by 
When I was a teenager, the absolute worst thing you could give me to read was a non-fiction book.
To be honest, it wasn’t until recent years that I actually started reading non-fiction, and that’s because many of them were just so boring and unrelatable.
If you have a teenager in your household, or if you’re a teenager who wants to read more non-fiction books that are actually interesting, I’ve written this post just for you.
In this post, I’ve compiled some absolutely amazing non-fiction books that are perfect for teenagers.
In my opinion, teenagers need to read books that positively impact them, teach them useful lessons, and are written in simple, clear, and understandable prose.
That’s exactly what these books are, and I absolutely know anyone who reads them will enjoy them.
Attention Hijacked by Erica B. Marcus
This book talks about something we all deal with – screens and how much we use them.
It explains how phones, social media, and apps grab our attention all day, every day, and how that can affect our mental and physical health.
What I love is that it doesn’t say throw away your phone – instead, it helps you figure out how to use tech in a smart way.
It even includes links to mindfulness exercises to help you slow down.
This book is great for teens because it doesn’t judge – it just helps you take back control.
Spinoza by Devra Lehmann
Spinoza was a young man with big ideas that scared a lot of people in his community.
Because of what he believed, he was kicked out of his religious group. But he kept thinking and asking questions anyway.
His ideas helped shape modern freedom and democracy, even though he didn’t live to see that.
I think this book is powerful for teens because it shows how one person – just by thinking deeply and staying true to themselves – can help change the world.
It’s a story of quiet strength and how truth matters, even when it’s unpopular.
Wearing My Mother’s Heart by Sophia Thakur
This beautiful poetry book is about what it means to grow up as a young woman.
Sophia Thakur uses the voices of a grandmother, a mother, and a daughter to talk about love, heartbreak, identity, race, and how we learn to speak up for ourselves.
The poems feel personal and powerful.
I think it’s great for teens because it shows you that you’re not alone in figuring out who you are – and that there’s strength in the stories of the women before us.
It’s full of warmth, emotion, and courage.
Rising Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
This is the kind of book I wish every teen could read.
Luvvie talks honestly about being afraid, being different, and being told to tone it down – but how being too much can actually be your superpower.
It’s funny, bold, and full of energy.
I love how she encourages young people to speak up and be brave.
Teens will connect with her voice because she doesn’t pretend to be perfect – she just wants you to live fully and show up as your real self.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in, this one’s for you.
Make Good Trouble by Jamia Wilson
Inspired by the words of civil rights hero John Lewis, this book tells the true stories of young activists who stood up for what’s right – from past to present.
There are stories about climate strikes, book bans, and more.
Each one shows that kids and teens can make a big impact.
I think it’s great because it’s not just history – it’s about now.
It’s full of ideas for how you can get involved, too.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference but didn’t know where to start, this book gives you the spark.
Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash
Maggie’s summer at camp was supposed to be normal – Backstreet Boys, campfires, peaceful days – but everything changed when she fell in love with an older girl.
It was confusing, sweet, scary, and new.
This graphic memoir is really honest about first love and what it’s like to feel out of place.
I love that Maggie shares her story in such a real and raw way.
I think it’s great for teens figuring out their identity or who they like, because it shows that your feelings matter and you’re not weird or alone.
Flowers in the Gutter by K. R. Gaddy
This gripping book tells the true story of teens in Nazi Germany who secretly fought back against the regime.
These brave kids, called the Edelweiss Pirates, passed out flyers, helped prisoners, and stood up for justice – knowing it could cost them their lives.
I think teens will find this powerful because it shows that even young people can do brave, important things.
It’s a story of resistance, friendship, and choosing what’s right, even when it’s dangerous.
If you like true stories with heart and courage, this one’s unforgettable.
Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming
This chilling story tells how Jim Jones, leader of a group called the Peoples Temple, convinced over 900 people to follow him – even to their deaths.
It shows how he went from being a preacher to someone who used mind control and fear.
It’s intense but really important.
I think it’s good for teens because it teaches how dangerous blind trust can be and why it’s okay to question leaders.
It’s a heartbreaking story, but it’s also about the few people who had the courage to say no and walk away.
Bonnie and Clyde by Karen Blumenthal
You’ve probably heard the names Bonnie and Clyde, but this book tells the real story behind the legend.
These two teens came from rough backgrounds and ended up becoming famous outlaws during the Great Depression.
The book asks important questions – were they just desperate or something else?
I think teens will like this because it’s fast-paced and shows how choices (even small ones) can change your whole life.
It’s about crime, love, and truth vs. myth.
And it doesn’t glamorize – it just tells the full, honest story.
Bless the Blood by Walela Nehanda
This moving mix of poetry and essays tells the story of Walela, a young Black, nonbinary person diagnosed with blood cancer.
They write about facing medical racism, being misgendered, and how hard it was to stay strong.
But they also talk about connecting with their roots and learning who they truly are.
It’s raw, real, and full of feeling.
I think this is an important book for teens because it talks about being sick, being misunderstood, and still choosing to fight.
It’s sad but also hopeful – a story of survival and self-love.
So, do you think you’re going to read any of these non-fiction books?
They would make the perfect gift for any teenager in your life, so grab a copy and start reading.
