fiction books for young adults

The 100 Best YA Books of All Time

With a panel of celebrated authors—Elizabeth Acevedo, Kacen Callender, Jenny Han, Jason Reynolds, Adam Silvera, Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon—TIME presents the most compelling, enlightening and influential young-adult books, in chronological order beginning in the 1800s

Jason Reynolds: YA Books Make Us Feel Safe to Be Who We Really Are

Little Women

By louisa may alcott.

Anne of Green Gables

By l. m. montgomery.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

By betty smith.

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

By anne frank.

The Catcher in the Rye

By j.d. salinger.

Lord of the Flies

By william golding.

To Kill a Mockingbird

By harper lee.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

By e.l. konigsburg.

A Wizard of Earthsea

By ursula k. le guin.

I'll Get There. It Better Be Worth the Trip

By john donovan.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

By judy blume.

A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ but a Sandwich

By alice childress.

Tuck Everlasting

By natalie babbitt.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

By mildred d. taylor.

A Swiftly Tilting Planet

By madeleine l'engle.

The Westing Game

By ellen raskin.

by Cynthia Voigt

The House on Mango Street

By sandra cisneros.

Weetzie Bat

By francesca lia block.

by Lois Lowry

Ella Enchanted

By gail carson levine.

by Louis Sachar

If You Come Softly

By jacqueline woodson.

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging

By louise rennison.

by Walter Dean Myers

by Laurie Halse Anderson

by Jerry Spinelli

The Princess Diaries

By meg cabot.

A Step from Heaven

Rainbow Boys

By alex sanchez.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

By ann brashares.

Before We Were Free

By julia alvarez.

by M.T. Anderson

by Marjane Satrapi

How I Live Now

By meg rosoff.

Code Talker

By joseph bruchac.

by Gabrielle Zevin

The Book Thief

By markus zusak.

The Lightning Thief

By rick riordan.

American Born Chinese

By gene luen yang.

by Sharon Draper

by Coe Booth

by Kristin Cashore

The Hunger Games

By suzanne collins.

Ship Breaker

By paolo bacigalupi.

Akata Witch

By nnedi okorafor.

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

By laini taylor.

by Marie Lu

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

By benjamin alire sáenz.

Code Name Verity

By elizabeth wein.

by David Levithan

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

By jesse andrews.

The Fault in Our Stars

By john green.

If You Could Be Mine

By sara farizan.

March: Book One

By john lewis and andrew aydin, illustrated by nate powell.

Brown Girl Dreaming

I'll Give You the Sun

By jandy nelson.

by John Corey Whaley

The Crossover

By kwame alexander.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

By jenny han.

An Ember in the Ashes

By sabaa tahir.

by Julie Murphy

Everything, Everything

By nicola yoon.

March: Book Two

More Happy Than Not

By adam silvera.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

By becky albertalli.

Six of Crows

By leigh bardugo.

Salt to the Sea

By ruta sepetys.

by Neal Shusterman

The Sun Is Also a Star

We Are the Ants

By shaun david hutchinson.

When the Moon Was Ours

By anna-marie mclemore.

by Tiffany D. Jackson

American Street

By ibi zoboi.

Dear Martin

By nic stone.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

By erika l. sánchez.

Long Way Down

By jason reynolds.

by Dashka Slater

The Hate U Give

By angie thomas.

The Marrow Thieves

By cherie dimaline.

We Are Okay

By nina lacour.

When Dimple Met Rishi

By sandhya menon.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea

By tahereh mafi.

Children of Blood and Bone

By tomi adeyemi.

Darius the Great Is Not Okay

By adib khorram.

The Astonishing Color of After

By emily x.r. pan.

by Elizabeth Acevedo

Frankly in Love

By david yoon.

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me

By mariko tamaki, illustrated by rosemary valero-o’connell.

Like a Love Story

By abdi nazemian.

by Akwaeke Emezi

With the Fire on High

The Black Flamingo

By dean atta.

Felix Ever After

By kacen callender.

by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

The Henna Wars

By adiba jaigirdar.

We Are Not Free

By traci chee.

You Should See Me In a Crown

By leah johnson.

Firekeeper's Daughter

By angeline boulley.

Books | Best Sellers

Young adult hardcover - january 09, 2022.

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A reimagining of the Brothers Grimm tale "Rumpelstiltskin."

The New York Times Book Review

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50 best YA books to read right now

From teen romances to epic fantasy , here's our round-up of the best young adult fiction, that adults will love too..

If you can't get enough young adult fiction, you're not alone. Here we share our edit of the best new young adult fiction of 2024, take a look back at the best of 2023, and list our top YA books of all time. 

The best new YA books of 2024

A tempest of tea, by hafsah faizal.

Arthie Casimir is a notorious criminal and keeper of secrets in White Roaring. By night, her esteemed tearoom becomes an illicit bloodhouse serving the feared vampires. When her venture is at risk, Arthie must negotiate an unexpected pact with a captivating foe, leading her to assemble an unlikely team of talented misfits. Their mission: penetrate the enigmatic vampire society, the Athereum. But with trust issues within her crew and a larger conspiracy unveiling, Arthie's world is on the brink of upheaval. This suspenseful, romantic novel showcases Hafsah Faizal at her finest.

American Born Chinese

By gene luen yang.

The book that inspired the hit Disney+ show, Gene Yang’s graphic novel interweaves Chinese mythology and the realities of race, friendship and the American Dream through the story of teenager Jin Wang. As he walks through the bustling hallways of his new school, Jin soon realises that he’s the only American born Chinese kid on campus and that blending in is going to be harder than he hoped. With a twist that you’ll never see coming, and characters you’ll fall in love with, American Born Chinese is a must-read.

The Getaway List

By emma lord.

After years of being the “Good Kid” in high school, Riley is desperate for a change. So, after graduation she packs her bags for an epic summer in New York with her best friend Tom and a mission to do everything on her Getaway List. As the pair explore the city with their newfound friends, Riley starts to see Tom in a new light. Will her summer of adventure turn into a summer of love? 

Lunar New Year Love Story

Val has had such little luck in love that she’s convinced she’s cursed and is ready to give up on finding someone special. But, when she runs into two handsome lion dancers at a New Year parade, something changes and Val wonders if she’s destined to find her person after all. A new graphic novel with family and love at its heart, Lunar New Year Love Story is published just in time for the start of the Year of the Dragon.  

by Theo Parish

Even when you grow up in a loving household with relaxed gender roles, the pressures from the outside world to fit in can be. . . a lot! Theo is trans and non-binary and knows that there is no one way to be, but inspired by superheroes, role-playing games and comic con, they find confidence to rebuild their image in a way that feels truly themselves. This YA graphic novel is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt like they don't belong, as author-illustrator Theo Parish takes readers through a beautifully heart-lifting story of discovering what it means to live life on your own terms.

Scattered Showers

By rainbow rowell.

Scattered Showers promises tales of love and life in nine poignant and relatable short stories, including a boy-meets-girl classic, an imaginary romance and a holiday adventure. Complete with irresistible characters and hilarious dialogue, Rainbow Rowell's new collection is YA storytelling at its finest. 

The best YA books of 2023

This dark descent, by kalyn josephson.

Life has not been easy for Mikira Rusel, the heroine of this brand-new YA fantasy series set in the magical and corrupt world of Veradell. When forced to confront a penniless future without her beloved father, she sets out to change her destiny the only way she knows: by winning a high-stakes equestrian competition with as many dangers as it has rewards. Will Mikira make it to the finish line, or will she fail in her quest? A magical YA fantasy based on Jewish folklore from an exciting new voice, This Dark Descent is a must-read. 

The Changing Man

By tomi oyemakinde.

With its hallowed halls, snarky students, and traditions steeped in history, Ife feels out of place the minute she steps through the doors of her prestigious new boarding school. And, as she settles into school life, she can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. When students start to go missing, her suspicions are confirmed. Determined to find the truth behind the differences and the mysterious legend of the Changing Man, Ife and her friend Ben find themselves in even more danger than they ever imagined. 

Our Cursed Love

By julie abe.

Remy is hopelessly in love with her best friend and has decided that their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan is the perfect time to finally tell him. But her plans are ruined after visiting an ancient apothecary shop, where Cam’s memories are wiped after he drinks a magical elixir. Racing against the clock, only Remy can help Cam remember her, and keep her dream of love alive. A magical holiday romance with a twist, Our Cursed Love will have you hanging onto every page. 

Friends with Boys

By faith erin hicks.

A spooky YA graphic novel, this coming-of-age tale is a must-read. When Maggie McKay finds herself leaving her perfect homeschooling existence, and her brothers, for the perilous world of high school, she naturally feels a little nervous. But as she faces the outside world on her own for the first time, Maggie has a problem no other teens have to deal with: a gloomy ghost who follows her around wherever she goes. Join Maggie as she navigates her new world, and solving the mystery of her spooky friend with hilarious consequences! 

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong

By prudence shen.

If you’re a Heartstopper fan looking for a new obsession, this hilarious YA graphic novel is for you. When Charlie (dreamy basketball-team captain) and Nate (nerdy robotics club president) find themselves at war thanks to a cheerleader driven feud, there’s more than their friendship at stake. With robots, rivalry, friendship and high-school tropes at it’s heart, Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong is a heartwarming and feel-good read you can’t miss. 

One Year at Ellsmere

A feel-good graphic novel from Faith Erin Hicks, One Year at Ellsmere is a story about friendship, fitting in and standing up for what you believe in. When Juniper wins a scholarship to the ultra prestigious Ellsmere Academy she thinks she will be the perfect fit. But as soon as she sets foot on the hallowed grounds, she realises fitting in won’t be as easy as she thought. As she navigates Ellsmere’s cliques and tries to avoid the magical beast rumoured to roam the school grounds, Juniper finds her feet, and sets out to prove her haters wrong. 

A magical tale of true love, set in a Tokyo enveloped in winter snow on New Year’s Eve, Our Cursed Love is the perfect novel to curl up with this season. When Remy sets off on a once in a lifetime trip to Japan, she decides it is the perfect time to tell her best friend Cam how she feels about him. But after a trip to a magical apothecary goes wrong and Cam forgets who Remy is, the pair set off on a whirlwind trip through Tokyo to reclaim Cam’s memories and give their love story a second chance. 

Blood and Moonlight

By erin beaty.

When orphan Catrin witnesses a murder she should never have seen, the course of her life changes forever. Plunged into a world ruled by darkness, she finds herself torn between the killer and Simon, a detective with a brilliant mind who is determined to find the perpetrator. As Catrin becomes embroiled in solving the case, her own secret threatens to spill out, and risk everyone she loves in the process. Blood and Moonlight is followed by the second novel in this addictive fantasy mystery series, Silence and Shadow . 

Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy

When hot-headed hockey star Alix finds herself in trouble after punching her teammate, her biggest fear is being kicked off the team she loves. Enter calm, cool theatre kid Ezra, who offers to help her control her temper. As the pair start to spend time together, Alix finds herself wondering if maybe what she wants is more than just friendship, and whether her unlikely new friend feels the same? Funny, feelgood and packed with high-school drama, Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy is the perfect graphic novel for fans of Heartstopper . 

An Improbable Season

By rosalyn eves.

Calling all Bridgerton fans! An Improbable Season is your next read. This historical romance about three young women following their dreams will transport you straight into the world of Regency London. As Thalia, Kalliope, and Charis embark on their first season, they’re all more focused on the bright lights of London than the eligible bachelors they’re set to meet. Sadly, the trio soon realise that success won’t be quite as simple to find as they had hoped. As they set out to rescue their season, will the young women be swept up in romance? Find out in this charming, feel-good full-hearted novel. 

Cupid's Revenge

By wibke brueggemann.

It was never Tilly's intention to fall in love, but Cupid will get you when you least expect it . . . Tilly isn't looking for a girlfriend, but her best friend Teddy is. Enter Katherine Cooper-Bunting: beautiful, charming, and perfect for Teddy. So why does Tilly find herself using any excuse to join the theatre production they're starring in? And why can't she stop thinking about Katherine? Cupid's Revenge is a hilariously honest novel full of heart, from Wibke Brueggemann, author of   Love is for Losers . 

Fake Dates and Mooncakes

By sher lee.

Meet Dylan Tang: he juggles school and delivery runs for his aunt’s struggling Chinese takeout in Brooklyn. Winning a mooncake competition could bring the publicity they need to stay afloat. Enter Theo Somers: a charming, wealthy customer who convinces Dylan to be his fake date to a family wedding full of crazy rich drama. Their romance is supposed to be just for show, but soon Dylan’s falling for Theo — for real. With the mooncake contest looming, Dylan can’t risk being distracted by rich-people problems. Can he save his family’s business and follow his heart? 

I Wish You All the Best

By mason deaver.

This tender story about a non-binary teen is a celebration of life and love, and a shining example of hope in the face of adversity. When Ben De Backer comes out as nonbinary, it doesn’t go down as planned: they are thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister. Ben tries to keep a low profile in school until Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As their friendship grows, their feelings begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier, new life.

by Frances Hardinge

Called her ‘best yet’ by the Guardian, Hardinge expertly weaves together mythology and mystery in her brilliant YA fantasy novel, Unraveller . In a world where anyone can cast a life-destroying curse, only one person has the power to unravel them. Kellen does not fully understand his unique gift, but helps those who are cursed, like his friend Nettle who was trapped in the body of a bird for years. She is now Kellen's constant companion and his closest ally. But the Unraveller carries a curse himself and, unless he and Nettle can remove it, Kellen is a danger to everything – and everyone – around him. 

Promise Boys

By nick brooks.

Nick Brooks's  Promise Boys  is a trailblazing, blockbuster YA mystery about three teen boys of colour who must investigate their principal’s murder to clear their own names. When Principal Moore, headteacher at the Urban Promise Prep School is murdered, J.B., Ramón and Trey emerge as the case's prime suspects. With all three maintaining their innocence, they must track down the real killer before they are arrested. This YA thriller shines a glaring light on how the system, condemns Black and Latinx teen boys to failure before they've even had a chance at success. 

Begin Again

From the bestselling author of Tweet Cute and You Have a Match comes Begin Again — an unforgettable story of love and starting again. Andie Rose has a plan: transfer to the competitive Blue Ridge State and chase her goal of becoming an iconic self-help figure. But once she arrives and meets Milo, her plans quickly disintegrate. He redefines all her ideas about love and relationships, pushing Andie's relationship with boyfriend Connor to breaking point. Sometimes, when all your plans are rubble at your feet, you find out what you're made of.

I Kissed Shara Wheeler

By casey mcquiston.

Chloe Green wants to be a winner. Her moms have moved her from SoCal to Alabama for high school, and she has had to spend four years navigating gossips and the puritans who run Willowgrove Christian Academy. She is determined to win valedictorian, and only prom queen Shara Wheeler stands in her way. But, a month before they graduate, Shara kisses Chloe and disappears. Chloe launches an investigation with some fellow students –  quarterback Smith and bad boy Rory. Could it be there's more to Shara than meets the eye? 

The best YA books of all time

Are you there, god it's me, margaret, by judy blume.

With the release of a major film adaptation starring Rachel McAdams, there is no better time to discover the new edition of this hilarious coming-of-age classic by Judy Blume . Meet Margaret. She's going through all the same things most teenage girls have to face, but no matter how hard she tries, she can't shake the feeling that she's simply not normal. Meanwhile, everyone else seems really sure of who they are. And, worst of all, she's a 'late developer'. It's too embarrassing to talk to her parents about these things. So she talks to God instead – and waits for an answer. 

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More books by Judy Blume

We hunt the flame.

Another TikTok sensation , We Hunt the Flame  is a brilliant debut about exploration and claiming your own identity. Zafira is a Hunter, who disguises herself as a man to try to provide for her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, a notorious assassin in thrall to his sultan father. Both are reluctant legends, and both are on dangerous missions. As they embark on these perilous tasks, a long buried evil begins to stir.

Journey to the River Sea

By eva ibbotson.

Orphan Maia is on a mission to meet her long-lost relatives a thousand miles up the Amazon. But instead of the warm family she has waited for, she is met by two mean cousins who can't stand the outdoors. The wonders of the rainforest lure Maia outside, where she meets a lone boy on the wild river shore. And a whole new adventure begins. This beautiful 20th anniversary edition of Eva Ibbotson 's classic and award winning Amazon adventure story comes with an introduction by prize-winning author of Letters from the Lighthouse Emma Carroll. 

They Both Die at the End

By adam silvera.

This YA novel tells the story of teenage boys Mateo and Rufus, who discover they have just one day to live. These total strangers meet courtesy of the Last Friend app and decide to share End Day, with Last Friend enabling them to experience a lifetime of rich and edgy experiences in just one day. Thanks to the #booktok hashtag, the novel became an international bestselling smash three years after it was first published.

by Marissa Meyer

This is Wonderland remixed, telling the story of the girl who would go on to become the infamous Queen of Hearts. The girl, Catherine Pinkerton, is looking for love, but despite being favoured by the King of Hearts, her own heart lies elsewhere. Her great ambition is to open a bakery with her best friend, a goal considered inappropriate for a future queen. Then Catherine falls for Jest, the good looking and enigmatic court jester. She his determined to find her own path in life and in love, but in a land of magic and madness, fate steps in . . .

Gossip Girl meets You’ve Got Mail in this intensely likeable romance. Pepper is a chronic overachiever and the secret voice of Big League Burger's massive Twitter account. Jack is the class clown working part-time at his family’s deli, unknowingly engaged in a viral Twitter war with Pepper about grilled cheese. And then they meet on an anonymous chat app. . .

My Mechanical Romance

By alexene farol follmuth.

When Bel accidentally reveals a talent for engineering at school, she’s forced into joining the robotics club. Enter Mateo Luna, perfect on paper – captain of the football team and the robotics club – who recognizes Bel as a potential asset, even if they couldn’t be more different. And as the nights of after–school work grow longer, Bel and Teo realize they've made more than just a combat–ready robot for the championship: they’ve made a connection themselves. But with graduation approaching, their differences and what they want for their futures, threatens what they’ve built together. 

The Cemetery Boys

By aiden thomas.

Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him. Attempting to prove his abilities to his family by contacting his cousin, he accidentally brings back the high school’s resident bad boy, Julian Diaz, and Julian won’t go into death quietly. The two must work together if Yadriel is to carry out his plan and show himself to be a true brujo (sorcerer) but the more time the two spend together, the less Yadrial wants Julian to leave. An LGBTQIA+ story about magic and acceptance.

Tokyo Dreaming

By emiko jean.

Japanese-American Izumi Tanaka became a princess overnight, when she realised that her dad was the Crown Prince of Japan. Life as a princess isn't all it's cracked up to be, with plotting cousins, nosy journalists and an imperial scandal. But with her bodyguard turned boyfriend and dog Tamagotchi things seem to be on the up for Izumi, especially when her parents rekindle their college affair and get engaged. Then the Imperial Household Council steps in and tries to stop the marriage, leaving Izumi struggling to keep her newly acquired happiness on track . . .

Mark My Words

By muhammad khan.

Dua Iqbal has always been open to new stories: she is persuasive and curious, and a job as a journalist seems like a good move for the fifteen year old. When her school merges with another one, Dua seizes the moment and establishes a rival newspaper, packed with stories that some teachers and kids would rather not be told. Dua is digging deep, and as exams draw closer, she has to decide when to just let things lie. But when she discovers that some of the pupils are being falsely accused of selling drugs, it's time to speak up and speak out.

Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments

By t. l. huchu.

When Ropa Moyo takes on a second job to fund her internship (at an occult underground library) she finds herself turning detective. Her new role is at Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments, a very specialized hospital, where a new illness is resisting all treatments – medical and magical. Investigating, Ropa uncovers an avenging spirit, a lost fortune and a secret deep in Scotland’s past. But how are they connected, and can they help the patients of Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments?

Noughts & Crosses

By malorie blackman.

In the award-winning Noughts and Crosses sequence, Malorie Blackman creates a dystopian world in which the white Noughts are treated as an inferior race, while the black Crosses are born into privilege and perceived as superior in every sense. It follows Sephy and Callum, who, despite the friendship they have shared since they were children, are fated to be bitter enemies. Sephy is a Cross, dark-skinned, beautiful and the daughter of a powerful politician, while Callum is a Nought, white and poor, existing to serve Crosses and nothing more. But against all odds, star-crossed lovers Sephy and Callum choose each other. 

Rainbow Rowell shares Judy Blume’s deep understanding of how teenagers think and this funny and sweet coming-of-age story reads like  Forever  for the Internet age. Cath and Wren are identical twins who, until recently, did absolutely everything together. Now they're off to university and Wren's decided she doesn't want to be one half of a pair any more. It's not so easy for Cath. She's horribly shy and has always buried herself in the fan fiction she writes. Without Wren Cath is completely on her own and totally outside her comfort zone. Now Cath must decide whether she's ready to open her heart to new people and new experiences.

The Hunger Games

By suzanne collins.

