APOGEE’S READING LIST: THE BEST BOOKS FOR TEEN BOYS

We encourage all of our students to continually invest in themselves and grow. Because of that, our required reading list focuses on books to help students understand and develop their identity as men to encourage personal growth. Read on to discover the titles we’ve selected as the twelve best books for teen boys. 

THE BEST BOOKS FOR TEEN BOYS

1- THE ART OF WAR

The Art of War by Sun Tzu is an ancient Chinese text on military strategy. This classic book has had a profound global impact. It has inspired not just military leaders, but business and political minds as well. Students will read and analyze the text for its insights into leadership and authority. 

2- 12 RULES FOR LIFE

​This book, written by Jordan B. Peterson, shares insights into living a meaningful life, drawing from classic myths and stories. 

3- WILD AT HEART

​Wild At Heart by John Eldredge is a Christian classic. This book invites students to analyze what it means to be a man, inviting further discussion and analysis of Eldredge’s definition of masculinity as students develop their own.

4- RELENTLESS

​Grover is a legendary trainer who worked with the greats, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryan, and Dwyane Wade, among others. This book dives into his methods for developing mental and physical prowess to achieve your goals.

5- THE WAY OF MEN

​The Way of Men by Jack Donovan offers another lens on the definition of masculinity, inviting students to engage critically as they develop their own concept. 

6- ENDURANCE

​Endurance discusses masculinity and what drives men, set in the framework of Shackleton’s captivating race to the South Pole.

7- SOVEREIGNTY

Sovereignty, by Ryan Michler, discusses how learning to be stronger, more ambitious, and more self sufficient can help young men tackle some of the world’s most complex problems. 

8- DON’T BURN THIS BOOK

​Don’t Burn This Book by Dave Rubin invites students to discuss and develop their own political opinions. Students will read and engage in socratic style discussions about politics in today’s world. 

9- CAN’T HURT ME

​Can’t Hurt Me, written by David Groggins, writes about the challenges he overcame in his journey from a depressed young man to a U.S. Armed Forces leader. Students will discover his advice for pushing past pain and fear in their quest to achieve their full potential.

10- EXTREME OWNERSHIP

​Extreme Ownership, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, is a greatly-acclaimed best seller by two US Navy SEAL officers. In this book, the authors share how the lessons they learned leading a Special Operations unit can be applicable in business and in life. 

11- THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY

​The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday and Tim Ferriss teaches students the art of turning their challenges into victories. Students will read about some of history’s greatest icons, from John D. Rockefeller to Amerlia Earhart. 

12- ATOMIC HABITS

Atomic Habits provides a framework for daily improvement. Students will learn how to form good habits and break bad ones in their journey to success.

These twelve books encourage students to pursue their personal growth as they grow into strong young men prepared to provide and protect for their families and communities. To learn more about the philosophy behind our teachings, visit our Philosophy page.