This Must-read Book List Will Get Your Tweens & Teenagers Hooked

Early teenage years are when kids experience major growth in their lives. They are changing physically, mentally and emotionally. It is when they are active, dynamic and energetic. Hence, it is the perfect time to introduce them to great classics, and encourage them to explore the wonderful world of books which will open up their minds. Here's The List... Books play a big role in shaping a child's character and directing their future. So it is important that you choose the right ones for them at first. #1. The Phantom Of The Opera Phot credit: target.com Written by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom Of The Opera is a fiction about a mysterious, genius phantom who lives underneath the Paris opera house. He is obsessed with a young singer, Christine Daaé, which drives him to do many horrible things such as murdering the crew. His vast knowledge and talent in music, optical illusion and other subjects enable him to carry out his plan of having her all to himself. Throughout the story, his efforts advance and bring life to the plot. One by one, mysteries are unfolded and the engaging storyline will surely keep your kids hooked. #2. Potato People Photo credit: goodreads.com If you're looking to encourage good values, Potato People is the book to pick for your loved one. This book highlights the value of friendship, gratitude, loyalty, determination and many others. It is about the struggles and sufferings of poor people in a remote village in Ireland. Due to the outbreak of a potato disease and colonisation, they starve and lose their home. But despite everything, Patrick who is the main character, does not give up on life. Instead, he tries his best to achieve his dreams. Throughout his journey, he learns many great lessons in life which will serve as great value to your child. #3. The Prisoner Of Zenda Photo credit: amazon.com Among the major themes of this novel is love, which is one of the main concerns in the world of young teenagers, right? It is at this age that they learn the idea of love, and understand how it feels to be infatuated by someone. The Prisoner Of Zenda is a great story of how friendship, bravery, honour and love can triumph over treachery and betrayal. It also teaches us not to hold on to love by abandoning everything else. But rather to shoulder the responsibility with courage and honesty. As the king is kidnapped and prisoned, his friend Rudolf who looks just like him takes his place for the coronation. In his attempt to protect the throne and rescue him, he falls in love with the king’s fiancée, Princess Flavia. However, “honour must come before love”. After he rescues the king, he gives back everything that belongs to him, including the woman that he loves. He eventually leaves the place and lives with the memories of his love and adventure. The ending is not the usual, "happily ever after". It will be a great read for a young teen. #4. The Scarlet Letter Photo credit: progenypress.com This book discusses themes of hypocrisy, sin, innocence, guilt and sacrifice. It revolves around Hester, a woman who has to endure people’s mockery as she gave birth to and raised a child out of wedlock. The father of her daughter is a respectable man in society, Dimmesdale. He conceals his identity at the price of his health. Although he let her face public humiliation, he finally confesses in the end and dies. In essence, the author intends to mock the hypocrisy of Puritan communities and educate the readers about it. This novel is a perfect choice to introduce American Literature. #5. Romeo And Juliet Photo credit: Pinterest Considered one of Shakespeare’s masterpieces, Romeo And Juliet is a must-read book for everyone. It is a love story originally written as a play and since then, is widely known as a book that transcends all others. Its genre is a romantic tragedy which can be captivating and brings mixed feelings to the reader. Your teen will not be able to put the book down. #6. Pride And Prejudice Photo credit: justwatch.com Girls, especially, will love this piece from Jane Austen. It is a romantic love story with a classic happy ending that every girl dreams of. Apart from love, it also explores themes of integrity and the discrepancy of the classes in society. Female characters are regarded as inferior and live to serve their male counterparts. It is only marriage that can change their life for the better. As the girls search for love, their mothers look for a suitable candidate to marry them off. In the end, few of them get married but not all with the right fellow. Still, some mothers are contented as long as her girls are under someone else's care. #7. Dracula Photo credit: amazon.com Besides The Phantom Of The Opera, Dracula is another great book of gothic fiction. It explores both supernatural elements and scientific approaches, mainly through the characters of Dracula and Dr Frankenstein. The storytelling is very compelling, as it unfolds the many mysteries of the unknown and the impossible. If your kids love such suspenseful stories, Dracula is definitely a must! #8. Death Of A Salesman Photo credit: delmarvalife.com Willy Loman who is the main character in this story desires a successful life with acknowledgement from others. His inability to accept reality is the central theme and is what keeps the plot ongoing. It touches on the idea of the great American dream as well, because that is what Willy’s mind is clouded with. Though it is somewhat tragic, this realistic play is still relevant and has been one of the preferences in English literature classes. Photo credit: Freepik These books are all highly regarded in English literature. It would be excellent to be able to introduce them to kids as they are enjoyable and educational. Start with a genre of their preference, and move on from there. They might not like all your choices, but the key is to open the door. They will soon put down their smartphones and turn the pages of their favourite novel.

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