Here is a 7-book series that has heartwarming, well-written characters who feel too real. As the main characters, ranging from ages 12 to 17 years old, trudge through tragedies, they learn the importance of resilience and teamwork. Through the narrators’ humor and sarcasm, the readers will find themselves in a realistic mythological world. And don’t even get me started on the plot twists and cliffhangers! Readers will engage in worldwide history and mythology as they enjoy this fun, action-packed adventure series. 

With a total of 16 protagonists–all heirs of a rich murder victim–you won’t be able to put this mystery down. I couldn’t. Sam Westing, the richest man in town, is suddenly murdered, and the residents of an apartment find themselves paired up with strangers to solve the murder. All instructions for the “game” are in Old Westing’s will. In this short-but-sweet book, readers will find themselves unable to stop puzzling over the mystery. 

This historical fiction novel tells the story of a family separated by the Berlin Wall and their fight to reunite. Gerta, a twelve-year-old girl, lives with her mother and her brother in East Germany, while her father and other brother are stuck on the Western side. Gerta finds herself dreaming of her family together and free. Both sides of the family decide to risk it all and try to dig a tunnel to reach each other. Readers can feel the tension and stress that Gerta endures in this fast-paced novel. 

This well-known dystopian series has several layers of importance in today’s world. Readers will learn about the citizens’ lives in Panem, an authoritarian country ruled by the wealthy Capital. Through the eyes of Katniss Everdeen, we understand uncertainty and how to identify when something isn’t morally right. From young Snow’s perspective, we experience blindly believing authority figures. And we can learn the harsh reality of hopelessness from Haymitch Abernathy. Readers can also compare and contrast Panem to the United States in many aspects. 

This series is a unique mix of a dystopian, censored world and romance. The protagonist finds herself caught in a glitch within the system where not one — but two — husbands are picked for her. As readers dive deep into the world alongside Cassia Reyes, more and more disturbing facts about the government’s control become known. 

This historical fiction novel is a perfectly enjoyable way to learn history through the eyes of a 10-year-old girl, Ada. You get a deep understanding of the horrors of World War II, while exploring the heartfelt connection between a girl and her horse. Ada suffers from having a clubfoot, making it difficult to walk–which makes an even deeper connection for readers with a disability. The War That Saved My Life shows readers a phenomenal example of resilience in such a dark time.

This novel has an incredibly relatable plot–especially for those that have no, or limited use, of their limbs. Aven Green, a girl born without arms, lives in Arizona as she struggles with her unique situation. She has a very energetic and witty narration, making it all the more engaging for readers. As a reader who typically loves more action-packed books, this was such an enjoyable read. 

I listened to this novel with my mother, and we both loved the plot. Readers can find themselves in Ana Dakkar’s school, Harding-Pencroft, in which all students are organized into four groups. This novel is based on Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and don’t be surprised if reading Daughter of The Deep inspires you to read the classic. Such a great modern spin on a story from 1870!

This book destroyed me--in such a good way. Set in 1957 Madrid, Sepetys' beautifully haunting writing shows how Franco's dictatorship affected countless lives. Ana, part of a loving family, must act so cautiously because her parents opposed Franco's rule. Her cousin, Puri, believes in the dictator, but uncovers a disturbing secret when she works at an orphanage. The bullfigher is just fighting for a life worth living. Daniel, son of a rich American oil man, wishes he could photograph the sheer beauty of Spain--and how Spainards walk under a cloud created by the dictator. I've never read a stand-alone novel that connects all POVs in such a heartfelt way. It also gave me an interest in going to Spain. 

Not a unique choice, but it is one of the few poems I actually enjoyed. It’s an important read because it’s often referenced today. Plus, what’s not to like about the eerie lines? The emotions it brings up, for the reader and narrator, add a layer of intensity that engages the reader further. Teens will love the “haunted house” feel of the poem.

This novel stands out due to its interesting plot. Jessie, a girl, lived in a small town of Clifton in 1840. When her town is hit with a diphtheria epidemic, her mother tells her that it’s actually 1996, and there is modern medicine in the outside world to save her neighbors. Clifton was an experiment to see the difference between time periods, but when peoples’ lives are at risk, the people controlling the town don’t want any modern influence within the town. Jessie is on her own to figure out what she should do. Readers will love the storyline as they run out of time alongside Jessie.

Isabel, a young slave girl, will guide readers through her life amidst the American Revolution. Personally, I love that it’s not set during the Civil War, because that wouldn’t quite be as interesting. It’s great that you can learn about two main parts of American history in such a book. Chains brings up various emotions that will connect the reader to Isabel and her life. And, it’s a series!