Best Survival Stories Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a captivating science fiction action and adventure book that takes place ten years after the war between the Districts and the Capitol. This novel follows Coriolanus Snow, the future President Snow, as he mentors the female tribute from District 12 in the tenth annual Hunger Games. The story is filled with ambition, competition, and the price of power. Despite being assigned to mentor the lowest tribute, Coriolanus forms a connection with his doomed tribute and must decide whether to follow the rules or survive at all costs. This book is a must-read for fans of The Hunger Games series and offers a unique perspective on the infamous President Snow.

This hardcover box set includes all four books in the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. The story takes place in the nation of Panem, where the Capitol forces one boy and girl from each of the twelve districts to participate in an annual fight to the death called the Hunger Games. The thrilling and thought-provoking story follows the main character, Katniss, as she fights for survival and becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed districts. The books have received high praise from notable authors, including Stephen King and John Green. Overall, this box set is a must-have for fans of science fiction action and adventure and YA literature.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins is a worldwide-bestselling science fiction action and adventure book series for teens and young adults. The series is set in the ruins of North America, where the nation of Panem is surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol maintains its control over the districts by forcing them to send one boy and one girl aged twelve to eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. The series follows sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen as she becomes a contender in the Hunger Games. The series is a perfect gift for fans of the books or movies, with its raw power and electrifying world-building that channels the political passion of 1984, the detailed inventiveness of Harry Potter, and the memorable violence of A Clockwork Orange.

"Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen is a Newbery Honor-winning survival story that follows thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson as he navigates the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. With only a hatchet and his survival skills, Brian must learn to hunt, fish, and build shelter to stay alive. The book is a heart-stopping adventure that keeps readers engaged until the very end. Paulsen's writing is spellbinding, and the story is riveting. Overall, "Hatchet" is a must-read for fans of survival stories, and it's easy to see why it's been nominated as one of America's best-loved novels.

The Divergent Series Four-Book Paperback Box Set: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, Four is a must-have for fans of the dystopian genre. This collection includes the three books in the Divergent trilogy, along with the companion volume, Four, which is told from the perspective of the beloved character Tobias. The set is perfect for both new readers and established fans who want to own the complete Divergent library. Veronica Roth's writing is gripping, and the themes of choice, identity, and loyalty are explored in a thought-provoking way. The bonus materials provided by Veronica Roth add an extra layer of depth to the already compelling story. Overall, this box set is a great addition to any book collection, and the keepsake box makes it a beautiful gift.

The Hunger Games is a thrilling science fiction action and adventure book for teens and young adults. Set in the ruins of North America, the story follows a teenage girl named Katniss Everdeen who is forced to participate in a televised fight-to-the-death competition called "The Hunger Games." The novel generates constant suspense, making it hard to put down. With brilliant pacing and a well-plotted story, Suzanne Collins has created a masterpiece that has received wide praise and was the basis for four popular films. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves action, adventure, and dystopian fiction.

The Hunger Games trilogy continues with Catching Fire, where Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark find themselves as the faces of a rebellion against the Capitol after winning the annual Hunger Games. Suzanne Collins's writing is powerful and raw, creating a gripping story that improves upon the first book. Catching Fire is a #1 USA Today Bestseller, #1 New York Times Bestseller, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller, and #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller. This science fiction action and adventure book for teens and young adults is a must-read for those who enjoyed The Hunger Games and want to continue the journey with Katniss and Peeta.

The Island of the Blue Dolphins is a classic story of a 12-year-old girl named Karana who lives alone on a Pacific island for eighteen years after jumping from a rescue ship. In her solitude, she builds weapons, forages for food, and finds peace. The 50th-anniversary edition of the book includes an introduction by Lois Lowry. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, survival, and self-discovery. The book is written in simple language, making it ideal for English as a Second Language Instruction Books.

The final book in Suzanne Collins's worldwide bestselling Hunger Games trilogy, "Mockingjay" takes readers on a thrilling adventure as the rebellion against the Capitol unfolds. Katniss Everdeen must become the Mockingjay and lead the rebels to victory, even if it means putting her own life on the line. With complex characters, imaginative prose, and unexpected plot twists, Mockingjay is a fitting conclusion to a beloved series. Fans of the Hunger Games trilogy, as well as readers of science fiction action and adventure, will be captivated by this book and its unique take on a dystopian future.

Salt to the Sea is a gripping historical fiction novel that tells the story of four refugees during World War II, who are each haunted by their past and desperately seeking safety. As they converge on a ship, the Wilhelm Gustloff, promises of safety and freedom are made, but not all promises can be kept. The book has won several awards and features exclusive interviews with Wilhelm Gustloff survivors and experts. Ruta Sepetys is a master of historical fiction, and Salt to the Sea is a haunting, heartbreaking, and altogether gorgeous novel that is one of the best young-adult novels to appear in a very long time.