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Books About Freedom & Independence for Ages 12–18 – Wonderlit | Wonderlit

Browse → Ages 12–18 → Themes → Freedom & Independence → Ages 12–18

Books About Freedom & Independence for Ages 12–18

Freedom in adolescence is the central project: separating from your parents, defining your own values, building a life that belongs to you. These 4,121 books explore that project in all its messiness, rebellion, and eventual discovery that independence and connection aren't opposites.

4,121 books

Cover of Artemis: Wild Goddess of the Hunt

Artemis: Wild Goddess of the Hunt

George O'Connor

For the child who values their autonomy and wants to see their independent spirit reflected in a powerful protector of t

Cover of Finally

Willow Falls #2

Turning twelve means Rory can finally do everything on her list, but a movie shoot at school and a strange prediction ma

Cover of Blindsided

Priscilla Cummings

For the teen facing a life-changing diagnosis or physical transition, this story offers a raw look at reclaiming indepen

1 2 3...172

Cover of Incarceron

Incarceron #1

Incarceron

Catherine Fisher

Finn is trapped in a sentient, sprawling prison of metal forests and decaying cities, but a crystal key offers a dangero

Ages 12–17

Cover of Two in the City

Two in the City

For teens grappling with big life decisions, this book explores the complexities of newfound independence and the challe

Cover of Moving In

For the teenager navigating the messy transition to adulthood, seeking a space of their own while balancing complicated

Cover of Daughter of Venice

Daughter of Venice

Donna Jo Napoli

Facing a life confined to a convent, Donata disguises herself as a boy to explore the hidden corners of 1592 Venice beyo

Cover of I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This

I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This

For the teen feeling trapped by expectations or a restrictive environment, this memoir explores finding your voice and a

Cover of Virginia Bound

Amy Butler Greenfield

Kidnapped from London, young Rob must survive the harsh life of a tobacco farm in the New World alongside a captive Pamu

Cover of Mercy Otis Warren Author and Historian

Mercy Otis Warren Author and Historian

Jennifer Blizin Gillis

For the student who wants to see themselves in history: discover the woman whose poems and plays fueled the American Rev

Cover of The Circlemaker

The Circlemaker

Maxine Rose Schur

For the child grappling with heavy choices or feeling the weight of unfair rules, this story follows a boy's brave quest

Cover of The Forbidden Wish

The Forbidden Wish

Zahra, a teenage genie, must choose between her ancient duty and her heart when she falls for the master who holds the k

Cover of Chains

Seeds of America #1

Laurie Halse Anderson

For the young reader questioning the meaning of liberty. This powerful story explores the courage required to seek freed

Cover of R Is for Rebel

J. Anderson Coats

A defiant girl refuses to let reform school or a conquering government crush her spirit in this story of resistance and

Cover of Letters from a Slave Boy: The Story of Joseph Jacobs

Letters from a Slave Boy: The Story of Joseph Jacobs

Through secret letters, nine-year-old Joseph Jacobs records his life in 1839 North Carolina as he searches for the truth

Cover of Come August, Come Freedom: The Bellows, the Gallows, and the Black General Gabriel

Come August, Come Freedom: The Bellows, the Gallows, and the Black General Gabriel

For the teen processing the weight of history and the moral necessity of standing up against systemic injustice, even wh

Cover of Midnight Jewel

The Glittering Court #2

For the teen seeking their own path while navigating unfair systems, this story follows a refugee using her wits and cou

Cover of Wither

The Chemical Garden #1

Lauren DeStefano

In a world where a virus kills everyone by age twenty-five, sixteen-year-old Rhine is kidnapped into a polygamous marria

Cover of Countdown to Independence: A Revolution of Ideas in England and Her American Colonies, 1760-1776

Countdown to Independence: A Revolution of Ideas in England and Her American Colonies, 1760-1776

Natalie S. Bober

The tension between the American colonies and Great Britain comes alive through the specific people and clashing ideas t

Cover of How to Money: Your Ultimate Visual Guide to the Basics of Finance

How to Money: Your Ultimate Visual Guide to the Basics of Finance

Jean Chatzky, Kathryn Tuggle

For the teen ready to take charge of her future. This visual guide breaks down the intimidating world of money into clea

Cover of Alliana, Girl of Dragons

Alliana, Girl of Dragons

For the child who feels trapped by chores or expectations, this magical retelling offers hope that kindness and courage

Cover of The Revolutionary War: Why They Fought

Military Conflicts

The Revolutionary War: Why They Fought

Kristin Marciniak, Red Line Editorial

For the student curious about the sparks that ignite a revolution, this book explores the deep-seated desire for fairnes

Cover of This Our Dark Country: The American Settlers of Liberia

This Our Dark Country: The American Settlers of Liberia

Travel back to 1822 to witness the founding of Liberia, established on the West African coast as a sovereign haven for f

Cover of Freedom from Slavery: Causes and Effects of the Emancipation Proclamation

Fact Finders: Causes and Effects

Freedom from Slavery: Causes and Effects of the Emancipation Proclamation

For the student curious about how laws can change the world, this guide explores the turning point of American history w

Freedom & Independence for Other Ages

Books About Freedom & Independence for Ages 0–3(944)