I read a TON of YA. One of the things I love about YA is how it can package such heavy topics and make them more understandable. I have also found that whenever I am in a book rut, they are the perfect solution. Here are a few of my favorite young adult reads!
(Here is a picture of me and my book bag for an inside look at my youth)
For the person who rereads Harry Potter every year:
The Trials of Morrigan Crow - I really enjoyed this book. It has just enough HP vibes to fill that hole in my heart. It is also middle grade which makes it a quick read!
If fantasy is too intimidating:
A Wrinkle in Time - I really wish I could read more fantasy. Honestly, I am really intimate by the page count and the complex world-building. This brings me back to my favorite genre, YA :) I still claim this as my favorite book. It is really the book that made me love reading.
For the fight for justice:
The Hate U Give - There are not many books I would say should be required reading, but this is one. Read this book.
If you want something dark and twisty:
Girl In Pieces - TW this book does feature a girl who cuts. I found this book to be so profound, and it has really stayed with me. I really loved the narration style, and the character development is fantastic.
If you love a story with teenage angst:
Emmy and Oliver - This book has a great sense of place. This is a beautiful coming-of-age story that follows two friends. This book really has all the feels, which makes it a perfect YA read.
For the person who only listens to true crime podcasts:
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder - I loved this book. I know that high school Olivia would have loved this book. I love YA thrillers because I know I will never be too scared. This is a great one. The story is quick, and I can’t wait to read the sequel.
If the YA version of Knives Out is all you have been craving:
The Inheritance Games - I LOVED this book. I honestly could have read it in one sitting. It is so page turn-y. Highly recommend!
If you need something light:
The American Royals - I really love American history, and for that reason alone, I was really excited to read this book. If you need something light this summer, this is the book for you. It reminded me of the Princess Diaries, another one of my YA favs.
If you love a family saga:
I’ll Give You the Sun - I loved this book. It is very character-driven, and it is hard not to fall in love with the twins. It reminded me of John Green mixed with Celeste Ng.
If you want a YA perspective on grief:
Counting By 7s - This is one of my favorite books about grief. I highly recommend it. For sure, read with tissues. Then, go to the store and buy more tissues. This story is such a powerful coming-of-age story that has really stuck with me even years after I read it.
If you want an impossible love story:
Everything, Everything - This was another one that I couldn’t put down. It is a really interesting look at family dynamics. It is filled with teenage angst, so many feelings.
If you want to run away from home:
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - This is another one of my all-time childhood favorites. If you have not read this classic, read it! It will warm your heart and give vision to the childhood fantasy of running away from home.
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