Adventure books piqued my interest significantly during my teenage years. They were an absolute blast based on how they would transport my mind into a thrilling world packed with mystery, avidness, and unending possibilities.
These captivating tales would ignite my imagination and whisk me into heart-pounding quests paired with heroes and heroines.
I am a teen parent now, and my son seems to have followed in my footsteps. He will grab any book featuring an adventurous plot. Such stories are not just for escapism. I consider them excellent for him to nurture essential life skills such as resilience and problem-solving techniques.
Do you know a teenager, or are you a curious one looking for wonder sparks? This list of adventure books for teens features modern and classic titles for a journey towards that far-off land.
What Are Some Captivating Adventure Reads for Teens?
Sean and Irene’s Biscuitless Adventure, by John McCallum (2023)
Sean and Irene’s Biscuitless Adventure might be less than twenty pages, but it is a tale that excellently captures and depicts what resilience means. You will love how McCallum has weaved the characters in the story with a captivating bond.
In the book, you get into an intense experience in a rugged wilderness. As you navigate, you come across unforgiving elements and extreme and unexpected challenges while helping the characters pursue famous biscuits.
Expect to get in touch with what the human spirit means, but also be ready to have fun as you accept various life adventures.
I love that this book is short but excellently crafted for a perfect reading experience with an adventure that breeds unexpected connections. It is an excellent addition for any teen looking to build new relationships and bonds.
The Returned One, by Luna Fox (2021)
There is no doubt that teens love fantasy adventures, which made this book make the cut on my list. But this was not the only motivation. This book gives a glimpse of how anxiety can impact teenagers.
What would you do if your past started returning and you wanted to remember everything? This is the basis of this story. I love how it is packed with endearing characters, unexpected twists, and magic. There is no better way to build a fantasy adventure, right?
Meet Abigael, who’s terrorized by nightmares. She becomes a total mess, and to escape this and her anxiety, she goes to her aunt’s. But this only builds up a lot more, making her discover certain secrets.
This story caught my interest from the first page, and getting its revelation didn’t take time. The pace is excellent, and the words flow well. Luna has excellently developed the characters, who I found very likable. This read is a fantastic start to the “A Witch’s Lullaby” series. I strongly recommend it for 12-18 year olds.
Drift: Willa & Koy, by Adrienne Young (2023)
I suggest you read this book if you are 12-18 years old and love a meticulously crafted plot. It is the story of Willa.
Go on an adventure with her after she decides to leave behind her family, hoping to make a new start. But this will not go as she plans. She meets a new business partner, Koy, with whom they forge a relationship. What Willa doesn’t know is that she may need him more than she anticipates.
They both decide to advance their adventure towards Jeval. However, when Willa receives the news that the family she left behind might be in trouble, things take a different turn.
Drift is a short but compelling read packed with emotion and depicts hard work\’s importance.
Like myself, you will love Willa and Koy’s brevity and courage towards their course, regardless of the many tests they experience.
The book is exceptionally relatable for anyone finding their self-worth. It is suspenseful, romantic, and gritty to pull you in, especially if you have read other entries by Adrienne- Fable, Namesake, and The Last Legacy. I, however, consider this entry a more significant continuation with its unfamiliar trials and an open ending.
The Call of the Wild, by Jack London (2023)
Societal pressure is a significant concern among teens, so I felt the need to add this short adventure that addresses the issue of fitting in.
This book is definitely an excellent choice if you enjoy animated adventure stories. It will also appeal to you if you are a devotee of American literature.
Jack tells the story using a heroic dog named Buck, a half-Scottish and half-St. Bernard sheepdog.
During the violent days of the Alaska gold rush, Buck is forced into a cruel life as a sled dog. He has to choose which way to embrace- whether to live in a man’s world or return to nature.
Even though Jack uses a dog as the main character, I love how he fits its relations perfectly to speak to young adults and teens.
With this book, you will ponder the importance of decision-making. You will enjoy how Buck goes on an adventure while fighting to survive and how he eventually grows from a wild wolf dog to a domestic dog.
The Prophecy, by Raine Thomas (2011)
The Prophecy is a thrilling adventure if you love an action-packed tale or enjoy romantic themes. Set in an Estilorian world, this story features a fantastic plot as you go on a journey with Saraqael and his love, Kate.
Saraqael doesn’t intend to fall for Kate. She is human and, unlike his kind, who are emotionless and can’t have human attachments. But at some point, Kate is almost dying, and neither doctors nor Saraqael can save her.
He does the unexpected and sets off on a risky adventure with Quincy. But this is a dangerous quest as it may alter the future of Saraqael’s kind forever.
I love how The Prophecy allows you to think about love, loyalty, and genuine friendship. Be the judge of whether or not some sacrifices we make for others are worthy.
I have read all the books in Raine’s Estilorian series, but I love this particular entry because it gives a better perspective of how the Estilorians live and how their minds work.
Escape to Lostman’s River, by John McKillop (2023)
This is not a book to put down. The suspense, danger, and countless feel-good moments will surely keep you hooked. It is an excellent addition that teaches fifteen-year-olds the importance of enjoying quality time with family.
Matthew is spending the summer as his uncle’s fishing guide, where he sharpens his angler skills. Ready to go for his first fishing tournament, he wants to win cash to purchase an airboat.
But one day, he unlikely encounters cranky smugglers. That’s when he makes a daring escape. But returning home alive seems challenging and risky with all the creatures.
Go on this adventure and see whether Matthew’s skills will get him home, assist him in impressing a girl, living up to his father, and catching bigger fish.
If you are an angler, you will immensely enjoy the scenery details, the knowledge of the tides and fishing lures, and the relationships the characters forge.
Extreme Ice Adventure, by Jake Maddox (2020)
Are you a sporty teen? If so, then this book is for you. Maddox delivers a fantastic story, particularly for anyone in the twelve-year bracket.
Nita and Sohail are delighted following their scholarship win as Alaska Young Explorers program attendees. If they win the money, they can use it to assist their families, so they are both determined to be as competitive as possible.
However, things change when the two are paired to go on an expedition. They find themselves in a dangerous area while hiking down a glacier. For them to survive the wilderness, they must join forces.
As most children get into their teenage years, they tend to isolate themselves and prefer being alone. But I love how this book accurately depicts that sometimes we need help, and depending on someone else is not something to shy away from.
A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park (2010)
First, I love that this book is based on a true story featuring Nya and Salva. You might find it heartbreaking initially, but its happy ending is something to anticipate. Linda has written an authentic story, and her descriptive writing is highly engaging.
The book tells Salva and Nya’s stories, who are both in different parts of Sudan. These two tales are told in alternating sections (1985 and 2008), but Linda has excellently put the dimensions together to create a captivating story. Salva and Nya’s stories intersect as they get around mortal dangers to better their lives and those of others.
As a pre-teen or over ten years old, this book is excellent if you love adventure built within historical action. It will make you grateful for your blessings as you admire Salva’s courage and perseverance.
Final Thoughts
If adventurous and short escapades are something you would like to smash through as a teen, you should grab any of the short books for teens on this list. They are befitting even if you want to begin indulging in short adventures to get out of that comfort zone.
Whether you want to become a spy, navigate dangerous lands, pull through harrowing experiences, or fight villains, there’s something for you.
Would you like to find some longer reads? Check out our selection of YA series.