Looking for an unforgettable collection of YA books that will appeal to readers of all ages? As an award-winning author and veteran blogger about issue-driven YA fiction, I’ve spent over a decade analyzing and recommending the most addictive and compelling novels that you won’t be able to stop reading.
When I first began reading YA in earnest, market statistics pointed to more than 50% of YA readers are adults like me. This information has led many to speculate on the trend, but there are some clear reasons why YA appeals to all ages.
You’ll find detailed reviews of more than 25 of my favorite YA novels in the roundup below. Some are romance and others are thrillers. Some are standalone and some are series. All of them are worth a look, and I’ll tell you why. I’m confident you’ll find several new authors to read.
Forgotten But Never Gone by Khristina Chess
why it appeals to all ages
Amazing story (mystery)
What it’s about
A girl walks up the road and vanishes from sight, and the town’s apathy proves as terrifying as the darkness that swallowed her.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“I think it was this rebellious quality about her that allowed everyone to write off her disappearance so easily. Kids like Half-pint ran away. This whole generation was full of delinquents. Blah, blah, blah.” – Khristina Chess from Forgotten But Never Gone
If you’re drawn to those cold case shows and unsolved mysteries, those heartbreaking stories of missing girls and unclaimed Jane Does, Forgotten But Never Gone is for you. Set in 1980, this historical YA novel transports readers back to a time before AMBER alerts and 24-hour news cycles, when carefree kids roamed neighborhoods with little supervision and always returned home in time for supper.
Except sometimes they didn’t.
The story begins with the disappearance of fifteen-year-old Rosie Fields, affectionately nicknamed “Half-pint.” One of the last to see her was Bobby, a foster kid whose life Rosie once saved. When the police dismiss her case as just another runaway, Bobby refuses to accept it, and in his relentless search, he follows one lead after another until he makes a shocking discovery.
I highly recommend this layered and unsettling YA mystery, which exposes some of the reasons why more people seemed to vanish without a trace in the 70s and 80s. What makes this book especially powerful is its dual resonance: it’s both a gripping page-turner and a thoughtful exploration of how society failed vulnerable youth in the past. Bobby’s determination reminds us that sometimes the most unlikely person can become the keeper of truth, and that refusing to forget is itself an act of justice.
Fans of historical mysteries, true crime narratives, or YA novels with grit and heart will love Forgotten But Never Gone. The story lingers long after the final page, leaving you haunted not only by Rosie’s fate but by the real-life children who have never been found.
Heroine by Mindy McGinnis
why it appeals to all ages
Tough topics (substance abuse)
What it’s about
A powerful story of addiction and recovery after a teen girl wakes up to find all of her friends dead.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“When I wake up, all my friends are dead. I don’t know when they stopped breathing, or how long I slept while they dropped off one by one.” ― Mindy McGinnis from Heroine
Those are the opening words of Heroine, the compelling novel about the slow slide of Mickey from Catalan from her position as a star student athlete to heroin addict. It begins with a terrible car accident and pain. Determine to make it back on the field, she uses the prescription painkillers to accelerate her recovery.
But then she’s out of pills and needs more.
What’s so compelling about Heroine is Mickey’s slow slide into addiction and her denial about her situation. She justifies every step of the way. The means justifies the ends, every time.
I did not watch my friends die.
I did not leave their bodies cooling in a basement.
I am not an addict.
Heroine is one of the best YA books featuring characters dealing with substance abuse that I’ve ever read. It’s real and raw, and I couldn’t look away. I really rooted for her to find a way to health. If you’re looking for the very best YA novels that will appeal to all ages, you’ll want to read this.
The Astonishing Color of After by X.R. Pan
why it appeals to all ages
Magical realism & cultural impact
What it’s about
A grieving girl goes on a search for her mother, who she believes has turned into a bird.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“Believing is a type of magic. It can make something true.” ― Emily X.R. Pan from The Astonishing Color of After
A young girl, Leigh Chen Sanders, is grieving the death of her mother, who committed suicide. Leigh believes that she turned into a bird, and she goes on a journey to visit her grandparents in Taiwan in search of her mother, the bird, and other family secrets.
