What Are The Best 12+ Books For Young Adults?

Ever read 'The Dead and the Dark'? That's YA. It's about ghost hunters and a small town with secrets, and it's genuinely creepy. The scares come from the setting—the oppressive town, the dark past—and from the emotional stakes between the characters. I'd recommend it to any horror fan, regardless of age. It proves that a strong concept and good characters can deliver fear without needing an 'adult' label. Good horror is good horror, full stop.

I always recommend 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas as a must-read. It tackles heavy themes like police brutality and racism with raw honesty, but also balances it with warmth and humor. For fantasy lovers, 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo is a heist story with a diverse cast and sharp dialogue that teens adore. 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli is a sweet, funny coming-of-age story about identity and first love that never fails to make readers smile. These books resonate because they don’t talk down to teens—they meet them where they are, with stories that reflect their struggles and dreams. Another favorite is 'The Poet X' by Elizabeth Acevedo, a novel in verse about a Dominican girl finding her voice through poetry. It’s fierce, lyrical, and impossible to put down.

I’ve stumbled upon countless series that capture that same magic as the big names. If you loved 'The Hunger Games,' you’ll devour 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard—it’s got that same blend of rebellion and high-stakes drama, but with a supernatural twist. For fans of 'Percy Jackson,' 'The Storm Runner' by J.C. Cervantes offers a fresh take on mythology with a Latino protagonist, making it feel both familiar and new. If you’re into the emotional depth of 'The Fault in Our Stars,' 'They Both Die at the End' by Adam Silvera will wreck you in the best way. It’s poignant, thought-provoking, and utterly unforgettable. For those who crave the whimsical world-building of 'Harry Potter,' 'Akata Witch' by Nnedi Okorafor introduces a Nigerian-American girl discovering her magical abilities in a richly imagined universe. Each of these books brings something unique to the table while scratching that YA itch we all know and love.

Getting lost in the world of young adult literature is something I absolutely cherish! There's a treasure trove of stories that resonate with the ups and downs of growing up. A personal favorite of mine has to be 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. This book dives deep into themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of life. The way Green crafts Hazel and Augustus's relationship gives readers a poignant reflection on mortality and making the most of every moment. The dialogue is sharp and relatable, making it feel like you're right there with them in their struggles. Another gem is 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell. This one strikes a beautiful chord of nostalgia for anyone who remembers the awkwardness of teenage love. Set in the 80s, it’s all about two misfit teens finding solace in each other through music and comic books. It captures the essence of feeling like an outsider, while also delivering a strong message about acceptance and the power of connection. There's just something magical about Rowell's writing that transports you back to those rollercoaster years of high school. And who could overlook 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo? If you’re into epic heists, diverse characters, and a bit of magic, this one’s a must-read. I was utterly absorbed by the intricate world-building and the relationships between the characters. Kaz and his crew are so dynamic and well-developed that you can’t help but root for them, even as they get tangled in morally gray situations. The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and it’s definitely a book that showcases resilience and determination against all odds. Young adults will find themselves inspired by these strong characters, each with their own compelling backstories. So, if you haven’t checked these out yet, trust me, they’re worth diving into! Each of these books not only entertains but also reflects the complex emotions that come with being young, making them perfect for readers at this stage of life.

I can tell you that the number of books in the best YA series collections varies widely depending on what you consider 'best.' For instance, 'Harry Potter' by J.K. Rowling has 7 books, while 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins is a trilogy with 3 books. Some series like 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians' by Rick Riordan have 5 main books, but the expanded universe includes many more spin-offs. Then there are series like 'Shadow and Bone' by Leigh Bardugo, which has 3 books in the original trilogy but expands into the 'Grishaverse' with additional novels. If you're looking for a comprehensive count, it's hard to pin down an exact number because new series are constantly being added to the 'best of' lists. But if you stick to the most celebrated ones, you're looking at anywhere from 3 to 10 books per series, with some exceptions like 'The Mortal Instruments' by Cassandra Clare, which spans multiple interconnected series totaling over 15 books.

