The debate between readers and video content watchers is endless; these days, reading and binge-watching videos are two different cults. While content consumption via audio-visual is more interactive and faster, books will never lose their charm, and bookworms, book lovers, and readers will always exist. Reading is a habit that comes with many benefits, and thus, parents always insist that kids read books over and above their school curriculum and academics. In fact, many schools are now realising the importance of reading and integrating popular classic books in their curriculum integrated with the learning goals of kids.
This article by Care for Child will help you with recommendations for books for teenagers to read. But, before we get into that list, let us understand why reading is essential for teenagers.
Importance Of Reading Books
All academicians, teachers and parents always encourage kids to read more books. Even if they do not know all the reasons behind this encouragement, everyone knows that reading is a good habit. Let us try to understand the benefits associated with reading books at any age.
- Helps With Academic Performance – The habit of reading will make your teenager interested in all genres and kinds of books, including academic books. This will help them achieve academic excellence as well.
- Better Vocabulary – Every time your kid picks up books for teenager to read, they will come across some new words and enhance their vocabulary by default.
- Gain New Knowledge – If your teenager is reading a non-fictional book, like a biography or a book based on true stories, they will gain knowledge of the history of affairs related to that book.
- Reduction in Stress & Anxiety – Books are written to help reduce stress levels and anxiety for readers. Often, overstimulated individuals find peace in just picking a book, sitting in silence & reading. This can help your teenage kid find some calm and peace.
- Helps In Social Skills & Empathy – Reading fiction can help your teenage kids understand different social skills & develop an understanding and empathy towards people from different cultures & viewpoints.
- Hones Imagination – Reading about things you have not seen or experienced but can only imagine can help your teenage child develop a better imagination. This is also why reading is encouraged over watching or listening to audio-visual content.
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Tips For Developing Reading Habits in Teenagers
Not all kids love to read. Here are some pointers that can help your teenager develop the habit of reading or fall in love with books.
- Select the Right Books: Whether your teenager is interested in a particular genre, subject, or pastime, expose them to literature that reflects their interests. To increase the enjoyment of reading, let children select novels that they find appealing.
- Set a good example for your adolescent by reading for yourself to demonstrate the significance of reading. Talk about your loved books and tell them about your reading adventures.
- Establish a Reading Routine: Allocate a specific time each day, such as before bed or during calm times, for reading. Please include it in their everyday schedule.
- Visit a bookshop or Library: Take your adolescent to a bookshop or library so they may learn about various writers and genres. Tell them to choose novels that pique their interest.
- Start with Shorter Reads: Start with less scary and simpler graphic novels or shorter volumes to read. As their interest increases, they gradually introduce longer and more sophisticated reads.
- Join a Book Club: You should consider getting your adolescent involved in a book club or reading group. This can give reading a social component and encourage conversations on the literature they are reading.
- Reward Reading: Provide incentives or prizes for achieving reading objectives, including finishing a specific number of books or exploring a different genre.
- Make Reading Interactive: Inspire your adolescent to write reviews, annotate books, or share their ideas and opinions on the readings they've done. Reading can become more involved and exciting as a result of this.
With gradual encouragement and patience, you may assist your adolescent in developing a love of reading by implementing these techniques.
5 Books For Teenagers to Read
Now, coming to the main topic of this article, here are 5 best books to read as a teenager.
Harper Lee's beloved book "To Kill a Mockingbird" is set in the American South in the 1930s. The narrative follows Scout Finch, a little child, and her father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer, as they deal with prejudice and injustice in their neighbourhood. The novel examines morality, empathy, and the intricacies of human nature via Scout's perspective.
Josh Shipp's inspirational book "The Teen's Guide to World Domination" is written for teens and provides helpful tips and methods for achieving success. It addresses issues like goal-setting, boosting self-esteem, developing communication skills, and overcoming obstacles that youth frequently encounter. The book gives kids the confidence to take charge of their lives and realise their aspirations through comedy and actual experiences.
A young Jewish girl named Anne wrote a journal during the Holocaust, which is known as "Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank. Her experiences fleeing the Nazis in Amsterdam with her family are depicted in it. The journal offers a moving and intimate glimpse into the hopes, anxieties, and challenges of a little girl living in remarkable circumstances.
J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" books chronicle the fantastical exploits of a young wizard called Harry Potter and his fellow students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The novels explore friendship, bravery, and the struggle between good and evil as Harry deals with Voldemort, the evil wizard. Readers of all ages worldwide have fallen in love with the series because of its inventive setting and engaging storyline.
Stephen Covey's self-help book "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" provides helpful professional and personal growth guidance. Covey offers seven behaviours that people might adopt to improve their effectiveness at work and in their personal lives. To attain success and fulfilment, the book strongly emphasises ideas like proactiveness, prioritising, and continual growth.
Key Takeaways
- Reading has many benefits over audio-visual content; thus, the habit of reading should be encouraged in kids.
- You can help kids develop the habit by modelling reading yourself, introducing them to libraries & book clubs and rewarding their reading habits.
- You can choose the books to introduce to your teenager based on what genre interests them.
FAQs
Q1 – What are some of the best books to read as a teenager in the fiction category?
Ans – If your teenage boy or girl is interested in reading fiction, you can buy them the Harry Potter series, The Book Thief, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Elenor & Park, etc books to let them enjoy the fiction genre.
Q2 – Is reading at bedtime a good habit for teenagers?
Ans - Reading can help your teenager relax their mind and improve sleep. Reading is also suitable for enhancing imagination at that age; thus, reading can be one of the best habits your child can develop in their teenage years.