In the remains of what was North America lies the nation of Panem, with its twelve outlying districts. Each district must send one boy and one girl each year to compete in the Hunger Games, a live televised fight to the death. For sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen the call up seems like a death sentence. But she has faced death and won before. As battle commences, Katniss must choose between survival and her own humanity.

Children of Blood and Bone

By tomi adeyemi.

Children on Bood and Bone is the first in an unmissable fantasy series that draws on African culture and mythology to create a mesmerizing, fantastical world. Protagonist Zélie once lived in a world of magic, but now those who call themselves  maji  are hunted down by a ruthless king. Zélie is determined to restore magic, but it may be her own powers that prove the most difficult to master. It’s a coming-of-age story about self-discovery with a tumultuous background; there’s a reason this one couldn’t be pushed from the bestsellers list for so long. 

Deeplight  is a mystical fantasy book from the author Sarah Perry described as ‘one of our finest storytellers’:  Frances Hardinge . For centuries, the gods of the Undersea have ruled the islands of the Myriad through awe and terror. Sacrifices were hurled into the waters to appease them, and every boat was painted with pleading eyes to entreat their mercy. They were served, feared and adored. Then, thirty years ago, the gods rose up in madness and tore each other apart. Now, the gods are nothing but a collection of valuable scraps to be scavenged from the ocean and sold. But something is pulsing beneath the waves, calling to someone brave enough to retrieve it.

Opposite of Always

By justin a. reynolds.

When Jack and Kate meet at a party, Jack knows he’s found someone he could share the rest of his life with. Just months later, Kate dies – but their story doesn’t end there. Kate’s death sends Jack back in time to the moment they first met, giving him multiple chances to change their destiny, and save Kate’s life.

Kick the Moon

Fifteen-year-old Ilyas is under pressure from everyone in his life: his dad wants him to join the family business, GCSEs are looming, and nobody seems to care that Ilyas just wants to draw comic books. Nobody, that is, except his new best friend Kelly, the school good girl who’s the first person to actually understand him. But when local bad boy Imran decides to seduce Kelly for a bet, Ilyas has to choose between a confrontation that could endanger his family and losing the person who’s most important to him.

Field Notes on Love

By jennifer e. smith.

Hugo and his girlfriend have the perfect romantic trip planned together – travelling across America by train. But then she dumps him. She leaves him the tickets as a parting gift, the only problem is that they’re in her name, and they’re non-transferable. Desperate to get away, Hugo advertises for a replacement Margaret Campbell, which is where Mae comes in. After getting rejected from film school, she’s looking for a new adventure and a cross-country trip with a stranger will prove to be just that.

What She Found in the Woods

By josephine angelini.

World-weary New York teen Magda is on her last chance. After setting off a scandal in the elite New York City private school scene, she’s been shipped off to her grandparents’ sleepy Pacific Northwest town. Over-medicated and uninspired, she finds her only solace in the beautiful hiking trails behind her grandparents’ cottage. Then she meets Bo who gives her hope that there might be a second chapter to her life story. That is until a series of crimes start breaking out across the region, and a body is found in the woods near Bo’s encampment. Soon it’s clear that Magda’s nightmare is just beginning. 

No Big Deal

By bethany rutter.

This is the debut novel from body positive influencer, Bethany Rutter, and it follows Emily Daly, a stylish, cute, intelligent and hilarious seventeen-year-old about to start her last year at school. Emily is also fat. She likes herself and her body. When she meets Joe at a house party, he instantly becomes The Crush of Her Life. But, as they spend more time together, doubts start to creep in. With her mum trying new fad diets every week and increasing pressure to change, Emily faces a constant battle to stay strong, be her true self and not change for anyone.

Ophelia After All

Racquel Marie

You've Reached Sam

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She Drives Me Crazy

Kelly Quindlen

Truth Be Told

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2012 Summer Books

Your favorites: 100 best-ever teen novels.

It's almost a cliche at this point to say that teen fiction isn't just for teens anymore. Just last year, the Association of American Publishers ranked Children's/Young Adult books as the single fastest-growing publishing category.

Which is why we were only a little surprised to see the tremendous response that came in for this summer's Best-Ever Teen Fiction poll. A whopping 75,220 of you voted for your favorite young adult novels, blasting past the total for last year's science fiction and fantasy poll at, dare we say it, warp speed.

And now, the final results are in. While it's no surprise to see Harry Potter and the Hunger Games trilogy on top, this year's list also highlights some writers we weren't as familiar with. For example, John Green, author of the 2012 hit The Fault in Our Stars , appears five times in the top 100.

Selecting a manageable voting roster from among the more than 1,200 nominations that came in from readers wasn't easy, and we were happy to be able to rely on such an experienced panel of judges . But deciding what does and doesn't count as a young-adult novel isn't an exact science. If you're surprised not to see some of your favorite books among the winners, you might want to look at this blog post , which describes the thinking behind the tough calls.

Summer, like youth, is fleeting. But the books we read when we're young can stay with us for a lifetime. Here's hoping that when the school bell rings in a few short weeks, it will find you engrossed in just such a memorable read, selected by the NPR audience. Enjoy. (For your convenience, here's a printable version of the top-100 list , and here's a list of the 235 finalists .)

1. Harry Potter series

by J.K. Rowling

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2. The Hunger Games series

by Suzanne Collins

3. To Kill a Mockingbird

by Harper Lee

4. The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

5. The Hobbit

by J.R.R. Tolkien

6. The Catcher in the Rye

by J.D. Salinger

7. The Lord of the Rings

8. Fahrenheit 451

by Ray Bradbury

9. Looking for Alaska

10. The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

11. The Giver series

by Lois Lowry

12. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series

by Douglas Adams

13. The Outsiders

by S.E. Hinton

14. Anne of Green Gables series

by L.M. Montgomery

15. His Dark Materials series

by Philip Pullman

16. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

by Stephen Chbosky

17. The Princess Bride

by William Goldman

18. Lord of the Flies

by William Golding

19. Divergent series

by Veronica Roth

20. Paper Towns

21. The Mortal Instruments series

by Cassandra Clare

22. An Abundance of Katherines

23. Flowers For Algernon

by Daniel Keyes

24. Thirteen Reasons Why

by Jay Asher

25. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

by Mark Haddon

by Laurie Halse Anderson

27. Twilight series

by Stephenie Meyer

28. Uglies series

by Scott Westerfeld

29. The Infernal Devices series

30. Tuck Everlasting

by Natalie Babbitt

31. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

by Sherman Alexie

32. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series

by Ann Brashares

33. The Call of the Wild

by Jack London

34. Will Grayson, Will Grayson

by John Green and David Levithan

35. Go Ask Alice

by Anonymous

36. Howl's Moving Castle

by Diana Wynne Jones

37. Stargirl

by Jerry Spinelli

38. A Separate Peace

by John Knowles

39. Vampire Academy series

by Richelle Mead

40. Abhorsen Trilogy

by Garth Nix

by Frank Herbert

42. Discworld / Tiffany Aching series

by Terry Pratchett

43. My Sister's Keeper

by Jodi Picoult

44. The Dark is Rising Sequence

by Susan Cooper

45. Graceling series

by Kristin Cashore

46. Forever...

by Judy Blume

47. Earthsea series

by Ursula K. Le Guin

48. The Inheritance Cycle

by Christopher Paolini

49. The Princess Diaries series

by Meg Cabot

50. Song of the Lioness series

by Tamora Pierce

51. Treasure Island

by Robert Louis Stevenson

52. Delirium series

by Lauren Oliver

53. Anna and the French Kiss

by Stephanie Perkins

54. Hush, Hush Saga

by Becca Fitzpatrick

55. 13 Little Blue Envelopes

by Maureen Johnson

56. It's Kind of a Funny Story

by Ned Vizzini

57. The Gemma Doyle Trilogy

by Libba Bray

58. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs

59. The House on Mango Street

by Sandra Cisneros

60. Something Wicked This Way Comes

61. The Chocolate War

by Robert Cormier

62. Just Listen

by Sarah Dessen

63. A Ring of Endless Light

by Madeleine L'Engle

64. The Truth About Forever

65. The Bartimaeus Trilogy

by Jonathan Stroud

66. Bloodlines series

67. Fallen series

by Lauren Kate

68. House of Night series

by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

69. I Capture the Castle

by Dodie Smith

70. Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

71. Before I Fall

by Neal Shusterman

73. The Last Unicorn

by Peter S. Beagle

74. The Maze Runner series

by James Dashner

75. If I Stay

by Gayle Forman

76. The Blue Sword

by Robin McKinley

77. Crank series

by Ellen Hopkins

78. Matched series

by Ally Condie

79. Gallagher Girls series

by Ally Carter

80. The Goose Girl

by Shannon Hale

81. Daughter of the Lioness / Tricksters series

82. I Am the Messenger

83. The Immortals series

84. The Enchanted Forest Chronicles

by Patricia C. Wrede

85. Chaos Walking series

by Patrick Ness

86. Circle of Magic series

87. Daughter of Smoke & Bone

by Laini Taylor

by M. T. Anderson

89. Weetzie Bat series

by Francesca Lia Block

90. Along for the Ride

91. Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series

by Louise Rennison

92. Leviathan series

93. The House of the Scorpion

by Nancy Farmer

94. The Chronicles of Chrestomanci

95. This Lullaby

96. Gone series

by Michael Grant

97. Shiver Trilogy

by Maggie Stiefvater

98. The Hero and the Crown

99. Wintergirls

100. Betsy-Tacy Books

by Maud Hart Lovelace and Lois Lenski

28 entertaining and thought-provoking YA novels that even adults will love

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• Young adult fiction is written and marketed for teens from 13-18 years old.
• But adults love reading YA books too because they're important, accessible, and fun.
• Here are the best YA novels for adults, including " Clap When You Land " and " Six of Crows ."

For the first few years of my 20s, I kept it a secret that I still loved young adult books, fearing I'd be judged for enjoying stories with adolescent protagonists and problems. As I met more YA fans, I was genuinely thrilled to learn that I wasn't alone — that so many adults love YA stories because they're fun to read and tackle a variety of difficult or complex issues in remarkably accessible ways. 

Young adult books are written and marketed for teenagers, but span every subject and genre from fantasy to romance. As an adult, my favorite young adult novels are the ones that would have been a good influence on me when I was a teen, teaching me a lesson that I might not have learned in my own high school and broadening my understanding of real problems in the world. 

28 YA books adults will love:

A very relevant ya novel.

"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas

"The Hate U Give" is a young adult novel that has started necessary discussions about race and police brutality in America. Starr Carter is in the passenger seat when Khalil, her best friend, is shot by a police officer during a traffic stop. The story makes national news, with outlets labeling Khalil a "thug" and "drug dealer" as protestors take to the streets to demand change. Starr, being the only witness, has millions of eyes on her as her community and the country wait to hear what she'll say about that night. This book is beloved for how vividly it depicts real situations, especially in the spotlight of the Black Lives Matter movement today.

