Excellent Book Recommendations for Teenage Boys
Are you looking for excellent book recommendations for your teenage son? Finding quality books that will challenge his mind without undermining his faith and values is difficult. These outstanding books will capture your son’s interest, strengthen his character, and inspire him to live above the status quo.
When my kids were all young, I pre-read books before I gave them to my kids to read. I wanted to refine their taste so that they would be more inclined to choose quality books rather than twaddle. As our kids grew into the teen years, however, this became more difficult to do.
I relied more on suggestions from friends to help me find the right book recommendations. Now that our sons are 20 and 17, I want to share some of the exceptional books that helped shape their character.
My sons (and some of their friends) helped me compile this list. I looked specifically for books with themes like, courage, loyalty, self-sacrifice, perseverance l, friendship, and industry.
While I cannot vouch for every minute detail in these books, they generally have little or no foul language, crude jokes, or gory scenes.
Books have the incredible power to shape our thoughts, so it’s important to choose the very best books for our young men!
Books for Teenage Boys
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Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Here is a great read that your teen boys will love! The story follows Billy Colman and his family in the Ozark Mountains. He longs for a pair of hunting dogs and has worked for years for the money to buy them. Billy becomes best friends with these dogs as they bound into the woods hunting night after night. These deeply moving, humorous, and adventurous stories of his unique friendship with his dogs are truly unforgettable.
- We search for any book you like In Chinese, Russian and Spanish Service for Businesses, Individuals, Governments, Universities Any medium you choose, that is available Read, Learn, Research and Enjoy
- Wilson Rawls (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 304 Pages – 09/01/1996 (Publication Date) – Yearling (Publisher)
The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
12-year-old Matt is left alone in the forest and befriends an Indian boy named Attean. They survive together and learn the value of respect and the danger of the wilderness.
- Speare, Elizabeth George (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages – 08/02/2011 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
The first in a series of fantasy novels, Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit in the land of Bag End of Hobbiton, is pulled from his quaint life by a mysterious wizard named Gandalf and his dwarven fellows. They go on an epic journey to kill an evil dragon hiding a hoard of treasure named Smaug. Worth reading time and time again!
- Author: J. R. R. Tolkien.
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Pages: 300
- Publication Date: 2012-09-18
- Edition: 1
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien
This fantasy series follows The Hobbit, as Bilbo’s nephew, Frodo Baggins is given a ring by his uncle Bilbo before Bilbo goes far away. His friend, Gandalf, warns him of the dangers the ring holds, and Frodo becomes the bearer of the ring as he and his three friends embark on a journey to destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom before it’s too late.
- Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 1536 Pages – 11/03/2020 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)
Cloak of the Light from Wars of the Realms Series by Chuck Black
This Christian fantasy novel (and the following sequels) is a good book for high school boys. It follows Alex, a young man who falls into the spiritual world where a battle is taking place between light and darkness. After a situation where he comes close to facing death, he can look into the unseen world, where angels and demons fight for control.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Black, Chuck (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages – 03/18/2014 (Publication Date) – Multnomah (Publisher)
Little Britches by Ralph Moody
This great American novel and coming of age story tells of Ralph Moody growing from a little boy to a real cowboy. He and his family face hardships for the first couple of years on their ranch as many windstorms destroy their property and tragedy strikes between his father and other ranchers when fights over crop irrigation break out.
- Audible Audiobook
- Ralph Moody (Author) – Cameron Beierle (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 10/27/2008 (Publication Date) – Books in Motion (Publisher)
Iron Scouts of the Confederacy by Henry M. Whittmore
My oldest son’s favorite book! This historical fiction story is of a boy who seems not to follow his older brother and be able to achieve the standards necessary for fighting in the Civil War. Finally, though, recognized by his skill, he can join them and go through the adventures and devastation that war holds.
- Lee McGiffin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 176 Pages – 01/12/2025 (Publication Date) – Christian Liberty Press (Publisher)
Robin Hood by Howard Pyle
In this classic novel, the mischievous, skillful arrow shooter, Robin Hood becomes an outlaw in Sherwood Forest. He and the other main characters go through many hilarious adventures. They begin robbing the rich to give to the poor, while the sheriff of Nottingham is always at his tail trying to catch him. (We listened to the audio version from our local library and our kids loved it!)
