Over the years, YA novels and authors have become a staple in the literary world. While these books are oftentimes written for teens and/or about teens, these novels are a hit with readers of all ages. Check out our top 14 YA books everyone should read.
Mine Forever by Skylar Nightingale
Javon Allen is in love with his best friend Billie but with her dating someone else, he’s afraid he’ll be stuck in the friend zone forever. Finding a girlfriend to try and move on from his feelings for his best friend, he’s shocked when Billie tells him that she’s moving across the country. With jealousy, unrequited love and unresolved feelings on the line, Javon will have to choose between the woman he’s always loved and moving on forever.
But Not Forever by Jan Von Schleh
Jan Von Schleh’s debut novel centers around two young girls in two very different decades, who want nothing more than to escape their current lives. Magically switching lives while living in the same house, Sonnet and Emma will finally get the chance to experience something new, finding that they may like their new lives better. As dark family secrets are revealed and the girls find love in all forms, the two will have to figure out whether they want to remain in this new place and time or if they want to return to the lives they were given. For fans of classics like Freaky Friday, this is the fantasy story you’ll want to get lost in this year.
Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott
While their father is at war, the four March sisters know that they have to stick together. They know the importance of family and while their mother is away at work, the vastly different sisters team up for everyday adventures and special events like Christmas. However, as strong as their bond is, they can’t help but wonder if their dad will ever make it home to them safely.
All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater
This contemporary novel brings a touch of realism to the magical elements of Bicho Raro, Colorado, home to the Soria family. In a world full of people praying for a revelation, this family has the ability to create perfect miracles – despite the resistance from three cousins who long to create their own future. All the Crooked Saints is the perfect read for the teens trying to find themselves amidst a whirlwind of expectations.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
On a particularly stormy night, Meg Murry, along with her younger brother and mother were visited by a strange houseguest who brought with him a tesseract and an adventure all its own. A search for Meg’s father who disappeared during a top-secret government project will end in a trip through time and space to which none of the kids ever expected. This classic is a great adventure read for all ages.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Lara Jean has written secret love letters to the five boys she has loved and keeps them locked away in a hatbox given to her by her mother. When the letters find their way into the hands of these five guys, Lara’s life will be thrown into chaos and she’ll have to figure out how to return to normalcy.
The Beauty that Remains by Ashley Woodfolk
Shay, Logan, and Autumn were brought together by music after each experienced death and deep grief. The three must learn to be happy again and reconnect with the things that they once loved that no longer seem to be enough. Together they learn that there is beauty after grief.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
This classic science fiction read tells the story of Jonas, a 12-year-old boy who starts to realize that the ideal community he lives in may not be as perfect as it seems. The first in the four-part series, The Giver is a classic for all readers, young and old.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
John Green’s most popular read, The Fault in Our Stars tackles difficult issues of life, death and love. Hazel has always battled cancer but despite all the treatments, relapses and chemo, she never expected to fall in love. When Augustus and Hazel meet, the stars align and the two embark on a devastating journey is this beautiful love story.
Warcross by Marie Lu
Emika Chen is a successful hacker, collecting bounty on the many people who illegally bet on the viral game, Warcross. When Emika’s job becomes dangerous and she is thrown into the middle of a high stakes competition, she’ll have no choice but to play the game like her life depends on it.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
A novel about the importance of books, The Book Thief brings to life the story of a young girl with a passion for books. Set during World War II, the orphan is taught to read and before long she is using the magic of stories and books to bring about hope during the dark time in Germany. A complex and compelling classic, this is a book everyone should read.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Now a hit Netflix series, Thirteen Reasons Why teaches lessons about bullying, cliques and suicide. Hannah Baker can’t seem to find her rightful place in the world and as a result, makes the decision to end her life. Before she goes through with her choice, she will record 13 tapes and develop one intricate plan to illustrate how she came to the devastating decision to end it all.
American Street by Ibi Zoboi
Fabiola and her mother thought they could start a new life in America, free of their burdens. When Fabiola’s mother is detained by immigration officials, Fabiola is left to live with her cousins. She’ll settle into a new life and even fall in love but when a dangerous proposition is sent her way, she’ll learn that freedom really does have a price.
When the Beat Drops by Anna Hecker
In this new 2018 summer release, 17-year-old Mira must find her way in the music world. Just when she thinks she’s happy with her potential future at a prestigious jazz school, she finds her heart has other plans for her. Discovering her love for dance music, she quickly picks up a talent for DJing and her new hobby takes off at a speed she hadn’t anticipated. But when tragedy strikes, she suddenly isn’t sure about the new life she has acquired and will have to decide whether or not she wants to return to her jazz roots.
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