In the era we live in, high school students have so many external circumstances making it difficult to focus on one thing. With so many distractions, it’s easy to understand why high school students often struggle to find the time or motivation to pick up a book. I am guilty of this as well, and it is hard to get out of that slump. And even when we do, many of the books required for school fail to resonate with the high school experiences, leaving teenage readers feeling disconnected and uninspired.
But there are books that can do more than just pass the time — they have the potential to change the way you think about yourself and the world. As a high school student, I understand how hard it feels to find your place and learn some life skills. These seven novels aren’t just entertaining; they delve into complex and pertinent themes like identity, family, love, and self-discovery. If you’re looking for books that challenge your thinking and offer new perspectives, here are seven titles that will make you look at life differently.
- “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
At over 500 pages, The Secret History is a long read, but if you’re up for it, the book is one big literary roller coaster littered with a lot of morals. The story follows a group of eccentric college students who become involved in a murder after becoming obsessed with ancient Greek philosophy. It’s a story of ambition, obsession, and moral complexity, told from the perspective of one of the students who is different from the other students.
For high school readers, “The Secret History” reveals the darker side of human nature, exploring themes of friendship, elitism, and the consequences of faux intellectualism. Surrounded by academic pressure, at times we are confused with what it means to be intellectual. For teens trying to understand the complexity of people and the motivations that drive them, this book forces readers to grapple with the ambiguity of morals, and a sense of direction about what is the motivation for people to do the actions they do.
- “Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley
“Firekeeper’s Daughter” tells the story of Daunis Fontaine, a biracial Native American teenager who is pulled into a dangerous investigation while also navigating the complexities of her own identity. The novel explores the challenges of balancing Daunis’ traditional Native American culture with her life in a predominantly white modernized world.
This book explores family dynamics, cultural identity, and self-discovery, all while addressing timely issues like drug abuse and systemic injustice. For teens who feel torn between their cultural heritage and their place in “modern” society, “Firekeeper’s Daughter” provides a beautifully curated perspective on identity and belonging. It challenges readers to think critically about their own cultural backgrounds and the ways those influences shape their view of the world.
- “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” is a difficult read, in terms of the emotional parts it touches with. The story follows Pecola Breedlove, an African American girl in 1940s America, who longs for blue eyes, believing that beauty, which she equates with love and acceptance, is a quality that can only be found in whiteness. It’s a powerful exploration of race, beauty, and the crushing effect societal standards have on self-worth.
For teenagers, especially those grappling with issues of self-esteem, body image, or racial identity, “The Bluest Eye” is an important, thought-provoking book. It forces readers to confront the realities of societal beauty standards and the way they shape our perceptions of ourselves and others. Through Pecola’s tragic story, Morrison challenges us to rethink the damaging effects of the urge to conform and requires us to understand how to find strength in embracing our true identities.
- “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
In this list, “The Fault in Our Stars” seems to be the most known book. At first glance, “The Fault in Our Stars“ may seem like just another love story about two teenagers with cancer. But it’s much more than that. The book explores themes of mortality, love, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels uncertain. Hazel Grace and Augustus, the two protagonists, develop a relationship as they navigate their illness, and in doing so, they come to terms with the fragility of life.
For high school students, this book displays a powerful unravelation of unconditional love, the difficulty of accepting mortality, and the importance of living fully despite the inevitable. While many teens may shy away from confronting the idea of death, “The Fault in Our Stars” presents these topics in a way that encourages growth, empathy, and reflection on the deeper questions of life and relationships.
- “Chicken with Plums” by Marjane Satrapi
“Chicken with Plums” is a graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi that tells the story of Nasser Ali Khan, a musician in Tehran, who retreats in despair after a personal loss. The novel blends humor with beautifully written anecdotes, offering a unique probing of grief, longing, and the search for meaning in life.
For teens struggling with loss or who are simply trying to understand the complexities of grief, “Chicken with Plums” is a poignant read. The novel demonstrates how art, even in its most painful forms, can be a way of processing complex emotions. Satrapi’s work is a reminder that while grief can feel overwhelming, there is beauty in the smallest moments, and art can help us find meaning in even the darkest times.
- “All American Muslim” by Seyed Ali Alavi
In a world where religious and cultural differences often create division, “All American Muslim” offers an insightful exploration into the lives of American Muslims and how their faith shapes their identity and worldview. Through a collection of personal stories and essays, the book provides a window into the challenges of being a Muslim in America today.
For high school students, this book offers an opportunity to expand their understanding of religion and its personal impact on individuals. It encourages empathy by providing a glimpse into the personal experiences of Muslims, challenging readers to think critically about how religious identity intersects with cultural norms and societal expectations. In a world where accepting diversity is more important than ever, “All American Muslim” is an invaluable read for fostering empathy and expanding one’s perspective on faith and identity.
- “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie
Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” follows Junior, a Native American teenager who decides to leave his reservation school and attend an all-white high school in a nearby town. As Junior navigates the cultural divide between his reservation and the predominantly white school, he faces challenges of racism, isolation, and self-doubt. But through it all, he maintains hope and humor.
This novel is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be caught between two worlds. For high school students, it’s a powerful reminder that identity is not fixed, and that self-worth is something that comes from within, not from the approval of others. Through Junior’s story, readers will understand the importance of resilience, and how to overcome adversity.