The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan is one of my top favorite YA reads. I discovered the novel after reading a Goodreads review so intriguing that I went hunting for the title during my next Barnes & Noble trip. The Astonishing Color of After was shelved under Teen Fantasy, a category where I never shop, so without seeing the great reviewer comments I might never have discovered this touching book about grief, culture, and family secrets.
This book wrecked me. The writing is so beautiful. Whether it’s the love story, the voice, the mystery, or the family culture aspect, there’s plenty of reasons why fans connect with this YA classic. I truly can’t say enough wonderful things about this amazing novel.
If you haven’t discovered it yet, you definitely want to make it one of the YA books on your list of best YA book recommendations for all ages. And if you have already read it, here’s my list of other great books for fans of The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan.
After by Amy Efaw
why it appeals to all ages
Exploration of big issues
What it’s about
After abandoning her newborn to die, a former “good girl” finds transformation in jail.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“I'd rather be lucky than good. Good is just so overrated. Bad girls have the most fun.” ― Amy Efaw, quote from After
What kind of girl leaves her infant to die in the trash?
Devon Davenport is a “good girl” whose one misstep leads to an unplanned pregnancy. She’s so filled with denial about her entire situation that she cannot even admit to herself that she’s pregnant until she gives birth. The depiction of her detachment is incredibly real and heartbreaking.
During her stay in the juvenile detention center, Devon must face facts about herself and her situation. Her lawyer plays an important role in drawing the story out of her and helping to build empathy for this girl who has committed such a horrific act.
Devon’s transformation from the beginning to the end of book is heartfelt and moving. I couldn’t put it down.
Don’t miss this poignant and wonderful YA book about teens who commit terrible acts. It will especially appeal to fans of Jodi Piccoult because it reads like a crime novel at parts.
Coywood Creek by Khristina Chess
why it appeals to all ages
Positive escapism
What it’s about
A quirky dystopian thriller about teen battling anxiety and binge eating disorder, forced to adopt new coping strategies as society crumbles around her.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“With an unremarkable click, like a period at the end of a sentence, the world ended.” ― Khristina Chess from Coywood Creek
This hilariously smart YA novel will wreck you—in the best way possible!
For readers drawn to the slow unraveling of society in dystopian fiction, Coywood Creek delivers a comical journey through the eyes of a teenager with binge eating disorder.
At first, Zoey brushes off the blackout, the dead cell service, and the eerie northern lights. But as reality sets in, she knows one thing: she can’t stay in her parents’ condo alone with no power. So she packs her snacks and sets out for Coywood Creek, hoping to find safety with her uncle and grandmother. Instead, she finds something else entirely.
What makes this novel so engrossing is Zoey’s sharp, relatable, and often humorous response to navigating the collapse of civilization with her signature sarcasm (and a bag of OREO cookies). Her delicious banter with Kent made me laugh out loud, even as the novel’s deeper themes—resilience, uncertainty, and survival—kept me hooked.
But more than anything, Coywood Creek forces you to ask: How fragile are we without our technology?
I highly recommend this YA novel about the end of the world. You have to meet the sassiest survivor since Katniss—and don’t forget to bring snacks.
I Am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall
why it appeals to all ages
Amazing story
What it’s about
After strangers murder her father in front of her, Jess and a dog are stranded in the Canadian wilderness and must find a way to survive—and get revenge.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“To survive you need to learn to hold contradictory things in your head at the same time. I am going to die; I am going to live. There is nothing to fear; be wary of everything.” ― Kate Alice Marshall from I Am Still Alive
What an amazing page-turner! From the beginning this book grabbed me and didn't let go. It's the kind of story that had me staying up late to read, sitting outside in the shade to read, read, read, reading to finish because I couldn't put this novel down. It starts with a BANG--literally, when strangers kill Jess's father, leaving her stranded in the wilderness of Canada with his dog, Bo. She's still recovering from a car accident that killed her mother, so she doesn't walk well, and she's a city girl so she's not great at hunting and fishing. How will she handle a Canadian winter alone without shelter or food?
She is alive. And she is tenacious.
I loved this girl's grit, and I wanted to see her survive. I wanted to know the answer to the mystery about who the men killed her father.