Why it's great for adults: It depicts a sensitive subject in an honest way.

A painful but important YA read

"Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

In this incredibly powerful story about strength in the face of trauma, Melinda is an outcast at her high school after she called the police during an end-of-school party. But the other students don't know she was sexually assaulted at that party, or that the person who hurt her is still at her school. Slowly, Melinda learns how to find her voice and fight for herself, making this novel not only a realistic depiction of how we process trauma, but also an inspiration to readers looking to speak up for themselves more. 

Why it's great for adults: It's a powerful story of learning to find your voice.

A classic World War II-era YA book

"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak

This book takes place in 1939 Nazi Germany, where Liesel love of reading pushes her to steal books from Nazi book-burnings, personal libraries, and anywhere else. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jewish man in their basement, Liesel's understanding of the state of the world grows as the space she is allowed to occupy shrinks. This book is intense and was initially not published as YA fiction, but was quickly adopted by the genre due to the narrator's young perspective.

Why it's great for adults: It's a strong, untold Holocust-era story.

The YA story of a bittersweet bond

"Clap When You Land" by Elizabeth Acevedo

Camino is waiting for her father to land in the Dominican Republic when she learns that his plane has crashed — at the same time that Yaharia finds out that her father was killed on his flight from New York. The girls soon learn that their shared father kept their relationship as half-siblings hidden , bonding through the pain of loss and forgiveness. This book is heartfelt and often gut-wrenching, and if you love it like so many readers do, " The Poet X " and " With the Fire on High " are two others by Acevedo to pick up next. 

Why it's great for adults: It's hopeful in the face of a harsh reality.

A widely adored YA fantasy

"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J Maas

Though sexier and grittier than many of its YA counterparts, this fantasy series (lovingly dubbed "ACOTAR") is one that's arguably been read by more adults than teens. This is a light "Beauty and the Beast" retelling, but Sarah J Maas takes the story far beyond the classic tale. While hunting a wolf, Feyre is captured by Tamlin, a faerie. Feyre adapts to her new home and captor,  but as her feelings grow, so does the looming threat of a wicked shadow that threatens the world of the Fae she now loves. 

Why it's great for adults: The irresistibly romantic storyline.

An intense YA sci-fi

"Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline

Sometimes, sci-fi or dystopian novels can get complicated to follow, but the world-building in "Ready Player One" is done in such a way that it's easy to imagine the characters and settings. Wade Watts — like many others — only feels alive when he's playing the virtual reality game OASIS. When the creator of OASIS dies, he leaves behind clues inside the game that lead to the ultimate prize: The inheritance of his fortune and control of the game. Set in 2045, this story is an intergalactic, dangerous scavenger hunt – and a page-turner throughout all of it.

Why it's great for adults: The nostalgic '80s references.

An emotional YA masterpiece

"The Stars and the Blackness Between Them" by Junauda Petrus

Though this book is by no means a fantasy story, it feels like there's whimsical magic sparkling between the pages. It's about two Black girls from very different backgrounds who are determined to find love and happiness in a world that wants to deny them both. Junauda Petrus manages to let us into the most intimate spaces of a soul as we watch this romantic relationship unfold. It's an emotionally intense favorite for so many adults and teens looking for a great novel centering on BIPOC and queer protagonists. 

Why it's great for adults: The magical descriptions that depict soulmate-level love.

A foster family YA story

"What I Carry" by Jennifer Longo

Muir is a teenager about to age out of the foster system, having spent her entire life packing light and not getting emotionally attached to anyone, anywhere, or anything. I loved this book as an adult because I wanted to reach out to Muir and tell her that she wasn't alone,  but instead got to read the story of her discovering that for herself, with plenty of great characters to help her along the way.

Why it's great for adults: The emotional depth of the main character feels relatable.

A well-loved YA underdog tale

"Wonder" by R. J. Palacio

This is one where you root for the main character so hard that by the time the end of the book comes around, the story is permanently part of your heart. "Wonder" tells the story of August, a 5th grader born with a facial difference, attending public school for the first time. It includes his classmates, his parents, his sister, and all the people around August that make his transition into elementary school one of trial and triumph. 

Why it's great for adults: The natural desire to protect August from the real world.

A contemporary novel that glows with Black, queer joy

"You Should See Me In A Crown" by Leah Johnson

Liz believes she's too much for her small town — too Black, too awkward, too poor — so her sights are set on Pennington College where she dreams of playing in the orchestra and becoming a doctor — until her financial aid falls through and her dreams fall apart. Liz remembers that her school offers scholarships to the prom king and queen, so even though prom is the last thing on Liz's mind, she'll do anything if it means getting out of Indiana. This book was hailed as one of the best YA contemporary novels of 2020.

Why it's great for adults: It's so much more than a typical teen love story.

A queer YA love story

"Autoboyography" by Christina Lauren

When Tanner's family moves, he decides to hide his bisexuality and coast through his high school graduation. But when his new friend Autumn dares him to take a prestigious class where he has to write a book in four months, he can't resist opening up. This novel tackles big topics of sexuality, identity, religion, and friendship, seamlessly weaving all these elements together. 

Why it's great for adults: The wise-beyond-their-years friendship between Tanner and Autumn.

A YA story of strong familial bonds

"Far From the Tree" by Robin Benway

If you're looking for a YA full of complex emotions, this book hits the nail on the head. Grace was adopted at birth, and after putting up her own child for adoption, goes looking for her biological family. She soon finds out that she's the middle child of two very different siblings, Maya and Joaquin. Joaquin's struggle with anger and distrust after spending 17 years in foster care is what made this novel really stand out to me because the author nurtures the emotions of her characters in such a unique way. 

Why it's great for adults: The thoughtful, thorough depiction of teenage struggles. 

A dark YA fantasy

"Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

"Six of Crows" is a fast-paced fantasy heist novel where a band of criminal misfits works together to pull off a potentially deadly mission with irresistible rewards — if they don't kill each other first. It's a twisty story within an impeccably built fantasy world, making it an adventurous,  picturesque rainy day novel you won't be able to put down.  

Why it's great for adults: The motley crew of misfit characters.

A highly poetic YA novel

"The Sun Is Also A Star" by Nicola Yoon

According to the universe, every moment of our lives is carefully calculated with a million possible futures. But if you ask Natasha, life boils down to science and facts. Natasha's family is 12 hours from being deported when she meets Daniel, who is torn between following his dreams of being a poet and following his parents' expectations. I grabbed this at the bookstore and was so immediately engrossed by the story, I read the first 100 pages without realizing I was still standing in the aisle.

Why it's great for adults: The tackling of big life problems at a young age.

A YA tale of grief and hope

"The Astonishing Color of After" by Emily X. R. Pan

In this story of magic and mourning, Leigh is certain that when her mother died by suicide, she turned into a bird. Leigh travels to Taiwan for the first time to meet her mother's parents, connect to the parts of her mother she never knew, and find her mother as a bird. This novel is a magical and deep work of art, capturing the fog and the clarity that circulates when we grieve. 

Why it's great for adults: The beautiful depiction of grief and mourning.

A post-9/11 YA story

"A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi

This book takes place one year after 9/11 and follows Shirin, a 16-year-old Muslim girl who is tired of enduring social, verbal, and even physical violence in reaction to her race and religion. Soon, Shirin meets Ocean James, who truly wants to get to know her despite their lives appearing worlds apart. This novel is raw and honest, something that's appreciated by readers especially when tackling difficult subjects like Islamophobia.

Why it's great for adults: The documentation of how the aftermath of 9/11 felt for Muslim Americans.

'The Grace Year'

"The Grace Year" by Kim Liggett

This is a YA survival story, reminiscent of both "The Hunger Games'' and "The Handmaid's Tale." In Garner Country, young women are banished for the 16th year of their life, marched into the woods, and abandoned so they may return pure and ready for marriage. No one talks about the grace year besides vague passing warnings of poachers, deadly elements, and the fear of hidden powers. This book reads like a fast-paced fever dream, where bravery and violence dominate a year of the protagonists' lives. 

Why it's great for adults: It's a badass feminist novel set in a dystopian world.

A YA story of self-discovery and love

"Felix Ever After" by Kacen Callender

This is a beautiful story of self-discovery, identity, and loving oneself. Felix has never been in love and fears he's too marginalized — Black, queer, and transgender — to ever find it. Felix finds himself in a complicated catfish/love-triangle situation when he decides to fight back against an anonymous online student who's sending him transphobic messages and posting his deadname online. This is a story you'll absolutely want more of as soon as you turn the final page. 

Why it's great for adults: Felix is a strong protagonist whose journey makes us so excited for him. 

An intersectional, wholesome romance

"The Henna Wars" by Adiba Jaigirdar

In a school competition to create their own businesses, Nishat and Flávia face off as rival henna artists. Nishat is frustrated after coming out to her parents and receiving a painful response — and now Flávia is appropriating her culture and stealing her sales. Nishat's journey is authentic because it's messy and imperfect — not every situation is magically handled correctly, and she second-guesses herself often. But it's a testament to trying to be better even when we struggle. 

Why it's great for adults: The complexity of the characters.

A YA sci-fi spin on a classic

"Cinder" by Marissa Meyer

The first book of a sci-fi retelling of "Cinderella," "Cinder" is a second-class cyborg mechanic in New Beijing hated by her stepmother, blamed for her stepsister's illness, and unaware that Earth's fate hinges on her. This is "Cinderella" meets "Sailor Moon," with a super interesting plot full of engaging characters. As a bonus, there are three follow-on retellings for when you inevitably fall in love with Marissa Meyer's style. 

Why it's great for adults: It's the badass version of a delicate princess story.

A difficult YA novel that comes with some trigger warnings

"Girl in Pieces" by Kathleen Glasgow

At age 17, Charlotte Davis has lost more people than many do in a lifetime. This is the story of putting yourself together while facing a world that's taken everything from you. There are some serious trigger warnings here about self-harm and addiction, but it's a painful and powerful novel of hope in the darkest moments of life.

Why it's great for adults: It addresses teenage mental health in an intimate way.

A modern classic we read in high school

"To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

Though many of us were forced to read this in high school, picking it back up as an adult often garners greater appreciation for this modern classic. It's a young girl's coming-of-age story through a world saturated by prejudice as her father defends a Black man unjustly accused of a horrible crime. Harper Lee's writing honors a difficult time in history, one that is important and still relevant.

Why it's great for adults: We can now understand how important it was to read this book when we were younger.

