Great Books to Help Prepare College-Bound Teens

College is an exciting time and place for young adults, but it can also be unsettling. Thankfully, there are plenty of books to help your child make a smooth transition to living independently and navigating the world of higher education.

Whether they’re interested in fiction or nonfiction, here are some fantastic stories and resources to help your teen get ready for college.

Fiction

Every Body Looking

by Candice Iloh

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Going to college means that Ada will be living away from her family for the first time in her life. The distance gives her anxiety, but breathing room, too. She has the opportunity to reflect on her upbringing, her family’s expectations, and what she wants for herself. This National Book Award Finalist is about a young woman figuring out who she is and finding the courage to live authentically.

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Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman

by Kristen R. Lee

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Overachieving college freshman Savannah worked hard to get accepted to a top school, and she plans to hit the books just as hard during the next four years. But as she gets to know the other students and the university’s racist history, she learns that they stacked the odds against her. Recent high school graduates and teens in college will appreciate this rallying story of a girl who refuses to stay silent about injustice.

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We Are Okay

by Nina LaCour

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Keep a box of tissues on hand as you read because this short novel packs an emotional punch. Reeling from grief, Marin left her old life behind when she went to college. During a solitary winter break in her dorm room, an old friend comes to visit. Seeing her friend forces Marin to face the trauma from her past and find a way to heal.

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Time of Our Lives

by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

Fitz and Juniper couldn’t be any more different. But when they cross paths on their East Coast college tours, sparks fly between them. Because they come from vastly different backgrounds, the teens inspire and challenge each other to explore their college and life options.

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The Ivies

by Alexa Donne

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College admissions turn deadly in this nail-biting YA thriller. A group of friends at an elite boarding school will do anything to sabotage their classmates and solidify their acceptance to an Ivy League university. YA readers will enjoy reading this binge-worthy novel that takes the competitive application landscape to the limit.

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Freshmen

by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison

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Humor, first love, and drama combine in this charming YA novel set in college. Phoebe is thrilled to be living on her own and enjoys the freedom that comes with it. The only person from her high school attending the same college is her long-time crush named Luke, who uses his freshman year to reinvent himself. Phoebe and Luke start dating, but a school scandal makes their first year of independence one of uncertainty.

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Admission

by Julie Buxbaum

When the FBI arrests her mom for bribing the college admissions team, Chloe’s idealistic life evaporates. She has to come to terms with her mother’s actions and the part she played in them. This timely novel is perfect for anyone who was captivated by the college admissions scandal that dominated recent news.

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Nonfiction

College Admission 101, 3rd Edition

by The Princeton Review and Robert Franek

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Education expert and editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review shares his knowledge of the college admissions process in this Q&A style guidebook. From choosing extra-curricular activities to securing financial aid, Robert Franek answers over 60 of the most common questions about getting into college. This book is a must-have for any college hopeful.

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Paying for College, 2023

by The Princeton Review and Kalman Chany

College is expensive, but there are ways to ease the financial burden. This essential guidebook will help you identify ways to increase your financial aid, find scholarships, and minimize college costs. From taxes to FAFSA forms, this book has you covered.

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The Complete College Planner

by The Princeton Review

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Planning for and applying to colleges can feel overwhelming. From application deadlines to collecting documents, it’s one of the most stressful things your child (and you) will do. Help them stay organized and reduce stress with this spiral-bound planner. With plenty of tips and advice along the way, this indispensable tool will simplify the process and help you stay on top of all the moving pieces.

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The College Wellness Guide

by The Princeton Review

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Your child’s first year of college will be exciting but stressful, too. Stress can have negative impacts on their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. This wellness guide will help your child identify their stressors, find ways to stay healthy at college, and get help if they need it.

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Rising Troublemaker

by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

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Most teens want to make a difference in the world, and college is an excellent place to gain the skills and knowledge to do that. This inspirational manual from Luvvie Ajayi Jones will help college students push forward when anxiety, fear, and self-doubt get in the way. She encourages teens to stand up for their beliefs, use their voices, do hard things, and accomplish their dreams. This book makes for a great gift for any graduating senior or rising freshman!

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Anxiety Relief for Teens

by Regine Galanti, Ph.D.

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There’s no question that today’s teens suffer from increasing amounts of anxiety. Help your teen manage their stress and get into a healthier mindset with this book’s tips and advice. Inside, you’ll find practical mindfulness activities and exercises to help your child overcome the stressors holding them back.

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What Color Is Your Parachute? for Teens, Fourth Edition

by Carol Christen

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This updated edition of the modern classic helps high school students plan for college and beyond. It looks at the current job market and provides teens with a roadmap for achieving their financial, educational, and career ambitions. It’s a must-read for any teen with big plans for their future.