I didn’t like most of the books that I read in High School. Most of them were just not good at all. And I know that I am not the only one. So today I thought I would share some of the books that I think should be on High School Syllabus’. 

There are many different reasons why I picked these books on this list. I think one of the major faults of high school English book lists is that they just don’t pick the right books for teens. They are always choosing classics and while at times they are good. It’s so much harder for teens to connect with the characters and the story. I love it when I see YA books on the list, it just makes more sense. So today I’m sharing the young adult books that I think are perfect for high school English book list. Like always these are in no order. 

I would also like to note that some of these might be on some school lists out there, but these are the books that I think should be on more of those lists. 

Dear Martin (Dear Martin #1) by Nic Stone: I don’t think I need to say any more about this one, but it’s simply fantastic. It explores the injustices of the world and why the #BlackLivesMatter movement is so important to understand as well as support. It’s also on the shorter side which I think is a plus for the younger years. 

This is How We Change the Ending by Vikki Wakefield: I know I have talked about this one a lot recently, but I think it’s a fantastic choice for teens to read. It’s a powerful read that explores the low socioeconomic communities in Australia and how it impacts daily lives, especially teens trying to make their way through school. 

When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah: Ever since I read this one I said that it should be on every school list out there. It explores asylum seekers, racism, and the way that the media can manipulate things that happen in the world. It’s a great exploration of Australia as well. 

The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give #1) by Angie Thomas: This is another one that you shouldn’t be surprised is on my list. I don’t think I need to talk about this one too much. But it’s brilliant. It explores things from racism, police brutality, activism and more. Plus it has a book to movie adaptation which is always a good thing. 

How It Feels to Float by Helena Fox: I feel like I haven’t spoken about this book enough.  It’s an honest novel that doesn’t shy away from the things that might hurt us. It’s a candid representation of mental illness and grief that will leave the reader feeling heartbroken yet so hopeful.

The Yearbook Committee by Sarah Ayoub: I read this one several years ago now, but it still sticks with me today. It explores teens and the notion of stereotyping. How we shouldn’t;t be defined by stereotypes and be someone that we want to be. This is a hard but honest read. 

And those are some of the books that I think should be on high school book lists! Have you read any of these? Are you planning on reading any of these? What book do you think should be on the list? Let’s Chat!