A cult YA favorite

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

This is a coming-of-age tale that fully encapsulates all the glory and awkwardness that is high school. It's a quick read, but manages to have something everyone can relate to. Charlie, the main character,  is astutely observant, a lifelong "wallflower" just trying to navigate high school with fantastic commentary that will leave adult readers nostalgic for even the most uncomfortable teenage years. 

Why it's great for adults: The throwbacks to high school.

A 50-year-old YA classic

"The Outsiders" by S. E. Hinton

"The Outsiders" is a classic YA novel that is dramatic, inspirational, and has shaped the expectations for modern YA stories. Ponyboy knows he can count on a few things in this life: His brothers, his friends, and the gang of rich kids that will always beat up kids like him. When someone takes things too far one night, this novel takes a turn. It changed young adult fiction from portraying perfect worlds with small, high school-level problems like making the football team or being voted prom queen, to embracing big, life-altering problems that are sometimes dark but very real.

Why it's great for adults: It's a classic that forever changed the YA genre.

A siren YA fantasy

"A Song Below Water" by Bethany C. Morrow

"A Song Below Water" is a modern fantasy about mythical Black sirens who face racism and sexism. Tavia is hiding her siren powers and Effie is battling literal demons from her past as the two best friends navigate their junior year of high school. In the aftermath of a siren murder trial, Tavia is accidentally discovered as a siren herself. Suddenly, nowhere seems safe — the only thing that can protect the girls is their sisterhood. With the backdrop of today's world, this YA fantasy tackles social issues by blending them with magic.

Why it's great for adults: It's an imaginative look at very real social problems.

A Mexican-American-centered YA book

"Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Exploring family and friendship, this novel features two Mexican-American teens, Aristotle and Dante, who are very different people with very different views of the world. They're each loners in their own ways, yet find lasting friendship and help each other discover their true identities. Throughout the novel, Aristotle and Dante become progressively more complex, creating a breathtaking story that might have you shedding a tear at the end.

Why it's great for adults: You'll fall in love with the writing style and unique characters.

A YA you can binge in one sitting

"They Both Die At The End" by Adam Silvera

Fair warning: Don't pick this one up until you are ready to read an entire book in one sitting — you won't be able to put it down once you start. It takes place over a single day, where just after midnight, Death-Cast calls both Mateo and Rufus to let them know they will die today. Total strangers, Mateo and Rufus find each other on the "Last Friend" app, specially made to connect people on their last day alive. 

Why it's great for adults: It's a satisfying, cry-worthy story of connection.

A quirky, queer YA romance

"Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli

In the first of Albertalli's "Simonverse" books, we meet Simon, who is still in the closet — except for corresponding with a mystery boy from his school through flirty and exposing emails. One of these emails falls into the wrong hands, and Simon finds himself being blackmailed while trying to navigate coming out of the closet before he's shoved out. It's a wonderful, geeky, romantic YA where it's easy to fall in love with Simon, his family, and his friends. 

Why it's great for adults: It's an emotionally mature handling of adolescent feelings.

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30 YA Books That Are Must-Reads for All Ages

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

YA may stand for “young adult,” but it comes as little surprise that the genre’s fast-paced plotting, relatable protagonists, and frank approach to difficult themes have come to resonate with readers of all ages. Besides, let’s face it: When it comes to inventive sociopolitical analysis and major cultural trends, YA has always been on the cutting edge. (After all, before Squid Game came The Hunger Games .) Whether you’re looking to branch out into the literary category for the first time or simply want a new read to hunt for in your favorite section of the bookstore, this list of must-read YA titles is for you.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

What kind of list would this be without the series that redefined dystopian YA as we know it? In case you need a refresher, The Hunger Games is the first book in the series of the same name, in which 12 boys and 12 girls from the future North American country of Panem are selected every year to compete in a televised battle royale-style fight to the death. When teen hunter Katniss Everdeen becomes a participant in the Games, her defiance sparks a nationwide resistance movement that ultimately swells into a revolution.

They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman

If you’re on the hunt for a high school riff on dark academia, look no further. Now in development as a series for HBO Max, They Wish They Were Us is a murder mystery set at an elite Long Island prep school, when Jill—a senior and member of The Players, the school’s vaunted semi-secret society—begins to suspect that the guy who confessed to the murder of her best friend three years ago might not be guilty after all.

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

High fantasy that’ll sweep you away to another place and time? Check. Magic-wielding teenagers fleeing oppression? Check. Epic adventure spanning a fictional version of pre-Colonial West Africa? Check, check, check. The first book in Adeyemi’s blockbuster Legacy of the Orisha series follows Zélie, a teenage girl with latent magical powers, who must join forces with her non-magical brother and a rebel princess in order to free her nation from an oppressive regime.

The Bones of Ruin by Sarah Raughley

Iris, an African tightrope walker in Victorian London, has a secret: she cannot die. Though unable to remember her past, Iris is determined to discover who she is—a quest that grows more complicated when she stumbles across the path of a mysterious group known as the Enlightenment Committee. When a member of the society offers to share the truth about her identity in exchange for her participation in a magical gladiatorial competition, Iris must consider whether some secrets are meant to stay buried.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

As a resident of a poor, mostly-Black neighborhood and a student at a mostly-white elite private school, Starr Carter is used to code switching—until the night her childhood friend Khalil gets shot and killed by a white cop while driving Starr home from a party. Starr agrees to come forward as an anonymous witness to the shooting, but when Khalil’s murder sparks national protest, Starr’s two worlds come crashing together.

Balzer & Bray/Harperteen The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

Thanks to Desiree Akhavan’s incredibly moving film adaptation by the same name, most people know Cameron Post as a story about a lesbian teenager in 1993 whose family sends her to a conversion therapy after she’s caught kissing a girl from her church youth group. But the book is about so much more than that: It follows Cameron in the years following her parents’ death as she comes to terms with her sexuality, grapples with her faith, and reckons with the fact that her family’s love may actually be conditional after all.

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Willowdean Dixon has never quite fit in—not with her former beauty queen mother (Will is fat and proud), and not with the shallow, pageant-obsessed girls in her small Texas town (for all she cares, as long as she’s got her best friend Eileen by her side, everyone else can go kick rocks). But when a hot former jock coworker expresses interest in her, Will goes into a tailspin. Desperate to get her confidence back, she decides to take on the ultimate challenge: entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant.

Anna K: A Love Story by Jenny Lee

In this aged-down riff on Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina , the titular Anna K is the teenage darling of Manhattan society. She’s got the perfect life: a handsome boyfriend; the love and attention of her demanding father; and daily access to luxuries most can only dream of. But when she meets the notorious playboy Alexia “Count” Vronsky at Grand Central, all bets are off—and the closer Anna gets to Alexia, the closer she comes to losing everything.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon Spier has a tight-knit friend group, a loving family, and a secret: He’s gay. Not yet ready to come out in real life, he strikes up an anonymous email correspondence with another closeted guy at his school who goes by the pseudonym of Blue. But just when he thinks he and Blue might actually be falling in love, a blackmailing classmate turns Simon’s world upside down by threatening to send all his skeletons tumbling out of the closet—literally.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

When 16-year-old thyroid cancer patient Hazel goes to a cancer support group, it’s to make her mother happy, not out of any genuine interest on her part—until she meets a 17-year-old boy in remission named Augustus. The two strike up an immediate bond, and as their relationship grows, both Hazel and Augustus must reckon with their relationships to illness, mortality, and romance.

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

As a high school senior with a toddler-aged daughter, Emoni Santiago doesn’t have the luxury of putting herself first—not even when it comes to her dream of attending culinary school and becoming a chef. But when her school announces a new culinary arts class that will culminate in a class trip to Spain, Emoni wonders if it might finally be the time to let her talent run free.

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Nowadays, movies like Princess Protection Program and books like Tokyo Ever After (also on this list) abound, but without Cabot’s 11-book Princess Diaries series, the “unexpected teenage royals” trope might not exist as we know it today. Teen protagonist Mia Thermopolis is plenty busy pining after her crush and trying not to flunk out of algebra when her dad visits from Europe and reveals some life-changing information: he’s actually the crown prince of a small country named Genovia—which makes Mia, his only daughter, the crown princess.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

Described as The Princess Diaries  for a new generation, Tokyo follows Izumi as she navigates life and high school in her mostly-white northern California town. But when she discovers her previously unknown father is actually the Crown Prince of Japan, Izumi soon finds herself caught between worlds.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Satrapi redefined comics in the public eye with the publication of her graphic memoir, Persepolis , which follows her life from childhood in Iran up through adolescence and early adulthood in Europe. As a child, young Marji grows up amid the noise and turmoil of the Iranian Revolution. When the Iran-Iraq War takes hold, Marji’s parents send her to boarding school in Vienna, which marks the beginning of a years-long struggle to define the term “home.” 

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

When it came out in 2012, critics and readers alike heralded Aristotle and Dante for its groundbreaking take on Mexican-American identity, masculinity, and queerness, and its exploration of those themes still holds up today. Set in 1987, the book follows El Paso teenagers Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana as they navigate friendship, adolescence, and—of course—the secrets of the universe.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Long before Lara Jean Covey and Peter Kavinsky ever graced Netflix, Han’s To All The Boys series had already captured the hearts of legions of fans—and it’s not hard to see why: Following high schooler Lara Jean’s misadventures in life, love, and self-discovery, the books are like a warm hug in YA rom-com form.

Dear Martin by Nic Stone

When Justyce McAllister—a Black scholarship student at a mostly-white prep school in Atlanta—is thrown to the ground and handcuffed, the only person who can help him make sense of it all is Martin Luther King, Jr. In search of answers, he starts writing a journal to Dr. King. Stone’s debut novel is a stirring meditation on the difficulties of growing up Black in America, and it’s easy to understand why the book returned to the top of the New York Times bestseller list in early 2020, several years after its 2017 publication.

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

In the near future envisioned by Dimaline’s dystopian novel, dreaming is largely obsolete. Only Indigenous people still have the ability to dream—and are hunted for their bone marrow, which is used in a serum to treat the ailing dreamless, because of it. A harrowing reimagining of past genocides against Indigenous people, The Marrow Thieves marks the emergence in 2017 of an urgent and timely YA series.

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki

Despite being rendered in just black, white, and pink, Laura Dean is a vivid depiction—literally—of the havoc a toxic relationship can wreak on a person’s psyche. No matter how badly she treats her—or how many times they break up—Freddy just can’t stay away from her on-again, off-again girlfriend, Laura Dean. But as her friends begin to drift away, Freddy must decide just how much she’s willing to sacrifice for what she thinks is love.

