Best Teen Books April 2025 | ReaderRadar.com

The Kill Order

Delving into the chaotic world before “The Maze Runner,” Dashner’s prequel grips you from the start. Sun flares have ravaged Earth, and a deadly virus threatens what’s left of humanity. Mark and Trina, survivors of the apocalypse, face unimaginable horrors as they search for answers. The author’s vivid descriptions and relentless pacing kept me up way too late, heart racing. It’s a haunting exploration of survival, friendship, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love. A must-read for fans of the series.

The Death Cure

Trapped in a world ravaged by a deadly virus, Thomas faces his most harrowing challenge yet. As he grapples with lost memories and betrayed trust, he must lead his friends through treacherous trials to uncover the truth behind WICKED’s experiments. With each step, the line between ally and enemy blurs, forcing Thomas to confront his deepest fears. Will he find the cure, or will humanity’s last hope crumble in the face of insurmountable odds? Dashner’s gripping finale keeps you on edge until the very last page.

If I Stay

Mia’s life changes in an instant when a car accident leaves her in a coma. Caught between life and death, she faces an impossible choice. As memories of her past flood back, Mia grapples with the decision to stay or let go. Through her out-of-body experience, she reflects on love, family, and music. Forman’s poignant prose captures the raw emotions of a teenager confronting mortality, making this a heart-wrenching yet ultimately uplifting exploration of what it means to truly live.

Thirteen Reasons Why

Clay Jensen receives a mysterious package containing cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his crush who recently committed suicide. As he listens, Hannah reveals the thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life, each reason tied to a person at their high school. Clay’s night becomes a haunting journey through Hannah’s pain, forcing him to confront difficult truths about himself and others. Asher’s gripping narrative explores the ripple effects of our actions, the weight of secrets, and the devastating consequences of bullying and indifference.

The Hate U Give

Starr Carter straddles two worlds: her poor, mostly black neighborhood and her wealthy, mostly white prep school. This delicate balance shatters when she witnesses her childhood friend’s fatal shooting by a police officer. Caught between loyalty to her community and the allure of her other life, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what’s right. Thomas’s powerful debut novel tackles racism, police brutality, and the weight of silence with unflinching honesty and raw emotion. It’s a story that will stay with you long after the last page.

The Heroes of Olympus Series

Dive into a world where Greek and Roman mythology collide with modern-day adventure. Rick Riordan’s “The Heroes of Olympus” series follows a group of demigod teens as they face epic quests and battle ancient monsters. With a perfect blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes action, these books had me hooked from the first page. Riordan’s knack for reimagining classic myths in a contemporary setting is truly magical. I found myself rooting for each character, flaws and all, as they grew into their extraordinary destinies.

The Grisha Trilogy

Immerse yourself in a world of dark magic and dangerous intrigue. Alina Starkov, an orphan mapmaker, discovers she possesses an extraordinary power that could save her war-torn country. Thrust into the lavish world of the Grisha, magical elite led by the enigmatic Darkling, Alina must navigate treacherous politics and her own growing abilities. As she uncovers shocking secrets, she questions everything she thought she knew. A spellbinding tale of loyalty, love, and the price of power that will leave you breathless.

The Lunar Chronicles

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, harbors a secret that could topple Earth’s fragile peace. As a deadly plague ravages the population, she becomes entangled with the charming Prince Kai. Battling prejudice and a wicked queen, Cinder must uncover her mysterious past to save her world. Meyer’s masterful reimagining of classic fairy tales blends sci-fi and fantasy, creating a thrilling adventure that kept me up all night. The characters are so vivid, I felt like I was right there with them, fighting for their future.

The Maze Runner Series

Plunging readers into a heart-pounding dystopian world, Dashner’s “The Maze Runner” series gripped me from the first page. Following Thomas and his fellow Gladers, I found myself holding my breath as they navigated treacherous mazes and battled sinister forces. The intricate plot twists kept me guessing, while the bonds forged between characters tugged at my heartstrings. A thrilling ride that left me pondering long after I’d turned the final page.

Carry On

Simon Snow’s final year at Watford School of Magicks is anything but ordinary. As the prophesied “Chosen One,” he’s struggling with his unpredictable magic and the looming threat of the Insidious Humdrum. His roommate and nemesis, Baz, is suspiciously absent, and Simon can’t shake his obsession with uncovering Baz’s secrets. When Baz finally returns, their antagonistic relationship takes an unexpected turn, forcing Simon to question everything he thought he knew about magic, destiny, and his own heart.