15 Must-Read Books for High School Students in 2024

Summer, weekends, and vacations are perfect for high school students to dive into enriching and entertaining reads. Whether you're looking to get lost in a gripping novel, expand your worldview, or prepare for college, there's a book for you. Check out some of my favorite books to enjoy.

The Classics 

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Welcome to the Roaring Twenties! The Great Gatsby invites you into the glitzy world of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire with a penchant for lavish parties and a heart full of unrequited love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. Set in New York, the novel is a vibrant snapshot of the Jazz Age, filled with flappers, extravagant parties, and the pursuit of the American Dream. At its core, it's a story about the hollowness of wealth and the corruption behind the glittering surface of society.

If you've ever wondered about the price of fame and fortune or how far someone would go for love, The Great Gatsby is your kind of book. It’s not just a love story or a cautionary tale about the American Dream; it’s a mirror reflecting the timeless issues of identity, desire, and the lengths we'll go to construct our own realities. 

Fitzgerald’s writing is like a jazz song — smooth, captivating, and full of flair. I’ve read this book three times now, and I probably would read it for a fourth time! 

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee 

Lee sets her novel in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s, as Scout Finch narrates the story. She’s a young girl observing her father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer defending Tom Robinson, a Black man wrongfully accused of assaulting a white woman. The story delves into themes of racial injustice, moral development, and empathy, highlighting Scout's journey to maturity and her encounters with the biases and moral dilemmas in her community.

This book enlightened me about the 1930s racial tensions and societal norms in the American South and invited me to walk in someone else’s shoes and learn how to understand others’ perspectives before making judgments. 

It's a book with so many layers that you can discover something new every time you read it. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of those books that has profoundly impacted my life. Each time I revisit it, I find new insights that shape my personal values and ethics.

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen 

Step into rural England and meet Elizabeth Bennet, an intelligent and spirited young woman, and her four sisters who are being nudged towards marriage by their mother. When the wealthy and handsome Mr. Darcy comes into the picture, Elizabeth's world is turned upside down. 

It's more than just a romantic novel. Pride and Prejudice is about pushing back against societal norms and finding your voice. Austen delivers a masterclass in irony and dialogue through Elizabeth’s sharp tongue, which clashes and sparks with Darcy’s brooding demeanor. 

It's a book that encourages you to challenge first impressions (and prejudices) and to be unapologetically yourself. Plus, it’s incredibly fun to read. 

Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck 

Steinbeck's renowned novella takes place during the Great Depression. It portrays the experiences of two ranch laborers, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they wander through California looking for work. Lennie is a large, strong man with a mental disability, and George is his small, wiry protector. Their dream is to one day own a piece of land together. The story delves into themes of friendship, dreams, loneliness, and the harsh reality of the American Dream.

One of the most impactful aspects of the book for me was its commentary on society's treatment of the vulnerable. Lennie's mental disability and the various reactions of the other characters to his behavior provide a powerful critique of how society marginalizes those who are different. The ending is crushing, but it makes you think deeply about the consequences of societal neglect and the need for compassion. 

Thrillers & Suspense  

Misery by Stephen King  

Misery is a chilling journey into a fan's mind, taken too far. After a car crash, best-selling novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued by Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed number-one fan. But when Annie discovers that Paul has killed off her favorite character, Misery, in his latest book, her caring demeanor quickly turns sinister. 

Why should you pick up this book? First off, it’s a superb demonstration of building suspense. Every page crackles with suspense, and you’ll find yourself glued to the story, eager to discover if Paul can outwit his captor.

Also, King’s portrayal of Annie as a caretaker and tormentor is deeply unsettling yet fascinating. This book will keep you glued to the pages and make you think twice about creators' relationships with their audiences. 

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides 

The Silent Patient plunges you into the mystery of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who suddenly becomes a silent patient after being accused of murdering her husband. Alicia hasn't spoken a word since the murder, choosing instead to express herself through her eerie paintings.

If you think you know what suspense feels like, think again. The plot is a rollercoaster — full of twists and turns that challenge your expectations. It's the perfect book for discussing mental health, trauma, and the human psyche. You'll find yourself racing through the pages, eager to piece together the puzzle before the stunning conclusion.

Romance 

November 9 by Colleen Hoover 

Imagine only hanging out with someone one day each year. Sounds crazy, right? Well, Fallon and Ben do just that. Meeting randomly, they decide to catch up every year on November 9. Their story isn't just sweet — it's filled with twists, deep secrets, and the real drama of figuring out life and love.

This book is perfect for those days when you want to feel all the feels and question what you would do for love. Plus, meeting up once a year keeps things super interesting; you’ll stay hooked until the last page.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Ever wonder what it would be like to be famous? Evelyn Hugo, a Hollywood star, spills the tea on her life, her career, and her seven husbands to a no-name reporter. But there’s more to her story than just glitz and glam — Evelyn has secrets that’ll change how you see fame forever.

