High school is a crucial point in anyone’s education. It is a rude awakening from junior school and a period of transition to college. This is where students shape their future academic lives. As such, high school students are encouraged to read broadly on all topics that interest them.

Here is a review of 10 books every high schooler should read:

1. Their Eyes were Watching God (Zora Neale Hurston)

This novel has caused much division since it was published. It is, nevertheless, considered a classic – and a great book for high school students.

Their Eyes were Watching God is about a passionate and ambitious black woman who endures three marriages. She is first married to a cruel and inconsiderate man, then to a more reasonable man, and finally to a man who loves her honestly. The novel will give you an insight into the disappointments and fulfillments that one goes through at different stages of life.

2. Animal Farm (George Orwell)

Animal Farm is one of the most popular high school books. It has made sense from different perspectives since its publication. It is a story about farm animals that revolt and take over the farm where they are mistreated and overworked. The animals take control and seek to turn the farm into a paradise through their idealism.

Animal Farm will resonate with you in many ways. At the very least, it will open your eyes to the unfairness of the current systems of governance.

3. 1984 (George Orwell)

You will find 1984 to be an interesting and eye-opening book. It was written about 35 years before the actual date. It warns of the rise of dictators – interestingly, its description seems eerily similar to the rise of dictators such as Hitler and Stalin.
It also warns of something that you are more familiar with: the rise of invasive technology and how governments and corporate will use it to control the people.

4. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)

Nowadays it seems that the world is in disarray. There is greater freedom of speech and diversity, but there is also greater dissent and disagreement.

The book Brave New World describes the current times with surprising accuracy considering that it was written decades ago. It tells of a world that balances dystopian and utopian ideals whereby people are free to express themselves, but again also easy to manipulate.

5. The Awakening (Kate Chopin)

High school is a period of awakening for most young people. This is what makes this book one of the best books for high schoolers. It tells the story of one woman’s awakening as she realizes her true self during a period when women are undermined and marginalized.

6. To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)

Racism is a hot topic nowadays, and this book relates all too well. It tells the story of a black man put on trial for raping a white woman. This book was instrumental in the rise and success of the Civil Rights Movement. It also explores other concepts, such as understanding, sympathy, and courage. It is one of the best books to read in high school.

7. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain)

This book will give you a few good laughs. It will also give you a unique insight into racism and slavery. It is about a young boy who escapes home to get away from his dysfunctional family. He makes his way down the Mississippi and on the way, makes an escaped slave his companion.

8. The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank)

It is amazing how much people have forgotten about the Holocaust. This book is a true account of one young Jewish girl’s tribulations during the holocaust. Every young person should know about the atrocities so that they may never be repeated, which makes this one of the most impactful books for high schoolers.

9. Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)

If you have never heard of Frankenstein, you should really reconsider your reading list. This is one of the good books for high schoolers. It is both thrilling and insightful. It offers a great insight into all the things that can go wrong once a man decides to play God.

10. Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)

Charles Dickens is an excellent writer, and Great Expectations is one of the best books for high school students. It is a story about an orphaned boy who struggles with poverty growing up and later becomes wealthy. It teaches much about endurance, hope, love, trust, and the importance of relationships.

Finding the best books for high school is hard. Check out aforementioned books and see how interesting they are.