When tweens and teens reach for a book, it’s always a win. But what kinds of books are they reaching for? We asked Vancouver Island booksellers and librarians to share the latest trends in what tweens and teens are reading.
The top of tweens’ reading lists are graphic novels. Whether they are adaptations of popular novels like The Lightning Thief or more realistic stories, booksellers and librarians agree that the mix of visual and written storytelling found in graphic novels captures the attention of this age group. Other hits include animal stories, spy books, adventure, survival fiction and fantasy books—especially with dragons.
Kirsten Larmon, store manager at Munro’s Books, has also seen an uptick of “safe” romances which give tweens an age-appropriate introduction to romance.
Teens are all-in for genre fiction, including horror, mystery, thrillers, fantasy, murder and books that blend multiple genres. Booksellers and librarians agree that the Hunger Games series remains a top choice for teens.
Brooklyn Kemp, library services librarian at Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL), says that representation matters for teens and adds that they look for stories that include queer, gender-diverse and disabled characters.
For books in these age groups, popularity soars when they are adapted to a film or TV series.
Nariel Davis and Sheila Hammond-Todd, children and youth services librarians at Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL), agree that popular TV shows and video games can also impact reading choices, even if they are not adapted from books. Shows like Stranger Things and video games like Five Nights at Freddy’s might be part of the reason for teens’ increased interest in the horror genre.
In addition to film and TV preferences, tweens’ and teens’ hobbies can play a role in the books they pick. Those who like role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons might be drawn to fantasy books, while others with an interest in video games might like stories that feature gaming or reflect the genre of their favourite games.
TikTok can play a role in teens finding a new book. However, Larmon says the biggest influence with teens is what their friends are reading.
“Once a series is a hit at a school, word travels around and everyone wants to read it,” says Larmon.
How can you support the tweens and teens in your life with their reading?
“Young people have many demands on their time, but when books are easy to access and reflect their interests, tweens and teens continue to read, and libraries play an important role in making that possible,” says Kemp.
Both Davis and Hammond-Todd have seen an increase of new library cards for this age group this year—likely due in part to the rise of the cost of living. VIRL and GVPL work hard to make inclusive spaces for tweens and teens to feel safe and welcome.
While libraries have lots of great in-person programming and spaces for tweens and teens, Kemp has found that this age group takes advantage of the digital resources such as ebooks and audiobooks offered through Libby as well as the graphic novels, comics and manga available through Hoopla.
Audiobooks are especially popular and “can be a great option for young people who find print challenging, including those with dyslexia or who are neurodivergent,” adds Kemp.
When shopping for books for tweens and teens, there is more to think about than just the book itself.
While it might be convenient to turn to an online retailer, Larmon says there is no substitute for being in a space where you can pick up a book, browse through it, sample the text and see how the feel of it compares to others.
“Among our staff are many adults who once shopped here as children. We know well how special that experience can be for young people.”
There is a thriving scene of independent bookstores across the island with staff who are ready to help.
“We recommend what we love and what we see kids loving,” says Larmon.
Book stores help readers find books they wouldn’t have expected to pick up, but open up their reading worlds.
“My strongest advice to parents and caregivers is not to discourage what young people show interest in when it comes to reading,” says Kemp.
“Audiobooks, comics, video game guides, ‘silly’ stories and books aimed at younger readers are all valid choices.”
This sentiment is echoed by both Davis and Hammond-Todd.
“If you have concerns, ask questions to understand their choice, rather than judge,” says Davis.
“And don’t forget to read yourselves! Children and teens who grow up in houses where they see adults reading grow up to be readers.”
Trending Books
Tweens (Ages 9–12)
Crush by Tegan Quin and Sara Quin
Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang
Mexikid by Pedro Martin
A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Spy School by Stuart Gibbs (graphic novels and novels)
City of Spies by James Ponti
Refugee by Alan Gratz
Lightfall series by Tim Probert
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (novel and graphic novel)
Warriors series by Erin Hunter
Wings of Fire series by Tai T. Sutherland (novels and graphic novels)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
I Want to Go Home by Gordon Korman
White Jade Tiger by Julie Lawson (Victoria based author)
I Survived series (novels and graphic novels) by Lauren Tarshis
Teens (Ages 13+)
Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Scythe by Neal Schusterman
Best of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
I hope this doesn’t find you by Ann Liang
XOXO by Axie Oh
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Fire Keepers Daughter by Angeline Boulley
One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
The Truly Devious series by Maureen Johnson
