Book Recommendations for the Holidays - High School Reads
This list is a great buy-guide for parents looking for Christmas gifts, but we’ll also include lots of free and low cost books on this list for digital and audiobook readers. These books are appropriate for high school students, but many include mature themes and events.
This list is sorted by genre:
Dystopian
Australian
Fantasy
Dystopia
Dystopia
The Maze Runner - James Dashner
Movie: Yes
Spotify Premium Included Audiobook: No
Internet Archive: Yes
First in Series: Yes, two trilogies and two prequels
Similar texts: The Knife of Never Letting Go, Lord of the Flies
The Maze Runner follows the life of the Gladers - a group of teenage boys imprisoned in an inescapable maze. The maze is filled with monsters and other challenges the boys must overcome to survive. When the protagonist Thomas arrives in the glade he only has one question: why are they here?
The Parable of the Sower - Octavia E. Butler
Movie: No
Spotify Premium Included Audiobook: Yes
Internet Archive: Yes
First in Series: Yes, followed by Parable of the Talents
Similar texts: The Road
Climate change has ravaged the United States and hunger is rampant. Lauren is lucky to have a safe life in a compound away from the violent, starving outsiders. But life can’t continue like this forever: their area is drying up and food will eventually become impossible to obtain. Where can you go? And what kind of beliefs do you need to have to get there?
Other dystopian recommendations: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, Divergent by Veronica Roth
Australian
Australian
A Fraction of the Whole - Steve Toltz
Movie: No
Spotify Premium Included Audiobook: Yes
Internet Archive: No
First in Series: No (but it’s very long already)
Similar texts: Boy Swallows Universe
Jasper’s entry to adulthood is guided by his tortured-genius father. It’s turbulent, genuine and a raw look at coming of age in Australia. It’s got hero-criminals, mental health struggles and a lot of swearing.
Boy Swallows Universe - Trent Dalton
TV Series: Yes, Netflix
Spotify Premium Included Audiobook: Yes
Internet Archive: No
First in Series: No
Similar texts: A Fraction of the Whole, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Eli Bell is growing up in a difficult family. He navigates the crime and substance abuse which surrounds him, but discovers some magic in the gaps between.
Fantasy
Fantasy
Mistborn: The Final Empire - Brandon Sanderson
Movie: No
Spotify Premium Included Audiobook: Yes
Internet Archive: No
First in Series: Yes, it’s a trilogy of trilogies! (ongoing)
Similar texts: Obernewtyn, The Wheel of Time
Vin is a poor girl living in the slums of the Empire’s biggest city. The Lord Ruler is god-like in his power, knowledge and dominance. People who can use magic are the most tightly controlled… and they’re planning something.
Mistborn’s magic system is unique and rich, the political intrigue is enthralling and believable, and the characters are deep and lovable. The original trilogy is a must-read.
The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss
Movie: No
Spotify Premium Included Audiobook: Yes
Internet Archive: No
First in Series: Yes, unfinished trilogy
Similar texts: The Wizard of Earthsea
The Name of the Wind tells the story of Kvothe, a singer, student, wizard, hero and troublemaker. With elements of the classic wizard school story, but fleshed out to tell a broader story of adventures and consequences, this novel keeps you on the edge of your seat.