Best Fiction on Peer Pressure Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

The New York Times bestseller "Every Last Word" by Tamara Ireland Stone is a powerful and poignant portrayal of mental illness in teens. The main character, Samantha, struggles to hide her Purely-Obsessional OCD from her popular friends, until she meets a new friend who introduces her to a group of misfits. As Samantha discovers a new side of herself, she begins to question her sanity and the values of the popular crowd. The author's writing is both honest and empathetic, making this book an important read for anyone dealing with mental health issues or looking to understand those who are.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a Printz Honor Winner and a national bestseller that tells the story of sixteen-year-old Starr Carter, who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil by a police officer. The book explores themes of police brutality, systemic racism, and the struggle of living in two different worlds. With eight starred reviews and numerous awards, this book is an absolute must-read for anyone looking for a powerful and timely story that speaks to the current social and political climate.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a Printz Honor winner and a powerful novel that explores themes of police brutality, systemic racism, and the struggle for justice. The story follows sixteen-year-old Starr Carter, who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil by a police officer. As Starr navigates between her poor neighborhood and the fancy suburban prep school she attends, she must decide whether to speak out about what really happened that night and risk endangering her community and her own life. The book is a necessary and timely read that offers a heartfelt and honest perspective on important issues facing America today.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale about the beauty of individuality and the perils of conformity. The story follows the arrival of Stargirl at Mica High, who quickly captures the hearts of her classmates with her unique personality and infectious spirit. However, as she refuses to conform to the norms of high school, she soon finds herself shunned and isolated. Spinelli's poetic writing style and the novel's allegorical themes make it a modern classic for young adults. Overall, Stargirl is a must-read for anyone seeking a poignant and inspiring tale that celebrates the beauty of being different.

Building Unstoppable Self-Confidence for Teens is a guidebook that helps teenagers find their true selves and overcome limitations to create their best lives. The book offers practical steps to help readers embrace their uniqueness, regain self-confidence, and escape the trap of comparison. It also provides valuable insights on how to handle bullies, pursue passions, and love oneself. This book is a great resource for teenagers struggling with self-esteem issues and peer pressure. It offers a fresh perspective on how to be true to oneself and create a fulfilling life.

"They Wish They Were Us" by Jessica Goodman is a murder mystery set in an exclusive prep school on Long Island. Jill Newman, a senior and a member of the school's secret society, is determined to make her last year the best one yet. However, when she starts receiving messages proclaiming the innocence of her best friend's killer, her perfect year begins to unravel. The book is an engrossing story of evil, upscale Long Island teens with a careful building of each character's fraught, internal conflicts. It's a perfect blend of "Gossip Girl" and a murder mystery with a critique of power and privilege. Overall, a thrilling read for young adults.

The Hate U Give Collector's Edition: A Printz Honor Winner is a powerful novel that tells the story of 16-year-old Starr Carter, who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. The book highlights the battle against police brutality and systemic racism in America, and its impact on communities. This collector's edition features a letter from the author, the meanings behind the names in the book, a map of Garden Heights, fan art, the full, original story that inspired the book, and an excerpt from On the Come Up. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the reality of racism in America and its devastating effects on society.

The book "Go Ask Alice" is a classic cautionary tale about a teenager who falls into a downward spiral of addiction after being served a soft drink laced with LSD. Through her diary, readers are taken on a journey from her comfortable home and loving family to the mean streets of an unforgiving city. This first-person account of a teenage girl's harrowing descent into the nightmarish world of drugs has left an indelible mark on generations of teen readers. The book is an important read for all teenagers and parents of teenagers as it provides a document of horrifying reality and literary quality.

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier is a thought-provoking and controversial masterpiece that explores the pitfalls of conformity and corruption in a boys' prep school. The novel's uncompromising portrayal of human cruelty and the consequences of standing up against the status quo have made it a classic for young adults. The characterizations of the boys are superb, and the action is well-timed and suspenseful. The Chocolate War is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring complex themes and the consequences of challenging authority.

"Crash" by Jerry Spinelli is a modern classic that gives readers a rare glimpse into the life of a bully through the eyes of the cocky seventh-grade super-jock, Crash Coogan. The story is about stereotypes and the surprises life can bring. Spinelli's writing style is fast-paced and funny, making it perfect for kids in this age-group. The book packs a punch without being preachy, leaving it to the pitch-perfect narration to drive home the powerful moral wallop. Overall, "Crash" is a hilarious and poignant story that offers a humorous glimpse of what jocks are made of and is a must-read for teens and young adults interested in football fiction books."