18 Books To Read Before You Turn 18

1. Dig. by A.S. King — A surreal exploration of generational trauma, white privilege, and fractured family, told in A.S. King’s signature mind-bending style.

2. Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo — A stunning novel-in-verse about identity, displacement, and the aching feeling of being between two cultures and never entirely at home in either.

3. The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth — A powerful coming-of-age novel about grief, queerness, and resilience in the face of religious repression.

4. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson — Told in dual perspectives years apart, this emotionally lush story explores grief, art, and the complicated love between siblings.

5. When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk — A rare and beautiful book about the pain of losing a best friend and the strength it takes to heal.

6. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo — An unforgettable novel-in-verse about a Dominican teen discovering her voice, poetry, and path in a world that wants to silence her.

7. Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram — Heartfelt and hilarious, this novel explores depression, Persian identity, and what it means to truly connect with both your family and yourself.

8. The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik by David Arnold — After a strange encounter leaves Noah seeing reality a little off-kilter, he’s forced to reckon with what’s real and what really matters.

9. Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough — Based on the life of artist Artemisia Gentileschi, this verse novel explores art, survival, and reclaiming power in a world that silences women.

10. Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger — A Lipan Apache teen uses her supernatural abilities to uncover the truth behind her cousin’s murder.

11. Looking for Alaska by John Green — Miles Halter falls for the mysterious Alaska Young at boarding school, only to face a sudden tragedy that changes everything. It’s a story of love, loss, and coming of age.

12. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer — The true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who gave up everything to live off the land in Alaska. It’s a tragic exploration of freedom, idealism, and the cost of escaping society.

13. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton — A witty and heartfelt memoir about growing up, falling in love, messing up, and learning what really matters. Through stories of friendship, heartbreak, and self-discovery, Alderton captures the beautiful chaos of becoming an adult.

14. The Lonely Stories edited by Natalie Eve Garrett — A poignant anthology of essays from writers reflecting on solitude in its many forms—chosen, imposed, healing, or painful. These personal stories explore what it means to be alone, revealing the strength, vulnerability, and unexpected peace found in loneliness.

15. Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan — An emotional second-chance romance about a divorced couple, Yasmen and Josiah, who are drawn back together despite the pain of their shared past. It’s a story of love, grief, healing, and the hard work it takes to rebuild something broken.

16. The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell — An exploration of how irrational beliefs and superstitions influence our daily lives. It’s a relatable look at the anxious ways we try to find meaning and control in an otherwise chaotic world.

17. Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid — A heartfelt novel about choices and fate, following Hannah as two parallel versions of her life unfold based on a single decision. It’s a thought-provoking story about love, friendship, and the paths we take—or don’t.

18. This Is How You Heal by Brianna Wiest — An empowering guide to emotional healing and self-growth. Through poetic reflections and wisdom, it offers encouragement to let go of the past, reclaim your power, and become whole again.