Dystopian novels are one of those rare genres that can appeal to anyone: they can contain everything from romance to suspense, to comedy, to horror. They’re also a great channel for exploring deeper moral questions, which makes them a fantastic fit for teen readers who are growing and expanding their worldviews.
In case you’re looking for a book (or ten) to add to your TBR list, we’ve got you covered. Search no more, here are our ten best dystopian novels for teens.
10. Legend by Marie Lu
In this dystopian novel for teens, June Iparis is a young prodigy being trained by the government. The United States has been divided into two factions, and the battle between them is brutal.
As June begins to pursue the notorious young criminal Day, she stumbles upon a series of startling realizations about the truth of her government.
Why we recommend it: I love how this teen dystopian novel treated the enemies-to-lovers trope.
9. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
This dystopian classic for teens has gotten the Netflix treatment: which did not land so well with the novel’s fanbase or in general.
It tells the story of a girl named Tally who lives in a dystopian society where, at age 18, everyone is given plastic surgery in order to become “pretty.” Tally can’t wait. That is until she becomes involved with a group of young rebels who reject the procedure.
Why we recommend it: I like how this novel treated the ideas of beauty standards and conformity.
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8. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
This novel, the sequel to Roth’s bestselling teen dystopian novel Divergent, continues the saga of young Tris, a girl who just doesn’t fit in. Everyone in society is divided into factions based on their character traits, but Tris doesn’t quite belong to any of them.
As Tris is caught in the middle of a violent war, she must realize where to pledge her loyalty and the potential downfall of choosing the wrong side.
Why we recommend it: I loved the suspenseful pacing in this dystopian novel for teens.
7. The Moon Dwellers by David Estes
The Moon Dwellers is a dystopian novel for teens that mixes a fantastic blend of science fiction, romance, and political conspiracy.
Young Adele is falsely imprisoned for a crime she didn’t commit. In a world where everyone lives underground, nothing is what it seems on the surface.
When Adele escapes with two other young inmates, the hunt is on. Tristan, the son of the corrupt president, begins to have visions of her. As their stories intertwine, the tension between right and wrong is drawn out until the novel’s unforgettable climax.
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the themes in this novel and the sci-fi atmosphere.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter6. The Host by Stephanie Meyer
The first novel published by Stephanie Meyer after the Twilight series, The Host was a hit amongst fans of dystopian novels for teens.
It tells the story of a young woman named Melanie who lives in a world that’s been taken over by an invasive alien race. These aliens, called “souls,” operate by taking over the bodies of humans.
When a soul named Wanderer tries to take over Melanie, however, a complex internal struggle between the two begins.
Why we recommend it: I love the premise of this novel and Meyer’s gripping writing style.
5. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
The final book in Collins’ Hunger Games series, Mockingjay is a fantastic dystopian novel for teens.
It concludes the story of Katniss Everdeen, the unlikely icon of the rebellion movement against an oppressive authoritarian regime. Will she be able to lead the revolution to a successful conclusion?
Why we recommend it: I loved the pacing of this book. Addictive.
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4. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire is the sequel to The Hunger Games, one of the most successful dystopian novels for teens to date. It’s a satisfying follow-up, relating the experiences of Katniss Everdeen as she’s sent back to fight for her life once again. Will she survive?
Why we recommend it: I liked this book, which was just as gripping as the first one.
3. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
This dystopian novel for teens follows Thomas, a teenager who wakes up in an ever-changing maze with no recollection of how he got there.
As Thomas meets other prisoners, he begins to uncover a dark truth about why they’re all there, and whether or not they’ll be able to successfully escape.
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed this dystopian novel for teens and its eerie atmosphere, which recalled that of 1984.
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2. Divergent by Veronica Roth
Divergent is one of our favorite dystopian novels for teens. It’s about an adolescent named Tris who lives in a world where society is divided into five differing groups. The catch? Tris doesn’t neatly belong to any single one of them.
As Tris’s nonconformity threatens to undermine the power structures at play, she is immersed in a dangerous fight for her life and the rebellion that strives to fix it all.
Why we recommend it: I admired how this book successfully incorporated so many compelling tropes of dystopian fiction.
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This is the book that defined dystopian novels for teens and remains a classic for readers today.
The Capitol runs everything in society, including the annual Hunger Games. These aren’t just any televised competition, though. Teenagers are selected at random to compete in a fight to the death. When Katniss Everdeen is sent to the battle, she is forced to do whatever it takes to survive.
Why we recommend it: I love Katniss’s character, which absolutely makes this book a classic for millennials and younger readers alike.
And there you have it! These are some of the best dystopian novels for teens that you should definitely check out and read if you are craving some action in a dystopian world.
Happy reading!
