Alarming new data reveals a significant decline in reading for pleasure among young people globally, with Australia reflecting this troubling trend. A recent report indicates that 29 per cent of Australian high school students do not read in their free time. As screens increasingly dominate leisure hours, parents and educators are searching for effective strategies to reconnect teenagers with books.
Expert Strategies to Encourage Teen Readers
Professor Kate Douglas from Flinders University highlights several proven methods to inspire adolescents. A fundamental step is modelling reading behaviour; when teenagers see adults enjoying books, they are more likely to adopt the habit themselves.
It is also crucial to allow teens autonomy in their book choices, whether they gravitate towards fantasy, romance, graphic novels, or classics, without judgment. Encouraging library use and making reading a social activity—through book clubs, reading challenges, or online communities—are also highly effective.
Peer influence and word of mouth remain the most powerful motivators for this age group. Platforms like BookTok, TikTok's vibrant reading community, have been instrumental in creating social buzz around literature. However, the Australian government's proposed social media ban for younger users could potentially disrupt these vital digital reading networks.
Top Book Picks from Australian Teens Aged 13-14
What are young Australians actually enjoying? We asked seven teenagers for their favourite reads from 2025. Their diverse selections provide a perfect starting point for any reluctant reader.
1. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Fourteen-year-old Darcy credits this romantic comedy, discovered on BookTok, for ending her reading slump. She praises its fun, easy-to-follow plot about childhood neighbours Liz and Wes, and its charming references to classic rom-com films that deliver "butterflies."
2. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Sienna, 14, was hooked by this witty mystery featuring four septuagenarians who turn their retirement village crime-solving hobby into a real investigation. She found the book through her mother's recommendation and glowing reviews.
3. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
This fantasy novel captivated 13-year-old Arly, who doesn't read often. The story of Paedyn, an "ordinary" girl without powers navigating a world of elites, is filled with action, adventure, and romance that held her attention completely.
4. One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
Reuben, 14, is a dedicated manga fan and recommends this epic action-fantasy series for its immersive quality. He highlights the compelling storyline, themes of courage, and the vast universe spanning over 50 volumes and 1,000 chapters.
5. Mr Einstein's Secretary by Matthew Reilly
Eli, 14, was drawn in by the non-linear narrative of this historical thriller about Hanna Fischer, a German woman who becomes a spy for America during World War II. He notes it's best for mature teens due to its themes of war and violence.
6. The Same Backward as Forward by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Thirteen-year-old Miles enjoyed the clever structure of this romantic mystery, the seventh in The Inheritance Games series. The book's gimmick—finishing halfway and then flipping it upside down for a second perspective—made it a standout read.
7. Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden
This iconic Australian novel was a favourite for Chloe, 14, who discovered it through her mother's old books. The story of seven teens fighting as guerrillas after a foreign invasion resonated due to its relatable Australian characters, themes of friendship and survival, and relentless suspense.
The Path Forward for Teen Literacy
The collective message from both experts and teens is clear: engagement is key. Providing choice, fostering social connections around books, and leveraging peer recommendations can break down barriers. These seven titles, directly endorsed by Australian adolescents, offer a powerful toolkit for parents and educators aiming to combat the decline in recreational reading and ignite a lifelong literary passion.
