What Are The Best Young Adult Fiction Books In 2023?

2025-07-17 11:13:37 264

3 Answers

Vivienne
Vivienne
2025-07-21 05:13:48
I've been diving deep into young adult fiction this year, and 'The Sun and the Star' by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro immediately grabbed my attention. It's a mythologically rich adventure featuring Nico di Angelo and Will Solace, blending heart, humor, and high stakes perfectly. Another standout is 'Divine Rivals' by Rebecca Ross, a historical fantasy with forbidden love and magical typewriters—unexpectedly poetic and gripping. For contemporary feels, 'Imogen, Obviously' by Becky Albertalli nails queer coming-of-age vibes with authenticity and warmth. These books aren’t just stories; they feel like conversations with friends, tackling identity, love, and resilience in ways that stick with you long after the last page.
Uma
Uma
2025-07-20 12:02:35
2023 has been an incredible year for young adult fiction, offering a mix of genres that cater to every taste. If you lean toward fantasy, 'Hell Bent' by Leigh Bardugo continues the dark academia trend with supernatural twists, while 'Chain of Thorns' by Cassandra Clare delivers the final emotional punch in 'The Last Hours' trilogy. Both are immersive, with intricate world-building and characters you root for.

For something lighter but equally compelling, 'Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute' by Talia Hibbert is a rom-com with banter so sharp it could slice through steel. It’s refreshing to see neurodivergent representation done with such humor and heart. On the dystopian front, 'The Scarlet Veil' by Shelby Mahurin reinvents vampire lore with a feminist edge, perfect for fans of morally gray heroines.

Contemporary realism shines in 'The Boy You Always Wanted' by Michelle Quach, a tender exploration of family expectations and cultural identity. And don’t overlook 'Threads That Bind' by Kika Hatzopoulou, a noir-inspired mythic thriller that’s as stylish as it is suspenseful. Each book this year feels like a milestone, pushing boundaries in storytelling and representation.
Victoria
Victoria
2025-07-20 15:49:19
As someone who devours YA like candy, 2023’s lineup has been stellar. 'The Davenports' by Krystal Marquis stands out—a Jazz Age romance with Black excellence at its core, offering glamour and depth rarely seen in the genre. Then there’s 'Flowerheart' by Catherine Bakewell, a whimsical fantasy where magic blooms from emotions, literally. It’s like Studio Ghibli meets cottagecore, utterly charming.

For thrill-seekers, 'Lies We Sing to the Sea' by Sarah Underwood reimagines Greek tragedy with lush prose and gut-wrenching choices. And if you crave angst with a side of space opera, 'Defiant' by Brandon Sanderson (yes, the YA debut!) delivers with rebellious vibes and epic stakes.

What’s remarkable is how these books balance escapism with real-world relevance. Whether it’s 'The Making of Yolanda la Bruja' by Lorraine Avila tackling social justice through witchcraft or 'All the Fighting Parts' by Hannah V. Sawyerr exploring survivor strength in verse, they don’t shy from hard truths. YA isn’t just growing up; it’s evolving.
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Related Questions

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3 Answers2025-07-17 16:41:50
I’ve read both new adult and young adult fiction for years, and the differences are pretty clear once you dive in. Young adult fiction usually focuses on protagonists aged 12-18, dealing with coming-of-age themes like first love, identity, and high school drama. Think 'The Hunger Games' or 'The Fault in Our Stars'—emotional but often with a sense of hope. New adult fiction, on the other hand, targets characters in their early 20s, tackling more mature issues like career struggles, serious relationships, and financial independence. Books like 'The Love Hypothesis' or 'Beautiful Disaster' explore adult responsibilities while keeping that emotional intensity. YA tends to be more idealistic, while NA isn’t afraid to get messy with real-world problems.

How To Write A Successful Young Adult Fiction Book?

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Writing a successful young adult fiction book requires a deep understanding of the teenage psyche. I always focus on creating relatable protagonists who face real-world challenges but with a twist of adventure or fantasy. The key is to balance emotional depth with fast-paced storytelling. Books like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Harry Potter' excel because they blend universal themes like friendship, identity, and rebellion with gripping plots. Authentic dialogue is crucial—teenagers can spot fakeness a mile away. I also pay attention to world-building, even in contemporary settings, to make the story immersive. Lastly, don’t shy away from tough topics; YA readers appreciate honesty and complexity.

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Booktok has been a game-changer for young adult fiction, and I’ve seen it firsthand. As someone who spends a lot of time on TikTok, the way creators passionately talk about books is infectious. It’s not just about reviews; it’s about creating a vibe. A 15-second clip of someone crying over a plot twist or gushing about a character can make you want to drop everything and buy the book. The algorithm is wild—it knows exactly what to show you, and before you know it, your For You page is filled with book recommendations. What’s fascinating is how Booktok has revived older titles too. Books like 'The Song of Achilles' and 'They Both Die at the End' were published years ago, but they’ve become bestsellers again because of TikTok. It’s like a second life for these stories. Publishers have caught on, and now they’re actively working with Booktok creators to promote new releases. The community is so tight-knit that when a book gets hyped, it spreads like wildfire. I’ve also noticed how Booktok has made reading feel more social. People don’t just read books; they discuss them, make edits, and even dress up as characters. It’s turned reading into a shared experience, which is especially appealing to younger audiences. The impact on sales is undeniable—bookstores are even creating Booktok sections to capitalize on the trend. It’s a whole new world for young adult fiction, and it’s exciting to be part of it.

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I’ve always been passionate about writing, and when I decided to self-publish my young adult romance, I learned a lot through trial and error. The first step is to polish your manuscript until it shines—hire a professional editor if you can, because typos and awkward phrasing can turn readers off. Next, design a cover that screams 'pick me up!' or hire a talented artist. Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark make it easy to publish eBooks and paperbacks. Marketing is key; I used social media to build hype, posting snippets and engaging with potential readers. Don’t forget to categorize your book correctly and use relevant keywords so it pops up in searches. It’s a lot of work, but seeing your book out in the world is worth every minute.

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What Are The Booktok Accounts For Young Adult Fiction Fans?

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As someone who spends a lot of time scrolling through BookTok, I’ve found some incredible accounts that cater specifically to young adult fiction fans. One of my favorites is @YAreads, which consistently shares thoughtful reviews and recommendations for the latest YA releases. Their enthusiasm for diverse stories and underrepresented voices is infectious. Another must-follow is @FictionalFangirl, who dives deep into popular YA series like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Six of Crows,' offering analysis and fan theories that keep me hooked. For those who love discovering hidden gems, @HiddenPages is a treasure trove of underrated YA books that deserve more attention. They also host live discussions with authors, which is a fantastic way to connect with the community. If you’re into fantasy and romance, @EnchantedBooks is your go-to. Their aesthetic videos and detailed breakdowns of world-building in series like 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' are mesmerizing. Lastly, @BookishTeens is perfect for younger readers, as they focus on relatable, coming-of-age stories that resonate with high schoolers. These accounts have enriched my reading journey and introduced me to so many amazing books.
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