If you’re looking for the best YA book recommendations for all ages—adults as well as teens—I Am Still Alive is a must-read. In fact, after reading this one, I binged on everything that Kate Alice Marshall has written and added her to my list of Best YA Authors to Binge on Kindle Unlimited because she’s amazing! She’s at the top of my list of the best YA book recommendations and authors of all time.
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
why it appeals to all ages
Psychological manipulation & thrilling story
What it’s about
A slow-boil novel about the abduction of a young girl by a stalker who woos her into caring for him.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“How long will you keep me?" I asked.
You shrugged. "Forever, of course.” ― Lucy Christopher, quote from Stolen
So often, police write off missing teenagers as “runaways,” but that’s not always the case.
What a beautiful, unsettling, thrilling, complex, and emotional novel! I was mesmerized by the characters and the slow-boil situation. The author did an amazing job of making me emotionally invested in the outcome. I could feel the heat and dryness of the desert. The camel was a creature I could see and smell, and I love the way Lucy Christopher draws a parallel between what happens to Gemma and the camel. Wonderful! I have a very vivid impression in my mind of the setting.
I can’t say too much without giving spoilers, so I will only urge you to read it if you’re looking for the best of the best in YA book recommendations. I loved it!!!
Missing by Kelly Armstrong
why it appeals to all ages
Amazing story
What it’s about
A plucky heroine is determined to solve the mystery of missing teens in her town, even at increasingly dangerous personal cost.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“Reeve’s End is the kind of town every kid can’t wait to escape. Each summer, a dozen kids leave and at least a quarter never come back. I don’t blame them—I’ll do the same in another year. We thought it was just something that happened in towns like ours. We were wrong.”― Kelley Armstrong from Missing
Winter Crane’s sister is missing.
In missing-person cases, police only have so much time to find victims before their chance of returning home safe diminishes, and in this instance, the timeline for how long Winter’s sister has been missing happened to her—and other missing kids—is tied to an invisible clock like a heartbeat. It creates suspense is already unclear. As the mystery quickly unfolds, the urgency to find out what might have and raises the stakes. The tension increases with each turn of the page because we believe the situation is life-or-death. The hero spends a lot of time literally running from one place to another, trying to beat the clock.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plucky heroine and her determination to get to the bottom of the mystery of the missing teens, even at increasingly dangerous personal cost to herself. The West Virginia setting seemed vibrant and real without being cliched or overdone. The killer was gruesome, creepy, and sinister.
If you’re looking for the best YA book recommendations that will appeal to any age, be sure to add this one to your TBR pile.
Five Feet Apart by Rachel Lippincott
why it appeals to all ages
Real, sweet love
What it’s about
A boy and a girl with terminal illnesses fall in love.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“I don't want to leave you, but I love you too much to stay.” ― Rachael Lippincott from Five Feet Apart
Stella and Will are two kids with cystic fibrosis who literally have to stay away from one another to survive. Infections are bad, possibly deadly, and Will is like kryptonite to Stella, who doesn’t want to lose her place on the transplant list.
But the heart wants what the heart wants—even when the lungs are failing.
Stella and Will disobey all kinds of orders in their love pursuits and put their lives at risk. They have so much positive energy that you want them to beat the odds. Tragedy won’t touch them.
Don’t miss this popular YA book about star-crossed lovers. You will love Stella and Will’s story. The movie was pretty amazing, too! That’s why it makes the list of best YA book recommendations for all ages.
The Delinquent Hero by Khristina Chess
why it appeals to all ages
Tough topics and amazing story
What it’s about
A grieving teen investigates the mystery surrounding her anorexic sister's suspicious and tragic accident.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“It’s easier to think about food and the physical pain inside my body from not eating than the other pain of not having Kat. My sister would totally understand this. She would. As long as I’m connecting to her this way—our familiar, hungry old way—she’s with me.” ― Khristina Chess, quote from The Delinquent Hero
For readers who love great “tear-jerkers,” The Delinquent Hero offers a tragic and raw exploration of sisterhood, eating disorders, and devastating loss. If you’ve ever lost someone you love, this gripping YA novel speaks directly to the grief of saying goodbye.
At its core is Molly, desperate for answers after her older sister, Kat, lands in the hospital. Something is suspicious. The investigation unfolds in real time, peeling back layers of secrets, regrets, and the painful bond they’ve always shared. For Molly, reconnecting with Kat means slipping into their old patterns—the kind that consume and starve in equal measure.
