As parents, caregivers, or educators, we understand that it is essential to provide young teenage girls with good literature that entertains them and can help them enrich their minds and life.
From Philosophy, Personal Growth, Self-Discovery, and Dreams to Biography, Education, Activism, and Gender Equality, these books will definitely provide critical life lessons to your young ones.
Check out our article on the Best Books for New Parents, where we recommend essential resources to navigate this transformative phase. Additionally, check out our article on the Best Parenting Books for evidence-based parenting advice.
These books will significantly make them better people furthering the hope of creating a fantastic, equal, and oppression-free society.
Raising strong and confident kids is a shared goal for many parents. That’s why we’ve compiled the 15 Best Parenting Books for growing strong and confident kids. Explore our articles on the Best Apps for Positive Parenting and the Best Co-Parenting App to complement your parenting journey.
In the below article, we present the five best books for teen girls that have been highly recommended by our team members at ParentalDaily, who have personal experiences with their children and nieces and also read these books when they were teenagers.
Below are the 5 Best Books for Teen Girls – Philosophy, Social Issues, Love , History
- “The Hate U Give”: Best for Empowering Social Justice Advocacy
- “Eleanor & Park”: Best for Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Romance
- “The Diary of a Young Girl”: Most Inspiring Tale of Courage and Resilience
- “I Am Malala: Most Empowering Journey of Education and Activism
- “The Alchemist”: Best for Philosophical Reflection and Self-Discovery
1. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
Why do We recommend this Book? “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas discusses various current and past social issues that divide our society. It delves deep and tackles various critical social problems such as racism, police brutality, and identity.
It offers and teaches a thought-provoking narrative to young teens that encourage empathy and understanding among readers.
What does It teach? The author of this young adult novel sheds light on the difficulties of marginalized communities and their harsh living realities. The Book primarily emphasizes the power of using one’s voice to change the social surroundings where people are marginalized. It teaches the importance of standing up against injustice and the strength of unity.
The subject of the Book: Social Issues, Racism, Police Brutality, Identity
“The Hate U Give” follows the story of Starr Carter, a young African-American girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed friend by a police officer. The Book explores her challenges as she navigates two worlds and finds her voice in the fight for justice.
If you have a 12-year-old at home, explore our 10 Best Books for 12-Year-Olds article. For those with toddlers, our article The 10 Best Parenting Books for Toddlers offers expert advice on navigating tantrums, promoting healthy development, and building strong parent-child bonds.
Text and Illustrations: The Book features a compelling and authentic narrative, capturing the voice and emotions of the main character. It incorporates relevant social commentary and engages readers through its relatable characters and plot.
Language Pattern: Angie Thomas skillfully weaves a powerful story using colloquial language and emotionally charged dialogue, allowing readers to connect with the characters more deeply.
Vocabulary: “The Hate U Give” introduces readers to a diverse range of speech, including slang, urban dialects, and socially conscious terminology. It allows teen girls to expand their language skills and better understand cultural nuances.
Quick Tip: We always give a quick tip based on science or authority. Our suggestion is that Parents should discuss with their teen girls the message and inspiration presented in “The Hate U Give.” Encourage your teenage girls to share their thoughts and personal stance on the issues that are raised in the Book, fostering a sense of social awareness and open-mindedness.
2. “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
Why do We recommend this Book? According to our team, who read this Book in three months, “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell is a beautifully written novel. It explores love, friendship, and self-acceptance themes which are essential in everyone’s life, especially teens.
The themes and narratives written in the Book resonate with teenage girls who may be navigating their personal life experiences of first love and self-discovery.
What does It teach? The Book highlights the importance of embracing individuality and standing up against societal norms; and narrates the experience and feelings of first love. It encourages readers to find strength in their unique qualities and to value authentic connections with others.
The subject of the Book: Coming-of-Age, Love, Friendship, Self-Acceptance
The Book follows the story of two misfit teenagers who are smart and form an unlikely bond together on a school bus, which is generally the norm. It steadily narrates their story and dives deeps into their daily teen life struggles, their evolving relationship, and the new everyday challenges they face, whether alone or together in school or outside in a world that can be cruel and judgmental.
Text and Illustrations: We know Rainbow Rowell’s writing style; it is poetic and evocative. Rowell never fails to capture the raw emotions and vulnerabilities of the characters, which is why her novels are always captivating and attract your attention. The Book, throughout the story, includes minimal illustrations, immersing readers in the character’s thoughts and feelings.
Language Pattern: The author understands the importance of dialogues and utilizes a lyrical and thoughtful language pattern, which adds depth to the characters’ inner conversations and creates a captivating reading experience.
