, I did try to read Middlemarch when I was 16, in the summer before I started AS levels, but I struggled and ran out of time so it went back to the library! I really like his descriptive prose and introspective characters. Id suggest some more modern stories, as youve got the classics covered. My teacher was a Kate Bush fan: both the book and the song Wuthering Heights are stuck in my memory! I loved his poems and went on a complete Thomas Hardy binge, reading nine of his novels one after the other. from russia with love by ian fleming the chosen by h. potek Your list reminds me that there are way to many great books to just pick ten. I would say that the author may have been inspired by Jane, but that would be up to her to clarify. Also, could you check out my list of books to read on my blog? I think everybody should read ALL of Hardys work. Thanks Emily. Your comparison of Jane Eyre to Bella from Twilight surprised me. 
When I studied for my A Levels (high school exams that English pupils take between the ages of 16 18), Thomas Hardys poetry was a set topic for English Literature. It is my favourite ever book and not raved about enough Xx. the world of henry orient by nora johnson. I could only get half way through. My Top Ten Classic Novels for Teenage Girls | F What Keeps Me Reading (Blogs) | The L. Palmer Chronicles, https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/75531-the-eyes-that-drowned-uyuni, A Selection of Great Blog Posts March 2014 | Consumed by Ink. Thanks for telling me about it. I adore Oscar Wilde. Click here to see My Top Ten Classic Novels for Teenage Boys, Mr. Poppers Penguins: An Odd ChildrensBook. Im on a Hardy binge right now! I would love to see if you have read any of them, or if you have any new recommendations. Childrens book categories are much more than that.Picture books or board books are aimed at children from ages 0 to 5.Early readers (ages 5 to 7) progress onto books with short amounts of text on each page. . I have to admit Pride & Prejudice was and still is my favourite book of all times, I must have read the book at lest 5 times. The writing was above superb! Ive had the chance to teach several of these to a classroom of teenage girls, including Jane Eyre and To Kill a Mockingbird, and I agree that they both should be included on this list. 
As a third year BA English student, Im ashamed to admit that there are a few on this list that I still havent read. indiewritergirl0329.wordpress.com. Agreed! This is such an obvious choice, but thats because of the serious issues it tackles, all from the perspective of a young girl, Scout. She witnesses inequality, injustice, unrest, culture clashes, and bravery in the face of all of these things. Shes motherless, but strong and smart and good. She deals with difficult and adult problems before she probably should, but given my own youth and what Ive seen some of the other girls in my life face, many of us have challenges that we probably wish we didnt, even at young ages. Nobody is immune from struggle, and when these struggles come, why not have a reliable friend in Scout who knows exactly what youre going through and how to survive? Or for a much shorter work, The Pride of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark? This is such a great list. I too would recommend all these books for teenage girls and adults alike. Your list is very literary and historical. Okay! Yes! Yes its awfully romantic, but to be honest it made her a bit of a bore, unlike Jane! Adam Bede is a favorite of mine! Yes, I admit I have a penchant for bleak reads too. But the one I discovered age 16, read more than once and leant to my long suffering friends was Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenece. Definitely my favorites, as well (: Thank you! Thats a great one too. Explore several different poetry books for teens with a multitude of poetry types. Id love to know what its about before I try it. And I love George Elliots novels. I was searching for other classics to read so Im happy to stumble across your list:) I must say I have only read To Kill A Mockingbird yet (from this list, that is), but the Picture of Dorian Gray, Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre were already on my list of books to be read. I saw another of her books at a shop the other day and I was intrigued. 
Most of them I read back in high school but I still occasionally will pick one up to re-read. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1943) by Betty Smith. I did enjoy To Kill a Mockinbird, despite reading it at school. anything by zane grey zorro Rebecca is a fabulous thesis topic. 
