Non-fiction books to help teens understand the world around them

What is the purpose of life? Where do moral values come from? Can you be good without God or religion? This straightforward book lays down some astronomically big questions

In this fascinating and visually appealing guide to politics for young readers, Eduard Altarriba takes readers through the potentially confusing world of politics in a step-by-step way, explaining why politics exists and how it operates.

A self-help guide for youngsters struggling with self-esteem, peer pressure or ​‘fitting in’.

This clear, concise non-fiction guide to managing money for young people explores a range of topics, including setting a budget, opening a bank account and managing debt. Well-designed and easy to navigate.

This book explores why some people bully, why others are bullied and what you can do to change things

This powerful book for older readers explores links between inequality and the climate crisis, with suggestions about how to effect change to ensure climate justice for everyone. 

For thousands of years, the work of brilliant female creatives has gone unappreciated, whether they were taking part in weaving, sewing, embroidery or crockery. This fascinating book profiles wonderful women artists from across the world and gives their work the attention it deserves.

This gentle guide for children experiencing feelings of grief and loss is written by Julie Stokes, a clinical psychologist and founder of childhood bereavement charity Winston’s Wish.

An upbeat and positive book which feels perfectly pitched at lower secondary school kids and will no doubt be hugely helpful for many.

An accessible, funny self-help manual for pre-teens and teenagers, based on Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory: how to train your mind and take a more positive, proactive attitude to life. 

This timely and excellent book explores what it means to be a man in today’s society. It poses thought-provoking questions to develop readers’ critical thinking skills, and will give them the confidence to question conventions and stereotypes. 

It’s increasingly important for young people to learn about politics and how they can get involved. This engaging book introduces different political systems, ideologies and big questions – and explains how its readers can make a difference.

Marley Dias describes her campaign to find 1,000 books featuring black girl protagonists, and also provides insight on what it is to be a young social activist in the present day. Inspiring stuff. 

This is a book all tween girls should have. Like a chat with a friend with an excellent sense of humour, The Girl Guide is precisely the straight-talking and empowering read girls need at what can be a confusing and awkward time.

An informative, no-nonsense guide looking at the concept of gender and the different issues surrounding it, featuring personal stories to bring it all to life.

Michaela takes the reader with her from the joys and struggles of her early life in Sierra-Leone to the challenges and delights of her life in America.

Lilly Singh is a phenomenally successful YouTuber known as Superwoman, and that’s a name rightly earned if this book is anything to go by. Lilly’s collection of life lessons and coaching tips are designed to help young people conquer life and work.

In this upfront and accessible book, Juno Dawson tackles all things mental health. Packed with practical advice, guidance from clinical psychologist Dr Olivia Hewitt and some humorous reassurance.

A real-life memoir about a young person coming to terms with her sexuality and her ​‘coming out’, as well as her first relationship, this is a positive and upbeat read about being comfortable in your own skin that will inspire any young person.

Written by the award-winning author and podcaster Elizabeth Day, this is a sensible, kind and practical tool for all teenagers (and adults!) showing how to re-frame supposed failures into essential parts of life that we can learn from.

A helpful and practical guide to coping with tough times, by building resilience. Includes 40 topics and many suggested activities. 

This is the real life story of one of the most incredible and inspirational young people in the world. Reading this book might just change the way you think and feel.

An invaluable tool for family members trying to understand autistic behaviour but also a fascinating and powerful read in its own right.

Persepolis is Satrapi’s history of Iran and her life in Iran and France as she tries to retain her Iranian culture but also grow up and become independent.

Twenty Black teenage girls reflect on girlhood and its joys and challenges. A powerful and important collection that amplifies the often-unheard voices of Black girls.