What Gen Z & Gen Alpha Are Reading in 2025 (Surprising Trends!)

What Gen Z & Gen Alpha Are Reading in 2025 (Surprising Trends!)

The new generation of readers is rewriting the rules.
Teenagers and young adults born after the mid-1990s (Gen Z) and kids born after the early 2010s (Gen Alpha) are voracious readers, but they don’t always read what you expect. Surveys show that over half of Gen Z read at least once a week and many of them are turning back to physical books for comfort, identity, and inspiration. Gen Alpha, meanwhile, loves colorful, visual, and interactive reads that reflect their values of inclusivity and sustainability.

So, what exactly are they picking up in 2025? Let’s dive in.

Nostalgic Fantasy & Adventure

Epic adventures are still a favorite—especially myth-inspired stories.
A perfect example is Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes by John Rocco, which retells classic myths with illustrations and humor. Young readers are rediscovering Percy Jackson’s world, and it’s still a hot seller.
👉 Buy Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes

Graphic & Mythical Storytelling

Gen Alpha especially loves visual narratives and myth retellings.
Books like Heroes of Olympus: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan and The Hidden Oracle: The Trials of Apollo bring mythology alive with modern characters and fast-paced plots.
👉 Buy Heroes of Olympus: The Mark of Athena
👉 Buy The Hidden Oracle: The Trials of Apollo

And for those curious about Norse myths, Hotel Valhalla: Guide to the Norse Worlds is a quirky, fun entry point.
👉 Buy Hotel Valhalla

Teen & Young Adult Favorites

Romance, supernatural, and relatable coming-of-age stories are still going strong.

  • The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and the Struggle by L.J. Smith – supernatural romance with a nostalgic cult following.
    👉 Buy The Vampire Diaries

  • The Princess Diaries: After Eight by Meg Cabot – a timeless YA comedy about growing up, still adored by Gen Z.
    👉 Buy The Princess Diaries: After Eight

Self-Help That Speaks to Young Readers

Gen Z wants books that help them with identity, career, and confidence.

  • Why Take Action? — A Teenager’s Guide to Achieving Success by Teo Aik Cher – written with teens in mind, full of practical motivation.
    👉 Buy Why Take Action?

  • What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith – a personal growth classic for students and young professionals ready to level up.
    👉 Buy What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

  • The 4-Week Memory Challenge by Shireen Stephen – a practical pick for students looking to sharpen focus and study skills.
    👉 Buy The 4-Week Memory Challenge

Contemporary Indian Reads

Homegrown authors are also popular with Gen Z.

  • When Only Love Remains by Durjoy Datta – a heartfelt romance that continues to resonate with young readers.
    👉 Buy When Only Love Remains

  • Mumbai Avengers by Hussain Zaidi – a gripping urban thriller that blends crime, politics, and action.
    👉 Buy Mumbai Avengers

Final Thoughts

Gen Z and Gen Alpha are proving that books are anything but dead. They want stories that reflect who they are—diverse, curious, global, and eco-conscious. From epic adventures and teen dramas to self-help guides and Indian contemporary reads, their tastes are wide and surprising.

The best part? You don’t have to spend big to discover them. All these titles are in stock right now at Best Of Used Books—so you can read more, spend less, and stay ahead of the trends.

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