7 Best Books To Read Before You Turn 14: Our Updated 2024 List
Recommendations by Sarah, English Language and Literature, University of Oxford
Book recommendations for ages 11-14
What better way to spend a quiet day than curled up with a book? The following novels promise to whisk you away to another place, world or time. There’s something for everyone, from historical novels to detective stories and fantasy. The best way to get into reading is to discover what really excites you and to indulge that interest, so I’ve given suggestions for follow-up books to read if you enjoy these initial suggestions. Happy reading!
Eva Ibbotson, The Morning Gift
This romance novel is set during the Second World War and is based on Ibbotson’s own experience as a refugee. The main character, Ruth’s, world is turned upside down when the Nazis invade Austria and her family flee to England. Due to a misunderstanding she is left behind. In order to escape, Ruth accepts an unexpected offer of a marriage of convenience from Quin, a young English professor. The situation becomes increasingly complicated as Ruth and Quin become attracted to one another. The novel provides a fascinating window into a significant period of recent history.
If you like this, you might enjoy: Judith Kerr, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
Sally Gardner, The Red Necklace
This historical novel is set during the French Revolution which began in 1789. What makes it unique is the elements of fantasy which are interwoven within the story: Yann, the main character, is a travelling boy with telepathic powers. The story is full of imaginative detail and the plot is full of drama which will keep your attention until the final page.
If you like this, you might enjoy: Michael Morpurgo, Private Peaceful
Dodie Smith, I Capture the Castle
The opening line of this novel, ‘I write this sitting in the kitchen sink’, will grab your attention and the rest of the story will keep you captivated. The narrator is Cassandra Mortmain, and the story follows her progression through adolescence as told in her journal. She describes the adventures of her eccentric family as they struggle to survive in genteel poverty in a decaying castle in the 1930s. Cassandra’s voice is humorous and sincere and will capture your imagination.
If you like this, you might enjoy: Stella Gibbons, Cold Comfort Farm
John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men
This is the tale of George and Lennie, two migrant ranch workers searching for employment during the Great Depression in the United States. It is a story of companionship, loyalty and dreams which is in turns heart-warming and tragic. It has one of the most memorable endings of any novel, one which will keep you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.
If you like this, you might enjoy: William Golding, The Lord of the Flies
Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
The narrator of this story, John Boone, is a highly gifted fifteen-year-old boy with Asperger’s Syndrome. When John discovers the dead body of his neighbour’s dog speared with a garden fork, he determines to find out what has happened. What follows is a gripping detective story. John is an outsider figure; the novel explores the different perspectives which people have onto the world, and the value of these different perspectives.
If you like this, you might enjoy: John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
You may have seen the film version of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, but the book is much better! Tolkien’s vividly conceived world, Middle Earth, is full of drama and excitement. The Hobbit, the prequel to the trilogy, follows Bilbo Baggins on his quest for the treasure which is guarded by Smaug the dragon. The Lord of the Rings is the tale of Bilbo’s nephew, Frodo, and follows the War of the Ring through the eyes of Frodo and his companions. Perfect for fans of fantasy, this is an adventure story like no other.
If you like this, you might enjoy: Philip Pullman, His Dark Materials
Books to read for all ages …
If you liked the above recommendations, check out our reading lists for 16 & 18 year-olds!
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