Books To Read if You Love Turtles All the Way Down
New York Times bestselling author John Green is renowned for writing unforgettable, moving, and gut-wrenching teen novels that encapsulate teenage life’s myriad of emotions. The award-winning author never disappoints, from two cancer-ridden teens who fall in love (The Fault in Our Stars) to a boy who embarks on a search for the girl he’s always loved (Paper Towns). With the screen adaption of Turtles All the Way Down out now, there’s no better way to get in the mood than with these amazing reads. From novels that highlight the importance of mental health to stories that showcase the critical role that friends play in our lives, these books pack a punch.
Spoiler alert: You might need some tissues.
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Add to BookshelfLooking for Alaska
by John Green
John Green has a unique talent for bringing raw and relatable characters to life. His Michael L. Printz Award-winning debut novel tells the story of Miles Halter, a boy fascinated by famous last words. He leaves his regular high school in Florida to attend Culver Creek Preparatory High School in Alabama. That’s when he meets Alaska Young, an intelligent and beautiful girl carrying a dark past. With Alaska, Miles discovers how one person can permanently impact another’s life.
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The Agathas
by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
Like Aza and Daisy, Alice Ogilvie and Iris Adams must unleash their inner sleuths. This time, it’s to find out who killed Brooke Donovan, Alice’s ex-best friend. The suspect list is long, can two high school teenagers find the culprit in time? Or will they be the next victim? Full of twists and turns, this New York Times bestselling mystery has all of the elements of a classic Agatha Christie novel set in contemporary times.
PS: Don’t forget to catch the sequel, The Night in Question!
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All the Bright Places Movie Tie-In Edition
by Jennifer Niven
Through Aza’s story, John Green brings to light the importance of mental health. Jennifer Niven does the same in this New York Times bestselling love story, that adapted into a Netflix original movie starring Elle Fanning. Theodore and Violet are two damaged teenagers. Fate brings them together, and they find comfort in each other’s company. And while their unexpected friendship blossoms into romance, their demons aren’t far behind. Gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, this award-winning novel gives an honest depiction of depression and undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
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The Falling Girls
by Hayley Krischer
Aza and Daisy’s relationship is at the forefront of their story. Female friendships play an important role in this fast-paced thriller. Shade and Jadis were inseparable, sharing everything from clothes to deepest secrets. But when Shade unexpectedly joins the cheerleading squad, Jadis can’t stand the new side of her best friend. And when one of the cheerleaders suddenly dies, Shade can’t help but wonder if her bestie is responsible. Addictive and insightful, this novel explores the dark and toxic side friendships can take.
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Chaos Theory
by Nic Stone
It’s okay not to be okay is a major theme in Green’s novel and a lesson that Andy learns. From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone, Chaos Theory is a beautifully written novel highlighting the importance of mental health advocacy. Andy, the son of a politician, is grief-stricken and struggles with his alcohol addiction. He finds an unexpected friendship with Shelbi, a genius in his school. Shelbi’s one of the few good things that’s happened to Andy in a while, but will his addiction ruin their relationship?
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10 Things I Can See From Here
by Carrie Mac
Maeve struggles with severe anxiety and constantly imagines the worst-case scenario. She can’t help it. When she’s sent to Vancouver to live with her dad, a new slew of dread and what-ifs plagues her mind. But then she meets Salix, a local girl who seems completely carefree. They say opposites attract, but can their budding relationship survive Maeve’s anxious thoughts? Heartwarming and hopeful, this award-winning novel illustrates anxiety and difficult family dynamics through a relatable lens.
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Hold Still
by Nina LaCour
Caitlin is grieving. For her, life stopped when her best friend, Ingrid, died. Ingrid’s suicide has left an empty hole in Caitlin’s life, and she doesn’t know how to move forward. But Ingrid left something behind, the journal where she documented her last days. As she goes through the pages, Caitlin slowly begins to heal. Hauntingly beautiful, Nina LaCour’s debut novel gives readers an emotional journey of a long goodbye after a loved one’s death.
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The Words We Keep
by Erin Stewart
Lily walked in on her older sister, Alice, self-harming herself and hasn’t been the same since. She’s struggling to keep things together, including thoughts she can’t stop and compulsions that won’t go away. When she and Micah, the new kid, set out on a school project, she slowly realizes it’s okay to be vulnerable. Unflinchingly truthful, this powerful novel about mental health, healing, family expectations, survival, and the healing power of art leaves readers with an indelible mark.
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We Are Inevitable
by Gayle Forman
From Gayle Forman, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay, comes the story of Aaron Stein. He used to believe that books were a miracle, but that stopped when his family fell apart. Now a cynic, he wants to sell the family bookshop he once loved. But fate has brought unexpected people into his life, ones that help him start to see the bright side again. With lovable characters, witty dialogue, and an emotional, mind-stirring plot, Forman delivers another unforgettable story that will leave you brimming with optimism.
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10
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Darius the Great Is Not Okay
by Adib Khorram
Adib Khorram’s award-winning debut novel is an ode to anyone who’s ever felt uncomfortable in their skin and wondered where they belong in the world. Darius Kellner never feels like he’s enough. When he heads to Iran for the first time, he meets Sohrab. Their friendship changes his life in a way he never expected. Named one of TIME’s 100 Best YA Books of All Time, this marvelous debut novel peels back the complexities and emotions of self-identity, depression, family relations, and the power of friendship.
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