Students in Grades 8-12 are inching closer and closer to their careers, and it's important for them to explore a wide variety of topics.

This is why we have compiled a list of books that these teenagers can read not just to polish their knowledge of language and society, but also to understand the intricacies of social interaction, popular culture and deep emotions within the context of contemporary history.

Here's the Global Indian International School reading list for Grades 8-12:

Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream by H. G. Bissinger

The book that inspired the hit TV show is always popular with our secondary school students. It tells the story of a winning Texas football team and the impact that race and class had on its community.

The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie: A Doll's History and Her Impact on Us by Tanya Lee Stone

Popular culture has long had an influence on society, and this book explores the influence that the ever-popular Barbie doll had on the world.

Trapped: How the World Rescued 33 Miners from 2,000 Feet Below the Chilean Desert by Marc Aronson

In a look at a more recent historical event, this book explores the rescue effort that was launched to save 33 miners from a collapsed mine in Chile. It provides students with an in-depth look at a news event they may have witnessed for themselves just a few years ago.

A Writer's Notebook: Unlocking the Writer Within You by Ralph Fletcher

This book is less reading material and more writing material. It provides students with a unique space to explore their reactions to the world around them while developing their writing skills.

A Year Without Mom by Dasha Tolstikova

This book tells the story of a 12-year-old girl whose mother leaves her behind in Moscow for a better life in America. It helps students develop empathy while allowing them to connect with a student from another time and another culture.

Radioactive!: How Irene Curie & Lise Meitner Revolutionized Science and Changed the World by Winifred Conkling

This book tells the true story of Marie Curie's discoveries as well as her plight to overcome gender discrimination in science.

Be a Changemaker: How to Start Something That Matters by Laurie Ann Thompson

Today's students are growing up in an interconnected world that no previous generation experienced in adolescence. This book helps students leverage their technological skills and social networks to impact real change in their own communities.

Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

This award-winning book tells the story of young people who were part of the Hitler Youth during World War II. It provides students with an opportunity to explore a different perspective that they might relate to more.

Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science by Marc Aronson

Combining science with history, this book takes a look at the impact that sugar has had on the past as well as the present. It teaches students to make meaningful connections in their daily lives.

GO: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design by Chip Kidd

This book takes advantage of a child's natural love of creativity and encourages young people to apply their creativity in the field of graphic design. It's an age-appropriate introduction to this ever-growing professional field.

The Complete MAUS by Art Spiegelman

In a completely different approach to the story of the Holocaust, the author uses cartoon drawings to tell the history of the Nazi regime and its impact on one family. Students can learn to appreciate different approaches to the writing process as they read this book, which won the Pulitzer Prize.

Every Bone Tells a Story: Hominin Discoveries, Deductions, and Debates by Jill Rubalcaba

This scientific tale discusses the hominin bones that were uncovered and provides insight into the scientific debates that surround these discoveries. It allows students to explore the scientific method and encourages informed discussions in the classroom.

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai

In this autobiography, Malala Yousafzai tells her own account of her heroic actions and their consequences. While reading it, students will learn that there are modern adolescent heroes who make an impact on the world around us.

Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter by Adeline Yen Mah

This story of a Chinese girl who grew up in a home where she was not wanted inspires students to persevere even in the face of great challenges.

Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen

Young people often relate closely to this modern memoir which explores the topics of popularity in school and emphasizes the importance of remaining true to yourself.

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different: A Biography by Karen Blumenthal

This biography provides students with more information about the man who has shaped their lives with his innovative technological inventions.