- Pyle, Howard (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages – 06/01/1968 (Publication Date) – Dover Publications (Publisher)
Men of Iron by Howard Pyle
Myles Grimstone is training for knighthood in the castle of the Earl of Mackworth. He is so skilled that even his accidental incidents that could cause him to be sent away from his training are deterred so that he can further train. This coming-of-age novel twists and turns as Myles works to redeem his father’s honor, even if he has to face the king himself.
- Pyle, Howard (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 209 Pages – 09/30/2021 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)
The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
In the first book of Jennifer A. Nielsen’s collection of fantasy books, Jaron, a resourceful and clever boy finds himself in a dangerous power struggle. He is thrown into a competition to impersonate a missing prince so that he may become one, stating to the council of regents a story explaining his absence. The book is filled with twists and suspense as Jaron navigates this high-stakes situation, using his wit and determination to survive and protect his kingdom.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Nielsen, Jennifer A. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages – 02/01/2013 (Publication Date) – Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
The Boston Revolution is only beginning, and 14-Johnny Tremain lives as an apprentice to Mr. Lapham as a silversmith. In an accident, Johnny permanently damages his hand and is prevented from further training under his former apprentice. He enters the real world, finds new friends, and plays a role in the great Boston Tea Party.
- Forbes, Esther Hoskins (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages – 05/02/2011 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
This is one of our family’s favorite books! It is a classic tale of how Robinson Crusoe is shipwrecked, and strives to survive on the island, fighting against the casualties of the wilderness, and savage cannibals, learning to creatively build necessities needed for his survival.
- DEFOE, DANIEL (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 371 Pages – 03/18/2021 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)
The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart is a clever novel about a boy named Reuben, who finds an invisible watch that holds danger and secrets that are being pursued by a villain.
- Stewart, Trenton Lee (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 512 Pages – 09/05/2017 (Publication Date) – Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
My Side of the Mountain Trilogy by Jean Craighead George
Sam Gribley runs away from his home in New York into the Catskill Mountains, where he builds a life of survival and solitude, discovering the most creative ways to live in the mountains.
- Hardcover Book
- Jean Craighead George (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 628 Pages – 10/23/2000 (Publication Date) – Dutton Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
The Giver by Lois Lowry
This is a great quick-read novel, with a following book series. The Giver is set in a strange land — a dystopian society, where a boy named Jonas is separated from the rest, and given a job that is not easy. This job opens up questions, and as he starts to ask the Elders questions, he is increasingly faced as an enemy.
- paperback
- Lowry, Lois (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages – 07/01/1993 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)
Carry on, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham
In this classic American novel, Nathaniel Bowditchitch, an 18th-century American mathematician and navigator, who overcame personal and societal obstacles in order to make way for significant change in maritime navigation.
- Latham, Jean Lee (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages – 05/19/2003 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)
Rush Revere Series by Rush Limbaugh
These audiobooks are perfect for young boys or reluctant readers! This series by Rush Limbaugh is about a history teacher named Rush Revere who takes students on time travel adventures with his horse Liberty back to any time and place in United States history.
- Audible Audiobook
- Rush Limbaugh (Author) – Rush Limbaugh (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 10/29/2013 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster Audio (Publisher)
Hans Brinker by Mary Mapes Dodge
This wonderful novel is set in the 19th century, focusing on a Dutch boy named Hans Brinker and his sister Gretel, and it centers on their struggles with poverty and their dreams of winning a skating race. The story is about family, perseverance, and personal growth, set in the peaceful, pre-modern Netherlands.
- Dodge, Mary Mapes (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 175 Pages – 02/27/2018 (Publication Date) – CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
Holes by Louis Sachar
Stanley Yelnats is accused of having stolen a famous athlete’s possessions, and although he is innocent, he is sent to a camp called Camp Green Lake. There he and other boys are forced into heat-exhausting labor, and he and the reader discover a trailing backstory and find out why they have to spend all their time in the camp digging holes.
