any students have spent years reading texts provided by teachers. However, students fail to stray away from the books that they are required to read in order to find something they enjoy. Reading books that are not on a curriculum can provide additional educational growth.

“People should read what they like,” English teacher Lauren Mitchell said, “People need to think about themselves and what is compelling and thought-provoking to them in order to read something they will enjoy.”

According to rd.com, a majority of teenagers benefit the most from reading novels that are “coming-of-age,” a genre featuring books such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Simon vs the Homosapien Agenda and King Dork are often recommended. Reading from this genre can offer characters that readers can relate to, which helps them understand mental health, sexuality, religion and more.

Classics are also not to be forgotten. Besides those that are required in most school districts, many other classics are often alluded to in popular culture. They can also help expand vocabulary and provide historical knowledge.

“[Classics] are necessary to be culturally literate,” Mitchell said. “We can see society referring to classics constantly. [Stories] like Othello, Hamlet and To Kill a Mockingbird are great examples. Reading books like these cause us to think about ourselves and most importantly other people and the respect we need to give [them].”

Many science fiction novels have been popular and some have been made into films. Titles such as A Wrinkle in Time, Ready Player One and Everyday are just a few examples of the page to screen adaptations.  Because of their popularity in film, science fiction novels are able to ask questions and present ideas that are not seen in other genres. The genre can help readers to better understand modern technology and technology that’s yet to come.

According to researchers at Yale, books can provide young readers with educational and personal growth that will follow them into adulthood. The world of literature is constantly gaining new reads. With so many genres to explore, there is a book out there for everyone.