Spring is the perfect season for teens to dive into literary adventures. As the days get longer, picking up a captivating book and reading can spark imagination. Not only does it fuels the imagination, but also gives you a fun break from everyday life routines.

Reading Benefits:

New Perspectives: Reading a new book can give fresh ideas and perspectives just like spring gives new beginnings.

Mood Booster: Sitting outside in the pleasant spring weather with a good book can be very relaxing and uplifting to your reading experience.

Skill Development: Consistent reading enhances vocabulary and improves your language skills, which is great for AP English or just advancing your English in general.

Stress Relief: Reading is a great way to unwind and forget about school stress for a little while.

Goal Setting: Choosing a book in springtime can help you start a reading habit for the year.

Take the Quiz: Which Literary Fiction Should You Read Next?

Jump into the world of literary fiction with the one of these novels based on your existing favourites.

Tips for Choosing the Right Books:

Your Interests: Think about what genres or topics you usually enjoy. Do you like mystery, adventure, fantasy, historical fiction, or nonfiction?

Read Summaries: Read the blurbs of recommended books to see which stories sound interesting and catch your eyes.

Sample Chapters: Read the excerpts or sample pages online or at the library to get a sense of the writing style to match your liking.

Librarian Picks: Ask librarians for input, they may point out special features of a book that are worth the read.

Reviews and Ratings: Sometimes other readers might share insights into what to expect from a book or whether they liked or didn’t like.

From swoon-worthy romances, thrilling mysteries, or epic fantasies, spring reads are the perfect companions to help you grow, explore, and dream big. Check out some of these top books from New York Library's Teen Spring Picks of 2025! Discover your next favorite read according to your interests and reviews handpicked by expert librarians.

Image Credit: Susan Q Yin from Unsplash

Adventure

Girl on Fire (by Alicia Keys & Andre Weiner): Fourteen-year-old Lolo Wright discovers her telekinetic powers after a life-altering incident and must fight to protect her neighborhood while confronting deep family secrets.It’s the first-ever graphic novel from beloved GRAMMY Award-winning artist Alicia Keys.

Goodreads Review: 3.80 / 5 stars

"An action-packed tale for those thirsty for more superhero stories." — Kirkus Reviews

Magus of the Library (by Mitsu Izumi): Theo finds hope and magic at the library where he was forbidden to use for his pointed ears and poverty in the village.

Goodreads Review: 4.33 / 5 stars

"Magus of the Library is one story that speaks to the heart of all book lovers, and is one that deserves to be on one’s shelves and reading lists… One of the best manga of the year." -Comics Beat

Image Credit: Killian Cartignies from Unsplash

Romance

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega (by Crystal Maldonado): Charlie Vega, a smart and artistic teen navigating the pressures of body image and parental expectations, faces heartbreak and self-discovery when her budding romance takes an unexpected, complicated turn.

Goodreads Review: 3.97 / 5 stars

"Charlie's emotional arc hits all the right notes, resulting in a warm and insightful coming-of-age tale."—Publishers Weekly

This is How You Fall in Love (by Anita Hussain): Zara and Adnan, best friends forced to pretend to be a couple to cover up Adnan's secret relationship, find themselves caught in a whirlwind of family expectations, cultural stereotypes, and unexpected real feelings in this heartfelt rom-com.

Goodreads Review: 3.43 / 5 stars

“A combination of pop-culture references, classic rom-com elements, and fun banter makes for an engaging read.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Image Credit: Nathan Dumlao from Pixabay

Family/Friendship

I Love You So Mochi (by Sarah Kuhn): When Kimi escapes to Japan to get away from her problems, she soon uncovers truths about her mother and figures out who she really is.

Goodreads Review: 3.80 / 5 stars

An incredibly sweet and heartwarming coming-of-age romantic comedy... Strong characters and a story with real depth make this a worthy read." -- Kirkus Reviews

Aisle Nine (by Ian X. Cho): In a world overrun by portals emerging in the most mundane places, teen Jasper, haunted by a forgotten past, teams up with his reluctant crush and monster-fighter Kyle after a shared apocalyptic vision forces them to confront demons both literal and within.

Goodreads Review: 3.57 / 5 stars

“An intriguing corporate military state apocalypse fueled by nightmares and served with a side of romance.” — Kirkus Reviews

Image Credit: priscilladupreez from Unsplash

The Ultimate Young Adult Reads

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Summary: This novel tells the love story of Hazel, a cancer patient, and Augustus, an amputee. As they navigate their illnesses, they learn to find joy and meaning in life despite their challenges.

Goodreads Review: 4.13 / 5 stars

"A blend of melancholy, sweet, philosophical, and funny. Green shows us true love…and it is far more romantic than any sunset on the beach." - New York Times Book Review

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Summary: Starr Carter witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend, Khalil, stirring her into activism. The novel explores themes of racism, identity, and the journey to find one's voice.

Goodreads Review: 4.46 / 5 stars

"This story is necessary. This story is important." -- Kirkus Reviews

Image Credit: neonbrand from Pixabay

No matter what sparks your interest, these books offer a variety of genres to suit any mood. So, grab your favorite drink, find a sunny reading spot, and let these stories transport you to new worlds this season! Happy reading and may your spring be as transformative as the pages you turn!