Young adult books are often written off as being only for teenagers, but that's not true at all. In my experience, they offer some of the best stories you could read. From romances, to darker issues, even to werewolves and vampires, there are young adult books for everything, and here are some of my favorites.
1 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Some young adult books just grab you and they sit you down so you can't stop reading, and then by the end of the book you're crying because it's over. And I don't mean that beautiful movie cry where the girl has one delicate tear rolling down her cheek as she gazes into the horizon. No, I'm talking about disgusting sobbing as you rock back and forth cradling the book to your bosom. Because that's exactly what I did. Oh goodness, The Fault in Our Stars was painful to read, but it HURT SO GOOD. It's a story about a girl with cancer, and essentially her finding life again with a boy, Augustus Waters. It's not an overly dramatic book or anything--in fact, I find it to be one of the most authentic portrayals of teens today. The intense emotion comes from the deep connection that develops with the characters. It's witty and superbly written, so don't worry about it being a downer. Just... read it.
How much do I love this book? A lot. A LOT. It's a dystopian setting, half in a technologically advanced world, and then the other half in a savage-like earth. I don't even know how to describe it other than to say that if you like romance, and some action, and definitely dystopians, then this book is for you. And even if you don't like those things, give it a try because it's so well written that I think anyone would love it.
I have a really intense attachment to this book, because I think it's one of the best books I've read in my life. And I've read hundreds of books. Also a dystopian, but this one is different in that, according to the book description, it has an "X-Men" kind of feel to it. Which it does. Basically, it revolves around this girl Juliette that has the ability to kill people with touch. Add the fact that the entire world has basically gone to crap and you have an intense novel. Don't worry, it's a lot better than I'm making it sound. It's also got romance in it, and a villain that is deliciously bad. (I love great villains.) Plus, Tahereh's writing style is AMAZING. It's poetic and lyrical, although it does take some getting used to.
4 My Wolf's Bane by Veronica Blade
I love My Wolf's Bane because we all need some fluff to make us happy. That's not to say that this book is pure fluff, because it's not, but Veronica Blade is first and foremost a romance writer. And she's pretty darn good at it, too! I've read all her books, but this is the one with the best romance. It's also got an interesting take on werewolves, so if you're into paranormal, please give this one a look!
5 Thief's Covenant by Ari Marmell
This one is for all the high fantasy fans out there! I'm usually not into high fantasy, but this book catapulted me straight into the loving the genre! It's got plenty of action and adventure, and some really amazing characters. And I know some people complained about Ari Marmell's flowery writing style, but I personally liked it. If you like kick-butt female heroines, read this one!
6 Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
What I love about Obsidian is it honestly has everything I could possibly ask for in a book. Strong female protagonist? Check. Fantastic plot? Check. Completely unique idea? Check. Oh, and extremely sexy alien boy next door? Check. Yes, you heard me right. Obsidian is about aliens, but before you write it off as a weird sci-fi novel, they're not weird aliens. They look like humans (for the most part) and they're honestly really cool and unique aliens. Plus, this book is FULL of sexual tension, so if you want a young adult novel with plenty of steam... get this one.
7 The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross
Steampunk fans, rejoice! I bring to you The Girl in the Steel Corset. This is the book that launched my steampunk obsession, but even if you're not into that you'll enjoy this book immensely. It's just so well-written, that anyone who is a fan of paranormal or historical fiction can fall into it easily. It's about a girl named Finley Jayne that has a sort of Jekyll and Hyde personality. I don't want to give anything away, because there is so much to unravel as you read the novel, but basically, all is not well in Victorian England, and Finley and her friends could be the only thing to save it.
8 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
This book is one of the weirder ones that might not be everyone's style, but I absolutely loved it. It centers around a boy that finds a 'portal' (for lack of a better term) to an unusual home for unusual children. I won't say any more than that, because then I'd be spoiling the story, but what makes this novel unique is the use of actual old photographs throughout that bring the characters to life. It seems a little creepy at first to have a black and white picture of a little girl floating in mid air staring up at you, but you get used to it and eventually it becomes an integral part of the story.
9 The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
I'm a die-hard fan of Maggie Stiefvater (even met her in person), so I can't make a list like this and not include her work. My favorite book of hers is The Scorpio Races, which is a story about a little island off the coast of Ireland (I believe it's Ireland, I haven't read the book in so long) that holds horse races annually. The catch? These aren't actual horses, but rather kelpies. If anyone doesn't know the kelpie mythology, kelpies are water horses that lead people to their deaths by drowning them, and then eat them. Yeah, so imagine trying to tame one of those. It's a dangerous game, and people usually die. The main character, Puck, wants to win so she can earn money for her family. I'm not doing it justice, it really is an amazing book.
