Hi friends! Top 3 Thursday is back with my top recommendations for teenaged readers! Much of what I read is YA aimed, however, I’m still careful when recommending books to teen readers – just because I’m not always sure what level of YA/mid teen books they might be reading! So I’ve erred on the side of caution here – most of these books are ones I read as a teen which fuelled my love of reading even further!
- The Song of the Lioness, The Immortals, The Protector of the Small – Tamora Pierce
I was an avid Tamora Pierce reader. Her books were my entire teenaged years. My very first email address was based on one of her characters – which I now realise was probably odd, but she was my fave character (Alanna, for those wondering). These three series in particular were fundamental in cementing my love of reading and I will forever be grateful to my mum for bringing it home from the library.
2. The Belgariad series – David Eddings
When I was a teenager I was convinced that these books were not YA or teen fiction. I thought I was reading proper adult written fiction. And now as an adult when I have gone to check, apparently they’re still counted as YA fantasy. But no matter what they are counted as, they are amazing. Prophecies, epic battles, magic, characters actually ageing properly… it really was a perfect series.
3. The Shadow and Bone series – Leigh Bardugo
These I did not read as a teen, but they have turned into one of my top recommended series, and I can picture loving them when I was a teen. Again, we have magic, a terrifying antagonist, fantastical but realistic worlds – 15 year old me would have eaten this all up!
As you can see, there is a notable series I did not include. I didnt include it on purpose, because it felt like a cop out. But for anyone reading – please read Harry Potter and recommend it to every teen you come into contact with!
Which books do you recommend to teens? Or what books were your favourite when you were a teen?
Happy readings!
-B x
Bec's Bookish Reads 