Let’s be real, trying to convince a young adult to swap their phone for a book can sometimes feel like asking them to head back to the days of dial-up internet. But with the right approach (and maybe a little bribery in the form of cool bookish surprises), you can spark a lifelong love for reading. 

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or fellow bookworm on a mission, here are some fun and engaging ways to get young adults hooked on books in 2025!

Young Adult Reading Tips

Let Them Read What They Love

Not all young adults will swoon over the classics (and that’s okay!) If they love fantasy, hand them a book filled with dragons and magic. More into romance? Give them a heart-fluttering YA love story. The key is to let them choose, and chatting about what makes them tick is a great way to get to know your teen a lot better! 

There are endless options, and the YA book scene is bursting with fabulous new authors. We can’t wait to share some of our favorite book boxes with you, but more about those later! 

Make Books as Addictive as Social Media

Since young adults are glued to their screens, why not bring books into their digital world?

• Follow BookTok & Bookstagram accounts – TikTok and Instagram are full of book lovers hyping up must-read titles.

• E-Readers & Apps – Kindle, Libby, and Apple Books let them carry an entire library in their pocket.

• Online Book Clubs – Chatting about books with friends makes reading way more fun.

Make Reading a Social Event

Reading doesn’t have to be a solo adventure! Turn it into a fun group activity with these ideas:

• Buddy Reads – Pick the same book and discuss your favorite (or cringiest) moments.

• Family Book Nights – Because nothing bonds a family like debating over plot twists.

• Themed Movie Nights – Read the book, then watch the adaptation and argue over which was better (the book always wins, obviously).

Set Fun & Realistic Goals

Nothing kills motivation like feeling overwhelmed. Try setting bite-sized reading goals, like:

• A “10-minutes-a-day” challenge (because we all have at least 10 minutes to spare)

• A book-a-month goal (with a celebratory treat for completing it!)

• Seasonal reading challenges (because who doesn’t love a good checklist?)

Make Reading Special

Reading should never feel like a chore; it should be fun and rewarding and let’s be honest, atmosphere is everything. Why not take the opportunity to create memories with your young adult book boxes and set up a cozy reading nook in their bedroom? It’s a great project you can do together, and we have some fabulous bookish accessories to take it to the next level! You may just want to take a peek at our Peter Pan book light or our Greek Mythology Blanket.

Introducing the Magic of Book Subscription Boxes

If you want to turn reading into an event they’ll actually look forward to, we have just the thing! Book subscription boxes are the ultimate reading experience that keeps the excitement alive every month! At Once Upon a Book Club, our YA Book Book Subscription Boxes are designed to make reading feel like an adventure:

Surprise Unboxings Every Month – Our whimsical boxes are just the best; it’s like having a birthday every month (because who doesn’t love opening presents?)

Interactive Reading – The magic happens when they open gifts labeled with certain page numbers—bringing the story to life in the coolest way possible!

Newly Released YA Books – Fresh picks every month, so there’s always something new to obsess over.

Bonus Goodies – Bookmarks, quote cards, signed bookplates, and more—because details matter.

A Once Upon a Book Club book subscription box is basically the best gift you can give a young adult (or yourself, because we all deserve a little bookish happiness).

Here are some of our favorite ready-to-ship boxes just waiting to be discovered!

Murderous Austen Mystery

Experience the incredible November 2024 Young Adult book box featuring In Want of a Suspect by Tirzah Price, plus FOUR incredible items that bring this murderous mystery to life!

For fans of Pride and Prejudice (and all its retellings), this novel follows characters from the beloved Pride and Premeditation in a brand new mystery adventure series full of suspense, danger, and romance!⁠

Greek Gods & Vampires

Our incredible October 2024 Young Adult book box featured Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood, plus THREE gorgeous and custom items that brought this incredible novel to LIFE!

This stunning Greek mythology–inspired sapphic fantasy blends the story of Eros and Psyche with legends of the enthralling, vampiric empousa—from the New York Times bestselling author of Lies We Sing to the Sea!

Mystery at the Manor

The incredible September 2024 Young Adult book box featured The Monstrous Kind by Lydia Gregovic plus THREE incredible items that brought this haunting tale to life!

An atmospheric, haunting romantasy inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, set in Regency era England, about two sisters fighting to hold on to their manor while deadly monsters prowl along its perimeters—perfect for fans of House of Salt and Sorrows and Anatomy: A Love Story.

Mirror World

Our exciting August 2024 Young Adult book box featuring The Girl with No Reflection by Keshe Chow included three stunning gifts that brought this story to LIFE!

A young woman chosen as the crown prince’s bride must travel to the royal palace to meet her new husband—but her world is shaken when she discovers the dark truth the royal family has been hiding for centuries—in this lush fantasy debut perfect for fans of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night and Violet Made of Thorns.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Make 2025 the Year of Reading!

Encouraging young adults to read more doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right books, tech, social interactions, and a little bit of bookish magic (aka Once Upon a Book Club’s YA subscription boxes), you can help them develop a lifelong love of reading.

So why wait? Hand them a book, set up a cozy reading space, and let the adventure begin! Books have a way of bringing people together and shared experiences are always a lot more fun. In case you didn’t know, YA books are a favorite among many adults! That’s why we created a special book box featuring one captivating Young Adult book and one engaging Adult book. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore new stories while also gaining insight into your young adult’s world—so join in the fun and read along with them!

Experience the magic of our Adult and Young Adult book subscription boxes on a monthly basis in this money-saving bundle! Each month, you will receive the Adult and Young Adult boxes (shipped separately) for one price! This price is 10% less than if you purchased both boxes separately, making this a deal you do not want to miss!