Teenagers typically either love to read or really don’t like it at all. A few will tolerate it. For the ones who really don’t enjoy reading all that much, it can sometimes be a struggle to find something that they will enjoy reading, and that will hold their attention for longer than a chapter. Finding a genre that they like can also be tricky. Thankfully, there are a multitude of genre and book options for today’s teens to pick from. One of the most popular genres among today’s youth is dystopian literature– stories that depict societies under terrifying, warped, or otherwise abnormal circumstances. Characters are typically victims of dehumanization, extreme control, and/or nightmarish environmental disasters.
Main characters in dystopian novels are typically normal teenagers who must face abnormal circumstances. Today’s teens are drawn to that struggle. Dystopian literature has made a recent surge in popularity, providing teens with many options of books to read. Below are a few of my favorites– feel free to share them with students who need a good book to read!
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Divergent is book 1 in a series of books set in a futuristic Chicago, in a society that is divided into five factions. Each faction specializes in certain talents, abilities, or aptitudes. The series follows Beatrice Prior (Tris) as she finds out that she doesn’t fit into any of the factions, and is then labeled as “divergent”. Having a label like this is a dangerous secret. Tris discovers a plan to overthrow the government, leading to self-discovery, a little romance, and a whole lot of rebellion.
- Recommended for ages 12+
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Shusterman explores a darker side of dystopian literature in this series of phenomenal books. The story is set in a futuristic America where parents can choose to have their children “unwound” between the ages of 13 and 18. Unwinding essentially means that their bodies are taken apart, piece by piece, with the parts/organs then being used for transplants, all while the teens are still conscious, and was instituted as a way to get around abortion. The series follows Connor, Risa, and Lev as they attempt to run from being unwound, risking their lives and freedom to fight for their right to live.
- Recommended for ages 14+, as there are some graphic scenes and darker issues addressed.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen is a teen in the city of Panem, a city that requires teenagers to be part of a “reaping” that selects teens to fight to the death. When Katniss’s little sister is chosen in the reaping, Katniss volunteers as tribute and takes her sister’s place. She must then enter the Arena where she will fight against 11 other tributes, hoping to come out the winner. The series explores humanity, survival, and standing up for what is right against a cruel government.
- Recommended for ages 12+
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Jonas was born into a society that believes that individuality is wrong, pain and suffering are not allowed, love does not exist, memories of the past are to be held by only one person– the Receiver, and citizens cannot choose or think for themselves. When children become an eleven, they are given a job that they will have for the remainder of their lives. Jonas is chosen to be the new Receiver, meaning he will be the one to hold all memories from the past– memories of pain, war, color, sadness, weather, and so on. As he receives these memories, his eyes are opened and he realizes just how wrong his society is. He must decide if he will continue his training or attempt to escape and find a normal life.
- Recommended for ages 11+
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Guy Montag is a firefighter, and is one of several who have been tasked with collecting and burning books. Fearing citizens will become too knowledgeable, the government bans all books and requires that they all be burned. Guy begins to see through their plan and starts to question his role in the destruction of books. This story is set in a futuristic America and explores topics like censorship, conformity, and the problems that can come from a society that heavily relies on media.
- Recommended for ages 15+
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
In the first book of the series, The Maze Runner follows Thomas, a teenager who finds himself in a tricky spot. Thomas wakes up trapped in a giant maze, with no memory of how he got there. He and several other teens must find their way out of this maze. But it’s no ordinary maze– it’s constantly changing, is filled with dangerous creatures called Grievers, and is constantly monitored by a shady group called WICKED. Thomas and the others must find a way to survive, escape, and uncover the truth about the powers that be.
- Recommended for ages 12+
I know I didn’t cover all of the popular dystopian books out there; I’d be writing for days if I did that! There are so many good dystopian books available for teens (and adults), and there’s no way I could possibly even begin to highlight all of them. Dystopian novels are fun to read and offer many opportunities for deep thinking and reflection, often bringing up issues that our own societies face today. If you’ve got a student or two looking for a new book to read, have them give one of these a try– they just may find a new genre or book they love!
