Classics That Won’t Have Teens Reaching for the Cliffnotes

We all want our kids to read. Then, they start reading and we question whether what they’re reading is good enough. We’re not always easy to live with, us parents.

Oftentimes, teens avoid the classics not because they’re unsavory, but because they feel intimidating.

These 11 favorites are recommended reading for anyone who’s ever trembled in the face of the Classics shelf. And who knows, with these as gateways, the Russian novelists could be next.

by Gary Paulsen

From the author of beloved books like Hatchet and Dogsong, this classic fictional account of the legendary lawman Bass Reeves is a must-read. Reeves was born into slavery, but went on to become the most successful Federal Marshal in the United States. Gary Paulsen’s accessible prose and fast-paced plot will keep teens engrossed until the last page.



by Christopher Paul Curtis

Younger teens will love this Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning novel. Bud doesn’t know who his father is, but he believes a flyer his mother left offers a vital clue. With his few personal possessions, Bud strikes out on a whirlwind adventure to search for his father and discovers himself along the way.



by Robert Louis Stevenson

No list of classics for teens is complete without Treasure Island. This story about teenage Jim Hawkins’s voyage across the seas is fraught with peril, mutiny, ruthless pirates, and the dream of finding untold wealth. It has stood the test of time and captivated generations of readers.



by L.M. Montgomery

Readers of all ages love this charming Canadian classic about an orphan girl who gets adopted and moves to a picturesque home on Prince Edward Island. Her spirited personality, fiery passion, and penchant for mischief made her a favorite among readers for over 100 years. Teens will find a kindred spirit in Anne as they follow her adventures in friendship, love, and life.



by Mildred D. Taylor

This Newbery Medal-winning novel started the Logan family saga and moved millions of readers through its heartfelt story. Told through the eyes of young Cassie, readers follow the family’s fight to hold on to their land in the Depression-era South. Cassie’s passion, independence, and pride in her heritage make her relatable and admirable to modern readers.



by John Steinbeck

Classics tend to be longer than modern novels, which can deter some teens from picking them up. However, John Steinbeck wrote several short novels, each a brilliant classic in its own right. Readers can now enjoy six of those novels in one volume. These quick reads make an excellent introduction to classic works of literature.



by S. E. Hinton

The Outsiders is about a town divided by social class, and the two boys who find themselves in serious trouble when the opposing sides collide. S. E. Hinton wrote this enduring classic when she was 16, and it was later adapted into a cult-classic film, a television series, and a 2024 Tony Award-winning musical. It transformed young adult literature and became a must-read for generations of teen readers.



by William Golding

A scary pre-cursor to today’s dystopias, the message of this one is pretty clear (though Golding himself claims there’s no symbolism to some of the more terrifying imagery). Golding’s horror story reads quickly and addictively. It will not, however, restore anyone’s faith in humanity.



by Jane Austen

Any young-adult fiction fan who loves the genre’s romances doesn’t truly know romance until they’ve read some Austen. And Pride and Prejudice is probably her premier work. Despite the dated setups and marital arrangements, in Lizzie Bennett, teen girls will find a modern, headstrong heroine.



by George Orwell

Though 1984 may be Orwell’s best-known work (and also worth the read), this one’s fairy tale vibe makes it good starter fare. Because the revolutionary farm animals all play a role in what’s ultimately a political allegory, some note-reading can be beneficial, but the story and some of the symbolism are easily parsed without too much outside help.



by Louisa May Alcott

As important as it is entertaining, Alcott’s novel is considered a major influence and advancer of the feminist movement. Girls and young women today still identify with Alcott’s March sisters. Much of the March girls’ quests to find their identity through domesticity, work, and true love still resonate today, making it an eminently readable and conversant classic.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2025.