Let’s be honest—being a teen in 2025 is no walk in the park. Between surviving school, figuring out who you are, and dodging the occasional social media drama, it’s a wild ride. But here’s the thing: books? They’re the ultimate escape hatch. Whether you’re diving into a fantasy world, solving a mystery, or swooning over a slow-burn romance, a good teen book hits like your favorite playlist—comforting, intense, and impossible to put down.
Now, the teen book universe is massive. You’ve got your dystopians, your romantics, your thrill-seekers, and your heartfelt coming-of-age tales. And this list? It’s packed with all of them. We combed through Goodreads trends and Amazon best sellers to round up the absolute best books for teens in 2025—stories that are loved, talked about, and totally worth your time (and maybe your tears).
Some of these books are fresh releases lighting up booktok and topping bestseller charts, while others are returning champions that continue to win teen hearts year after year. Whether you’re 13 or 19, or just “teen at heart,” these books will remind you why YA fiction is that girl.
So grab your favorite hoodie, find a cozy reading spot, and get ready. This isn’t just a book list—it’s a survival kit for teenhood, one page-turner at a time.
Let’s count them down, starting from #14…
14. Five Survive by Holly Jackson
Why You Should Read It:
If you loved A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, this one’s your next obsession. It’s a survival thriller meets locked-room mystery with teens, secrets, and chaos on every page.
What We Liked:
The tension is chef’s kiss. Every chapter ends on a cliffhanger, the kind that’ll make you miss dinner.
What We Don’t Like:
You might need a breather halfway through because the stress is real. Also, there are a lot of names to keep track of at once.
Book Review:
In Five Survive, six teens head out on an RV road trip and—surprise!—get stranded in the middle of nowhere. But this isn’t just a flat tire situation. Someone out there wants answers. Secrets start to surface, paranoia rises, and nobody’s coming out unscathed. Holly Jackson, master of teen suspense, plays with your trust like a cat with yarn. The characters are flawed, layered, and frustrating in the best way. It’s fast-paced, intense, and sprinkled with just enough moral ambiguity to keep you questioning everyone, including your own best friend. If you like your thrillers twisty with a side of anxiety, don’t skip this.
13. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Why You Should Read It:
Imagine Knives Out went to high school. That’s this book. Puzzles, secret passageways, and four mysterious, brooding brothers? Yes, please.
What We Liked:
Avery is smart and capable, the riddles are addictive, and the plot is basically a nonstop game of literary Clue.
What We Don’t Like:
It leans hard into the “love triangle” (or maybe square?) trope. If you’re not into romantic tension, consider yourself warned.
Book Review:
When Avery Grambs unexpectedly inherits a billionaire’s fortune, she’s thrown into the glamorous—and dangerous—world of the Hawthorne family. There are conditions, of course: she has to live in the mansion for a year, surrounded by the late billionaire’s very confused and very suspicious grandsons. Jennifer Lynn Barnes doesn’t just give us mystery—she gives us puzzles, hidden clues, and a heroine who’s got just the right blend of brainy and brave. It’s the kind of YA book that’s wildly fun, impossible to predict, and practically made for fans of clever twists and sharp dialogue. No wonder it’s one of the most trending teen books of 2025.
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12. One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus
Why You Should Read It:
It’s the final book in the One of Us Is Lying trilogy—and spoiler: someone is definitely lying again. If you’re already invested, this is your satisfying (and stressful) conclusion.
What We Liked:
The stakes are high, the secrets are messier than ever, and the plot? Total popcorn material.
What We Don’t Like:
You’ll need to read the first two books for this one to make sense—so it’s a commitment.
Book Review:
Karen M. McManus is back to destroy your peace and possibly your trust in group projects. One of Us Is Back takes the Bayview crew into even darker territory, where past sins come crawling back and trust is a distant memory. With alternating POVs and new mysteries layered on old ones, this finale feels like a rollercoaster with no seat belts. If you’ve grown attached to the OG cast, prepare for an emotional rollercoaster. McManus proves once again she’s the queen of YA thrillers—fast, twisty, and impossible to guess. For fans of teen drama with a lethal twist, this is essential 2025 reading.
11. These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi
Why You Should Read It:
This sequel to This Woven Kingdom takes fantasy romance to the next level with breathtaking world-building and tension so thick, it could slice through steel.
What We Liked:
Mafi’s prose is gorgeous (as usual), and the stakes feel huge. Alizeh is the kind of heroine who’s impossible not to root for.
What We Don’t Like:
It’s heavy on the politics and court intrigue—great if you’re into that, but not the fastest ride.
Book Review:
These Infinite Threads picks up the threads (literally) of a world on the edge of war. Alizeh’s secret identity is no longer so secret, and Kamran is stuck between his heart and his throne. Tahereh Mafi blends poetic language with sharp fantasy plotting, pulling readers into a world of forbidden love, rebellion, and prophecy. If you’re the kind of reader who lives for slow-burn romance, royal betrayals, and lyrical writing, this is your jam. With young adult best sellers like this, 2025 proves fantasy is still dominating the teen bookshelf—and honestly? We’re not mad about it.
