Best Teen & Young Adult Disaster Books of 2025

The Finest Hours (Young Readers Edition) by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman is a thrilling adaptation of the true story of the US Coast Guard's most daring sea rescue. During one of the worst winter storms in New England's history, four coast guardsmen headed out to sea in a tiny lifeboat to save more than 30 stranded sailors from two oil tankers that were torn in half. The book is a fast-paced, uplifting story that puts young readers in the middle of the action, capturing the heroism and humanity of people on life-saving missions during maritime disasters. This poignant history is a must-read for adventure and rescue story enthusiasts.

Ski Weekend: A Novel by R.L. Stine is a coming-of-age thriller that follows six teens, a dog, and a ski trip gone wrong. After a car accident leaves them stranded in the mountains with no cell phone coverage and dwindling supplies, the group must face the harsh winter elements and make impossible choices in order to survive. With a diverse cast of characters and unexpected twists, this book will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Overall, Ski Weekend is a gripping tale of survival that will appeal to fans of YA thrillers.

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie is a captivating book that tells the true story of Abbie Burgess, a young girl who kept the lighthouse lamps lit during a huge storm off the coast of Maine in 1856. The book presents an exciting and inspiring tale of bravery and responsibility. The simple language used by the authors, Roops, and the beautiful watercolors by Hanson create a perfect combination for young readers. This book is a perfect choice for parents who want to introduce their kids to history through an engaging story. Overall, Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie is an outstanding book that will keep readers entertained from start to finish.

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans is a Sibert Honor Medalist and a must-read for children, teens, and adults alike. Don Brown’s kinetic art and as-it-happens narrative capture both the tragedy and triumph of one of the worst natural disasters in American history. The book tells the story of Hurricane Katrina's monstrous winds and surging water that overwhelmed the protective levees around low-lying New Orleans, Louisiana, which caused 80% of the city to flood, in some places under twenty feet of water. Brown's precise language secures the historical details in an unforgettable way. This book delivers a brave treatment of important and uncomfortable details that could almost make its point on the powerful illustrations alone.

You Are There! Pompeii 79 is an engaging and educational book that takes readers back in time to experience the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii in 79 AD. Written from the perspective of a barber who lived and worked in Pompeii, this book offers an immersive and captivating look at one of history's most significant events. With essential text features like an index, captions, and a glossary, this book is an excellent resource for young adults studying ancient history. The intriguing sidebars, fascinating images, and detailed Reader's Guide make this book an exceptional learning tool that develops students' higher-order thinking skills. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient history, and it's a great addition to any classroom library.

The Great American Dust Bowl, a graphic novel by Don Brown, vividly portrays one of America's most catastrophic natural events: the Dust Bowl. Brown's lively artwork brings to life the decade-long drought that ruined the lives of countless farmers and laid waste to American plains. From the geological and cultural history to the dynamics of its climatological presentation, Brown contextualizes the genesis of the Dust Bowl, making it a complete visual package. This is a solid nonfiction graphic-novel debut that offers a magnificent overview of this chapter in U.S. history.

This book, titled "Apollo 13: A Successful Failure," tells the story of the 1970 space disaster that occurred during the United States' Space Race against the Soviet Union. The book details the events that took place when an explosion rocked the Apollo 13 spacecraft, leaving the three astronauts stranded in outer space. The book highlights the teamwork and ingenuity that was required to bring the crew home safely. The author, Laura B. Edge, has created an engaging narrative that will appeal to middle-grade readers and STEM enthusiasts alike. Overall, this book is a powerful reminder of our common humanity and the remarkable things we can achieve when we work together towards a shared goal.

This book titled "Earthquake: Perspectives on Earthquake Disasters (Disaster Dossiers)" by Heinemann Educational Books is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about earthquakes. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of earthquakes on people's lives, using first-hand accounts from eyewitnesses, survivors, the emergency services, scientists, and the media. The Haitian earthquake and other earthquakes are used as case studies to describe events and people's experiences from multiple perspectives. This book is an excellent resource for teenagers and young adults interested in disaster books. The author has done an excellent job of presenting complex information in an easy-to-understand way. Overall, this book is unique and highly recommended for anyone interested in learning about earthquakes and their impact on society.

One If by Carol B. Allen is a thrilling young adult sci-fi fantasy adventure that follows three teenagers fighting for survival in a warring planet destroyed by climate change. The trio battles destiny, forges unlikely friendships, and finds young love in a race against impossible odds. Rich in vivid imagery, intrigue, and suspense, this fast-paced YA fantasy will leave readers laughing, crying, and cheering on Parker, Edison, and Henley. The book is especially recommended for teens and young adults interested in STEM. Overall, One If is a unique and inspiring read that will captivate fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, or Stranger Things.

The book "The 2000s (Decades of the 20th and 21st Centuries)" by Enslow Publishing provides an overview of the cultural, artistic, scientific, and political landscape of the United States during the years 2000-2009. The book covers significant events and trends that shaped the decade, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the rise of social media, and the election of Barack Obama as the first African American president. It is a useful resource for students and anyone interested in understanding the recent past of the United States.