Note: A long-time member of our community recently reached out with an interesting request. Her daughter, an avid reader, had devoured countless books but often gravitated toward the same genres. While the mother was thrilled by her child’s love for reading, she wondered if it might be time to explore new literary landscapes. She asked if we could recommend books that would gently nudge her daughter beyond her usual shelves—stories that would spark fresh curiosity while still captivating her as much as her favorites had.

With that in mind, here’s a carefully curated list for readers aged 13 and up. It features a range of genres, from thought-provoking historical fiction to heartwarming contemporaries, spine-tingling mysteries to rich fantasy worlds. Each book promises not just a great story but an invitation to step into something new—because sometimes, the most magical reading moments come from the most unexpected pages.

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What do you do when you have read every single book by your favourite author? I faced this situation when I magically read all the Agatha Christie books on my shelf. I soon turned to Sherlock Holmes, Jeffrey Archer and Danielle Steel. If you ever feel like you need variety, something new to get you started on a new journey, try delving into one of these books. From poetry to horror to classics, there’s something for everyone on this list.

MERRIN ABRAHAM

Merrin completed her Integrated MA in English Studies from IIT Madras. She is a storyteller, bibliomaniac and a lover of indie music who had a passion for the English language that she dedicated her childhood to reading Victorian literature. Besides drinking bitter coffee and analysing Asian media, she is trying to find a horror story worthy of the genre.

Little Women

by Louisa May Alcott

The March sisters – Amy, Meg, Beth and Jo, while being wholly different from each other, are still devoted and united in their love for each other and their family. Set in the backdrop of the Civil War in New England, we get a glimpse into the lives of these women and their passions, many of which may or may not be achievable. Can women only restrict themselves to cooking, sewing and laundry? Or can they write, paint and explore the world outside their home?

1984 & Animal Farm

by George Orwell

These two stories set in dystopian societies provide thought provoking social and political commentary. 1984 delves into a society where Big Brother watches everything including one’s thoughts. How do you navigate a world where the truth is constantly wiped out and there is no freedom and individuality?

Animal Farm depicts the story of overworked and mistreated animals taking over the farm by revolting against their superiors. A story that records the evolution from tyranny to totalitarianism is a perfect representation of our current world. Orwell has masterfully imbued comedy into this message of equality and progress.

The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

by Douglas Adams

This is the story of Arthur Dent, whose home had been demolished one morning, only for him to realize that all of Earth was getting demolished which throws him into an odyssey through space and time. Join Arthur as he tries to find a cup of tea in space, a place to have dinner, a place to call home, the meaning of existence, and finally a way to help his daughter deal with the madness and craziness of the universe. 

Palace of Illusions

by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

A retelling of the famous Indian epic ‘The Mahabharata’ from the point of view of Panchaali, who was the wife of the legendary Pandava brothers. This book details the life of princess Panchaali right from her birth in fire to her life as the wife of the 5 brothers who were cheated of their birthright. Panchaali stays by their side, swept into this quest to reclaim what they lost. A story set in the world of warriors, gods and the ever cruel hand of fate.

The Bletchley Riddle

by Rupa Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin

Jakob Novis and his younger sister Lizzie love riddles and puzzles and they end up inside one of the greatest secrets of World War II, Great Britain’s codebreaking factory at Bletchley Park. Jakob helps codebreakers to crack Nazi’s cipher while his sister sets out to solve the mystery surrounding their mother’s disappearance. They race against time, war and clues to decipher secrets.

Carrie

by Stephen King

A modern horror classic that follows the life of a misunderstood high school girl Carrie who sets out to get revenge after suffering at the hands of her classmates and her ultra religious mother. Carrie is not an ordinary girl and what sets her apart brings about the downfall of everyone who mocks and loathes her. How does one deal with alienation, cruelty, and morality as a young girl and can Carrie be blamed for her actions? (Trigger warnings for blood, gore and brutality)

Sadie

by Courtney Summers

Sadie and her younger sister Mattie live in an isolated small town and Sadie tries her best to live a normal life given the circumstances. But Mattie is found dead and Sadie is thrown into despair when the police investigation closes without any results. She sets out to find justice and clues when West McCray, a radio personality, hears and becomes obsessed with this story. Alternating between Sadie’s hunt for the killer and the radio host’s podcast, will Sadie find justice or is there something even darker waiting for her?

How to Eat a Poem: A Smorgasbord of Tasty and Delicious Poems for Young Readers

Edited by The American Poetry & Literacy Project and The Academy of American Poets

If you have ever wondered how to get into poetry, this book gives a taste of different types of poems from a wide variety of poets like – Lewis Carroll, Ogden Nash, Marianne Moore, Shel Silverstein, and more.

Furia

by Yamile Saied Mendez

Camila Hassan lives in Rosario, Argentina. She’s an obedient daughter at home, living under the shadow of her brother who is a rising soccer star and an abusive father who is short tempered. But on the soccer field she is La Furia, a powerhouse of skill and talent. She dreams of following this path but when faced with adversity in the form of her family, the boy she once loved and society, will she chase her ambitions or be tied down by this world?

Persepolis I & II

by Yamile Saied Mendez

A coming of age story, based on Satrapi’s own life in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution, is revealed through comic strips. In a country uprooted by dire political situations and war, Satrapi chronicles the trials and tribulations of adolescence as her homeland is ravaged.

Nimona

by Yamile Saied Mendez

Nimona is a shapeshifter who has a great knack for villainy and Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain who has been considered evil by the kingdom. They team up to wreak havoc on the kingdom to prove that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t really heroes. Delve into this world with this gorgeous full-color graphic novel.