Young adult literature has this incredible way of capturing the chaos and beauty of growing up, and there are so many gems out there that resonate deeply. One of my all-time favorites is 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky—it’s raw, honest, and perfectly encapsulates the awkwardness and intensity of teenage life. Charlie’s letters feel like a conversation with a close friend, and the book tackles heavy themes like mental health and trauma with such tenderness. Another standout is 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, a coming-of-age story about two Mexican-American boys navigating identity, family, and first love. The prose is poetic, and the emotional depth is staggering. It’s one of those books that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. For readers who crave something with a bit more fantasy or dystopian flair, 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo is a masterpiece. The heist plot is thrilling, but it’s the characters—each with their own scars and secrets—that make it unforgettable. Kaz Brekker’s cunning and Inej’s resilience are just chef’s kiss. If you’re into sci-fi, 'The Lunar Chronicles' by Marissa Meyer is a fun twist on classic fairy tales, blending Cinderella with cyborgs and space politics. And let’s not forget 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas, a powerful, unflinching look at police brutality and activism through the eyes of Starr Carter. It’s a book that educates while it entertains, and it’s impossible not to root for Starr as she finds her voice. Sometimes, though, you just need a book that feels like a warm hug. 'Fangirl' by Rainbow Rowell is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider or obsessed over fandom. Cath’s journey through college and her struggles with social anxiety are so relatable, and the fanfiction subplot adds a layer of nostalgia for anyone who’s ever fallen deep into a fictional world. On the lighter side, 'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' by Jenny Han is a sweet, whimsical rom-com that’s like a cup of hot cocoa in book form. Lara Jean’s love letters and her messy, adorable family dynamics make it impossible not to smile. What I love about YA is how it refuses to talk down to its audience. Whether it’s the magical realism of 'The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender' or the gritty realism of 'Long Way Down' by Jason Reynolds, these books trust young readers to handle complexity and nuance. They’re not just stories—they’re mirrors and windows, reflecting our own lives or offering glimpses into someone else’s. And that’s why I keep coming back to them, even as an adult.

I’ve been eagerly tracking release dates for some of the hottest series. The next installment in 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas, 'A Court of Silver Flames', is set to drop on February 16, 2023, and trust me, the hype is real. Fans are already buzzing about the shift in perspective to Nesta’s story. For those who love dystopian vibes, 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' sequel to 'The Hunger Games' is rumored to be in development, though Suzanne Collins hasn’t confirmed a date yet. Meanwhile, Leigh Bardugo’s 'Six of Crows' spin-off, 'Rule of Wolves', just hit shelves in March 2023, so if you missed it, now’s the time to catch up. I’m also keeping an eye on 'The Gilded Ones' series by Namina Forna—book three is expected late 2023, but no official announcement yet.

As a passionate reader who spent my teenage years lost in the pages of countless novels, I can’t help but share some gems that truly resonated with me. One of my all-time favorites is 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas. It’s a powerful contemporary novel that dives deep into themes of race, identity, and social justice, all seen through the eyes of Starr Carter, a young girl who witnesses her friend's shooting by the police. The way it captures the struggle of growing up between two worlds is so relatable, and it reminds me of the discussions I had with my friends about social issues that really matter to us. Another powerful pick would have to be 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo. This fantasy masterpiece blends adventure and a touch of romance, following a ragtag group of misfits on a perilous heist. I loved the character dynamics, especially Kaz and his cleverness! It perfectly illustrates how friendship and trust can blossom in the direst situations, and it's a wild ride that kept me glued to my seat. Plus, the world-building is just fabulous! It’s one of those stories that make you feel like you’re part of the action, and isn't that the best feeling? Lastly, I can’t forget about 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell. Set in the '80s, this novel captures the beauty of first love and the challenges of being an outsider. The way it portrays the awkwardness and sweetness of teenage romance really struck a chord. It made me remember my own awkward moments in high school, and maybe that’s why I love it so much. These books not only entertain but also spark conversations and reflections on the real issues we face today, making them some of the best choices for any young adult reader out there!

Have you ever found a book that felt like it was written just for you? For young adults, I can’t recommend 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' enough. It beautifully captures that awkward phase of life filled with friendship, love, and a whole lot of introspection. Charlie, the protagonist, takes you on a journey through his high school experiences, dealing with mental health, first crushes, and those bittersweet moments that seem to linger forever. What I truly appreciate is how relatable the characters are; they feel real, as if you might bump into them at a coffee shop or see their stories unfolding around you. It's not just a coming-of-age tale; it dives deep into the complexities of growing up and finding oneself amidst the noise of adolescence. Plus, it’s structured as letters, which gives it a heartfelt touch, almost like having a conversation with a friend who understands you. I found myself nodding along and even reflecting on my own experiences while reading it.