). In fact, all of Jackson’s books are amazing, so if you are looking for a fast-paced mystery novel with a teenage girl as the main character, then you will love her books. Even more, a TV adaptation of her first book arrived on Netflix in early August!
Dystopian/ Science Fiction
If you are looking for an action-packed fight for survival, The Hunger Games series by Suzanna Collins or The Maze Runner by James Dashner (recommended age: 12+) are right down your alley. The Hunger Games features a 16 year old female protagonist who is picked to fight in the Hunger Games (bet you didn’t see that coming), a battle between 24 teens until only one remains standing. Maze Runner, also like you would expect, is about a group of boys trapped in a maze. However, that explanation doesn’t do it justice as further description would be spoiling it for you, so I would recommend checking out these books yourself.
Historical Fiction
If you’re looking for a book that draws from the lessons of history while also incorporating a fictional twist, Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird (recommended age: 14+) is definitely one to try. It draws on the themes of the racial divide present during the Great Depression as well as the author’s own experience to give you a novel whose ending will surprise you.
Classical Literature
If you are looking to expand your horizons and pick up a classic this summer, firstly, well done! Secondly, Animal Farm by George Orwell (recommended age: 13+) is a really good choice (bonus points: it counts as a book for AP Lit!). Another dystopian novel, Animal Farm is a fictional narrative with political undertones. This classic will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat!
That’s all for this post. Feel free to let me know if you have any other reading recommendations; I’d love to hear them! See you in the next one!
Thank you to Maya B for editing this article!