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

Acclaimed author Emezi’s YA debut tackles a difficult question rarely addressed in adult literature: How do you save the world from monsters if no one will admit they exist? All her life, 15-year-old Jam’s parents and teachers have told her that there are no monsters in the city of Lucille. Then Jam meets Pet, a creature whose purpose is to hunt a monster lurking in Jam’s best friend’s house, and everything she’s been taught is called into question.

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Blog – Posted on Tuesday, Feb 26

30+ best young adult romance books you can't miss out on.

If there’s one thing that we can all agree is universal, it’s that you never forget your first love. Ironically enough, first loves might also be one of the hardest things to capture in words — but, luckily, we have books for that. These brilliant authors have explored every part of the teen experience : from family drama to school responsibilities to, yes, that sensation of falling head over heels for the first time. 

So what (or who) are you waiting for? Without further ado, here are the best YA romance books that you can’t miss. 

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of great YA books to read, you can also take our 30-second quiz below to narrow it down quickly and get a personalized YA book recommendation  😉

Which YA book should you read next?

Discover the perfect YA book for you. Takes 30 seconds!

1. All the Little Lights by Jamie McGuire

When Catherine and Elliot first meet at the tender age of 15, they become best friends immediately. But just when life starts looking up, Elliot leaves town. And by the time he shows back up at school, he’s a star quarterback — and she’s a girl with a secret. A bestselling author with a string of hits, Jamie McGuire knocks it out again with All the Little Lights as she skillfully merges romance with thriller to create a book that’s more than the sum of its parts.

2. A Million Junes by Emily Henry

In Five Fingers, Michigan, the O’Donnells and the Angerts have feuded for, oh, just about a couple of centuries. With that rivalry ingrained inside of her, it’s no wonder that 18-year old Jack “June” O’Donnell grows up with a healthy hatred of the Angerts. The last thing that she expects is for sparks to fly when she meets Saul Angert. But fly they do in A Million Junes , a triumphant YA book that has been proclaimed as a modern meeting of Romeo and Juliet and One Hundred Years of Solitude .

3. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

In Amy and Roger's Epic Detour , Amy Curry needs an escape. Her dad’s just died, her mom’s moving both of them from California to Connecticut, and her life just sucks. So Amy plans her own adventure. The setting: a beat-up car and a thousand miles of road. Her companion: Roger, the son of her mom’s friend who she hasn’t seen since she was a child. It’s the perfect recipe for an epic road trip that’ll encompass lots of laughter, mileage, and maybe love as well.

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4. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Meet Anna, a soon-to-be senior in Atlanta who’s got it all. That is, until her father ships her all the way to a boarding school in France. Suffice to say, that’s practically the other side of the world. Now Anna has to contend both with baguettes and Étienne St. Clair, a handsome youth who has no right to be as charming or gorgeous as he is. Set in the most romantic city in the world and featuring the swoon-worthy French boy of your veritable dreams, Anna and the French Kiss is the YA literary equivalent of a chef’s kiss.

5. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Aristotle and Dante are 15-year olds when they meet in the 1987. From that moment onward, a beautiful relationship unfurls between the two Mexican-American boys as they grow up in “the universe between boys and men.” It’s this friendship — and what it might mean for the two protagonists — that make Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe such a captivating success. It might move slowly, but this richly-drawn story is sure to reward patient readers.

6. Ask the Passengers by A.S. King

When a plane passes above everyone in the sky, there’s one person on the ground who notices: Astrid Jones, a high school senior in a small town. She watches airplanes and thinks of them because she knows that the passengers on the plane won’t judge her — or her innermost desires, most of which involve falling in love with another girl. A heartbreakingly honest coming-of-age story, Ask the Passengers asks real questions of society and human nature.

7. Autoboyography by Christina Lauren

When Tanner Scott moves to Utah with his family, he’s not expecting much out of it: he only has one semester of high school left. Besides, he’s bisexual and he’s not planning on coming out in what seems like a relatively conservative state. Then he makes the mistake of signing up for a writing seminar, which is unfortunately taught by Sebastian Brother: brilliant, prodigious, cute — and extremely Mormon. Every word in Autoboyography is pitch-perfect as it weaves an unforgettably heartrending story about falling in love in a writing class.

8. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks’ A Walk to Remember is a classic in the genre — and it’s synonymous with the definition of a “tear-jerker.” In Beaufort, North Carolina, Landon Carter is a popular class president and Jamie Sullivan is the minister’s quiet daughter. She’s the last person that Landon thought that he would like, much less love. But fate might just have something to say about that in a devastating finale that will remind readers just what it’s like to find a miraculous love at the tender age of 17.

9. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

When queen bee Samantha Kingston dies in a car crash on the evening of February 12, or “Cupid Day,” she really doesn’t expect to wake up the next morning on February 12. Or the next next morning on the exact same day. In fact, she ends up reliving her last day for seven days in a row. Now Samantha has to figure out why this is happening — while going through the five stages of grief about her own death. Before I Fall , Lauren Oliver’s debut novel about second chances, was acclaimed when it was first published, and for good reason.

10. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

He’s supposed to be the savior of the magical world, but here’s the truth: Simon Snow just isn’t a very good Chosen One . He accidentally sets things on fire all the time, he trips over his own robes, and, quite frankly, he has no idea what to do with the terrible monster that’s loose on school grounds. On top of all of that, Simon has to contend with an unfairly good-looking (but evil) roommate in Baz Pitch. So you tell him: what could go wrong in a single semester? Carry On is the addictive, romantic, and eminently lovable retelling of Harry Potter you didn’t realize you needed in your life until now.  

11. Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Willowdean Dickson goes by Will — or “ Dumplin ’,” if you’re her pageant mom. One of the fat girls in her Texan small town, she’s really doing just fine, thank you very much. But then a cute boy kisses her one day. And then her beloved aunt suddenly dies, which makes Will decide to honor her memory by entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant. The result will thrill and inspire readers in this eminently charming, poignant book about positivity and acceptance.

12. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Park is the boy whose nose is perpetually stuck in a book. Eleanor is the weird, smart girl who’s new in town. This is the story of how they met and fell in love. Resoundingly praised by none other than John Green, who described Eleanor & Park as a book that reminded him “not just what it’s like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it’s like to be young and in love with a book,” this is a YA romance for anyone who knows what it’s like to experience the mind-bending heights of first love.

13. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

For 17 long years, Maddy has not stepped a single foot outside of her house. The reason is simple: she has a rare disease that makes her allergic to everything, and doctors haven’t managed to sort it out. Until then, indoors is simply safer than outdoors . But then a tall, handsome guy named Olly moves in next door. Olly makes the outside world suddenly seem tantalizing. Whether that’s worth the risk of her own life is the question that Nicola Yoon explores in Everything, Everything , the beautifully-written book that became an instant New York Times bestseller.

14. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Hazel Grace thinks that her life has an expiration date, thanks to the almost-terminal cancer that’s resided in her body for a long time now. So she’s prepared for anything — except for Augustus Waters, who shows up one day at her Cancer Kid Support Group and changes everything. With more than a million copies sold worldwide and a blockbuster Hollywood movie made in its name, The Fault in Our Stars is the seminal young adult book of this decade.

15. Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills

It’s Claudia’s senior year and she did not expect to make an enemy of Iris, the meanest girl in school. But when they're both forced to audition for their school production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the unexpected happens. Put that drama on top of the goofy, cute boy with dimples who keeps catching Claudia’s eye and Claudia’s life is about to get interesting. And, though the romance is sweet in Foolish Hearts , the real charm of this book lies in the burgeoning friendship between Claudia and Iris.

16. Geekerella by Ashley Poston

Elle Wittimer is a huge geek girl. Her fandom? Starfield : a classic sci-fi series. So she really can’t pass up the opportunity to enter a cosplay contest for the new Starfield movie, and to participate in a meet-and-greet with Darien Freeman, the actor who’s going to play the part of Prince Carmindor. You might be thinking right now (just like Elle’s stepsisters) that you already know how this tale turns out, but you also might be in for a surprise. Cinderella meets nerd culture in Geekerella , an enormously charming fairy tale with a whole lot of heart.  

17. I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Jude and Noah are twins, inseparable ones. They grew up supporting each other: Jude’s the daredevil and Noah’s the artistic one who might just be in love with the boy next door. But then tragedy strikes, drastically changing their lives — and, fast forward several years later, they’re barely on speaking terms. Something has to give for them to journey back to one another’s side. But one thing’s for sure: this story is for both Noah and Jude to tell. I'll Give You the Sun is an exquisite must-read for fans of Nicola Yoon, Emma Straub, and Rainbow Rowell.

18. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

For 10 years, Samantha Reed has lived next door to Jase Garrett without talking to him. In fact, the Reeds don’t have much to do with the Garretts at all. Loud, chaotic, and affectionate, the Garretts seem completely foreign to Samantha’s own prim family. That is, until the summer that Samantha meets Jase for the first time and finds herself falling for him — hard. My Life Next Door is not just another summer romance: Huntley Fitzgerald will make you swoon all over again with this timely novel about the tangles of first love and family.

19. Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by David Levithan

Music is the soundtrack of your life, right? If that’s true (and it is), then Nick and Norah, who star in the very aptly named Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist , have a roller coaster of a time together for one night. On the surface, they share only two things in common: they’re both teenagers, and they both love good music. But as the night stretches on and on, they realize that this is a first date that might change the course of both of their lives — forever.

20. Pride by Ibi Zoboi

Ever heard of a little book called Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen? Here’s the remix that you’ve been waiting for: Pride , a retelling of Pride and Prejudice that’s set in modern-day Brooklyn. But there’s a twist: its cast stars all characters of color. Funny, warm, and vibrant, it’ll have you rooting all over again for Zuri Benitez, who instantly dislikes the new guy who’s just moved in across the street — Darius .

21. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Something terrible happened to Echo Emerson one night, and she can’t quite remember all the details herself. This should keep her too preoccupied to notice Noah Hutchins, the hot loner, when she goes back to school. But two things are undeniable when Echo and Noah are together: they’re both broken. And when they’re with each other, even they can’t deny the chemistry that they have. With a healthy dose of angst and drama along the way, Pushing the Limits knows how to pull heartstrings as Katie McGarry weaves a mesmerizing story about two teenagers who should be completely mismatched for each other, but aren’t.

22. The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You by Lily Anderson

In The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You , Trixie Watson’s planned her senior year at her school of geniuses pretty much to a T: she’s going to buy a lot more comics, and she’s going to beat that annoying Ben West in the monthly school rankings. Getting a boyfriend doesn’t figure into her schedule at all. Nope. Of course, she doesn’t expect her best friend to cross enemy lines and start dating Ben’s best friend — forcing Trixia to spend more time with Ben. Worse things (like the Dalek Wars) have happened, she guesses. Nerd-heaven meets Much Ado About Nothing in this humorous, warm, and terrifically smart book that will delight the fangirl or fanboy in you.

23. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

You might call Macy’s life a bit sheltered: during the day, she whiles away the hours shelving books at the local library, and her evenings are spent doing SAT drills. In fact, things are so routine and dull that she’s completely caught off-guard when Wes enters the picture. He’s artistic, cute, and kind. But most of all, he makes Macy question whether it really is better to have loved and lost, than never have loved at all. The Truth About Forever is a stunning, poignant offering by the queen of contemporary YA romance ­— one of Sarah Dessen’s standouts.

24. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Sydney might as well be invisible in her family. Constantly overshadowed by (and overlooked for) her brother, Peyton, Sydney doesn’t really know what a family feels like until she meets the Chathams: a chaotic, lovable family that welcomes her with open arms. And then there’s Mac, the gentle older brother who might turn Sydney’s summer upside-down. Saint Anything is another quietly lovely triumph by Sarah Dessen.

25. Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover entered the literary scene with a bang with Slammed , a shimmering debut novel about a girl, a boy, and slam poetry. The girl? Layken (who also goes by Lake), who’s the resigned rock of a family that has just been shaken by the death of her father. The boy? Will — 21-years old, cute, and impossibly sweet. They strike it off within days of meeting each other. But just when Layken thinks she’s found a spark of hope in her life, a shocking turn of events changes everything — maybe once and for all.

26. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

The publishing sensation of 2016, Simon Vs. the Homo Sapien’s Agenda is the incredibly beloved story of Simon, who is sixteen years old and gay. Except that his entire school doesn’t know it yet and Simon really isn’t planning to telling anyone — until external circumstances say otherwise. As if that’s not enough, there’s also the matter of the cute, incredibly baffling guy with whom he thinks he’s falling in love. If you’d like to do yourself a favor, pick up this witty, openhearted bestselling novel up stat.

27. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

We can all agree that high school is horrible — and it might be even worse for introverts. Quiet and observant, Charlie is a “wallflower” at his school: he prefers to watch life pass rather than interact with it. Unfortunately, there’s so much that he has to experience, from first dates to family battles. And then there’s Sam, his best friend who’s stuck by his side all this time. This heartfelt cult favorite is Charlie’s coming-of-age story — and if you can’t get enough after you put it down, The Perks of Being a Wallflower was even adapted into a major motion picture starring Emma Watson in 2012.

28. The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

The Start of Me and You begins tragically: a year ago, Paige Hancock’s boyfriend died in an accident and nothing has been the same since. But now she’s entering her junior year at school and she’s determined to get back into the groove of life again. And her first step in her plan to avoid being known as “The Girl Whose Boyfriend Drowned” is to date her old crush, Ryan Chase — but that’s surprisingly hard when Ryan’s cute cousin, Max, shows up in the picture. This might be the start of many new things, if only Paige can overcome the most obvious challenge in her perfect strategy: letting herself be herself again.

29. The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Meet the Vincents: Sawyer Vincent, the boyfriend, is basically the perfect Prince Charming. Then there’s Beau Vincent — Prince Charming’s dangerous cousin, who’s entirely wrong for Ashton. And yet Ashton finds that she can’t stay away from him, especially when Sawyer leaves town in the summer. Now she has to pick one of The Vincent Boys , and she knows that she has to make the right choice.

30. To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Yes, this is that novel that spawned the Internet’s new boyfriend, Noah Centineo, and the “To all the ___” memes that you’ve seen online. The sleeper hit of 2018 when it exploded in popularity on Netflix, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the extremely lovable story of Lara Jean, a girl who’s just trying to navigate high school. Instead of telling her crushes face to face that she likes them, she writes them a letter that they’ll never actually see… until the day that they do. Cue family shenanigans, school drama, and a fake relationship that might just change Lara’s world, once and for all.

31. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

The girl: Dimple Shah, a precocious young girl who’s going to go to Stanford next year and could care less about finding the “Perfect Indian Husband.” The boy: Rishi Patel, a boy who may or may not be the arranged husband that Dimple Shah’s parents would choose for her. The stage where they meet for the first time: a summer program for aspiring web developers. Except that Dimple doesn’t yet realize that this might be a set-up by her parents in When Dimple Met Rishi , the sweet, wildly endearing book about opposites and the meaning of real love.

For the best YA fantasy books, check out Reedsy’s 30 recommended fantasies for teens .

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Young Adult Fiction Pioneer S.E. Hinton on Fifty Years of The Outsiders

One afternoon in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s, a 15-year-old student at Will Rogers High School named Susan Hinton—her close friends called her Suzie—witnessed a friend being attacked by a gang of boys on his way home from school.

That was how things were in Suzie’s rough, working-class neighborhood, where rival social groups stalked the streets. “Going to the prom, the big suspense was who got the liquor and how they got it in, and who got killed in the parking lot,” she told Broadway.com Editor-in-Chief Paul Wontorek recently. It was a tense, troubled existence not reflected in the books being written for and about teenagers of the period. “It was all, ‘Mary Jane goes to the prom with the quiet boy next door instead of the football hero, but she had a good time anyway.’ Or, ‘Tommy hits a home run, and wasn’t that fun?’”

A bookish child, Suzie had already devoured the likes of Gone with the Wind , Wuthering Heights and The Stranger  by Albert Camus. She herself had started writing in the third grade. Realizing her handwriting was illegible, she taught herself to type in the sixth grade. “God, you had to have strong fingers.”

That night after the attack, Suzie fed a sheet of paper into her late father’s old Underwood typewriter and began typing. “I came home and began what I thought was going to be a short short story about a kid who was beaten up on his way home from the movies.” Beyond writing about what she’d seen that afternoon, Suzie tried to capture the simmering adolescent rage and frustration that coursed through her hometown. There was a lot to get down. “I just wrote it, and kept writing, and kept writing, and kept writing. When I finished, it was about 40 pages long, single-space typed.”

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton—Suzie’s name was altered so as not to draw attention to her gender—was published a couple of years later, in 1967. In the way it treated adolescent concerns with adult seriousness, the book has been credited with the birth of a whole literary genre: Young Adult Fiction.

And now, more than a half-century later, it’s a Broadway musical.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Hinton opened up about the newest adaptation of The Outsiders , being “mom” to the cast of the Francis Ford Coppola movie and much more.

Watch the video of the full interview below.

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22 best books to read on holiday: Top reads for 2023

The holiday books to add to your summer reading list .

Whether you’re heading on a sunshine holiday or a relaxing staycation, no suitcase would be complete without a great book to read. From gripping page-turners to TikTok viral romance novels, we've searched high and low for the very books to read on your next holiday - along with honest reviews from the HELLO! team.

If lighthearted reads are your holiday go-to, or you prefer a mysterious fantasy novel to escape into, scroll on to shop the best books to add to your reading list this summer...

How we chose the best holiday books

• Reviews: Some of these books have been honestly reviewed by myself or members of the HELLO! team, whilst those that haven't are either on my reading list or have received generally positive reviews from shoppers.
• Paperback/audible options: Who wants to carry around a hardback book on holiday? Certainly not me. If paperback isn't an option, Audible is available for those who prefer to listen to books rather than read them.
• Popularity:  Many of the books in the list have been a huge hit on TikTok, going viral for their popularity. So we know they're on plenty of people's wishlists, including ours.

TikTok trending books to read on holiday

Paper palace by mirander cowler heller .

£8.99 AT AMAZON

A top pick from Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, the star described the novel as “A deeply emotional love story that follows one day in the life of Elle Bishop as she navigates the unravelling of secrets, lies and a very complex love triangle”.

Yellowface by Rebecca K. Kuang

£4.49 AT AMAZON 

Yellowface  has been dominating BookTok since its release in May, and the 'razor-sharp' read is being praised for its gripping plot and satirical humour. When successful author Athena White dies in a freak accident, failed writer June Hayward steals a manuscript and publishes it as her own, leading her to question how far she will go to keep the life she feels she deserves.

It Ends With Us  by Colleen Hoover

£5 AT AMAZON 

It Ends With Us  is a number one bestseller and is a viral sensation on Instagram and TikTok. The story revolves around Lily, a girl who hasn't always had it easy but she's determined to live the life she wants. When she meets Ryle Kincaid, he changes everything. But can her past life come back to haunt her? You'll have to read it to find out.

"When I asked my Instagram followers for holiday book recommendations, this one came up so many times. I immediately ordered and I'm so glad I did. It has been hyped up on Bookstagram and BookTok, but I now know why. It's genuinely one of the BEST books I've ever read! It's one of those books that you carry on reading through the night even though you know you've got to go to sleep, it's just an addictive read. I have now read the sequel (which is called It Starts With Us - you may as well buy both of them at the same time) and I cannot wait to see the movie which is currently being filmed in New Jersey. I resisted the urge to Google who was playing the lead stars, and now I know I can't help but think the casting doesn't match the book in the slightest. But regardless, this is a great holiday book. I will go and watch it though. It's an emotional rollercoaster - it made me laugh, it made me cry and I'm now officially in the Colleen Hoover fan club." Leanne Bayley, Director of Lifestyle & Commerce

How To Kill Your Family  by Bella Mackie

How To Kill Your Family has been a smash hit since its original release in 2022, and the Sunday Times Bestseller and debut novel from Bella Mackie is a fascinating antiheroine story described by critics as ‘addictive’. The witty, sharp novel follows Grace Bernard's dedicated mission for revenge against her family, with the protagonist's detached narration providing a unique, hilarious twist to the dark subject matter to keep you hooked throughout.

" How to Kill Your Family is unlike any other book I've read. It was so interesting to read about a dark subject matter in a desensitised way, and it had me hooked from the first few pages. I feel like this would be a great read for most people, regardless of what genres you usually reach for, as it's so unique and gripping," Sophie Bates, Commerce Writer. 

Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey

£7.50 AT AMAZON 

The debut novel of  Schitts Creek screenwriter Monica Heisey, Really Good, Actually is a sharp and hilarious read about the uncertainties of modern love, friendship and happiness. Described as, "wildly funny and almost alarmingly relatable", the raw, heartwarming novel has become an instant hit since its release. 

"I credit this book with getting me out of my reading slump. Hilarious and scarily relatable, I found it a smart, self-deprecating, delightful read that I couldn't put down on my recent holiday,"  Carla Challis, Commerce Partnerships Editor.

