Dystopian novels can be such a powerful way to get your middle school or high school English Language Arts students to connect with literature. Novels in the dystopian genre specifically resonate with readers on a different level. Maybe they make us feel better about what we’re going through; maybe it’s an escape from what we feel overwhelmed within our own lives; maybe we relate with the characters as they struggle through some unusual circumstances and then feel great when they’re able to find a way through it; or, maybe we’re just all a little warped and dark so we enjoy a story that’s a little bit of the same. Here are ten of my favorite dystopian novels that you should consider adding to your classroom library.
1. The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
A take on the relationships between girls and the women they will become, this story follows Tierney James on the cusp of her grace year. Girls are told they are potently euphoric and must spend their sixteenth year banished to the wild. This story is an absolute ride and a favorite among my students for choice reading.
2. Nyxia by Scott Reintgen
This trilogy poses the question, “what would you be willing to risk for a lifetime of fortune?” Emmett Atwater agrees to board a lightship leaving Earth in exchange for a lot of zeros to take care of his family. But, of course, the ship is not what it seems, and Emmett will have to decide if fortune is worth the cost of his humanity. Nyxia reads like a movie and pulls the reader along for quite the journey.
3. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Here is another trilogy, set in America’s future after a Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. Connor, Risa, and Lev live in a world where life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. But between then and eighteen? Children can be “unwound” – so life doesn’t technically end, but it becomes very different. Although this novel seems a little far fetched at first, Shusterman does an exceptional job of building the word. This novel asks some big questions and then ventures to answer them.
4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Fans of The Hunger Games might be interested in this prequel following Coriolanus Snow (yeah, that Snow). The odds are not in his favor as he begins his one shot opportunity to mentor a tribute for the 10th annual Hunger Games. Getting to see the evolution of Coriolanus Snow was such a treat and Lucy Gray is an exceptional literary creation. Fans of the Hunger Games will adore this prequel.
5. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
After surviving the mysterious disease that killed most of America’s children, Ruby finds herself taken to the brutal government “rehabilitation camp” – Thurmond. Six years later, she escapes with frightening abilities. Students might recognize this from the film of the same name and they will love this action-packed read.
6. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
“Welcome, welcome to Caraval…beware of getting swept too far away.” Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her sister live with their cruel father. After she learns of her upcoming arranged marriage, Scarlett fears she will miss out on ever seeing Caraval – a once-a-year, audience participation show. After her sister secretly arranges for them to attend Caraval, Scarlett learns that the show’s season revolves around finding her kidnapped sister. This high-paced thriller will be sure to capture your students’ attention.
7. Gone by Michael Grant
This series centers around the sudden event where everyone disappears. Except the young. Not one single adult. More than the missing phone and internet use, there’s no way to get help, no way to figure out what happened, there’s hunger, mutations, developing powers, and a sinister creature lurking. This is an excellent pick for a struggling reader.
8. Legend by Marie Lu
Their nation perpetually at war with others, June and Day couldn’t lead more different lives. Wealthy and elitist June finds herself searching to avenge her brother’s death. Day, the most wanted criminal and prime suspect in the murder, has lived a life in the slums. The two will reveal the truth of what really brought them together, and what secrets their country will do anything to keep.
9. We Unleash the Merciless Storm by Tehlor Kay Mejia
This is actually the sequel to the fantasy novel We Set the Dark on Fire. Carmen Santos has always been the best of La Voz’s soldiers. But after years of undercover work, her identity is exposed and she must return to headquarters. Carmen finds herself having to choose between the girl she loves, and the success of a life-devotion to the rebellion.
10. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
The last time Juliette touched someone, she was locked away for murder. No one knows why her touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment threw her in a cell. Now that the world is crumbling, population destroyed by disease, scarce food – they’re reconsidering their decision.
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Do you love dystopian novels? What would you add to this list? Let me know what you’d like to add, or tell me what you thought about the works included in this list! I’m always looking for new titles to add to my classroom library. Leave your suggestions in the comments or let me know your favorites on Facebook and Instagram.
Happy teaching!