"I'm not very hungry. I am, and I'm not. I am hollow, but this feeling seems less about food and more about Kat. At any rate, I do not want to eat."
What makes The Delinquent Hero truly unforgettable is its heart-wrenching puzzle—not just unraveling what happened that night, but understanding Kat herself. This novel doesn’t just tell a story; it forces you to feel every ache, every unanswered question, every regret, every desperate search for why.
The Absolute Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
why it appeals to all ages
Delightful writing & cultural impact
What it’s about
A funny and inspiring coming-of-age story about a courageous boy who dares to leave the reservation, his school, and his best friend to seek a different life.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“We all have to find our own ways to say good-bye.” ― Sherman Alexie from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Junior Spirit is a courageous boy who dares to leave the reservation, his school, and his best friend to seek a different life. His story is funny, heartbreaking, inspiring, and brave. I loved his quirky voice, his cartoons, and I cheered so hard for him in his basketball game.
This novel highlights the contrast between extreme poverty and wealth, as well as racial differences. These themes are handled with humor and sensitivity. This YA book recommendation is another winner that does not disappoint.
Before Women Had Wings by Connie May Fowler
why it appeals to all ages
Emotional resonance & universal themes
What it’s about
A beautiful coming-of-age story of a resilient young girl who lives in poverty, abuse, and grief.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“I didn't want to be all she had. I didn't even want to be her daughter. My blood, poisoned with our family sins, turned hot, scorched my veins. Breathing was getting difficult.” ― Connie May Fowler, quote from Before Women Had Wings
I read this book years ago when it released and was a hot title on Oprah's Book Club. I picked it up again, remembering that I enjoyed it and wanting a good read. I didn't remember what it was about.
Bird is a young girl in a terrible situation. After her father commits suicide, her alcoholic and abusive mother relocates Bird and her sister to Tampa, FL, where they live in a motel in poverty. As things worsen at home, Bird finds a safe haven in spending time with Zora, a strange woman who also lives on the motel property.
The book is a fast read, and I couldn't help cheering for Bird and hoping for her to have a happy ending. Or at least a path to a happy ending.
Be sure to also check out this out-of-print and overlooked YA book about emotions and feelings about generational abuse. And how to stop it.
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
why it appeals to all ages
Emotional resonance & universal themes
What it’s about
A boy and a girl form an unlikely relationship that ends badly.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“You are all the colors in one, at full brightness.” ― Jennifer Niven from All the Bright Places
Theodore Finch has more than a touch of the blues.
Violet Markey wants to escape the grief that lives in her hometown where her sister recently died.
Violet and Theodore are an unlikely couple, paired together on a school project to explore the natural wonders of their state. At first, Theodore seems to be the one helping Violet with her sadness, but Violet doesn’t have any understanding about the depth of Theodore’s despair. Along their journey, they make several unexpected discoveries about one another.
After re-reading this book a second time, I enjoyed it every bit as much as the the first. I liked the writing, the dual character viewpoints, the story, the language, and the symbolism.
Blue is a primary color.
This lovely YA book is about grief and loss, and Niven handles these difficult topics with honesty and resonance. All the Bright Places is one of my all-time favorites. In fact, Jennifer Niven is such a great author that she’s on my list of Best YA Authors to Binge on Kindle Unlimited because she’s all-around amazing! Be sure to add All the Bright Places and her other titles to your list of best YA book recommendations to your must-read pile immediately.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
why it appeals to all ages
Romantic & heartbreaking
What it’s about
A boy and a girl with terminal illnesses fall in love.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you.” ― John Green from The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars is the ultimate YA book about star-crossed lovers. Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace are two teens with cancer, and they fall in love during a sweet time of remission. They talk about literature and philosophy, and they go on a wonderful journey to meet the author of Hazel’s favorite novel. This person is not at all what she expected—a huge disappointment, as a matter of fact—but then, life happens that way.
When the inevitable plot turn comes and twists the knife in your heart, it doesn’t matter that you’re expecting it. Augustus and Hazel are supposed to be together, so every bittersweet moment of their parting is a gasp. Every breath counts. Every syllable.
