Spring Reading 2025: Recommended reads for teens!
Good news – spring break isn’t over yet! And with a week or so left, we’re rounding out our Spring Reading series with some suggested books for secondary students to enjoy.
Our Grade 8 to 12 recommendations come from Queen Elizabeth Secondary teacher-librarian Julia Nash – here are four books she thinks teens should read, and what they’re all about!
Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell
Perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus, Looking for Smoke is an Indigenous murder mystery that follows four teens as they try to clear their names after their friend (and sometimes enemy) is killed. It tackles the very serious subject of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) tactfully alongside all the standard mystery tropes that teens love. I couldn’t put it down!
The Sticky Note Manifesto of Aisha Agarwal by Ambika Vohra
The Sticky Note Manifesto is the story of a girl who – like so many of us – feels like she’s not living her life to the fullest. But with the help of a new (and cute) friend, she embarks on a list of tasks to get her out of her comfort zone. The book is funny, heartfelt and completely relatable. It will make you want to start your own sticky note manifesto!
The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer
A Surrey Teens Read nominee, The Atlas of Us tells the story of a girl grieving the death of her father as she joins a community service program fixing up hiking trails with a ragtag group of teens. With themes of love, loss and found family, this book will make you feel the full range of emotions. It is not only a meaningful depiction of grief but one of the most underrated books of the year!
Homebody by Theo Parish
Homebody is a beautiful graphic memoir from Theo Parish that chronicles their journey to embracing their non-binary identity. This book will speak to anyone who has ever felt uncomfortable in their own body, regardless of their gender. The whimsical artwork is reminiscent of Heartstopper by Alice Oseman and the narrative is just as uplifting.
There are lots of great books to choose for youth readers this spring! See also some primary reads recommended by Katzie Elementary teacher-librarian Chantal Van Santen and intermediate reads suggested by Bear Creek Elementary teacher-librarian Megan Gatzke.
Thanks for checking out our Spring Reading series!