10. You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow
Why You Should Read It:
This book hits like a quiet thunderstorm. It’s raw, real, and painfully honest about addiction, grief, and figuring out who you are when life gets messy.
What We Liked:
Kathleen Glasgow doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The emotions are authentic, the voice is strong, and the message? Vital.
What We Don’t Like:
It’s emotionally heavy—like, bring-a-box-of-tissues heavy. Not a casual beach read.
Book Review:
Emory has always been the “good one.” The one who doesn’t make waves. But after a tragic accident involving her brother, that identity starts to unravel. You’d Be Home Now is a deeply introspective look at family, guilt, addiction, and the impossible pressure of being a teen in a world full of judgments and expectations. Glasgow’s storytelling is intimate and unapologetic, making you feel every uncomfortable truth with clarity and compassion. It’s a tough read—but it’s also the kind of book that leaves you a little wiser, a little softer, and a lot more understanding. One of the best books for teens who are ready for something real.
9. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Why You Should Read It:
Because it’s the Hunger Games prequel—and yes, you absolutely need to know what President Snow was like as a moody teen. Spoiler: still terrifying.
What We Liked:
It’s dark, smart, and expands the Hunger Games universe in a way that actually feels meaningful.
What We Don’t Like:
Snow is, well, Snow. Watching him struggle with morality doesn’t always make him sympathetic—it makes you feel icky in the best way.
Book Review:
Before Katniss Everdeen, there was Coriolanus Snow—a poor but proud teen trying to hold onto power and status in a crumbling Capitol. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes throws you into the origin story of one of YA’s most iconic villains. Suzanne Collins doesn’t just write a prequel; she rewrites how you see the entire Hunger Games world. With themes of manipulation, control, and ambition, it’s more psychological than action-packed, but just as gripping. You won’t exactly be rooting for Snow, but you’ll definitely understand how monsters are made. A haunting, clever take on power and privilege, and one of the young adult best sellers that keeps trending in 2025.
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8. Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
Why You Should Read It:
Think: giant battle robots + Chinese history + a heroine who refuses to be tamed. It’s sci-fi, fantasy, and girl-power chaos rolled into one.
What We Liked:
Zetian is a force of nature. The plot? Wildly original. The feminist rage? Off the charts—in a good way.
What We Don’t Like:
The world-building can get a little complex fast, so stay alert. Also: not for fans of subtlety.
Book Review:
In a world where boys pilot giant mechas powered by female co-pilots (who tend to die in the process), Zetian is done playing nice. When her sister dies during one of these pairings, she signs up—not to win, but to take revenge. Iron Widow is loud, bold, and unapologetically angry. Xiran Jay Zhao takes traditional gender roles and lights them on fire, all while crafting an intense, layered sci-fi universe inspired by Chinese myth. With a polyamorous love triangle that actually works, combat scenes that scream anime energy, and a lead character who’d rather burn the world than be used by it—this book slaps. No wonder it’s one of the most trending teen books of 2025.
7. If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin
Why You Should Read It:
Because you know it’s going to break your heart—and yet you read it anyway. A beautiful, poetic exploration of missed chances and what-ifs.
What We Liked:
The writing is dreamy and intimate. The emotion? Devastating, in the best way possible.
What We Don’t Like:
You’ll want to scream at the characters for not just saying how they feel. And yes, there will be tears.
Book Review:
Autumn and Finny were best friends once, before the inevitable high school drift happened. They still orbit each other—same school, same lunchroom, same memories—but on separate paths. If He Had Been With Me is not a love story. It’s a story about love. The kind that’s full of longing and unspoken truths and “what could have been” moments that will haunt you (in a good, literary way). Laura Nowlin’s novel feels like a soft song playing in the background of a rainy afternoon—melancholy, warm, and unforgettable. If you’re looking for best books for teens that feel more like feelings than stories, this is the one to grab. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the ending.
6. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Why You Should Read It:
The title spoils the ending and yet you’ll still sob like you didn’t see it coming. It’s beautiful, devastating, and oddly hopeful.
What We Liked:
The concept is gripping—imagine knowing it’s your last day. The emotional depth? Intense and unforgettable.
What We Don’t Like:
It will emotionally wreck you. Might not be ideal if you’re in a fragile “I just got ghosted” mood.
Book Review:
In a near-future world where a service called Death-Cast tells you the day you’re going to die, Mateo and Rufus both get the call. They’ve never met—but with only 24 hours left, they decide to make the most of it. Adam Silvera delivers a poignant, soul-crushing, heartwarming tale of what it means to live when you’re out of time. The book asks all the big questions: How do we leave a mark? Can a single day change a life? And yes—why do we always fall for fictional characters with tragic fates? If you’re into stories that punch you right in the feelings but leave you a little better than they found you, this is one of the best books for teens in 2025.
5. Loveless by Alice Oseman
Why You Should Read It:
Because not all love stories are about romance. This one is about discovering who you are—and it hits differently.
What We Liked:
Aroace rep done with tenderness and clarity. It’s funny, awkward, and heartfelt in that perfect Oseman way.
