Many people struggle to come up with creative gift ideas for teenagers and young adults. While a book might not be the most obvious choice for the more reluctant teen readers, if you pick the right one it will not only give a teen hours of enjoyment but also impact her life in a positive way.
The key to successful book-giving is to make a thoughtful choice based on the individual's personality and events going on in her life. Merely grabbing the latest bestseller off the shelf will convey a lack of thoughtfulness on your part. To add meaning, you may wish to consider inscribing the book with a short personal message or purchasing a higher-quality edition, such as a hardback or illustrated reprint.
This list of the best books to give a teenager for Christmas or a birthday considers girls only; for a list of the best books to give to teenage boys, click here.
The Best of the Best: Classic Books for Teenage Girls
For those unfamiliar with the teen genre, or the reading preferences of the teen in question, purchasing a high-quality edition of a beloved classic is recommended. Consider her personality when selecting a book. Is she likely to prefer fast-paced action or a mellow romance? Something lighthearted or something serious? Consult with other friends or family members to ensure it's something she hasn't already read.
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery: This novel, about a kind-hearted orphan who moves in with her Newfoundland relatives, is for teens who enjoy romance and pastoral settings and don't mind a slower pace.
The Guest of War Trilogy by Kit Pearson (beginning with The Sky is Falling): The story of a girl and her brother who are forced to flee England during World War II.
The Chrysalids by John Wyndham: A fast-paced dystopian novel about a boy with telepathic abilities.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: This charming story of a hobbit's journey into danger "and back again" is required reading for the fan of whimsical fantasy.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: Describes the coming-of-age of four very different sisters in the 1800s.
Uplifting Books for Teenage Girls Coping with Hardship
Books can be a comfort to anyone going through a traumatic life experience, such as the death of a family member or serious illness. In such circumstances, it is particularly important to give careful thought to your choice of a Christmas or birthday present. Consider the books listed below, and also feel free to consult with a children's librarian or other knowledgeable individual who can give you additional recommendations.
A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce: A novel about overcoming hardships and valuing the relationships you have. Following the death of her mother and then her father, Charlotte Miller and her sister must learn to run the family mill themselves while coping with a generations-old curse. For a full review, click here.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine: A timeless classic that is much better than the film version. The novel opens with Ella's mother's death and follows the witty heroine as she attempts to free herself from a fairy curse. The novel handles serious themes in a lighthearted but respectful way.
A Handful of Time by Kit Pearson: Patricia's parents are divorcing, and she feels alienated from her more confident cousins at their summer cottage. A classic novel about coming to terms with change, with a supernatural twist girls will enjoy.
The Wee Free Men by Terri Pratchett: A laugh-out-loud fantasy novel that is wise but lighthearted, starring a tough-as-nails pre-teen named Tiffany. Followed by the equally enjoyable A Hat Full of Sky.
Reluctant Readers: Gift Books for Teenage Girls Who Don't Like Books
It may seem counterintuitive, but you can give books to teens who don't like reading - you just have to choose carefully. Reluctant readers may be reluctant because they believe books are boring. Giving a teen girl an action-packed (but well-written) book for Christmas or a birthday can be a great way to get her hooked on reading.
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray: A rapid-paced fantasy novel about a teenage girl attending boarding school in the late 1800s. For a full review, click here.
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly: Part contemporary realist novel and part historical fiction, Revolution follows the lives of two girls living centuries apart, each dealing with her own tragedies. A lyrical read that's hard to put down. For a full review of Revolution, click here.
Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston: Full of twists and turns, this book about a young theatre star who discovers that she's a fairy queen is a great choice for girls with an interest in acting.
Blue Girl by Charles de Lint: Another action-packed fantasy novel. Reformed "bad girl" Imogene moves to a new town and befriends a ghost boy and a few sinister fairies.
This list of books to give teenage girls for Christmas or a birthday considers some of the best new reads as well as timeless classics. For more suggestions, consider visiting a children's bookstore or consulting a librarian at your local library.
You may also like:
Best Zombie Books for Young Adults
Best Books About Shapeshifters for Young Adults
Heather Fawcett - Heather Fawcett is a Vancouver-based writer and editor. She holds an M.A. in English Literature and specializes in teen fiction, having ...
Join the Conversation