Every year, She Reads reaches out to readers to discover the books that they thought were the best of the year! This year we had over 8,000 of you cast your vote and the results are in. In our roundups of all the Best Books of 2024, we’ll include the number one book, chosen by you and some favorites from our professional book loving editors. We hope this reading year was as wonderful for you as it was for us!
Best Young Adult Book of 2024: Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
In the aftermath of a revolution, society has turned witches from rulers into fugitives. Rune hides her magic behind the guise of a frivolous socialite by day while secretly operating as the Crimson Moth, rescuing persecuted witches. When she and Gideon Sharpe, a ruthless witch hunter, begin a dangerous game of mutual deception by pretending to court each other, their growing connection threatens to unravel everything—including their loyalties and identities.
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YA fiction in 2024 served a dazzling lineup of novels filled with raw emotion, thrilling stakes, and unforgettable characters. Featuring celebrated authors like Jason Reynolds and Sabaa Tahir alongside fresh voices like Tigest Girma and K.A. Cobell, this list is a testament to the power of storytelling to transport, inspire, and challenge.
Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds is a fan favorite and his latest novel, Twenty-Four Seconds From Now… is an instant hit. This hilarious and heartfelt novel chronicles Neon’s race against time—and his own doubts—in this uniquely structured romantic comedy. His countdown to his first big step with Aria is peppered with embarrassing mishaps, parental oversharing, and an overactive imagination. This whip-smart story is a love letter to teenhood, filled with tender moments and laugh-out-loud dialogue.
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Heir by Sabaa Tahir
Heir swept readers off their feet as Tahir masterfully weaves a tale of vengeance, forbidden love, and power unlike any other. Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil’s paths collide in a world brimming with elemental magic and political intrigue as they face choices that could alter an empire. Readers couldn’t get enough of its intricate plot, rich character arcs, and gripping moral dilemmas that made every page electric. With action-packed twists and poignant moments of humanity, Heir solidifies Tahir’s place as a YA fantasy powerhouse.
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The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
When her mother resurfaces after sixteen years, Bel must untangle the truth from her family’s lies in this twisty, true-crime-inspired mystery. Packed with unreliable narrators and shocking turns, The Reappearance of Rachel Price keeps readers guessing as secrets come to light. Praised for its layered family dynamics, cinematic storytelling, and chilling atmosphere, this is a story about trust—what it means, how it’s broken, and whether it can ever be restored.
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Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
Kidan Adane’s search for her sister plunges her into a world of arcane vampire politics and dark family secrets in this intoxicating debut. With a fierce, flawed heroine and a cruelly compelling love interest, Girma crafts a high-stakes gothic fantasy that’s impossible to put down. As Kidan grapples with her violent instincts and a centuries-old mystery, the novel explores what it truly means to be free.
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Thirsty by Jas Hammonds
Jas Hammonds took the young adult scene by storm with their debut novel, We Deserve Monuments and their sophomore novel, Thirsty, reaffirms their literary prowess. Blake is on a quest to join the elite Serena Society but it quickly spirals into chaos as her drinking problem threatens to drown her dreams and relationships. Hammonds expertly delivers a sharp, unflinching look at ambition, class, and addiction. Prepare to be deeply moved by Blake’s vulnerable yet razor-sharp voice and the nuanced depiction of pressure and privilege.
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Wisteria by Adalyn Grace
Blythe Hawthorne’s rebellion against societal expectations leads her to uncover life-altering truths about herself and her rude yet magnetic companion. This lush, romantic fantasy captured readers’ hearts with its witty heroine, slow-burn romance, and richly imagined world. Grace’s evocative storytelling and sharp dialogue shine as Blythe’s journey unfolds. Fans loved the themes of self-discovery and the question of whether love can change one’s destiny. For readers who crave a fairytale with thorns, Wisteria is a must.
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The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson
Kim Johnson returns with her third novel, The Color of a Lie, and this is historical fiction at its finest. A Black family passing for white in the 1950s suburbs is the backdrop for this gripping thriller that explores race, identity, and survival. Calvin’s coming-of-age tale is a sharp social commentary wrapped in the tension of uncovering the sinister truths of his new home. Johnson’s ability to balance taut suspense with powerful themes of systemic injustice brilliantly keeps readers hooked until its explosive conclusion.
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When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson
In the sun-soaked wine country of Northern California, the Fall siblings—Dizzy, Miles, and Wynton—struggle with the aftermath of their father’s mysterious disappearance years ago. Each sibling battles their own demons until a rainbow-haired girl arrives, tipping their world off balance. With family curses, love stories, and road trips, this luminous tale explores the ties that bind and the resilience needed to heal.
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The Prisoner’s Throne by Holly Black
The conclusion to the Stolen Heir duology raises the stakes and deepens the intrigue with Elfhame’s fate hanging in the balance and Prince Oak facing impossible choices. With lush prose and morally intricate characters, Holly Black crafts a tale of treachery, loyalty, and love that’s as enchanting as it is harrowing. Bookworms adored the razor-sharp tension between Oak and Wren and the epic scope of their intertwined destinies. Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince, this installment raises the stakes and deepens the intrigue. Black proves once again why she’s the queen of faerie tales.
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Looking for Smoke by KA Cobell
Looking for Smoke is an enrapturing debut blending cultural insight, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and searing emotion. When a member of their giveaway group is found murdered, four teens on a Blackfeet reservation must uncover the truth—or risk becoming the next victims. The nuanced exploration of Indigenous identity alongside a gripping murder mystery makes this equal parts thought-provoking and thrilling.
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