Books and reading for teens

Find all our resources for teens about books and reading.

Choosing what to read

Email newsletters

Sign up for our Teen Scene newsletter, Fantasy and Science Fiction, Popular Culture, or whatever topic you're into. We also have an email newsletter for Young Adult new titles.

Reading recommendations

Can't find what you're looking for? Request a custom reading list.

eResources for Teens

We've got some great eResources about reading and books aimed at teens including NoveList Plus and OverDrive for Teens.

NCEA reading

Our guide for where to find recommendations for your NCEA English reading.

Our blog: Teens

News and reviews of young adult literature from library staff.

Teen booklists

We've compiled lists of great books and resources on a bunch of different themes and topics including some aimed at NCEA reading.

Mental health topic guide

We recommend books and websites will help you learn more about mental health and wellbeing, including titles from the Reading in Mind book scheme for mental health and wellbeing.

LGBTQIA+ topic guide for teens

Find books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, and resources for rainbow teens. We recommend resources that explore and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community (LGBTQIA+ = lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual).

For more info on rainbow reading, try the resources at Out on the Shelves:

• Autobiography and Non-Fiction
• Comics
• Fantasy
• Sci-fi
• Young adults

Teen literary prizes and awards

Find award-winning fiction for teens and young adults.

Recommended book review websites

Our Youth Librarians recommend the following sites to find out about new books.

New Zealand

• HarperCollins New Zealand - Kids and Teens
• The Sapling
  Interviews, articles, and reviews on both New Zealand and international YA releases
• Read NZ Te Pou Muramura - YA

International

• Epic Reads
  Up-to-date information on YA publishing, what's new and popular.
• Fantastic Fiction     
  • YA Fantasy
  • YA Romance
  • YA Fiction
• Good Reads - YA
• School Library Journals reviews
• HarperCollins - Kids and Teens
• Barnes and Noble
• The Book Smugglers
  Mostly science fiction and fantasy fiction.
• No flying no tights
  Graphic novels for kids and teens.

Writing your own

Writing competitions for teens

If you're really into writing there are a range of awards and prizes aimed specifically at teens.

Writing at the library

Get creative at the library with other budding writers.

Christchurch Zinefest and zines

All about making zines and local zine events.