If you’re looking for the sweetest and most heart-wrenching star-crossed love story, pick up this classic. If you read it a long time ago, it’s just as good the second time around. Trust me. I have no doubt that this one is on hundreds of lists of the best YA book recommendations for all ages. It’s that wonderful.
Hollow Beauty by Khristina Chess
why it appeals to all ages
Real, sweet love & tough topics
What it’s about
Prom should be magic, but when her date tells her to lose weight, Olivia’s quest for perfection pulls her into a toxic spiral of extreme dieting and exercising.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“I wondered what it would feel like if he rolled over and kissed me. Would I feel that panicked need to escape that I always felt when Brody kissed me? When I thought about kissing Ross, I felt nothing but excitement.” ― Khristina Chess from Hollow Beauty
A romantic love triangle that will appeal to fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before—this compelling novel explores insecurity and the power of words to hurt and to heal.
The story starts with a casual criticism from a cute boy: maybe you could use the next two months before prom to lose some weight.
That’s right. When tall, gorgeous Brody asks Olivia to prom, she’s ecstatic—until he suggests that she go on a diet!
But how thin is thin enough?
What starts as a few skipped meals spirals into a dangerous obsession—hours spent scrolling pro-ana and thinspo forums, tracking calories like a lifeline, and watching the number on the scale plummet. The more weight she sheds, the more she disappears. Ross, the new prep cook at the diner, sees her differently, and the only time Olivia feels like herself is when she’s riding dirt bikes and cave-hunting with him. But with Brody, romance feels more like devour or be devoured.
She’s almost perfect for prom. Almost thin enough.
Until the unthinkable happens.
If you’ve ever suffered the pain of unkind criticism, Hollow Beauty is for you. This dreamy YA novel with an unexpected love triangle also explores the slippery slope of pro-ana culture and the brutal consequences of chasing perfection. What makes Hollow Beauty special is the realistic portrayal of how Olivia falls into the self-esteem trap of trying to change herself for someone else. I loved seeing her journey and choices as the events escalated toward the story’s climax. This one is worth the read!
Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
why it appeals to all ages
Memorable characters
What it’s about
A girl is kidnapped by a pedophile at age 10, and as a "too old" teen, she's forced to help him select his next victim to replace her.
Why I Love It - Book Review
Three life lessons:
1. No one will see you.
2. No one will say anything.
3. No one will save you. ― Elizabeth Scott from Living Dead Girl
Fifteen-year-old Alice is the kidnapping victim of a pedophile named Ray who took her at age ten. This haunting, horrifying, graphic, disturbing, and tragic book is about so much more than child rape, although that certainly happens. This novel shows how a person—a child—can lose their self-worth and believe their captor’s lies.
How someone can lose their own humanity.
This thin novel was a fast read, but Alice and her story have stayed with me long after I finished. It’s her voice. In her unflinching viewpoint, Alice shows us what happens to children who are taken and never found. She challenges us to look more closely at the people around us. To notice.
Monsters prey on the mute. So pay attention. Speak.
By The Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters
why it appeals to all ages
Tough topics
What it’s about
A bullied girl who failed her first suicide attempt intends to get it right the next time with the help of a website named Through the Light.
Why I Love It - Book Review
I want to tell them, "Chip, Kim, there is no way to suicide-proof a person.” ― Julie Anne Peters from By the Time You Read This I’ll Be Dead
Daelyn is going to kill herself in 23 days.
Daelyn is a bullied girl who failed her first suicide attempt but intends to get it right the next time. A website named Through the Light provides support to wanna-be suicide “completers” like Daelyn, and she spends a lot of free time there. Counting down the days.
Then she meets a boy. She tries to ignore him, but he’s pushy. Persistent. Charming, even.
But is he charming enough to keep her from going through the light when the countdown ends?
This short, brutal novel is a fast read. It’s not easy, happy, or hopeful, but it’s a raw and real look at suicide. Be sure to add this one to your TBR pile of best YA book recommendations for all ages. You won’t be disappointed.
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
why it appeals to all ages
Historical context & breadth of genre
What it’s about
Set in New England around the time of the American Revolution young girl fights for freedom after the death of her owner.
