Book Ideas for 14 YO Girl?

[Staniel]

She loves contemporary, 'real life' type stuff, but REALLY doesn't like books that are overly obsessed with boys/make up/breasts/sex/etc. She's just not interested in that stuff yet.

She wants stuff that feels modern, real, but not the usual teenage-angst. She doesn't like fantasy in any way, and is not keen on too gritty, as in Jaqueline Wilson books for older kids/young adults.

So something that reflects teen life, but the whole of it, not just sex and boys; that isn't too gritty or edgy, and feels uplifting but serious. Maybe a bit of dark humour.

I don't think that's too hard a remit

She could try FanGirl or Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, they're quite nice reads. A bit of seriousness but nothing too heavy.

The Hate U Give is a good read but obviously it's largely focused on racial injustice.

Girl Online series is very easy but quite young (although she's 14 so appropriate)

I enjoyed The Asparagus Bunch.

Brill - I haven't heard of any of these. I'll take a look.

My 12 year old has just finished The Hate U Give and loved it. Also she enjoyed The Boy in the striped Pyjamas.

Girl in real life by Tamsin Winter

My dd12 read it and loved it. It's modern and reali life but not too grown up

What about The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time?

The Word for Woman is Wilderness.

Try the boyfriend list by e.lockhart. It’s the first of four. Don’t be fooled by the title, it’s not really about boys, it’s about the protagonist who starts having panic attacks and has to see a therapist. Very witty and funny. Anything by e.lockhart in general is great. Carolyn Mackler is excellent too.

Thanks so much for these ideas - I'm putting together a stack of books for her.

I've also just realised she hasn't read the Twilight Saga. I know it's massive, but I've no idea about the writing particularly. Anyone recommend that based on what I've said she might like?

There is a series but it is set in the past, by Katherine woodfine,

I've just ordered that for myself - thank you. Right up my street.

Gone series, Micheal grant.

DD loved them.

Rebel girls was a winner in this house!

If she doesn't like fantasy and isn't keen on teenage angst, steer clear of twilight 😆

The Hate U Give
The Girl of Ink and Stars
The hunger games

Great - enjoy! You might find it is suitable for your daughter too.

Philip Pullman's series about Sally Lockhart - not fantasy: set in Victorian London and grumpy realistic. Starts with The Ruby in the Smoke.

Diana Wynne Jones: Fire and Hemlock.

Dodie Smith: I capture the castle.

Can recommend all these. Howl's Moving Castle is also fab.

Bit off piste but I was about 14 when I really enjoyed reading Sherlock Holmes - if she hasn't already got into those stories.