Many of us discovered our love for reading through young adult books. They were truth-tellers, examining themes like friendship, loss, puberty, mental health, and sex in ways that gently let us know we weren’t alone in our thoughts or experiences. Now, to revisit those books is to return to a time when life seemed both simpler and way more complicated.
Here, a curated list of the 10 best young adult books across genres—whether you’d like to recommend one to the young readers in your life, or tap into a little childhood nostalgia of your own.
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins (2008)
In The Hunger Games, Collins transports us to the dystopian realm of Panem, a North American nation characterized by the greedy Capitol and 13 districts grappling with poverty. Each year, a lottery selects children from the first 12 districts to participate in a televised Battle Royale-style death match. The first three novels form a trilogy centered around protagonist Katniss Everdeen, while the fourth book, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is a prequel, delving 64 years into the past.
With her books, Collins not only gave young girls a formidable female lead (and this, during the less-than-inspiring Twilight era), but also crafted a vivid and unsettling portrayal of a future rife with economic sabotage, an unforgiving caste system, and youthful carnage reminiscent of Lord of the Flies.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2005)
Narrated by Death itself, The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a nine-year-old in Nazi Germany. Residing with her German foster parents on the outskirts of Munich, Liesel forges a close bond with her foster father, Hans Hubermann, who teaches her how to read and write, kindling a passion for books. Trapped between the innocence of childhood and the grave realities imposed by World War II, Liesel finds refuge in literature and her own burgeoning manuscript. It’s a lyrical and heart-breaking read that celebrates the power of words and empathy.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (2012)
“It’s a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do its killing.” If that quote doesn’t immediately transport you to 2012, here’s a refresher: Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old with stage IV thyroid cancer, finds herself in a cancer patient support group where she meets 17-year-old Augustus Waters, a survivor of osteosarcoma. Their intense love story, both heartwarming and heartbreaking, grapples with the weightiness of illness and grief, which Green handles with a rare blend of sensitivity and wit.
The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993)
Meet Jonas, a 12-year-old boy navigating a world void of conflict, hatred, or pain—a utopia, in other words, or so it seems. When Jonas assumes his post as the “Receiver of Memory,” he quickly understands what drastic sacrifices have been made in the pursuit of “Sameness.” In writing The Giver, Lowry was initially inspired by her father’s senility, as he continually forgot her sister’s death. She imagined a world where people didn’t have to remember their suffering and pain, provocatively asking: If you were to take all of those memories away, what would you be left with?
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume (1970)
Margaret Simon is a sixth grader who, tired of waiting (and waiting) for her period, finally appeals to God. (She’s not religious per se, but the girl needs answers!) More than 50 years later, her awkward but deeply charming coming-of-age story is still richly resonant. Revisiting the book as an adult promises not only a few chuckles, but also a reflection on the middle school melodrama that once fueled our craving for adulthood.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan (2005)
This six-volume fantasy series follows Perseus “Percy” Jackson, a 12-year-old New Yorker who discovers his divine lineage as the son of Poseidon. The first book covers his adventures at Camp Half-Blood, a training refuge for demigods like him, alongside best friends, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood. Their mission? To save the world from the Titans.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (2018)
Slam poet Acevedo’s debut novel chronicles the life of Xiomara Batista—a.k.a. X—a Black, Latinx 15-year-old living in Harlem with her very Catholic parents. Feeling unheard, X begins to express herself through poetry—but keeps it a secret from her family. Acevedo penned the book after her former eighth-grade students complained about the lack of relatable characters in YA literature. Problem solved with this award-winning masterpiece.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (2019)
Currently dominating #booktok, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is the first in a series of three novels and a novella. Perfectly poised as an introduction to the worlds of mystery and true crime for young adults, the story follows Pippa, a 17-year-old convinced that the true killer of Andie Bell is still roaming free, five years after her death. With the help of an unexpected ally, Pippa launches an investigation that she masks as a school project—but every step closer to the truth propels her deeper into dangerous territory.
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir (2022)
All My Rage weaves together the stories of three compelling characters: Noor, Salahudin (Sal), and Misbah. Noor and Sal, once inseparable best friends, find their paths diverging as they pursue different aspirations. Noor is secretly applying to college while evading her bad-tempered guardian, and Sal is attempting to save his parents’ debt-laden motel as his father battles alcoholism. We’re also whisked back in time to Sal’s mom Misbah’s past in Pakistan, unraveling the events that led her to Juniper, California.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman (2019)
Originally a celebrated webcomic series on Tumblr, Heartstopper is another trending #booktok favorite, now an LGBTQ+ graphic series written and illustrated by the talented Oseman. The story unfolds at the fictional Truham Grammar School, centering on the endearing connection between British schoolboys Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. With each volume, Heartstopper navigates the rollercoaster of first love, the nuances of friendship, the journey of coming out, and mental health—the essence of a great YA read.