What We Don’t Like:
If you’re expecting romantic swoon, this isn’t the vibe. But it’s got all the feels, just a different kind.
Book Review:
Georgia has never been kissed, never fallen in love, and thinks she’s just a late bloomer. But as she enters college, she starts to question if romance is something she even wants. Loveless is Alice Oseman at her best—chronicling identity, friendship, and all the emotional chaos of growing up without making it feel preachy or heavy-handed. The friendships in this book are so pure, you’ll want to text your best friend immediately. It’s vulnerable, occasionally messy, and so affirming for anyone who doesn’t see themselves in traditional love stories. Oseman’s voice is witty and warm, making Loveless one of the young adult best sellers that’s quietly changing the game.
4. The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Why You Should Read It:
It’s the epic finale of The Inheritance Games trilogy, and the stakes? Higher than ever. If you’re into riddles, drama, and plot twists that slap, this is your jam.
What We Liked:
Avery’s growth shines, the secrets go deeper, and the ending actually lands (which is rare in trilogies, let’s be real).
What We Don’t Like:
You really have to remember every twist from the first two books—or do a quick wiki recap.
Book Review:
Avery Kylie Grambs has come a long way since inheriting a billionaire’s estate and dodging Hawthorne family drama like it’s a dodgeball tournament. In The Final Gambit, the last secrets come to light, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes makes sure every breadcrumb she dropped along the way gets picked up in style. The puzzle-solving is back and more complex, the stakes feel real, and the emotional beats hit hard. There’s action, romance, sabotage, and enough cryptic clues to make Sherlock Holmes proud. If you’ve stuck with Avery through this wild ride, this finale is your well-earned reward. One of the trending teen books of 2025 that delivers big.
3. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Why You Should Read It:
Because Pip is the true-crime-loving, spreadsheet-making heroine we never knew we needed. Murder mystery meets YA perfection.
What We Liked:
Smart plot, brilliant pacing, and the way Pip slowly peels back the truth? Addictive.
What We Don’t Like:
Might make you suspicious of everyone in your town. Trust issues incoming.
Book Review:
Five years ago, a girl was murdered and her boyfriend was blamed. Case closed, right? Not for Pip. For her senior project, she decides to dig deeper—and what she finds is a web of lies, cover-ups, and danger. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is like your favorite podcast in book form: suspenseful, twisty, and totally bingeable. Holly Jackson gives us a teen protagonist who’s methodical, sharp, and refreshingly imperfect. The multimedia-style storytelling (with journal entries and transcripts) adds a cool layer to the narrative. It’s no surprise this book is still riding high on the young adult best sellers list in 2025—once you start, you can’t stop.
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2. Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
Why You Should Read It:
Chess, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a whip-smart heroine who’s ready to wreck the competition? Game on.
What We Liked:
Ali Hazelwood makes chess hot. The banter, the tension, the swoony slow-burn? Checkmate.
What We Don’t Like:
If you’re not into chess, you might get a bit lost in the terminology—but it’s worth pushing through for the vibes.
Book Review:
Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess—until one charity tournament drags her back into the game. But when she defeats the reigning world champ, Nolan Sawyer, her quiet life flips faster than a knight can jump two spaces. Check & Mate is all about passion, strategy, and figuring out how to make peace with your past. Mallory is fiercely relatable: smart, stubborn, and grappling with real-life struggles like family and ambition. Hazelwood brings her signature snark and swoon from the adult romance world and tones it perfectly for a teen audience. This book has heart, humor, and just enough emotional grit to keep it grounded. Easily one of the best teen books in 2025—it’s funny, fierce, and full of checkmates of the heart.
1. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Why You Should Read It:
This book exploded onto the scene with BookTok-level hype—and for once, it totally lives up to it. Dystopia? Check. Forbidden romance? Double check. A heroine with zero powers in a world built around them? You know it’s going to be good.
What We Liked:
The world-building is rich, the pacing is tight, and the romantic tension could light up a city block.
What We Don’t Like:
There’s a sequel, and waiting for it is emotional torture. Reader be warned.
Book Review:
In a kingdom divided by power and powerlessness, Paedyn Gray is faking her way through life—pretending to be an Elite when she’s actually, well, powerless. When she saves a prince and gets pulled into the deadly Purging Trials (think Hunger Games but with a magical twist), she has to play a dangerous game of survival. And then there’s Kai: dangerous, broody, and absolutely not supposed to be falling for her. Powerless is a high-stakes, high-drama YA fantasy that blends fast-paced action with intense romance. Lauren Roberts delivers a debut that’s got everyone talking, and for good reason. It’s gripping, romantic, and has that addictive “just one more chapter” energy. If you’re looking for the most trending teen book of 2025, this is the one stealing all the crowns.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 14 of the best books for teens to read in 2025, served with sass, soul, and a sprinkle of “don’t-talk-to-me-I’m-reading.” From dystopian danger zones to tender tales of identity and grief, this year’s YA lineup is stacked with emotion, action, and stories that stick with you long after the last page. Whether you’re in it for the tears, the twists, or the fictional crushes that ruin your real-life standards, there’s a book on this list with your name on it. Happy reading, and may your TBR pile never fall on you.
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