Try The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. It’s about a Native American kid who leaves his reservation to go to a rich, white school. It’s raw, sharp, and hilarious.
Alexie based it on his own life. He once said, “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” This book is that fire. Plus, it has cartoons drawn by the main character.
Books for Teens 2026 - Macmillan Library
You’ll laugh on one page. You’ll be gutted on the next. That’s the best kind of book.
A graphic novel that breaks your heart
Don’t sleep on Heartstopper by Alice Oseman. It’s a sweet, adorable, queer romance between two boys. The art is soft. The feels are huge.
Oseman started it as a webcomic. She drew it on a tablet while eating cheese on toast. Now it’s a global phenomenon and a Netflix show. That’s a vibe.
It’s the literary equivalent of a warm hug. You need that. We all do.
