17 Best Books for 14 Year Old Boys to Read in 2024

The Hobbit is a timeless fantasy adventure by J.R.R. Tolkien, perfect for a 14-year-old boy's imagination. It tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. Filled with dragons, goblins, and magic, it's a captivating tale that teaches courage and friendship. Its engaging narrative and richly imagined world make it an ideal read for young adventurers. This is one of our favorite books about elves for teens

The Hunger Games Trilogy is a thrilling dystopian series that follows the journey of Katniss Everdeen, a strong and resourceful teenager. Set in a future where children are forced to participate in a deadly competition, the books explore themes of survival, tyranny, and resistance. The action-packed storyline and the protagonist's relatable struggles make it a compelling read for a teenage boy, encouraging them to ponder moral questions and the complexities of society.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard is a captivating series blending Norse mythology with modern adventure. It follows the story of Magnus Chase, a homeless teen who discovers he's the son of a Norse god. Filled with humor, mythical creatures, and epic battles, it's an entertaining read that teaches about Norse legends in an accessible way. Its mix of action and mythology is particularly appealing to young boys interested in history and adventure.

The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage is a fantasy novel set in a parallel universe. It serves as a prequel to his acclaimed "His Dark Materials" series. The story, centered around the young protagonist Malcolm Polstead and his daemon, combines magic, suspense, and a richly built world. This book is perfect for 14-year-old boys who enjoy complex narratives and exploring philosophical themes intertwined with adventure.

Turtles All the Way Down is a contemporary novel that delves into the life of Aza Holmes, a teenager grappling with mental illness. The story beautifully navigates the challenges of friendship, love, and the spiral of one's thoughts. Its honest portrayal of mental health, combined with a compelling mystery, makes it a resonant and thought-provoking read for 14-year-old boys, offering them a deeper understanding of empathy and resilience.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner is a fast-paced dystopian novel perfect for young teens. The story follows Thomas, who wakes up in a maze with no memory of his past, and must join forces with other boys to escape. This book is packed with suspense, mystery, and action, making it highly engaging for a 14-year-old boy. It also touches on themes of friendship, leadership, and survival, offering both entertainment and life lessons.

The Boy on Block 66 is a harrowing yet inspiring true story of 14-year-old Moshe Kessler's survival in Buchenwald concentration camp during World War II. After enduring the atrocities of Auschwitz and a deadly winter march, Moshe arrives at Buchenwald, aiming for Block 66, known as a haven within the hellish landscape. This book reveals the remarkable resistance movement within the camp, dedicated to protecting its youngest prisoners. A 14-year-old reader will find Moshe's story not only a profound historical lesson but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of solidarity in the darkest times.

Do Hard Things is a motivational book that challenges teenagers to go beyond their comfort zones and achieve great things. The book encourages young readers to defy societal low expectations and engage in meaningful and challenging tasks. It's an inspirational read for a 14-year-old boy, providing practical advice and real-life examples that empower teens to take responsibility, grow in character, and impact the world positively.

Ender's Game is a classic science fiction novel about a young boy, Ender Wiggin, trained to battle against an alien race. The book combines thrilling space battles with deep philosophical questions about morality, leadership, and the consequences of war. Its blend of action and intellectual challenge makes it a compelling read for 14-year-old boys, appealing to their sense of adventure while stimulating deeper thinking about conflict and humanity.

The Ruins of Gorlan, the first book in John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series, introduces readers to a captivating medieval fantasy world. The story follows the young orphan Will as he trains to become a ranger, embarking on adventures and battling evil forces. This book is ideal for a 14-year-old boy, offering a mix of action, adventure, and character development, along with lessons in bravery, friendship, and perseverance.

Making of Middle-earth by Chris Smith explores the creation of the fictional world in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. This book delves into the detailed landscapes, languages, and lore of Middle earth, providing insights into Tolkien's creative process. It's an excellent choice for 14-year-old boys, particularly those interested in fantasy writing or the Lord of the Rings series, offering a deeper understanding of world-building and the elements that make a fantasy universe compelling.

The Graveyard Book is a captivating fantasy novel that tells the story of Nobody Owens, a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. This imaginative tale weaves elements of the supernatural with the journey of growing up. Its unique setting and mix of humor, mystery, and life lessons make it an intriguing read for a 14 year old boy, exploring themes of family, identity, and courage in an unconventional way.

Moby Dick is a classic American novel known for its epic tale of Captain Ahab's obsessive quest to hunt the white whale, Moby Dick. This book offers a complex exploration of themes like revenge, fate, and humanity's struggle against nature. Its rich language and deep philosophical undertones make it a challenging yet rewarding read for a 14-year-old boy, offering a profound insight into human nature and obsession.

The Outsiders is a powerful novel about teenage angst and the struggles between two rival groups - the Greasers and the Socs. Written when Hinton was just 16, it captures the voice and perspective of adolescents with authenticity. This book is perfect for teen readers, dealing with themes of friendship, societal expectations, and the transition from youth to adulthood.

The Golden Compass, the first book in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series, is a fantasy adventure set in a parallel universe. It follows the journey of Lyra Belacqua, a brave and curious girl, as she discovers a sinister plot involving stolen children. This novel is ideal for 14-year-old boys, combining elements of adventure, mystery, and philosophy, and challenging them to think about issues of freedom and truth.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is an autobiographical novel that poignantly recounts the author's experiences of childhood and adolescence, dealing with themes of racism, identity, and overcoming adversity. This book provides teenage readers with a powerful perspective on American history and social issues, promoting empathy and resilience through its inspirational storytelling.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan is a popular fantasy series that combines Greek mythology with modern-day adventure. The Olympians series follows Percy Jackson, a demigod son of Poseidon, as he navigates a world filled with gods, monsters, and epic quests. These books are highly engaging for older boys, offering fast-paced action, humor, and relatable characters, while also subtly educating them about Greek mythology.