Ha that is funny I guess they must be . By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions 8. She has to go through some tough times but she works hard and succeeds in creating a better life for herself and her mother. I think such books might be fun, but they dont have depth and they can give us unrealistic hopes and ways of viewing the world. ), but it features a strong female protagonist who is alone in the world, yet able to stand her ground and on her own two feet. Instructive, if you ask me. To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) by Harper Lee. a separate peace You know, these are great books, but in the real world of my library, the students would run screaming out the door. My Top Ten Classic Novels for TeenageGirls. 
I really need to read more classics though so your list is a good place to start , Oh I loved it but Im totally into existentialism! . Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. I would add a couple The Handmaids Tale, by Margaret Atwood, is a brilliant dystopian view of a world in which young women and their fertility are treated as commodities by old men. Im reading my first Hilma Wolitzer while on vacation in Hawaii, and I love it. 50 Best Classic Books for Teens and Young Adults. Tess of the dUrbervilles breaks my heart every time I read it. An excellent list. Would have loved to see The Awakening on there as that was a really challenging read when I was a teenager that Im happy to have read at that age. 
Im curious as to how you think they compare (Ive read both mind you-Jane Eyre several times). As a teenager I remember reading the Harry Potter series (like pretty much anyone my age). Click here to receive email updates every time I post. Ive read most, but added a few to my to-read list that I had yet to discover. I guess those two books are either love em or hate em books. the people by zenna henderson chocky by john wyndam View a few fun adventure books that you might really enjoy. Certainly a contemporary list should include that series! Privacy Policy. IMHO, Ive actually never read Cliffs Notes, but I am sure you are right!:). Great idea for a new list. It was very realistic and did not sugar cat love, love at first sight, and marriage. a wrinkle in time 6. 1. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 
I supposed thats why theyre called classics, theyre ageless. Id highly recommend Riddle in the Sands, anything by John Buchan (39 steps), Ian Fleming definitly and cant forget about Conan Doyle, Edgar Allan Poe and The Three Musketeers and Count of Monte Cristo (my next summer read hopefully) zorba the greek 
Some of the greatest fantasy books were written a decade or even a century ago. What luck that you discovered it so young! Yes, of course teenage boys should read Austen. I love that one too. all quiet on the western front any story by joanna russ Ive never heard this song. Much has been said about these sort of debates on young people and pop books but I have a firm opinion that they will never match the classics in terms of depth. I love The House on Mango Street (and Passing). 
Ive just finished reading to kill a mockingbird for English and it was really good! 
As for boy recommendations I remember that my brother had loved A Catcher in the Rye, Hamlet, and S.E. Great list. On a reading list for teenagers Id add The House on Mango Street, Passing to accompany Quicksand (theyre often together in one edition anyway), As You Like It, Persepolis, Never Let Me Go, The Razors Edge, Ordinary People, and Enders Game. (And I also loved Dracula and Frankenstein, but I suppose theyd be a fun read for both boys and girls!). I love that the author aimed to show that education is a womans key to success, and that she IS capable of changing her situation, and that she absolutely doesnt need a man to do it for her. Explore a few classic titles teens might really enjoy. Love Harry Potter and Hermione. The Picture of Dorian Gray was a favourite from the first moment I read it. (LogOut/ I would also add Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte to the list. Thats a good list although I really didnt get on with Rebecca. Wharton is one of the finest female American novelists. Her work centers on high society and money, but the characters are relatable and flawed. Lily Barts search for her place in the world, mostly confused by romance and possible marriages, will be familiar to any girl or woman. Its refreshing, since during the time period it was written (as with most classics) women must choose marriage in order to better their situation. 
There is a wonderful 2008 BBC mini-series of it which is very faithful to the book, starring Gemma Arterton and Eddie Redmayne. Some girls just arent readers. It has a love story, and it isnt a happy one. I went book shopping while I was in Hawaii over the past week. The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891) by Oscar Wilde. anna to the infinite power Take care, BTG. I think Jane Eyre is a great place to start as an introduction to the classics. I was curious what someone would think would fit well into those years). Rebecca does take some work. Especially Pride and Prejudice or Jane Eyre! 
