Whether you're thirteen, thirty or eighty-three these nine novels/series are a sure delight.
Over the past few years there seems to be an increase in well-written, popular Young Adult (YA) novels. While it's exciting to see that genre grow (and watch young people enjoy books in a world that's consumed with electronics and social media) adult readers need not shy away from these books because of the Y on the book jacket. Many of the Young Adult best-sellers have been huge hits with the "older" crowd as well.
There really are too many wonderful Young Adult novels to really choose absolute favorites, but these are a few of the ones I've read (or reread) recently that I've particularly enjoyed.
Chronicles of Narnia 
- Possibly more of a children's series than a YA series but an absolute must read for everyone. The adventures of Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan have captivated audiences for decades. And if you want to dig deeper you'll find that C.S. Lewis has packet the novels in this series full of imagery, symbolism, and philosophical themes concerning one's worldview, religion and more.
- Possibly more of a children's series than a YA series but an absolute must read for everyone. The adventures of Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan have captivated audiences for decades. And if you want to dig deeper you'll find that C.S. Lewis has packet the novels in this series full of imagery, symbolism, and philosophical themes concerning one's worldview, religion and more.
The Book Thief
- Takes place in World War 2 Germany. Full of difficult scenes and heartbreak while still finding humor and love. A real beauty from ashes novel.
- Takes place in World War 2 Germany. Full of difficult scenes and heartbreak while still finding humor and love. A real beauty from ashes novel.
Eleanor & Park
- I read this book in two days. If you've ever been in love as a teenage be prepared to find yourself instantly transported back in time. A heartwarming love story that tackles bullying, poverty, body-image and more. It will break your heart and mend it too.
- I read this book in two days. If you've ever been in love as a teenage be prepared to find yourself instantly transported back in time. A heartwarming love story that tackles bullying, poverty, body-image and more. It will break your heart and mend it too.
Harry Potter
- One of the best coming-of-age series of all time. Yes, the wizards, muggles, magic and dragons make it a fantasy series but JK Rowlings bring so much more than action and adventures to these books. If you've never read them you really must. And please realize that they get better - the author's development as a writer from book one to book seven is outstanding.
- One of the best coming-of-age series of all time. Yes, the wizards, muggles, magic and dragons make it a fantasy series but JK Rowlings bring so much more than action and adventures to these books. If you've never read them you really must. And please realize that they get better - the author's development as a writer from book one to book seven is outstanding.
The Twilight Saga
- I debated putting this series in here. While there are so many things I don't like about this series (namely Bella's desperation to have a man in her life) I did read all three (big) books in just a few days. The storyline is intriguing and the vampires are pretty bad-ass.
- I debated putting this series in here. While there are so many things I don't like about this series (namely Bella's desperation to have a man in her life) I did read all three (big) books in just a few days. The storyline is intriguing and the vampires are pretty bad-ass.
The Fault in Our Stars
- This may be the third time I've touted this book on here. I just loved it. I loved the characters. I loved their conversations. I loved the themes. The book made me cry yet I read the whole thing with a smile.
- This may be the third time I've touted this book on here. I just loved it. I loved the characters. I loved their conversations. I loved the themes. The book made me cry yet I read the whole thing with a smile.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
- This is a classic YA novel that I missed during my young years (while I was gobbling up Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden). Since I'm a lover of historical fiction I enjoyed this book which takes place during the turn of the 19th century. Franie is an easily likable character and it's a classic, well-loved, coming-of-age story.
- This is a classic YA novel that I missed during my young years (while I was gobbling up Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden). Since I'm a lover of historical fiction I enjoyed this book which takes place during the turn of the 19th century. Franie is an easily likable character and it's a classic, well-loved, coming-of-age story.
The Hunger Games Trilogy
- Finally a series where I loved the movies as much as the books. If you've watched these movies but not read the books you're really missing out. It's everything you love in the movie plus more! Action, adventure, love, coming-of-age, raw emotions and incredibly interesting themes. The author wrote it as a metaphor for children who live through the trauma and horror of war.
- Finally a series where I loved the movies as much as the books. If you've watched these movies but not read the books you're really missing out. It's everything you love in the movie plus more! Action, adventure, love, coming-of-age, raw emotions and incredibly interesting themes. The author wrote it as a metaphor for children who live through the trauma and horror of war.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
- I left this one for last because I must confess: I haven't read it yet. But I did watch the movie and I loved it, so I just got the book and it looks even better.
- I left this one for last because I must confess: I haven't read it yet. But I did watch the movie and I loved it, so I just got the book and it looks even better.
What are your favorite YA books? Please share! I'm really enjoying this genre.
*All opinions and reviews are my own. This was not a paid or endorsed post. However, if you do purchase a book off of one of the amazon affiliate links I will make 12 cents. And for that I thank you!
2 comments:
I love the Divergent Trilogy in addition to the books you posted.
You have got to read the After the Leaves Fall Series by Nicole Baart. These books are labeled YA, but they have such beautiful writing and imagery. The story of Shy girl- her mom ran off when she was young her dad passed away. And she goes off to college and has a life changing event. I have read the serious twice and just love it. A must read with intelligent characters.
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