- Louis Sachar (Author)
- Laurel Leaf (Publisher)
Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
This is an interesting story with many different perspectives on a murder, and how they try to discover the murderer. Many surprises and twists turn the tables, as the supposed murder seems to turn into a different story.
- Raskin, Ellen (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages – 04/12/2004 (Publication Date) – Penguin Young Readers Group (Publisher)
Ivanhoe by Walter Scott
Ivanhoe is a story of a Saxon knight who serves the Norman king, King Richard the Lionhearted. He fights to overthrow and stop King Richard’s brother, Prince John, and his knights. (My boys read these from the Children’s Illustrated abridged versions.)
- Sir Walter Scott (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages – 01/01/2008 (Publication Date) – Waldman Publishing Corp. (Publisher)
Shiloh – Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Marty Preston comes across a young beagle who immediately becomes his best friend. He finds out though that the dog, which Marty names Shiloh, belongs to a drunk man who has a gun, and abuses his dog. (Mild language.)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 141 Pages – 06/26/2012 (Publication Date) – Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
Call of the Wild -by Jack London
This is a short adventure story about a dog named Buck who goes from being a spoiled pet to a dog surviving in the harsh weather conditions of the north.
- London, Jack (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 106 Pages – 02/18/2021 (Publication Date) – Reader’s Library Classics (Publisher)
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
The tale of “Treasure Island” follows Jim Hawkins, a twelve-year-old boy who discovers a treasure map once owned by the pirate, Captain Flint. Traveling to a distant island, Jim and his friends meet ex-crew members of Captain Flint who were also after the treasure and end up seizing Jim as a hostage.
- Stevenson, Robert Louis (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages – 05/03/2016 (Publication Date) – Signet (Publisher)
This Present Darkness (and the sequel Piercing the Darkness) by Frank Peretti
In the small town of Ashton, Hanke Bushche, Marshall Hogan, and a few other men and women are caught in the struggles of a war between angels and demons.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Peretti, Frank (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 388 Pages – 02/14/2012 (Publication Date) – Howard Books (Publisher)
Guns of Thunder by Douglas Bond
The M’Kethe clan is in pre-Revolutionary War Connecticut, facing religious and political turmoil. Up against major challenges, Ian M’Kethe is compelled to choose as tensions rise between the colonists and the French and their Indian allies. Ian takes a chance by developing an improbable friendship with Watookoog, an Indian, and in return, he regains something he thought was lost forever.
- Bond, Douglas (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 272 Pages – 01/30/2007 (Publication Date) – P&R Publishing (Publisher)
The Door from Within Series by Wayne Thomas Batson
While Aiden is in a new home in Colorado, he keeps having strange dreams about knights battling in distant worlds. He finds several ancient scrolls, and following his grandfather’s advice, and the scroll’s promptings, he “believes and enters”, falling into a world of struggle between good and evil.
- Batson, Wayne Thomas (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 349 Pages – 05/06/2013 (Publication Date) – Tommy Nelson (Publisher)
The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
Daniel Bar Jamin and his friend Rosh are after the hated Romans, pursuing to conquer them. He is torn between helping his demon-possessed sister Leah, whose caretaker is dying, and going with Rosh after the Romans. But when Daniel meets a carpenter named Jesus, all of his motives are completely changed.
- Great product!
- Speare, Elizabeth George (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages – 09/01/1997 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)
Honorable Mentions
When I compiled this list with our sons and their friends, they gave me too many books to list in one blog post, but I wanted to share some of their other suggestions. These would be great to save for a summer reading list!
Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff (and The Wanderings of Odysseus)
The Kremlin Conspiracy by Joel Rosenberg
The Errant King by Wayne Thomas Batson
The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
Watership Down by Richard Adams
I would suggest the following books for older teens or a young adult age group because they have some questionable themes that some parents may prefer to preread.
Young Adult Fiction
Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
If you want your son(s) to read good books, I recommend having these books in hand. We have slowly built our home library over time, but you can also find them at your public library. A few books are also public domain.
As your young boy enters his teenage years, I hope this list of books will inspire him to live a life of integrity. What books would you add to this list?
Other Book Lists for Teens and Young Children
Wholesome Book List for Teen Girls
Inspiring Horse Books for Tweens
Creepy Crawly Bug Book List for Kids
