Book ideas for teens

What's going on with the boat?

After ten years living on Tarquilla we have moved to land. I'm often asked if we love the house or miss the boat and the real answer is - both. We still have Tarquilla and we are open to all options at the moment as far as her future is concerned. We will carry on working on her, it would be great to be able to sail her again. The Scilly Isles, Portishead marina, Bristol harbour and Falmouth are all places we have talked about as well as many others further afield. But, on the other hand, if a family was looking for a boat, ready to do the preparation she needs and wanted to take her on then we would sell her. She is not ready to sail off into the sunset but has a lot of life left in her. If you or someone you know would be interested then please contact us. She is 3 ply cold moulded, 42 foot long, one off design built in the 1960's. She has 2 double cabins and 2 single berths, a good size saloon, a decent size galley, head and a covered cockpit. She has two engines and a full suit of sails. We have lots more photos and can provide more details or answer questions. In the meantime, this blog has come to a natural pause for now as we take on new adventures.

March 08, 2019

Book ideas for teens

Books are a uniquely portable magic - Stephen King

Image: Boat with 'book ideas for teens, world book day 2019'

Whilst every day is a book day, world book day is only once a year. This year it falls on the 7th March and many young children this week have been going to school dressed as their favourite book characters.

What about when they get older though? Finding books for teenagers can be hard whether they are devouring piles of books at home or whether you are stocking up for a long passage. They are at the stage where children's books are too young but a lot of adult books contain themes that may not be suitable.

Image: 3 teenagers scrambling over cliffs

YA or young adult fiction has helped a lot when it comes to finding books but recommendations are still often the way to find some of the best stuff. I asked our boys what I should include and their suggestions were: Mortal engines by Phillip Reeve (a dystopian novel set in the future), A series of unfortunate events, anything by Antony Horowitz or Michael Murpurgo (especially Kensukes kingdom for young sailors), War of the worlds and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

They also recommend Terry Pratchett. The Tiffany Aching series was written with young adults in mind but any of his novels are suitable. Nation is one of my favourites. As well as being entertaining they all carry some thoughtful themes and obscure references. Some may enjoy the long earth series too.

I would also add Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Harry Potter and Swallows and Amazons. They are also good ones for reading out loud if you want to share a book. For those who like a bit of intrigue, cosy crime (or cozy mysteries across in America) are who-dunnits but without the gore, terror and other themes that can be a bit strong for many teenagers. Agatha Christie is one of the masters of this genre, and still one of my favourite authors. She lived in Devon and based many of her books on the area including the bit of coast shown in the photo below. Also check out more recent books including independent ones like Ellen Jacobson's Murder at the marina.


Image: Looking down to sandy beach in Agatha Christie country

Reading is not confined to novels. How about a biography/autobiography - Ellen MacArthur, I am Malala, Robin Knox-Johnson, Dermot O'Leary, Clare Balding, One summers grace and many more. Don't forget graphic novels (an art form in itself) and non-fiction books too. Does anything eat wasps? and 101 other questions, Attention all shipping, Jambuster: The story of the Womens Institute in the Second World War just for starters. Or how about a flash fiction anthology for those who like variety - Adverbially challenged or Voyaging with pets maybe?

Image: Sea dog curled up on chair with paw on a pilot book

And finally, for rough passages, talking books are brilliant for a bit of distraction without having to move too much from wherever you have wedged yourself.

Whatever and wherever you read, enjoy the magic.

Image: close up of masts and sails

Blogging with integrity: For complete transparency, I was an advance reader for Murder at the marina and have stories in both Adverbially challenged and Voyaging with pets. I don't get any money from their sales.

If you liked this you can follow the link to our Other book day blogs here. Other years we have looked at books for younger children, books for travellers and dreamers and useful books for planners and fixers.