The Best Classic Novels for Teenagers

According to Education.com, your teenager is at an age where he is exerting his independence -- perhaps no shock to you. He is beginning to question authority while at the same time desiring to maintain a connection to his family. He is learning to think abstractly, taking an interest in news and thinking about his future. Classic novels that challenge his thoughts while educating him and appealing to his interests are certain to be appreciated, loved, and re-read.

  1. For the Romantics

    • For the teenager who can't get enough Edward and Bella in her life, introduce her to the lovers and romances from classic novels. Any Jane Austen novel is sure to satisfy her fancies -- though "Pride and Prejudice" is the Austen novel recommended by The Telegraph's deputy literary editor. Your teen may enjoy a tale of star-crossed lovers in Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations," Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" or Emily Bronte's novel "Wuthering Heights." King County Library also recommends "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery and "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott.

    For the History Buffs

    • As your teen becomes more aware and interested in current events, he will appreciate what he can learn about history from classic literature. Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," a novel about the South during the Depression, is sure to provoke his thoughts, as will John Steinbeck's novels "Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men," about migrant workers in California. Stephen Crane's "The Red Badge of Courage" and Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With the Wind"-- both which take place during the Civil War -- are recommended by King County Library, and he will learn a great deal about the French Revolution through Dickens' classic novel "A Tale of Two Cities."

    For the Rebels

    • Mark Twain's mischievous and beloved novels "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" will certainly be appreciated by any teen with a wild streak. "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding -- with its tale of young boys setting up their own civilization on a deserted island with no adults -- will fascinate your teen's inner rebel. John Knowles' classic novel "A Separate Peace" tells the story of a boarding school friendship with many tales of mischief and rule breaking that comprise the story line.

    For the Fantasy Lovers

    • If your teenager loved the Harry Potter books, he is certain to enjoy the books from C.S. Lewis' classic series "Chronicles of Narnia" or J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings Trilogy." The imaginary setting of the classic novel "The Giver" by Lois Lowry will provoke his thoughts and stretch his mind, and the future world of "Farenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury will be appreciated by any teen fan of "The Hunger Games."

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