17 Best Books for 14 Year Old Boys They’ll Actually Read
The best books for 14 year old boys aren’t always the ones you’d expect.
Some of my son’s favorite reads have surprised both of us—books in verse, graphic novels, even stories with main characters completely unlike him.
At this age, it’s less about reading levels and more about finding something that clicks.
Whether your teen is already a bookworm or still figuring out what he likes, this list pulls together titles that real boys this age have picked up, stuck with, and actually finished—no forced reading required.
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Best Books for a 14 Year Old Boy to Read
Fourteen is such a transitional age—caught between middle school energy and high school expectations.
The right book at this stage can do more than entertain; it can challenge, inspire, or simply give them a reason to keep turning the pages.
Whether your teen is into fast-paced adventures, complex characters, or stories that reflect the ups and downs of growing up, this list has something that can meet him where he is—and maybe even take him somewhere new.
These books aren’t just popular—they’ve been read and approved by my own teen, with honest feedback included.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
I wasn’t sure if my son would go for an older fantasy novel, but The Hobbit totally won him over. He said, “It starts slow but gets awesome once the dragon shows up.” Bilbo’s adventure hooked him more than I expected, and it sparked some great conversations about bravery and unexpected heroes. It’s a great pick for boys who love detailed worlds but aren’t quite ready for Lord of the Rings yet.This is one of our favorite books about elves for teens
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The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
This series pulled my son in fast. He read all three books back-to-back and told me, “It’s intense, but I couldn’t stop. I had to know what happened next.” The survival theme, tough choices, and fast pace really kept him interested. Plus, it opened up a lot of chats about leadership, injustice, and standing up for what’s right.
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Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan
We’ve been longtime Rick Riordan fans, and Magnus Chase didn’t disappoint. My son loved the Norse mythology twist and said, “Magnus is way more chill than Percy, but the action’s just as good.” It’s fun, fast-moving, and surprisingly funny. If your teen enjoys mythology, this is an easy win.
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The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman
This one was a bit more complex, but that’s exactly why my son liked it. He told me, “It made me think more, but the story was cool.” The mix of fantasy, mystery, and deeper themes really worked for him. It’s perfect for boys who enjoy layered plots and aren’t afraid of a slower, more thoughtful pace.
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Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
I was nervous about giving this one to him because of the mental health themes, but it turned out to be a meaningful read. He said, “It was kind of sad but real. I liked how the characters talked.” It gave him a new perspective and showed him how books can reflect what people go through in real life, not just made-up adventures.
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The Maze Runner by James Dashner
This was one of the first dystopian books my son got really into. He said, “It’s like a video game—mystery, monsters, and you don’t know who to trust.” He flew through it in just a few days. The suspense kept him guessing, and he liked the all-boy cast trying to figure things out on their own. It's especially good for reluctant readers who want high stakes and fast pacing.
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The Boy on Block 66: My Holocaust Survival Story by Limor Regev
This one hit hard. I wasn’t sure if he was ready for something so heavy, but he told me, “It was sad but also kind of inspiring. I didn’t know kids had to go through stuff like that.” It sparked real interest in World War II and gave him a new appreciation for history. It’s not an easy read emotionally, but a powerful one.
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Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex and Brett Harris
I gave this to him during a stretch where he felt unmotivated, and it landed better than expected. He said, “I liked that it was written by teens. It didn’t feel like a lecture.” The message about stepping up and pushing past low expectations was something he connected with—and it’s one of the few nonfiction books he actually finished.
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Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
He loved this one. He said, “I liked that it was sci-fi but also kind of dark and smart.” The mix of strategy, space battles, and moral dilemmas made him think, and he kept bringing up scenes days after finishing it. If your teen likes stories that challenge their thinking while keeping the action moving, this is a great pick.
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The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
He got hooked on the Ranger’s Apprentice series thanks to this first book. He told me, “It’s like medieval secret agents. I liked how Will learns stuff instead of just being the best already.” It’s a solid intro to fantasy for boys who prefer character growth, stealth, and smart heroes over nonstop battle scenes.
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Making of Middle-earth: Forging the Worlds of The Lord of the Rings by Chris Smith
This was a surprise favorite. My son said, “It’s actually cool to see how all the maps and languages were made. I didn’t know Tolkien did that much.” He read it right after finishing The Hobbit, and it deepened his interest in fantasy world-building. It’s a great nonfiction companion for creative kids who are into writing, art, or map-making.
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The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
At first, he wasn’t sure about a book set in a graveyard, but once he started, he told me, “It’s weird in a good way. I didn’t expect it to be funny too.” He liked the mix of spooky and heartfelt moments, and the way the story follows Nobody growing up with ghost guardians really stood out. It’s a unique pick for boys who want something different from typical fantasy.
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The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
This one landed well. He said, “It’s old, but still real. I actually liked Ponyboy.” He connected with the idea of trying to figure out where you fit in and dealing with pressure from both sides. It also helped that it’s short and has a movie to go with it. Definitely a solid choice for teen boys figuring themselves out.
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The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
He said, “It’s kind of confusing at first, but I liked the idea of the daemons. That part was cool.” The parallel universe and the mix of science and magic took a bit to get used to, but once he got into it, he appreciated how different it felt from other fantasy books. Best for readers who like layered world-building and aren’t afraid of a slower start.
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Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan
This was his gateway into reading. He said, “It’s funny, fast, and the monsters are awesome.” He tore through the whole series in middle school and still recommends it to friends. If your 14-year-old hasn’t read it yet, it’s a must. The mix of humor, adventure, and Greek mythology is a winning combo—even for reluctant readers.
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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This was a stretch read, and I wasn’t sure if it would resonate. He said, “It was serious, but I’m glad I read it. It felt important.” The themes of identity and injustice were heavy, but we had some great conversations afterward. It’s not a typical pick for teen boys, but it’s worth including for its perspective and impact—especially if your teen is mature or open to memoir-style books.
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Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
Honestly? This one didn’t work out. He said, “I tried, but it’s just too slow.” We gave it a shot because it’s such a classic, but I wouldn't recommend it unless your teen is really into dense literature or needs it for school. There are better adventure books for this age group that still explore big themes without being so hard to get through.
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More Book Ideas for Teens
If your 14-year-old has already torn through this list or you’re looking to find the next great read, here are a few more age-specific recommendations we’ve pulled together:
- Cool books for 13 year old boys – A mix of adventure, humor, and fast-paced reads that younger teens have loved.
- Top books for 13 year old girls – These aren’t just for girls—many feature strong characters and great storytelling that boys enjoy too.
- Horror books for middle schoolers – Creepy but age-appropriate picks for readers who like a bit of suspense and mystery.
Last Updated on 7 April 2025 by Clare Brown