Teenagers like to read books that are written as series. According to the National Public Radio’s (NPR) list of “100 Best-Ever Teen Novels,” more than 40 of the books were series. From “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” to “Uglies” and “Princess Diaries,” teenagers are reading books written as series in abundance. The benefit to this style of writing is that the reader only has to invest and familiarize himself with one set of characters or circumstances which carries from book to book. He’s already broken through the first challenge of reading: entering the story world.
Teenagers also like to read books that have teenage protagonists or narrative voices. Lois Lowry’s classic “The Giver,” John Green’s modern “An Abundance of Katherines” and M.T. Anderson’s futuristic “Feed,” share one commonality: a teenage narrative voice. Teenagers enjoy this literary style because it allows the story to unfold in a relatable manner. A teenage protagonist is often familiar, comfortable and approachable. Rather than having to view a story through an adult’s perspective, the teenage narrator gives the teen reader a better grasp of the story, especially if the setting or conflict is unfamiliar.
Teenagers also like reading books that portray circumstances unfamiliar and more challenging than their own. Because teenagers often feel overwhelmed by their own life situations, they enjoy reading about others who have experienced a life more difficult than their own. This is why books like Jay Asher’s “Thirteen Reasons Why ,” Laurie Halse Anderson’s “Speak,” and “Go Ask Alice” -- written by an author who claimed anonymity -- remain highly popular among teenagers. These texts tackle tough subjects including illegal drug use, teen suicide and sexual assault.
Teenagers love reading books that reveal how other people live, in both realistic and invented settings. This accounts for the growing popularity of science fiction, fantasy and dystopian novels. These genres often clearly define the “good guys” and the “bad guys,” with the protagonist often rebelling against the established, controlling society. Ayn Rand’s “Anthem,” for example, portrays Equality 7-2521 escaping his controlling society. Similarly, Lois Lowry’s “The Giver” shows Jonah fleeing his “perfect” society in an effort to feel and experience life his way. These are themes that teenagers can relate to easily. Other popular examples include Nancy Farmer’s “The House of the Scorpion,” Lauren Oliver’s “Delirium” series and Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” series.