15 Best Young Adult Books That Will Stay with You Long After You Finish Reading Them

Young adult fiction (YA) is a genre that is full of amazing books that can stay with you long after you finish reading them. From contemporary stories about coming-of-age and friendship to fantastical adventures in other worlds, there is a YA book out there for everyone.

15 Best Young Adult Fiction Books: Must-Reads for Teens and Adults

In this blog post, I will share my list of the 15 best YA books that will stay with you long after you finish reading them. These books are all critically acclaimed and popular among readers alike, and they are sure to entertain, inspire, and challenge you.

So if you are looking for a YA book to read that will stay with you long after you finish it, be sure to check out this list!

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Young adult fiction?

Young adult fiction, often abbreviated as YA fiction, is a genre of literature that is primarily written for and targeted at teenage readers, typically ranging in age from 12 to 18 years old. However, YA literature is also read and enjoyed by many adults. It occupies a unique space in the literary world, as it deals with the complexities and challenges of adolescence, often featuring protagonists who are themselves teenagers.

Young adult fiction (YA) is fiction written for readers from 12 to 18 years of age. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including contemporary, fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, mystery, historical, romance, and more.

YA fiction is typically characterized by its focus on the experiences of young adults, such as coming-of-age, identity, relationships, and first love. It also often explores complex themes such as bullying, mental health, substance abuse, and social justice.

Key characteristics of young adult fiction include:

• Protagonists: The main characters in YA fiction are usually teenagers or young adults, and the stories often revolve around their experiences, emotions, and growth as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.
• Themes: YA fiction covers a wide range of themes, including coming of age, identity, friendship, family, romance, self-discovery, and personal growth. It can also explore more mature or serious topics such as mental health issues, social justice, and difficult life choices.
• Writing Style: YA literature is typically written in a style that is accessible and engaging for its target audience. The prose is often straightforward, and the pacing is designed to keep young readers invested in the story.
• Diversity: YA fiction strives to represent the diverse experiences and backgrounds of young people, offering a variety of perspectives and voices. It addresses issues related to race, gender, sexuality, and more.
• Popularity: YA fiction has gained immense popularity in recent years, with numerous bestsellers and adaptations into other media, including film and television. This has contributed to its widespread appeal beyond its intended teenage audience.
• Subgenres: YA literature includes a wide range of subgenres, such as contemporary YA, fantasy, science fiction, dystopian, romance, mystery, and more. This diversity allows young readers to explore a variety of genres and themes.

Prominent examples of YA fiction include "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green, "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling, "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner, and "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas, among many others.

While young adult fiction is written with teenagers in mind, it has the power to resonate with readers of all ages and is often celebrated for its ability to address universal themes and emotions.

YA fiction is a popular genre for both teenagers and adults alike. It is known for its relatable characters, engaging storylines, and thought-provoking themes. YA fiction can help readers to explore their own identities and experiences, and to learn about the world around them.

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The 15 Best YA Books You'll Ever Read

Determining the "best" YA fiction books can be somewhat subjective, as personal preferences and opinions vary widely. However, here's a list of some highly acclaimed and popular YA fiction books that have received both critical praise and a strong following among readers:

1. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

This series of seven books is a global phenomenon, blending fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes. It's beloved by readers of all ages.

2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This dystopian series, featuring the strong-willed Katniss Everdeen, has been praised for its social commentary and action-packed storytelling.

3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

A contemporary romance novel dealing with love, friendship, and terminal illness, it has touched the hearts of many readers.

4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This powerful novel addresses race, activism, and police violence through the perspective of a young black girl. It received critical acclaim for its social relevance.

5. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Set in Nazi Germany, this book narrated by Death itself explores the story of a young girl's love for books and the people around her during a time of great turmoil.

6. The Giver by Lois Lowry

A classic in the dystopian genre, it follows the journey of a boy named Jonas as he discovers the dark secrets of his seemingly utopian society.

7. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

A contemporary romance novel that tackles issues like bullying, family problems, and young love.

8. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

The first book in a duology set in the Grishaverse, known for its rich world-building and a group of antiheroes who take on a dangerous heist.

9. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

The first book in a popular fantasy series, following an assassin's journey to regain her freedom and find her destiny.

10. Percy Jackson & The Olympians series by Rick Riordan

A series that introduces young readers to Greek mythology in a fun and engaging way.

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11. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This novel is a classic in the YA genre and is known for its exploration of the challenges and experiences of adolescence.

12. The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer

While Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series gained immense popularity and is often associated with the paranormal romance genre, it is classified as YA fiction due to its focus on teenage characters and themes.

13. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

This novel is explicitly classified as YA fiction and deals with serious issues such as bullying, suicide, and the impact of actions on others, making it a popular choice for both teenage and adult readers.

14. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

This book is a contemporary YA novel that deals with themes of mental health and the journey of two troubled teenagers. It's widely recognized as YA fiction.

15. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

This classic novel, while written in the early 20th century, is often classified as children's or middle-grade literature due to its target audience. However, it is sometimes included in YA reading lists because it follows the adventures of Anne Shirley from her childhood into her teenage years.

These books have achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success and are known for their engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes. Keep in mind that the popularity and critical acclaim of YA books can change over time as new titles emerge, so it's always a good idea to explore recent releases and seek recommendations from fellow readers to discover the latest gems in the YA fiction world.