Quick Tip: Encourage your teen girl to maintain a journal or creative outlet to express her thoughts and emotions, just like the characters in “Eleanor & Park.” This can serve as a healthy means of self-reflection and emotional processing.
3. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank
Why do We recommend this Book? “The Diary of a Young Girl” narrates a powerful firsthand story of author Anne Frank’s experiences during the Holocaust in the Netherlands, where she was hiding with her parents for over two years during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
The Book provides a unique and remarkable perspective on the human temperament, resilience, and the importance of hope during difficult times and hardships in life.
What does It teach? This Book teaches teenage girls about the historical period of the Holocaust and the devastating consequences of hatred and prejudice during one of the most violent and darkest periods of human history. It highlights the power of optimism, courage, and the resilience of human nature (which always trumps hatred and evil) in the face of adversity.
The subject of the Book: History, Holocaust, Resilience, Hope
The Book explores and precisely narrates Anne Frank’s diary entries while she and her family hid from the Nazis for two long years during World War II. It explores her innermost thoughts, dreadful experiences during the war, fears, and dreams, offering a poignant and personal narrative.
Quick Tip: We suggest Parents consider visiting a Holocaust museum or participating in related educational programs with their teen girl to deepen her understanding of the historical context and foster empathy towards others.
4. “I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban” by Malala Yousafzai
Why do We recommend this Book? “I Am Malala” is a beautifully written book that serves as an inspiring memoir for young teenage girls. It follows the journey of Malala Yousafzai and wonderfully narrates her fight for girls’ education against the unjust and patriarchial wishes of the Taliban and her remarkable journey as an activist.
The Book beautifully instills the values of courage, resilience, stability, and the pursuit of knowledge in young teens for human rights advocacy.
What does It teach? The Book teaches teenage girls about the importance of education in society to succeed, gender equality for equal opportunity, and the power of individual activism that co-relates to acceptance of the greater good in society. It motivates readers to overcome adversity and empowers them to make a difference in their communities.
The subject of the Book: Biography, Education, Activism, Gender Equality
Text and Illustrations: The Book features a compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together Malala’s personal experiences and the socio-political context of her activism. It includes several photographs that provide visual context to her story.
Vocabulary: We have read “I Am Malala” and find that the Book teaches readers to terminology related to human rights, activism, gender equality, the importance of education, impeding religious practices, and various global issues.
It encourages discussions about the importance of education and the challenges faced by girls in different parts of the world.
Quick Tip: We suggest Parents encourage their teen girl to explore volunteer opportunities, initiate her projects that promote education, or advocate for causes she is passionate about. This can empower her to make a difference in her community.
We recommend exploring our article on the Best Books for First-Time Parents to guide you through this exciting journey. In addition to books, seeking parenting advice from trusted sources can be immensely helpful. We understand the importance of reliable guidance, so we have curated an article on the Best Parenting Advice.
5. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
Why do We recommend this Book? “The Alchemist” is a captivating and philosophical novel that inspires readers to follow their dreams, embrace change, and seek their true purpose in life. It offers valuable lessons about self-discovery and personal growth.
What does It teach? The Book teaches teenage girls the importance of listening to their inner voice, trusting their instincts, and pursuing their passions. It encourages them to embrace challenges and embark on their journeys of self-discovery.
The subject of the Book: Philosophy, Personal Growth, Self-Discovery, Dreams
Language Pattern: The author’s language pattern is introspective and reflective, urging readers to ponder the deeper meaning of life’s experiences and the pursuit of personal legends.
Vocabulary: “The Alchemist” introduces readers to philosophical vocabulary and metaphoric language, inspiring discussions about life’s purpose, destiny, and the pursuit of dreams.
Quick Tip: Encourage your teen girl to explore her passions and pursue activities that bring her joy and fulfillment. Discuss the lessons from “The Alchemist” and how they can be applied to her journey of self-discovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recommended five books by our editors provide teenage girls with meaningful and enriching reading experiences that can help them in adulthood. Parents can also engage with teenagers while reading books and act on tips provided by us at the end of every book suggestion.
From tackling social issues to exploring themes of love, resilience, and personal growth, these books offer valuable lessons and foster empathy, critical thinking, and self-reflection.
By encouraging your teen girl to engage with these books, you can support her intellectual, emotional, and social development.
Breaking barriers, one day at a time! Politically incorrect/learner for life. Mom to a beautiful daughter. Consultant – Talent Acquisition at WhiteCrow Research Group