If you’ve been around my corner of the internet for the last few years, then you probably know that I LOVE First Chapter Friday. But if you haven’t, WELCOME! You’re in the right place because I have lots of high school First Chapter Friday books for you. And if you’ve somehow stumbled upon this post without knowing much about First Chapter Friday at all, allow me to do the honor of introducing this gem of a strategy to you!
First Chapter Friday is just what it sounds like: Every read, you read the first chapter of a new book to your students. Just one chapter! It’s the perfect way to help students discover high-interest books, build a culture of reading in your classroom, and spark the kind of curiosity that will create lifelong readers! It’s phenomenal, but there’s one thing that can make or break the whole strategy: the BOOKS you feature!
For First Chapter Friday to work its bookish magic, you need to select the best of the best books! The ones with juicy, intriguing first chapters that leave readers wondering and wanting more. While it’s fun to leisurely peruse your bookshelves, skim first chapters, and curate the perfect stack of books to feature, it takes time and energy. And when you’re running low on that, selecting books can feel like a chore. There’s nothing worse than being stressed on a Thursday night or Friday morning. Trust me–I know the feeling. But that’s exactly why I’m writing this post. I want to help you (and myself, ha) jump-start a list of ready-to-ready First Chapter Friday titles for your high school students.
Not ready for this high school book list, or looking for something different, like my middle school recommendations? Here’s a rundown of all of my First Chapter Friday blog posts:
- Why You Should Try First Chapter Friday
- First Chapter Friday FAQ
- Tips & Tricks for a Successful First Chapter Friday
- First Chapter Friday: Middle School Book List – Part 1
- First Chapter Friday: Middle School Book List – Part 2
FIRST CHAPTER FRIDAY: HIGH SCHOOL BOOK LIST
Alright, get out that lesson planner or google doc, and get ready to record some fabulous First Chapter Friday recommendations! For each title, I am including the genre, a quick no-spoilers summary, an intriguing quote, and the length of each first chapter. Because sometimes you just need a super short excerpt to share for those days when you have a million things on the agenda! 🙂 Some of these books have very quick prefaces, prologues, or first chapters, so feel free to share more if you have the time.
Here are 15 titles that your high school students are sure to LOVE!
All The Best Liars by Amelia Kahaney
- Genre: Mystery/Thriller
- Length: Short (prologue)
With a short, intriguing prologue, this mystery about a trio of best friends will be sure to hook fans of We Were Liars and One of Us Is Lying. The premise: Three best friends are dying to escape life in their run-down desert town…together. But neither Syd, Rain, or Brie could predict what would happen to them. One will die – at the hands of another. But who? And why?
“Anyone…would want to leave. And eventually, all of them will. But it won’t happen the way they want it to. One will do it by dying, another by lying, a third by taking the fall.”
Sanctuary by Paola Mendoza & Abby Sher
- Genre: Dystopian
- Length: Medium
Set in a harrowing dystopic America in 2032, Sanctuary is the story of one undocumented immigrant trying to survive in a society intent on eliminating her. Vali has felt relatively safe living in her small Vermont town, but when the government starts a vicious campaign to deport–and even kill–anyone without an official citizen microchip, she has no choice but to run. While the first chapter is a little bit longer, it begins with a dramatic, harrowing scene and offers essential context for this frightening, future America.
“It took fifteen steps for her to die. Fifteen–one for each year of her life before they snuffed it out.”
Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner
- Genre: Realistic fiction
- Length: Short
With a surprising first sentence that will suck readers in, Goodbye Days is the heartbreaking story of a teen who believes he is responsible for his three best friends’ death. After all, they got in a crash crash after reading his last text message to them: “Where are you guys? Text me back.” Like Zentner’s In the Wild Light, Goodbye Days is a stunning, emotional exploration of grief through one high schooler’s eyes.
“Depending on who–sorry, whom–you ask, I may have killed my three best friends.”
Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed
- Genre: Mystery
- Length: Short
This powerful YA mystery sets the bar high when it comes to First Chapter Friday. Chapter 1 begins with the discovery of a dead body, leaving readers with lots of questions at the end. If students are invested and you have extra time, the second chapter (and the third) is great to give readers more context and conflict. The book has dual narrators, as well as some mixed media (articles, text messages, etc.) so reading a few chapters introduces readers to the format, too. Even if you don’t have time to read on, I recommend previewing the second and third chapters so that students will be even more tempted to pick the book up!
“You never forget the first time you see a dead body.”
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
- Genre: Romance/Realistic Fiction
- Length: Short (Read the first two chapters, or just the second)
Your teen readers will love this sweet, accessible YA romance story with a twist. The first two chapters are short and sweet with the premise: The main character, Maddie, has a rare immune disorder that makes her allergic to the outside world. Just when she’s accepted her life, after staying inside for 17 years straight, a cute boy moves in next door. The rest is history!
“Basically, I’m allergic to the world…I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years.”
The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater
- Genre: Nonfiction
- Length: Short
Looking to mix up your First Chapter Friday books with some nonfiction? The 57 Bus is probably as good as it gets when it comes to well-written, high-interest, and powerful YA nonfiction. The first chapter mentions–but does not fully describe–a young teen set on fire on a public bus. Written from multiple perspectives, with mixed media, this narrative nonfiction about a 2013 hate crime is engaging and thought-provoking for young readers.
For more great nonfiction books to share with your high school readers, check out this blog post.
“In a moment, Sasha will wake inside a ball of flame and begin to scream.”
The Hollow Inside by Brooke Lauren Davis
- Genre: Mystery
- Length: Medium
Great for fans of Sadie & The Girls I’ve Been, The Hollow Inside is the perfect mystery-thriller to feature this fall. The book opens with 16-year-old Phoenix robbing a house at the command of her mother. For almost as long as she can remember, Phoenix and her mom have been stealing, drifting, surviving, and hiding secrets. The first chapter hints at the twisted, toxic relationship between mother and daughter in a way that will keep your readers on the edge of their seats.
“Mom asks me to rob the house at the bottom of the hill.”
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
- Genre: Realistic fiction; novel in verse
- Length: Short
I shouldn’t even have to mention this one, because it’s 2022 and I hope we’ve all read this outstanding book, but in case it’s not already on your radar for First Chapter Friday: Feature Long Way Down (and/or the graphic novel adaptation). The first few sections of this novel in verse are sure to reel readers in, so don’t be surprised when they’re asking for more. I recommend reading at least the first 5-7 sections to set up the conflict. Again, it won’t feel like enough for your readers, but that’s the whole point of First Chapter Friday, isn’t it? 🙂 This one will be checked out in no time!
For more great novels in verse to share with your high school readers, check out this blog post.
“Don’t nobody believe nothing these days, which is why I haven’t told nobody the story I’m about to tell you.”
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
- Genre: Fantasy
- Length: Short (prologue)
While it’s heartbreaking, the prologue of Legendborn is perfect First Chapter Friday material: emotional, dramatic, and appealing to a wide range of readers. The book opens with a heart-wrenching scene: Bree finds out her mother has died in a car crash, right after she had argued with her about attending a high school program at the University of North Carolina. 3 months later, the book begins with her at UNC, where she soon discovers a hidden, threatening world of magic.
“My mother’s life has stopped. Shouldn’t everything and everyone stop living too?”
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
- Genre: Horror
- Length: Super Short
Scare your students into reading with Tiffany D. Jackson’s latest horror novel about one horrifying prom night that leaves almost everyone dead. Alternating between a podcast and third-person narrative, this twist on Stephen King’s Carrie is sure to hook your teens. The book opens with a podcast about the infamous prom night, so be sure to press play on the audio version for this First Chapter Friday.
“Only two kids survived Prom Night at the country club.”
