In today’s digital world, cultivating a passion for reading is more important than ever. Young adult novels offer an engaging escape into diverse genres, from gripping fiction to heartfelt romance and thrilling mysteries. Such stories not only expand the imagination but also challenge perspectives, making the vast possibilities of life feel accessible and exciting.
Recent studies by the American Psychological Association reveal troubling trends: fewer than 20% of teens engage with newspapers, magazines, or books daily, and one-third haven’t picked up a book for pleasure in over a year. With many extracurricular activities paused due to recent global events, now is the perfect opportunity to ignite a love for literature in young readers.
Here’s a curated list of exceptional young adult novels, ranging from timeless classics to contemporary favorites, designed to captivate your teen and encourage them to turn the next page.
Top Young Adult Novels to Explore:
- Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
- You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
- Furia by Yanile Saied Méndez
- We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
- I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe
- Looking for Alaska by John Green
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Notable YA Fantasy Picks:
- The Selection by Kiera Cass
- Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
- Divergent by Veronica Roth
Compelling Reads for Teenage Girls:
- Tweet Cute: A Novel by Emma Lord
- The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed
- Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
- On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
For teens intrigued by mysteries or true crime, What We Buried by Kate A. Boorman dives into the complex relationship between two siblings as they uncover family secrets while investigating their parents’ disappearance.
Classic Literature for Teens:
- The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
- Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, a perfect introduction to fantasy with its rich settings and themes of heroism.
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Eleanor & Park tells a heartwarming tale of first love amid the trials of bullying and home life, while I’ll Give You the Sun captures the artistic journey of twins Noah and Jude as they navigate their complicated relationship.
Dumplin’ follows Willowdean as she confronts societal norms by entering a beauty pageant, challenging expectations along the way. In The Field Guide to the North American Teenager, a French Canadian teen shares his humorous observations about high school life in Texas.
If your teen enjoys romantic comedies, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before offers a captivating story that delves deeper than its film adaptation. The Outsiders remains a classic, exploring themes of friendship and class struggles through Ponyboy’s eyes.
The Hate U Give presents a powerful narrative of racial injustice, while On the Come Up features a young girl aiming for rap stardom amidst economic struggles.
Don’t overlook Tiger Eyes, which addresses grief, and Divergent, immersing readers in a dystopian society where identity is tested. Lastly, Everything, Everything portrays a girl with a severe illness who longs to explore the world outside her home, leading to a transformative romance.
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This collection serves as a fantastic foundation for any young adult library. For additional recommendations, check out 20 LGBTQ Books for Kids from Preschooler to Teen and dive into our other suggestions for must-read memoirs and nonfiction titles.
Summary:
Embracing a love for reading is essential for teens today, especially as they face distractions from the digital world. This list of 25 outstanding YA novels, ranging from classics to modern favorites, offers engaging stories that can inspire a lifelong passion for literature. These books not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into diverse experiences and challenges faced by young people.