I want to read the Kingston book. Hopefully Ill have the chance to pick it up again. I loved Rebeccaand Jane Eyre is a definite must. I will check out the others you mentioned. Anna Karenina has been on my bedside table for a year because its 800+ pages seem like a pretty big commitment , Hmm Tess isnt torn between two men really, is she? I must say, my favourite Austin is Persuasions, which makes for good discussion. Oscar Wilde knows beauty and its pitfalls more than any other author. The novel is pretty clear about the dangers of focusing on beauty over brains. It doesnt end prettily! Im a teenager and its one of my favorites! and (Love Oak). Yes, please do! It is nice to hear that youve read the classics and love them! I think thats why I liked the love plot. As a teenager Im sure I would have found the language offputting and the obsession with marriage irritating. Happy reading! No worries! Okay, I had better stop writing before this comment turns into an essay! Especially after the teacher made us listen to the Kate Bush song. she by h. rider haggard I would love to have the chance to teach A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, an all-time favorite of mine. Great! , I always do and thanks to my lit class I now have a book pile miles high and an even bigger list of books they all recommend . 
I have a similar experience with Hardy, for a college class. Ill Google it! Although not a teenage girl, I do find your list for them quite a good one. It is one of my TBR books. I read it again when I was given a copy for my 40th birthday. the lord of the rings And The Color Purple is awesome. 
lord of the flies I havent seen this list before, but all your choices are great. All rights reserved. This is a fab list! What better role model than Hermione? Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this list. I wouldnt want to be in her position. . Im a teen and like to read.. 
Reblogged this on A Bringer of New Things and commented: I think these books are important for boys to read, too Im not a fan of making distinctions between what girls and boys should read/might like. His work comes across as mature, somewhat unpredictable, and soul searching to me. What a great list! What a fun job you have! I wouldnt say that Tess is torn emotionally, although there are certainly emotions, but she is in the middle of them in a way that she didnt necessarily choose. I hated it. Maybe adding tips on how to understand and read classics would help the younger generation since slag is so heavily used in our (teenagers) lives. the mists of avalon. Thanks, Leslie! 
If you can ever get your hands on it, Im sure youll enjoy it. Its not really a classic but I think that every girl should read at least one Judy Bloom book, her themes are recognizable in everyones life. Great list though, and I may have to search out A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, it sounds intriguing.
When I studied for my A Levels (high school exams that English pupils take between the ages of 16 18), Thomas Hardys poetry was a set topic for English Literature. It is my favourite ever book and not raved about enough Xx. the world of henry orient by nora johnson. I could only get half way through. My Top Ten Classic Novels for Teenage Girls | F What Keeps Me Reading (Blogs) | The L. Palmer Chronicles, https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/75531-the-eyes-that-drowned-uyuni, A Selection of Great Blog Posts March 2014 | Consumed by Ink. Thanks for telling me about it. I adore Oscar Wilde. Click here to see My Top Ten Classic Novels for Teenage Boys, Mr. Poppers Penguins: An Odd ChildrensBook. Im on a Hardy binge right now! I would love to see if you have read any of them, or if you have any new recommendations. Childrens book categories are much more than that.Picture books or board books are aimed at children from ages 0 to 5.Early readers (ages 5 to 7) progress onto books with short amounts of text on each page. . I have to admit Pride & Prejudice was and still is my favourite book of all times, I must have read the book at lest 5 times. The writing was above superb! Ive had the chance to teach several of these to a classroom of teenage girls, including Jane Eyre and To Kill a Mockingbird, and I agree that they both should be included on this list. As a third year BA English student, Im ashamed to admit that there are a few on this list that I still havent read. indiewritergirl0329.wordpress.com. Agreed! This is such an obvious choice, but thats because of the serious issues it tackles, all from the perspective of a young girl, Scout. She witnesses inequality, injustice, unrest, culture clashes, and bravery in the face of all of these things. Shes motherless, but strong and smart and good. She deals with difficult and adult problems before she probably should, but given my own youth and what Ive seen some of the other girls in my life