It can be hard to find books for tweens and teens. They are at an age when they can handle a bit more romance and adventure, but aren’t necessarily mature enough to handle graphic depictions of violence or sex.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a short list of books that are great for tweens and teens. Some handle mature themes or include a few curses, but otherwise are not at all graphic. Of course, make sure to talk with your child about what they read and maintain involvement and open dialogue at all times.

Note: This list is fairly conservative. Many tweens are ready for the books on the teen list. Choose what is right for your child.

Tweens

These books often have romantic relationships and some fighting, but they are not graphic or overly descriptive in nature. They have few curse words, if any.

• Sierra Jensen series by Robin Jones Gunn: This is a Christian series about teen dating, friendships, and school experiences.
• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine: This is a fantasy book about a girl who is cursed to do as she is told, no matter what. She goes on a quest to break the curse and live her own life.
• Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm: This is a historical fiction trilogy about a proper young lady who pioneers to the West Coast as one of the first settlers. Throughout her adventures, she learns how to survive, build her own confidence, process grief, and find true love, even if it doesn’t look as polished as her etiquette teachers once taught her.
• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery: This is a favorite for many women across generations. Follow along as Anne, a whimsical, imaginative child, grows into a spirited young woman.
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: This is a classic story about four strong sisters, all with different personalities and desires. From childhood days playing pretend to grown women finding love and purpose, these books deal with love, friendship, death, grief, and social movements.

Teens

These books have more mature themes but are still fairly tame in their depictions of sex and violence. Some have a few more curse words, but they are still used sparingly.

• The Selection series by Kiera Cass: This series is set in a dystopian society where young women must compete for a chance to marry the prince. America Singer, the protagonist, is forced to give up love and find it again, with the threat of rebels and raids looming over her and her loved ones.
• American Royals series by Katharine McGee: This series is set in modern-day America, but instead of a president, there is a royal family. The story follows Beatrice, the first American queen, her sister Princess Samantha, and commoners Daphne and Nina as they struggle to find their identities within the monarchy. There are love triangles, sabotage, and plenty of teen angst.
• Countess of Harleigh series by Dianne Freeman: This is a murder mystery series. Frances Wynn is a member of English nobility, but she’s no damsel in distress. She finds herself solving one murder after another with the help of her family and friends.
• The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: This series is full of puzzles, riddles, clues, and games. Avery is a poor, homeless high school student who suddenly inherits billions of dollars from a man she’s never met. She is forced to deal with his over-the-top family (including two attractive grandsons), death threats, and a mansion full of trap doors and hidden compartments. She also has to figure out how her family’s past ties into the current lives of the Hawthorne boys.
• Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot: This series is all about an ordinary girl who discovers she is a princess. She has to navigate all the typical high school scenarios and worry about being heir to a throne.
• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy by Jenny Han: Lara Jean is a romantic dreamer, and she’s written love notes to her crushes that she’s never sent. Until one day, they get out. Follow along as a fake dating relationship turns into something more. Lara Jean grows in confidence as she navigates love triangles, bullies, friendships, travel, and more.
• Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer: This is a romance series between a human girl and a vampire boy. There are love triangles, werewolves, and life-or-death situations – all within the context of high school drama.
• Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: No book list would be complete without mention of Harry Potter! Follow along as Harry discovers he’s actually a magical wizard with an incredible past. He has to juggle Hogwarts classes (his new magical school), make friends, beat bullies, play Quidditch (magical sport), and take down one of the darkest wizards to ever exist.

Stay Involved

The media your kids consume informs them about all kinds of things – what’s cool and what’s not, how to pursue romantic relationships, how to express themselves, and so much more. Make sure to stay involved and ask questions about their media choices. As the parent, you will want to ensure they are learning the right lessons and have the maturity to grasp different topics.

One tool to consider using is Common Sense Media. They have thousands of titles (books, movies, and games) with descriptions, ratings, and reviews. This empowers parents to make the best media decisions for their kids. Give it a try!