Four Must-Read Books for Teens This Summer

The summer is fast approaching, which means it’s crucial for your teens to maintain their academic gains from the previous semester. One of the easiest ways to do this is by encouraging reading as it’s great for helping students stay on top of their spelling, grammar and creative writing skills. Here at Tutor Doctor we know that there are way too many books to choose from and it’s difficult to know which ones are the best. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to our four must-read books for teens this summer.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
All the Bright Places follows the story of Finch and Violet, who are both dealing with different mental health issues. When the two meet on top of their school bell tower, they find themselves both considering jumping off, but somehow manage to save one another from doing so. When they then pair up for a project, they both find themselves feeling comfortable being their true selves around each other. However, as Violet’s world begins to grow, Finch’s starts to get darker. How far will Violet go to help save the boy she has grown to love? This novel is not only gripping but a powerful read about the effects of mental illness and how it impacts the people around those suffering.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is a truly fantastic read that is sure to have any teen hooked right from the word go! Harper Lee explores the radical tensions in a tired old town called Maycomb, Alabama across three years (1933–35). What’s really mesmerising about this tale is that it’s told thought the eyes of 6-year-old Scout Finch. Whilst her lawyer father, Atticus, defends a black man accused of rape, Scout learns about the unfair treatment of African-Americans alongside some fascinating secrets about their mysterious neighbour, Boo Radley. A timeless classic!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This book follows the story of freshman Charlie, who is a ‘wallflower,’ which means he stands back timidly watching others live life, too scared to participate. Throughout the novel we watch Charlie really come out of his shell as he realises he can’t stay on the sidelines forever. He starts to make new friends, goes to parties and even falls in love. However along the way Charlie finds himself dealing with the confusions of sex and love, the temptations of drugs and the pain of losing loved ones. A thought-provoking, coming-of-age story that many older teens will be able to identify with and learn from.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
This beautifully written book follows the life of mathematically gifted Christopher John Francis Boone. Christopher’s autism means that he has an overwhelming fear of interacting with others, meaning his day-to-day life can be challenging. When he discovers that his neighbor’s dog is mysteriously murdered, he starts to overcomes his fears and begins to investigate the murder, uncovering some surprising secrets about his mother on the way.