This book takes you on a wild ride through old Hollywood's scandals and successes. It’s super compelling and makes you think about how much you’d sacrifice for your dreams and loves. Plus, Evelyn's journey is a powerful look at finding yourself in the chaos of life.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

Hazel and Augustus cross paths in a cancer support group, embarking on a journey that’s heartwarming yet tragic. They’re young, in love, and dealing with way more than typical high school drama. Their story will make you laugh, cry, and maybe learn the value of cherishing every moment.

If you haven’t met Hazel and Gus yet, you're missing out. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, and Green nails what it feels like to be young and facing tough stuff. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, sad, and sincere—great for a summer night when you feel like a good cry and a dose of inspiration.

Science Fiction

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood   

Set in a dystopian future where the United States has become the oppressive nation of Gilead, The Handmaid's Tale follows Offred, a Handmaid under the new social order. In Gilead, women are stripped of their rights and reduced to roles that serve society's extreme religious laws. Offred's role is to bear children for the ruling class.

This book offers a cautionary tale about power, gender, and control. The story feels incredibly real and urgent, making it both compelling and scary.

Offred's perspective pulls you into her world, and her resilience and quiet courage are incredibly inspiring. This book is perfect for anyone interested in stories that make you think deeply about the world and your place in it.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins  

In a dystopian future, the world’s capital, Panem, holds an annual televised death match called the Hunger Games. When her younger sister’s name is pulled in the yearly lottery, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her place in the games, where she must fight against other teens from different districts to survive.

The Hunger Games hooked me from the first chapter. Katniss is a hero you can't help but root for, and the suspense of the games keeps you on the edge of your seat. 

It’s perfect for sparking conversations about society, sacrifice, and rebellion. Plus, it’s a page-turner that you’ll probably want to binge in a single sitting.

Historical Fiction 

The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer

This novel takes you back to the aftermath of World War II. It follows the life of Sofie, a German rocket scientist's wife who moves to America as part of Operation Paperclip, a secret program that recruits scientists from Nazi Germany. The transition to America is anything but smooth as Sofie and her family face hostility and the struggle to reconcile their past with their new identity.

I stumbled upon The German Wife last year, and it honestly opened my eyes in ways I didn't expect. The story delves deep into the moral ambiguities of war, forgiveness, and the price of ambition.

This book doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you ponder right and wrong in situations where the lines are incredibly blurred.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Based on actual events, this book tells the story of Lale Sokolov, a Jewish man who is forced to tattoo identification numbers on his fellow prisoners at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. What shines through the horror is the incredible love story between Lale and Gita, a woman he meets in the camp.

When I read The Tattooist of Auschwitz, I was struck by the sheer power of hope and love in such a hopeless place. Lale's story is heartbreaking but also inspiring. His use of his position to help others and his love for Gita add a profoundly human touch to the historical backdrop. 

Nonfiction Books 

Educated by Tara Westover

Tara Westover's astonishing memoir recounts her upbringing in a rigid and abusive home in rural Idaho, where her survivalist father harbors a deep mistrust of the government and modern medicine. Although Westover didn’t step into a classroom until she was seventeen, she eventually taught herself enough to attend Brigham Young University and later Cambridge. 

I was totally blown away by Tara’s story. Despite her unimaginable home life, her resilience and determination to educate herself were inspiring and heart-wrenching. 

This book isn’t just about academic learning; it’s about learning who you are and what you believe in the face of daunting challenges. It’s a powerful reminder of how education can open doors and change lives. It's definitely a must-read if you’re into stories of personal triumph!

Night by Elie Wiesel 

Wiesel's memoir of his experience in the Nazi concentration camps at Auschwitz and Buchenwald during World War II is haunting and poignant. 

I first read Night for a history class, and honestly, it changed how I viewed the world. This book doesn’t just recount historical events; it makes you feel the profound, personal impact of those events on a young boy forced to grow up too soon. 

Wiesel’s straightforward and powerful narrative captures the brutality of the Holocaust in a way that statistics and textbooks can't. It’s a tough read, emotionally, but it’s also essential and eye-opening. 

As your summer (or weekend or vacation) days unfold, take this diverse reading list as your passport to explore new worlds, times, and experiences. Reading isn't just about filling time — it's about challenging yourself, discovering new ideas, and understanding others. So, grab a book, find a comfy spot, and transport yourself to another world. 

Who knows? One of these books might just change your life or, at the very least, give you something great to talk about when you head back to school — or your English teacher asks about your favorite books. Enjoy your reading, one page at a time!