Fiction reading guide
Whatever kind of fiction you’re into, there’s a great story here for you.
Books for teens with dyslexia
Dyslexia friendly books with a special font, thick, cream pages and widely spaced lines; high interest but a lower reading age.
Booklists
Māori fiction for Rangatahi
Collection of YA fiction and graphic novels written by and/or starring Māori characters and culture, for teens.
Short Reads - Teens
Sometimes you just need a quick read - a short book that you can pick up and polish off fast.
New Zealand Fiction - Teens
A varied list of books by Aotearoa writers. Our authors write from multiple perspectives, across all kinds of genres.
Romance - Teens
Read messy love-triangle stories or sweeping historical epics; bittersweet romantic tragedies or hilarious meet-cute mishaps.
Classic Novels - Teens
If you need a 'classic' read for NCEA or just want some great books that have stood the test of time - all published before 1960.
Books for teens with dyslexia
Dyslexia friendly books with a special font, thick, cream pages and widely spaced lines; high interest but a lower reading age.
Classic Romance
Secret longing, pompous men who turn out to have hearts of gold, and family, legal, or societal pressures getting in the way of love.
Classic Horror
Horror novel classics that have stood the test of time and will no doubt be enjoyed by generations of horror fans to come.
Classic Adventure Fiction
Classic tales that have stood the test of time. Go on a journey with beloved characters to far off lands filled with adventure.
New Zealand fiction reading guide
Explore adult fiction by New Zealand writers. Stories in a range of genres revealing something of our national character.
New for Rangatahi
New for Rangatahi
Printable lists
If you like... YA romance
Read messy love-triangle stories or sweeping historical epics, meet-cute mishaps and more. Printable author list [212KB PDF].
Ngā Pounamu Māori - Taiohi Collection
Fiction titles from our expanding Rangatahi Collection within the Ngā Pounamu Māori - Young Adults Collection. Printable list [330KB PDF]
If you like... Rainbow reads
Stories about relationships, family, romance, activism, and struggle with a range of LGBTQIA+ characters. Printable author list (302KB PDF)
If you like... YA Mystery fiction
Mystery is lurking everywhere from the school hallways to the shadows of the local woods. Printable author list (702 KB pdf).
If you like... YA Fantasy fiction
Encounter magic and myth, journey with legendary heroes, or protect the world from monsters or oppression. Printable author list (282KB pdf)
If you like... YA Dystopian fiction
Travel into grim futures not-so-far-removed from the world as we know it. Printable author list (306KB pdf).
If you like... YA contemporary and realistic reads
Stories firmly rooted in the issues that affect us today. Funny, heartbreaking, realistic, engrossing. Printable author list (275KB pdf).
If you like... YA Adventure & action fiction
Hardy men in the wilderness, bad guys in mean streets, tough heroines, and spies doing spy stuff. Printable author list (351KB PDF)
2025 Kirkus Reviews - Best Young Adult Books of the Year
Kirkus Reviews is an American book review magazine founded in 1933. Published twice a month, they review over 10,000 books a year.
2025 National Library of NZ - Best Children's & YA books
The Services to Schools' team shares the books that "spark curiosity, invite conversation and offer new ways of seeing."
Liam's 20 Best Graphic Novel Reads of 2025
Twenty of Liam's favourite manga and graphic novel books and series read this year.
Jem's top fiction reads of 2025
Jem's absolute favourite books read in 2025. A mix of general fiction and romance titles, some YA, and some with LGBT characters.
2025 Kirkus Reviews - Best Young Adult Books of the Year
Kirkus Reviews is an American book review magazine founded in 1933. Published twice a month, they review over 10,000 books a year.
2025 National Library of NZ - Best Children's & YA books
The Services to Schools' team shares the books that "spark curiosity, invite conversation and offer new ways of seeing."
Liam's 20 Best Graphic Novel Reads of 2025
Twenty of Liam's favourite manga and graphic novel books and series read this year.
Jem's top fiction reads of 2025
Jem's absolute favourite books read in 2025. A mix of general fiction and romance titles, some YA, and some with LGBT characters.
More Reading Ideas
Genre reading guide
Find new reads from your favourite genres with these librarian recommendations for teens.
Request reading recommendations
Not sure what to try next? Try our reading guides, or tell us your preferences and we'll make a custom reading list just for you!
Donna's Best Movies and TV of 2025
A selection of movies and telly watched this year.