There are so many books that I’ve read that really made a difference in my life, and I sometimes think to myself, “If only’ I’d read this when I was a teenager!” It is never too early, or too late, to learn more about yourself and what kind of life you want to create for yourself. The moment is NOW, so here are some books I’d recommend to teens who wish to create positive lifestyles and perspectives for themselves. This is for those who wish to create quality relationships with themselves and the world around them. Some of the books would be considered “self help” types, others are classics, mystical & fantasy adventures, and some are newer popular fiction. I consulted many friends and teens about what books had a strong positive impact on their lives.
I am convinced that if I had read some of these books in middle & high school, my school days would have been a bit easier, or enjoyable. Dealing with adults, peers, criticism, gossip, obligations, conflicts, etc. would have been a little easier. Why? Because these books are empowering, and offer solutions and tools for living a happier life, and not letting the world around you bring you down. These books offer guidance for how to be your own source of encouragement, love, and support, and how to form quality relationships with others. Some also offer an entertaining escape from “reality,” with complex and relatable characters, and often a gripping adventure.
In no particular order, here are just some of the books that made a positive difference in my life, or the lives of others, that I read or wish I’d read as a teen. This list could probably go on forever, and I’m sure you have more that could be added, but I think this is a good start. I attempted to categorize them, but some of them could move around categories:
Best of “Self Improvement” & living life in a positive way, tools for handling just about anything:
If Life is a Game, These Are the Rules by Cherie Carter-Scott
Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life by Byron Katie
I Need Your Love, Is That True? By Byron Katie
The 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Ask and it is Given by Esther & Jerry Hicks
Achieve Anything in Just One Year: Be Inspired Daily to Live Your Dreams & Accomplish Your Goals by Jason Harvey
Refuse to Choose!: Use All of Your Interests, Passions & Hobbies to Create the Life & Career of Your Dreams by Barbara Sher
Art & Creativity
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
How to Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
The Creative Entrepreneur: A DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real
Knowing the Female Body & Lifelong Wisdom for Reproductive Health
Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, & Reproductive Health by Toni Weschler
Positive & Empowering Poetry
Poetry Speaks Who I Am: Poems of Discovery, Independence & Everything Else (A Poetry Speaks Experience, collection of many poets + CD) by Elise Paschen & Dominique Raccah
Journey Through Heartsongs by Mattie Stepaneck
Always Follow Your Dreams: A Collection of Poems to Inspire & Encourage Your Dreams by Collin McCarty, Nancye Sims, Iaine Parsons & 8 More
Inspirational Nonfiction about Overcoming the Impossible, Everyday Hero
Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives by Dan Millman
Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family & Fighting to Get Back on the Board by Bethany Hamilton, Rick Bundschuh & Sheryl Berk
Inspirational Fiction, Progressive, Spiritual Journey, Life Wisdom, Classics, Adventure
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
The Giver trilogy by Lois Lowry
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (historical, amazing gripping story)
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
The Old Man & the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart (a more “modern” and maybe easier-to-read version of Catcher in the Rye)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
When Women Were Warriors (I, II & III) by Catherine M. Wilson
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Divergent series by Veronica Roth
Inspirational & Fun Fiction
Wise Child by Monica Furlong
Juniper by Monica Furlong
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
Elissa’s Quest, Phoeniz Rising Trilogy by Erica Verrillo
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Harry Potter series
Percy Jackson series
Alanna series by Tamora Pierce
Black Unicorn by Tanith Lee
Discworld series by Terry Pratchett