face, many of us have challenges that we probably wish we didnt, even at young ages. Nobody is immune from struggle, and when these struggles come, why not have a reliable friend in Scout who knows exactly what youre going through and how to survive? Or for a much shorter work, The Pride of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark? This is such a great list. I too would recommend all these books for teenage girls and adults alike. Your list is very literary and historical. Okay! Yes! Yes its awfully romantic, but to be honest it made her a bit of a bore, unlike Jane! Adam Bede is a favorite of mine! Yes, I admit I have a penchant for bleak reads too. But the one I discovered age 16, read more than once and leant to my long suffering friends was Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenece. Definitely my favorites, as well (: Thank you! Thats a great one too. Explore several different poetry books for teens with a multitude of poetry types. Id love to know what its about before I try it. And I love George Elliots novels. I was searching for other classics to read so Im happy to stumble across your list:) I must say I have only read To Kill A Mockingbird yet (from this list, that is), but the Picture of Dorian Gray, Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre were already on my list of books to be read. I saw another of her books at a shop the other day and I was intrigued. Most of them I read back in high school but I still occasionally will pick one up to re-read. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1943) by Betty Smith. I did enjoy To Kill a Mockinbird, despite reading it at school. anything by zane grey zorro Rebecca is a fabulous thesis topic. Ha that is funny I guess they must be . By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions 8. She has to go through some tough times but she works hard and succeeds in creating a better life for herself and her mother. I think such books might be fun, but they dont have depth and they can give us unrealistic hopes and ways of viewing the world. ), but it features a strong female protagonist who is alone in the world, yet able to stand her ground and on her own two feet. Instructive, if you ask me. To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) by Harper Lee. a separate peace You know, these are great books, but in the real world of my library, the students would run screaming out the door. My Top Ten Classic Novels for TeenageGirls. I really need to read more classics though so your list is a good place to start , Oh I loved it but Im totally into existentialism! . Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. I would add a couple The Handmaids Tale, by Margaret Atwood, is a brilliant dystopian view of a world in which young women and their fertility are treated as commodities by old men. Im reading my first Hilma Wolitzer while on vacation in Hawaii, and I love it. 50 Best Classic Books for Teens and Young Adults. Tess of the dUrbervilles breaks my heart every time I read it. An excellent list. Would have loved to see The Awakening on there as that was a really challenging read when I was a teenager that Im happy to have read at that age. Im curious as to how you think they compare (Ive read both mind you-Jane Eyre several times). As a teenager I remember reading the Harry Potter series (like pretty much anyone my age). Click here to receive email updates every time I post. Ive read most, but added a few to my to-read list that I had yet to discover. I guess those two books are either love em or hate em books. the people by zenna henderson chocky by john wyndam View a few fun adventure books that you might really enjoy. Certainly a contemporary list should include that series! Privacy Policy. IMHO, Ive actually never read Cliffs Notes, but I am sure you are right!:). Great idea for a new list. It was very realistic and did not sugar cat love, love at first sight, and marriage. a wrinkle in time 6. 1. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. I supposed thats why theyre called classics, theyre ageless. Id highly recommend Riddle in the Sands, anything by John Buchan (39 steps), Ian Fleming definitly and cant forget about Conan Doyle, Edgar Allan Poe and The Three Musketeers and Count of Monte Cristo (my next summer read hopefully) zorba the greek Some of the greatest fantasy books were written a decade or even a century ago. What luck that you discovered it so young! Yes, of course teenage boys should read Austen. I love that one too. all quiet on the western front any story by joanna russ Ive never heard this song. Much has been said about these sort of debates on young people and pop books but I have a firm opinion that they will never match the classics in terms of depth. I love The House on Mango Street (and Passing). Ive just finished reading to kill a mockingbird for English and it was really good! As for boy