Starting high school is filled with many momentous events and big changes. One of the best ways to prepare and engage your high school freshman is through books. Whether it is novels or self-help books, reading is a great way to teach high school freshmen about life skills and lessons they should know about.
1. Holes by Louis Sachar
Holes is an excellent coming-of-age tale for 9th-grade students. It tells the tale of a boy who is accused of a crime and the friends he makes in a terrible place. Students will relate to the struggles faced by Stanley and will learn to never give up.
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2. Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson
This graphic novel tells the story of a high school freshman's journey through trauma and the importance of speaking up. Through pictures and text, students will learn the importance of consent and learn that every person is important and has a voice.
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3. The Martian by Andy Weir
Before it was an award-winning movie, The Martian inspired readers to be passionate about environmental issues through this fantastic novel. Young high school students will love following Mark's story as a botanist sent to space and will learn to be resourceful and creative.
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4. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
This unique coming-of-age story showcases the adventures of Percy Jackson, a young boy whose life changes with encounters with Greek mythological gods and creatures. This series is a great way to teach students about Greek Mythology in an engaging way.
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5. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Number the Stars is a classic book that details the life of a young girl escaping the Holocaust in Germany. This is an engaging way to teach 9th-grade students about the tragic events of the Holocaust.
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6. Animal Farm by George Orwell
George Orwell's Animal Farm is an iconic novel that showcases how one writing piece can truly expose something going on in real life. This book should be used to teach about revolutions and uprisings.
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7. The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
If you are looking for a classic coming-of-age story, look no further than The Catcher in the Rye. This book details the struggles faced by 16-year-old Holden Caulfield as he learns that growing up isn't easy.
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8. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
A classic for 9th-grade literature classes, The Great Gatsby tells the tale of a man who seems to have it all but in reality longs for so much. Motivated by his love for Daisy Buchanan, Jay Gatsby learns that money cannot buy everything.
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9. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck's 1939 novel tells the tale of an Oklahoman family searching for a better life due to the dried-out lands of their current home. John Steinbeck's classic can be used to teach about the Great Depression and can easily be connected to hardships faced by families today.
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10. The Tales of Beedle and Bard by J. K. Rowling
From the creator of Harry Potter, J. K. Rowling brings to life short, creative tales that are rooted in the world of Harry Potter. Told from the perspective of Professor Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter lovers will be able to analyze aspects of short stories and still be able to discover more from their favorite imaginative universe.
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11. Emma by Jane Austen
Jane Austen's Emma tells the story of a young romantic and her adventures in finding love in a small town. Emma is a great piece of English Literature that showcases how many fictional tropes have stayed the same for hundreds of years.
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12. Sherlock Holmes: The Ultimate Collection by Arthur Conan Doyle
Arthur Conan Doyle is best known for his countless Sherlock Holmes novels. These novels are known for their dynamic characters and mind-bending mysteries. Arthur Conan Doyle's works span generations and can be used to connect high school readers with their older family members.
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13. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Aldous Huxley's Brave New World tells the tale of a dystopian reality controlled by technology. While this book was written almost 100 years ago, it can be used to connect to our reliance on technology.
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14. Anxiety Relief for Teens: Essential CBT Skills and Mindfulness Practices to Overcome Anxiety and Stress by Regine Galanti
For students struggling with anxiety in the transition to high school, this self-help book will equip students with mindfulness practices to help them better handle anxious feelings. Students will feel more confident in making new friends and overcoming big life changes with this helpful book.
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15. How to Not Suck at Life: 89 Tips for Teens by Connor Boyack
Connor Boyack created this self-help book for teens struggling to receive advice on growing up. This book is an excellent choice for students who have a challenging time seeking mentorship from adults.
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16. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Perhaps John Green's most popular book, The Fault in Our Stars tells the tale of two teens with cancer who fall in love only to know that their time together is limited. This book is a great novel to teach about poetic language and character development.
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17. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This best-selling novel tells the story of a young African American girl coping with the murder of her childhood friend and the racism that exists in her community. The Hate U Give is a timely novel on race in America and how it impacts so many people on so many levels.
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18. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
The Outsiders is a novel that tells the story of teenagers divided by socioeconomic status and how social class impacts their lives and relationships. This book is especially powerful for young boys struggling with identity.
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19. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
Milk and Honey is a collection of poems highlighting major life themes such as love, loss, and anger. While many of the poems may appear to be simple, the topics are best suited for mature readers.
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20. Dear Teen by Solely Defined
This activity book is perfect for teens looking to reflect and interact with self-help prompts. This is a great book for teens looking to reflect and struggling to do so.
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21. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Anne Frank's diary is one of the most respected pieces of literature from modern times. Her diary details Anne's life during the Holocaust and is an enlightening piece of nonfiction work.
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22. Fever 1973 by Laurie Halse Anderson
This novel tells the story of a city faced with an epidemic and a young girl's perspective on survival. This story relates to the current state of diseases in the world.
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23. It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
In this heartwarming novel, young readers will learn about complicated issues such as struggling with mental health and coping with anxiety.
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24. Bluefish by Pat Schmatz
Bluefish is a unique story that shows readers that one person can truly make a difference. This is a great book for students struggling in school.
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