Best Teen Books December 2024

Finding Audrey

Audrey’s world shrinks to the four walls of her home after a traumatic incident at school. Anxiety becomes her constant companion, dark glasses her shield. But when her brother’s charming friend Linus stumbles into her life, Audrey finds herself slowly emerging from her cocoon. With gentle humor and raw honesty, Kinsella captures the messy, hopeful journey of a teen learning to face her fears and rediscover the world. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and root for Audrey every step of the way.

Breathless

In “Breathless,” Jennifer Niven weaves a poignant tale of self-discovery and first love. Claudine, reeling from her parents’ divorce, finds solace on a remote island where she meets the enigmatic Jeremiah. As their connection deepens, Claudine grapples with her own identity and desires. Niven’s lyrical prose captures the raw emotions of adolescence, painting a vivid picture of summer romance and the bittersweet journey to adulthood. This tender, introspective novel will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt lost and found themselves in unexpected places.

Holding Up the Universe

Libby’s world crumbles when her mom dies, leaving her feeling lost and alone. Jack’s life is a constant struggle to hide his face blindness, a condition that makes recognizing people impossible. When these two broken souls collide, they find unexpected solace in each other’s company. Through late-night conversations and shared secrets, they learn to see beyond appearances and embrace their true selves. Niven’s poignant tale reminds us that sometimes, the most beautiful connections are forged in the darkest moments, and that love can help us find the strength to face our deepest fears.

All the Bright Places

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death. Violet Markey lives for the future. When they meet on the ledge of their school’s bell tower, it’s unclear who saves whom. As their worlds collide, they begin to discover the healing power of love, laughter, and adventure. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink. This poignant, unforgettable story explores the fragile line between life and death, and the importance of living each day to its fullest.

Attachments

Eleanor’s world turns upside down when she meets Park on the school bus. Misfit and outcast, she’s drawn to his quiet strength and comic book obsession. As their unlikely friendship blossoms into first love, they navigate the treacherous waters of high school, family drama, and self-discovery. Rowell’s poignant storytelling captures the raw intensity of teenage emotions, painting a vivid picture of 1986 Omaha. This bittersweet romance will tug at your heartstrings and remind you of your own first crush.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Two teens named Will Grayson collide in a chance encounter that changes both their lives. One, depressed and closeted, finds unexpected connection. The other, struggling with his larger-than-life best friend Tiny Cooper, discovers new perspectives on friendship and love. Their intertwining stories unfold with humor, heart, and raw honesty, capturing the rollercoaster of adolescence. Green and Levithan’s collaborative novel pulses with authentic teen voices and the messy, beautiful journey of self-discovery.

Beautiful Redemption

Dive into the thrilling conclusion of the Caster Chronicles with “Beautiful Redemption.” Garcia and Stohl weave a spellbinding tale of love, sacrifice, and destiny. Ethan’s journey through the Otherworld to reunite with Lena will keep you on the edge of your seat. The authors’ vivid prose brings Gatlin’s supernatural world to life, making you feel like you’re right there alongside the characters. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late just to see how it all ends.

Beautiful Darkness

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Lena has disappeared, he’s haunted by dreams of her. As he searches for answers, he uncovers dark secrets about his family and the town. With new dangers lurking, Ethan must choose between his love for Lena and the safety of those around him. A spellbinding tale of romance, mystery, and supernatural forces that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

Midnight Sun

Twilight fans, rejoice! Step into Edward Cullen’s brooding mind as Meyer unveils the vampire’s perspective on his fateful encounter with Bella Swan. Delve deeper into the complexities of vampire life, uncover hidden motivations, and experience the struggle between desire and conscience anew. This long-awaited companion novel breathes fresh life into a beloved story, offering both familiar thrills and surprising revelations. A must-read for those still enchanted by the world of Forks.

Eclipse

Bella Swan’s world teeters on the edge of chaos as she faces an impossible choice between her vampire love, Edward, and werewolf friend, Jacob. With graduation looming and a vengeful vampire on the loose, Bella must navigate her conflicting emotions while protecting those she loves. Meyer’s captivating prose draws readers into a world where supernatural creatures lurk in the shadows of everyday life, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery with a touch of danger that keeps you turning pages late into the night.