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
- Genre: Dystopian
- Length: Short
A dystopian romance for fans of The Hunger Games, Matched, and Uglies, Delirium is a great option for First Chapter Friday. The book is set in a future where love has been declared a deadly disease and everyone undergoes a mandatory cure at the age of 18. Short and sweet, Chapter 1 does a great job illustrating the dystopian setting and the danger of “deliria.” If you are teaching another dystopian novel in class, this would make for an excellent pairing and mini-discussion!
“It’s been 64 years since the President and the Consortium identified love as a disease, and 43 since the scientists perfected a cure.”
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
- Genre: Mystery
- Length: Short
If you haven’t book-talked this sensational, murder-mystery trilogy, then it’s time to feature it for First Chapter Friday! The plot feels a little like a fictional version of the Serial podcast: High school student Andie Bell is murdered, and her boyfriend Sal Singh is convicted, despite the lack of evidence. 5 years later, main character Pippa is determined to prove Sal’s innocence, even when the rest of their small town has filed the case away. With mixed media elements and plot twists you won’t see coming, this book will keep readers on the edge of their seats!
“I don’t think your brother did it–and I’m going to try to prove it.”
How Dare the Sun Rise by Sandra Uwiringiyimana
- Genre: Memoir
- Length: Medium
While the first chapter is not for the faint of heart, this memoir from Congolese refugee and activist Sandra Uwiringiyimana is one that demands to be read by readers far and wide. The first chapter describes the harrowing scene that unfolded when rebel soldiers attacked the refugee camp where Sandra and her family were living. At just 10 years old, Sandra watched her life flash before her eyes as the rebels shot her mother and sister, only to turn on her. Miraculously, she survived and lived to tell her incredible, powerful, and inspiring story.
“I felt the metal barrel on my temple. I waited for the blast. In that moment, I thought it was all over.”
After the Shot Drops by Randy Ribay
- Genre: Realistic Fiction
- Length: Medium
If you’re looking to please the sports fans in your classroom, then you need to give this book a shot! (See what I did there?) While the first chapter isn’t as dramatic or suspenseful as some of the other books on here, it opens with the main character Bunny Thompson attending a memorial and reflecting on his transfer from public school to private school. Since the book has dual narrators, you might want to read a bit from Chapter 2, which is written from the point of view of Nasir, who feels left behind and resentful after Bunny’s transfer. While this is a great pick for readers who love some action-packed sports scenes, it’s so much more, too. Perfect for fans of All American Boys.
“Nas lifts his eyes and they meet mine for a moment. Then he turns his back to me and walks away.”
The Honeys by Ryan LaSala
- Genre: Horror/Thriller
- Length: Medium
Perfect for spooky season, the first chapter of this wildly unique horror story will have your students confused and horrified, asking, “Wait, WHAT just happened?” Just so you’re warned: It’s about a girl who tries to kill her twin brother but ends up dead instead. It reads like a dream, so this first chapter offers a great opportunity to discuss inferences, predictions, and the importance of re-reading for key details.
“Caroline is looking at me when she dies. And she is smiling.”
That’s all for now…but there’s more where that came from! 🙂
I hope this post helps you add more books to your First Chapter Friday toolbox. If you try using these books in class, let me know how they go in the comments, or tag me on Instagram! ’m teaching middle school now, but I love living vicariously through my high school teacher friends. 🙂
Want more book recs for First Chapter Friday and beyond? If you liked these titles, then stay tuned for more in a part 2 post! In the meantime, stay tuned to my Instagram for book recs for First Chapter Friday and more.
Ready to get started with First Chapter Friday? Check out this pack of active listening graphic organizers that will keep First Chapter Friday purposeful, stress-free, and fun! You’ll also love this freebie for a spooky First Chapter Friday.
Tired of waiting until Friday to have all the bookish fun? You’ll love my favorite companion strategy: Book Trailer Tuesday! Click HERE to read more about how you can hook students on books in less than 5 minutes a week or HERE to get free links for Book Trailer Tuesday for the entire year.