The Bullet That Missed  by Richard Osman 

£8 AT AMAZON

The third installment in Richard Osman's bestselling Thursday Murder Club book collection is The Bullet That Missed . The lighthearted, witty novel will make the perfect holiday read, and it's been described by the Sunday Express as: "Another witty, charming and hugely entertaining read ... his best yet." 

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow  by Gabrielle Zevin

£13.99 AT AMAZON

Everyone is talking about Gabrielle Zevin's novel Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow . It's the story of protagonists Sadie and Sam, who first meet one another in the hospital. Meeting again eight years later in a crowded train station, the spark between the pair is immediately reignited. Mail on Sunday described the book as "An immersive tale of friendship, creativity and life's messy wonders". 

Romantic comedy books to read on holiday 

Seven exes  by lucy vine.

£8.86 FROM AMAZON

Seven Exes is the witty romantic-comedy from Lucy Vine, which followers protagonist Esther's quest to reconnect with the seven exes from her past; The First Love, The Work Mistake, The Friend with Benefits, The Overlap, The Missed Chance, The Bastard and The Serious One. Warm and fast-paced, the book explores romance, friendship and nostalgia. 

My favourite type of read on holiday is a feel-good book that I can pick up and put down without losing momentum, and that's exactly what Seven Exes is. Lighthearted and funny, it was a delight to read on my sunlounger," Sophie Bates, Commerce Writer.

The Unhoneymooners   by Christina Lauren

£7.49 AT AMAZON 

Would you go on the holiday of your dreams even if it was with your nemesis? Olive's twin sister Ami is about to marry the man of her dreams, but after the entire wedding falls ill, except Olive and best man Ethan, the pair head on an all-expenses-paid honeymoon to Hawaii. Forced to play loving newlyweds, she and Ethan find themselves in closer proximity than they ever expected. Described as "a perfect feel-good romantic comedy," The Unhoneymooners will give you summer feels whether you're sat on the beach or on your sofa. 

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You and me on vacation by emily henry.

£5 AT AMAZON

Emily Henry has taken BookTok by storm with her bestselling novels Book Lovers and You and Me on Vacation - and her latest rom-com Happy Place  has proven to be just as much of a hit. Two exes take a holiday with their closest friends, though they are yet to share that they broke up six months ago. Described by Beth O'Leary as, "smart, sunny, sexy and also a gorgeous story of female friendship," it's a feel-good read perfect for enjoying in the sun.

The Italian Escape by Catherine Mangan

£8.27 AT AMAZON 

For a feel-good holiday read, we loved The Italian Escape by Catherine Mangan. After breaking up with her boyfriend and boss, Niamh agrees to a spontaneous trip to Italy with her sister Grace, bringing a joyful and romantic novel to escape in.

Thriller books to read on holiday

 rock, paper, scissors  by alice feeney.

£8.27 AT AMAZON

The story follows couple Adam and Amelia as they spend a weekend in the remote Scottish Highlands to celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary. After the romantic trip takes a dark turn, the pair begin to wonder whether they can trust one another. The compelling thriller is a New York Times bestseller and a TikTok sensation, full of twists and turns. 

"If you like Gone Girl and similar dark thrillers, you'll love Rock Paper Scissors. It had me hooked from start to finish and I loved all the twists along the way. It usually takes me a while to get through a book but I couldn't put this down," Sophie Bates, Commerce Writer.

The Vacation by John Marrs

Full of twists and turns, this thrilling novel from John Marrs is set in Los Angeles, where eight strangers meet at a hostel to discover there is more going on than just a holiday. 

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover is one of the most talked about authors right now, and her thriller Verity is a must-read if you love gripping page-turners. A struggling author accepts a job offer of a lifetime from Jeremy Crawford, the husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford. Hired to complete the remaining books of Jeremy's injured wife, Lowen never expected to uncover Verity's unfinished autobiography that she never intended for anyone to read. Verity has been a hit across social media, and Holly Willoughby has raved about it , too. 

"I don't think I've ever read a book as quickly as I read Verity. I literally couldn't put it down. The suspense keeps you guessing the whole way through, and I had no idea how the story would end. If you need to get yourself out of a book rut, Colleen Hoover is the author to do it. Suspenseful, creepy and sexy, I wish I could read it with fresh eyes again." Sophie Bates, Commerce Writer.

One of the Girls  by Lucy Clarke

£14.74 AT AMAZON

Described as gripping and "utterly addictive", One of the Girls is a crime-thriller set in Greece bringing the perfect balance of escapism and mystery needed from a holiday read.

Young Adult books to read on holiday

We were liars  by e. lockhart.

£4.95 AT AMAZON 

 A YA suspense novel and TikTok phenomenon, We Were Liars is a gripping page-turner from New York Times bestselling author E. Lockhart. The suspenseful plot will keep readers on their toes throughout, and the unexpected twist makes it an unforgettable read.

One of Us is Back by Karen M. McManus  

£7.49 AT AMAZON

After the global success of One of Us is Lying and One of Us is Next , Karen M. McManus just released the highly-anticipated third and final installment in the Bayview High trilogy. Described as a "fantastic murder mystery, packed with cryptic clues and countless plot twists," the explosive final book perfectly rounds off the bestselling series. 

Non-fiction books to read on holiday

The invisible kingdom: reimagining chronic illness by meghan o’rourke.

£19.99 AT AMAZON 

Documenting years of research from doctors, patients and researchers as well as drawing on her own experiences, Meghan O’Rourke explores the complex struggle of chronic illness in America. It’s fascinating, complex and empathetic. 

The Unexpected Joy of Being Single: Locating Unattached Happiness by Catherine Grey

£6 AT AMAZON 

Described as “Brave, witty and brilliantly written”, Catherine Gray gives a refreshing take on what it means to be single - and it’s the perfect empowering read for your next girl's holiday. 

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

£11.95 AT AMAZON 

Though published in 2011, Thinking Fast and Slow has made a comeback online. For a factual read that will keep you interested with its complexities, this International Bestseller by psychologist Daniel Kahneman is a must. Exploring how we make decisions and offering a fresh take on how the human mind works, it’s an intriguing read that encourages new perspectives.

Fantasy books to read on holiday

The midnight library  by matt haig.

£13.29 AT AMAZON

One of Matt Haig's many must-read novels, The Midnight Library is a touching fantasy novel about life and death, which The Sunday Times labelled as: "A beguiling read, filled with warmth and humour, and a vibrant celebration of the power of books to change lives".

The City Inside  by Samit Basu

£17.94 AT AMAZON 

This dystopian sci-fi tells a story of a near-future reality, described by critics as "funny, relatable, supremely clever and deeply political". It will get you thinking about how far from our current reality the story really is. 

READ:  10 Best audiobooks to listen to on your sun lounger this summer

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Not Too Young for This: Chronic Illness and Disability in Young Adult Books

Published: May 1, 2024

When I was first diagnosed with a chronic illness that came with a whole slew of symptoms many associate with aging in my early twenties, again and again I was met with the sentiment that I was “too young” to be experiencing the symptoms. The implication, sometimes, was that I wasn’t actually experiencing the symptoms or that they couldn’t be as bad as aging-related symptoms someone older than I had. But the reality is, there is no such thing as “too young” to experience chronic illness, pain, or disability. Fiction can be  windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors to all kinds of identities, chronically ill and disabled included. These seven young adult books offer varied experiences and responses to life with a chronic illness or disability as a teen, offering familiar perspectives to those in similar situations and new perspectives to readers who may believe there’s a minimum age for chronic conditions.

Sick Kids in Love by Hannah Moskowitz

Isabel’s life is complicated enough without romantic drama. Living with arthritis causes enough pain without the chance for heartache. So when Sasha shows up in her life and understands, more than anyone, what it is to live with a chronic condition, the cracks in her no-dating rule start to form. But is a relationship really realistic for two teens who already have the weight of the world on their shoulders? Also available as an  ebook and as an  eaudiobook . 

The Fall of Whit Rivera by Crystal Maldonado

Whit and Zay couldn’t be more different despite having a (long-dead) shared romance. Still in each other’s orbits, the former couple are now faced with putting their personalities aside in pursuit of planning the perfect fall formal. All the while, Whit deals with her polycystic ovarian syndrome on her own, but it’s a lonely road. If only Whit could find it in herself to open up to Zay and everyone else.

Cursed by Karol Ruth Silverstein

Diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, Ricky is already over it. It’s not easy being in constant pain on top of all the usual woes of a fourteen-year-old. And her coping methods aren’t the best: the only things Ricky really finds comfort in are swearing and playing hooky. But she can’t keep up her tricks forever -- before long, she’s found out skipping school and now there’s the threat of repeating ninth grade. Also available as an  ebook .

Conditions of a Heart by Bethany Mangle

Brynn isn’t interested in wearing her heart on her sleeve if it means sharing about the realities of an illness that required her to have major surgery over the summer. But when an event at school forcibly removes her carefully-crafted false reality, she is left to examine herself and consider what truthful living may look like -- even if it’s different from how she’s imagined it. Also available as an  ebook .

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O’Neal

Diagnosed with lyme disease, Priya has good days, but not many of them. But she finds support, commiseration, and camaraderie in an online chat the group names “oof ouch my bones.” When one of her online friendships turns IRL after one member, Brigid, goes silent, Priya is committed to using her limited education in medicine to solve her friend’s medical mystery -- even if it’s starting to look like the illness is that Brigid is a werewolf and even if Priya is maybe using Brigid’s illness to distract from her own suffering. Also available as an  ebook .

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett

HIV-positive Simone isn’t about to let her diagnosis get in her way -- not again, that is. With a fresh start at a new school, she doesn’t plan on sharing her secret, especially when her viral load is low and her symptoms under control. But when a new romantic relationship starts blooming, Simone knows she’ll have to be up front about her HIV status before things get too intimate. And then, a mysterious note claiming the writer knows about Simone’s HIV appears in her locker. Now Simone wonders: Is it better to keep dodging the bias or stand tall and brave in the face of prejudice with her truth? Also available as an  ebook and an  eaudiobook .

Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens edited by Marieke Nijkamp

In thirteen short stories, teens live with chronic illnesses and disabilities including vision impairment, anxiety, chronic pain, cerebral palsy, and more. As these teens navigate their own lives, they also sometimes face the inaccessibility and bigotry in the world around them. Also available as an  ebook .

About the Author

Abby is a New-Hampshire-grown Assistant Branch Manager at Southwest Neighborhood Library. In addition to writing book lists for DC Public Library, she's written for Book Riot, School Library Journal, Library Journal, Booklist, and other professional library and bookish publications. She reads broadly, but often enjoys literary young adult fiction, contemporary young adult fiction, and young adult fantasy. She lives in Virginia with her husband and her cat, Oopsilon.

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