Books for 14 year olds – a panel of educators from schools around the country asked 14 year olds to name their favourite book, and these are the results. It’s interesting to see the influence of social media in the results of this survey! For more details about how these books were selected, please see our Children’s Favourites article which explains the survey process. This list features books by Stephanie Meyer, Jacqueline Wilson, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Holly Jackson, Terry Pratchett, Jordan Lees, Vivienne To, Katie Kirby, and Liz Pichon.
Books for 14 year olds – favourites chosen by teens
(In randomised order)
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
When seventeen-year-old Bella Swan moves to the rainy town of Forks, she doesn’t expect her new life to include vampires. Then she meets Edward Cullen, handsome, secretive, and unlike anyone she’s ever known. As their connection deepens, Bella is drawn into the hidden world of the Cullens, where love and danger intertwine. Twilight blends romance, mystery, and suspense in a story about identity, trust, and belonging – the unforgettable installment of the Twilight Saga.
Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson
Ruby and Garnet may look the same, but they could not be more different. Outgoing Ruby dreams of fame, while quiet, thoughtful Garnet would rather hide in a book. After their mum’s death, the twins face big changes: a move, a new school, and their dad’s new partner. Told through their shared diary, Double Act captures the clash between closeness and independence with warmth and wit. It’s a heartfelt easy read about family, growing up, and finding your own voice.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
When teen Avery inherits a billionaire’s fortune there’s a catch: she must live in the deceased’s sprawling estate with his mysterious family and solve a series of riddles to claim her legacy. This thrilling mystery unveils secrets and rivalries in a high-stakes game of inheritance. It’s the first in a gripping series that’s highly addictive to read.
Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
After surviving a brutal Halloween attack, Jet Mason discovers she has just seven days to live. Determined to spend them uncovering the truth, she turns detective, digging into the secrets of her wealthy Vermont family and the friends who might not be so loyal. With her health fading and time running out, Jet’s search becomes as personal as it is dangerous. Tense, emotional, and razor-sharp, Holly Jackson’s adult thriller – which has nonetheless proved popular with teens – is a breathless race against the clock.
The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett
Rincewind, a hopeless wizard with more luck than skill, is stuck guiding Twoflower, Discworld’s first ever tourist, across a world that rides on the back of a giant turtle. With the enchanted Luggage trundling behind, they blunder into thieves, monsters, and even Death himself. Packed with wit, chaos, and sharp satire, The Colour of Magic launches Terry Pratchett’s legendary Discworld series: a brilliantly absurd fantasy adventure where anything, and everything, can happen.
The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found by Jordan Lees, illustrated by Vivienne To
Eleven-year-old Benjamiah Creek believes in facts, not fairy tales, until a strange doll pulls him into Wreathenwold, a twisting city where logic does not apply. There he meets Elizabella, who is searching for her missing brother, and together they must navigate a world of hidden dangers, eerie law enforcers known as the Hanged Men, and streets that seem alive. Full of mystery, courage, and unexpected friendship, this darkly imaginative adventure explores what happens when reason meets magic.
Lottie Brooks’s Essential Guide to Life by Katie Kirby
This fun diary-style guide offers practical advice and creative activities for children figuring out school, friendships, and everyday life. Lottie shares new stories alongside tips from Jess and Amber, while readers can join in with quizzes, doodle pages, snack ideas, and creative prompts. Blending humour with genuine advice about growing up and family, it encourages self-expression and confidence. An easy read for less enthusiastic readers.
Tom Gates by Liz Pichon
Tom fills his diary with funny stories, doodles, and notes about everyday life. He writes about dodging homework, playing in his band, and dealing with teachers, friends, and family dramas. With its mix of sketches and text, the book feels playful and easy to read, capturing all the ups and downs of school life. Liz Pichon’s Tom Gates series has won several awards, including the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. Ideal for less confident readers.
Books for 14 year olds – buy the set or order in bulk
Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books for 14 year olds list, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy the titles in this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your classroom library.
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If you liked our list of books for 14-year-olds, have a look at our KS4 books list, and our Year 10 books list.