recommendations I remember that my brother had loved A Catcher in the Rye, Hamlet, and S.E. Great list. On a reading list for teenagers Id add The House on Mango Street, Passing to accompany Quicksand (theyre often together in one edition anyway), As You Like It, Persepolis, Never Let Me Go, The Razors Edge, Ordinary People, and Enders Game. (And I also loved Dracula and Frankenstein, but I suppose theyd be a fun read for both boys and girls!). I love that the author aimed to show that education is a womans key to success, and that she IS capable of changing her situation, and that she absolutely doesnt need a man to do it for her. Explore a few classic titles teens might really enjoy. Love Harry Potter and Hermione. The Picture of Dorian Gray was a favourite from the first moment I read it. (LogOut/ I would also add Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte to the list. Thats a good list although I really didnt get on with Rebecca. Wharton is one of the finest female American novelists. Her work centers on high society and money, but the characters are relatable and flawed. Lily Barts search for her place in the world, mostly confused by romance and possible marriages, will be familiar to any girl or woman. Its refreshing, since during the time period it was written (as with most classics) women must choose marriage in order to better their situation. There is a wonderful 2008 BBC mini-series of it which is very faithful to the book, starring Gemma Arterton and Eddie Redmayne. Some girls just arent readers. It has a love story, and it isnt a happy one. I went book shopping while I was in Hawaii over the past week. The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891) by Oscar Wilde. anna to the infinite power Take care, BTG. I think Jane Eyre is a great place to start as an introduction to the classics. I was curious what someone would think would fit well into those years). Rebecca does take some work. Especially Pride and Prejudice or Jane Eyre! I want to read the Kingston book. Hopefully Ill have the chance to pick it up again. I loved Rebeccaand Jane Eyre is a definite must. I will check out the others you mentioned. Anna Karenina has been on my bedside table for a year because its 800+ pages seem like a pretty big commitment , Hmm Tess isnt torn between two men really, is she? I must say, my favourite Austin is Persuasions, which makes for good discussion. Oscar Wilde knows beauty and its pitfalls more than any other author. The novel is pretty clear about the dangers of focusing on beauty over brains. It doesnt end prettily! Im a teenager and its one of my favorites! and (Love Oak). Yes, please do! It is nice to hear that youve read the classics and love them! I think thats why I liked the love plot. As a teenager Im sure I would have found the language offputting and the obsession with marriage irritating. Happy reading! No worries! Okay, I had better stop writing before this comment turns into an essay! Especially after the teacher made us listen to the Kate Bush song. she by h. rider haggard I would love to have the chance to teach A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, an all-time favorite of mine. Great! , I always do and thanks to my lit class I now have a book pile miles high and an even bigger list of books they all recommend . I have a similar experience with Hardy, for a college class. Ill Google it! Although not a teenage girl, I do find your list for them quite a good one. It is one of my TBR books. I read it again when I was given a copy for my 40th birthday. the lord of the rings And The Color Purple is awesome. lord of the flies I havent seen this list before, but all your choices are great. All rights reserved. This is a fab list! What better role model than Hermione? Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this list. I wouldnt want to be in her position. . Im a teen and like to read.. Reblogged this on A Bringer of New Things and commented: I think these books are important for boys to read, too Im not a fan of making distinctions between what girls and boys should read/might like. His work comes across as mature, somewhat unpredictable, and soul searching to me. What a great list! What a fun job you have! I wouldnt say that Tess is torn emotionally, although there are certainly emotions, but she is in the middle of them in a way that she didnt necessarily choose. I hated it. Maybe adding tips on how to understand and read classics would help the younger generation since slag is so heavily used in our (teenagers) lives. the mists of avalon. Thanks, Leslie! If you can ever get your hands on it, Im sure youll enjoy it. Its not really a classic but I think that every girl should read at least one Judy Bloom book, her themes are recognizable in everyones life. Great list though, and I may have to search out A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, it sounds intriguing.