Books to Talk About

Looking for a book to jump-start discussion with your tweens and teens? Or something you could use for a kid-friendly book club choice? Then look no further -- this list is full of great titles to talk about.

Browse Books to Talk About

  • Inside Out and Back Again Review
    Inside Out and Back Again
    Inspiring, educational immigrant story told in free verse.
    10
     
    By Thanhha Lai
  • Mockingbird Review
    Mockingbird

    National Book Award winner imparts importance of empathy.

    10
     
    By Kathryn Erskine
  • Soul Surfer Review
    Soul Surfer

    Inspirational story of life after a shark attack.

    10
     
    By Bethany Hamilton
  • Forge Review
    Forge
    Brutal yet educational depiction of slavery and wartime.
    11
     
    By Laurie Halse Anderson
  • All the Broken Pieces Review
    All the Broken Pieces
    Tough but touching free verse book about war's scars.
    12
     
    By Ann E. Burg
  • Ask Elizabeth Review
    Ask Elizabeth

    Sweet advice scrapbook is a helpful choice for teens.

    13
     
    By Elizabeth Berkley
  • Ship Breaker Review
    Ship Breaker
    Gripping but bloody dystopian tale will make teens think.
    13
     
    By Paolo Bacigalupi
  • Trash Review
    Trash
    Powerful adventure about dumpsite kids a true treasure.
    13
     
    By Andy Mulligan
  • Recovery Road Review
    Recovery Road
    Gritty book about substance abuse is OK for mature teens.
    15
     
    By Blake Nelson
  • For the Win Review
    For the Win
    Teen gamers vs. corporations; absorbing but violent sci-fi.
    16
     
    By Cory Doctorow

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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