10 A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young
This is another book that had me emotional at the end. This book is about a girl named Charlotte that has an intense need to help people in dire situations. Okay, that's not bad, right? The problem is that this need is actually making her disappear. She's not human, she's something else, something... forgotten. Her predicament is whether she can fight it and stay alive, or give in to her destiny. What made this story so heartbreaking is that she's madly in love with her boyfriend, Harlin, and he's the most amazing boyfriend to her. The ending scene with them together was so bittersweet I was tearing up. It's a relatively short novel, so it's great for a quick read!
There you have it, some truly great books to keep you busy! Young adult novels are one of my passions, and I just wish more people would realize how great they are! Do you have any book recommendations?
Kamryn OBSIDIAN that whole series is my addiction atm
Leilah I going through a little bit of a shatter me obsession. It's amazing how she writes her characters. In the first book I will very strongly hate a character but by the third book he's my favorite.
Madi I read the fault in our stars and omg.... Bawled my eyes out. In the best way possible! It's so beautiful
Ariana I am number four!
Lexi Under the Never Sky is AWESOME!!!
Anna Divergent!!!
Denise I LOVED The Fault in Our Stars, but I think I loved Looking for Alaska even better. John Green is a marvellous author, I can't wait to read more of his work.
Anna DIVERGENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
keilah Miss Peregrine's Home was good! But I just read "Why We Broke Up" for the third time. It's by Daniel Handler (Leminy Snicket,anyone?) and is brilliant
Sheila 😊
safira Omg the fault in our stars is just amazing!! I'm crying for almost an hour!and augustus waters got stuck in my head like all days!
JessBebe :sticker_xoxo:
Issy I read a fault in our stars and it was amazing
Joanna ODD THOMAS!!!!
Stephanie Loooove Ellen Hopkins! Such great work. Also for those who like Sifi/horror Darren Shan is great!! Good for teenage boys as well. That's how I got my brother into reading!!
Chloe The secret dreamworld of a shopaholic and the other books by Sophie Kinstella are good shouts! Funny, feminine and full of drama!
cupcake Ally carter All her books are amazing A must read
Hallie :sticker_surprised:
Caitlin I need to read this whole list!
Lilly mortal instruments and the infernal devices series are the best. also temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins. also Crave(series) by Melissa Darnell. also delirium pandemonium and requiem all are a series by Lauren Oliver that is freaking amazing. okay so many more but that's good. 📖📖📖📚
Sharon I agree with the Divergent series and Graceling series! If you have a teen boy who doesn't like to read, I strongly recommend the Homelander series. It talks about faith in God and what's right and patriotism while still having thrilling action scenes to keep them absorbed :)
Alissa The fault in our stars is the best book I've ever read. I'm a teen and it perfectly describes the teen experience for those with and without cancer. Wonderful
christina you forgot the mortal instruments series!
Lilly @christina gosh I love that series so much!!!! I have been with it since it debuted and I still love it. 😊😊😊
Livvy I'll have to read the fault in our stars just because everyone is raving about it! Most recently I read the Slide series (Slide and Imposter) by Jill Hathaway which were really good mystery/thriller type books :)
ZiggyCupcake My friend Sophie is reading Ms Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, and it seems very creepy...
Charyssa I was gonna say looking for Alaska also. I related so much and helped me find who I was. Amazing book.
Raffi "Looking for Alaska" which is also by John Green. Also any of the Ellen Hopkins books ("Crank," "Identical," etc.)
Sarah The fault in our stars is by far one of my favourite books!
nishath I read all the books u recommend on aws! And I keep waiting for more!
jessi If u haven't read ascendant or Graceling yet.. Youh are missing out <3 <3
Andrea The Book Thief, The Divergent series, Shine
Zoe TFiOS!! Ahh! Like don't even get me started! It's a must read for everyone! One of my favorites. 😊
Erica Loved shatter me
Bri TFiOS is amazing. If you liked it you should also read Looking for Alaska by John Green. 😉
Jordana The Hush Hush series by becca Fitzpatrick is also So amazing a bit like obsidian
Devin Shatter me is amazingggg 😊
Kat Omg don't even get me started on TFIOS! Loved that book so much❤
Jenny The Fault In Our Stars is going to be a film soon, so excited😁