Why I Love It - Book Review
I have read several of Laurie Halse Anderson's books, and I found this one to be ambitious, compelling, and heartfelt. I learned things about slavery during the American revolutionary war that were new since most literature I've consumed has been during the later period of the civil war. The author’s research into the book made it rich and come alive.
You will want to add this amazing historical YA book about class difference, race, and slavery in early American history to your list of the best YA book recommendations for all ages. In fact, Laurie Halse Anderson is such a great author that she’s on my list of Best YA Authors to Binge on Kindle Unlimited because she’s all-around amazing!
Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
why it appeals to all ages
Delightful writing
What it’s about
A quirky and hilarious amateur filmmaker sets out with his friend to make a movie about a dying girl—which fails spectacularly.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“We used to be pretty good friends, but fourteen-year-old girls are psychotic.” ― Jesse Andrews from Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
How can a book about a teenage girl dying from leukemia be so funny?
Greg and Earl are weird, unlikely friends and amateur filmmakers who manage to fly below the radar at school and enjoy their private world. Then Greg’s mom makes him reach out to Rachel, a childhood friend who has been diagnosed with leukemia and needs a friend.
Earl turns out to be the more compassionate of the pair, and the two of them set out to make a movie about Rachel. Their brilliant idea fails in execution and is the Worst Film Ever Made.
This fun, funny, and all-around wonderful YA book about grief, loss, and friendship is full of crude humor, heart, honesty, and surprises as Greg learns things about his long-time friend Earl, as well as himself, through this journey with the dying girl, Rachel. I can’t say enough good about it. Buy it. Read it. Laugh.
It definitely earns a place on the list of the best YA book recommendations for all ages.
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
why it appeals to all ages
Universal experiences & real, sweet love
What it’s about
A girl with a perfect summer plan is derailed by her father’s scandal and an unexpected romance.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“Theoretical crushes could remain perfect and flawless, because you never actually had to find out what that person was really like or deal with the weird way they chewed or anything.” ― Morgan Matson from The Unexpected Everything
I have to include this one in my recommendations for the best YA book recommendations for all ages (and why). As a YA romance and a universal experience. The Unexpected Everything was a light, sweet, happy, and satisfying read. The characters and story were perfect for each other. At first I didn't like them, but they totally won me over. They fit their world, and they grew as a result of the summer events. I will definitely read more of this author.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
why it appeals to all ages
Innovative story form & cultural impact
What it’s about
A powerful story about a mother-daughter relationship in which the Afro-Latina heroine uses poetry to find her way.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“And isn't that what a poem is? A lantern glowing in the dark.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo from The Poet X
What a surprising and lyrical story!
I wasn’t sure I’d like this book, which is told entirely in verse, but I couldn’t put it down. Xiaomara is a young girl whose traditional Catholic mother prohibits her from doing anything. Xiomara is a good and dutiful daughter. But she wants to participate in the poetry group.
The mother-daughter relationship was well-developed, and there was a powerful moment when the mother did something truly awful. Moments like those between mothers and daughters are the ones that can define the relationship forever. I liked the choices Xiaomara made in response to that. In fact, all of the primary and secondary characters played important roles in her journey. I loved her father, the teacher, the priest; it was refreshing to see so many supportive adults in a young person’s life in a YA novel.
This award-winning YA book definitely deserves all the accolades, hype, and great reviews it has received and belongs on the list of the best YA book recommendations for all ages.
The Wicker King by K. Ancrum
why it appeals to all ages
Innovative story form & tough topics
What it’s about
A chilling story about two friends who descend into madness together.
Why I Love It - Book Review
"Perception is relative. So is sanity, if you think about it. It's totally a Minority vs. Majority thing. If you fall on one side of the line, take a ticket and proceed. If you fall on the other, shit gets real." ― K. Ancrum from The Wicker King
This novel is a fast-paced read with super-compelling characters in a relationship that evolves into a more dangerous thing with each passing page. I had a paperback copy and enjoyed the layout and visual design of the experience of the book. You can physically see the descent into darkness on the side of the pages. The creativity in this technique makes this book special.
There are moments between these two boys that are truly chilling, when Jack's dominance over August goes too far:
"We have to drown you," Jack continued bluntly. "Or just nearly enough that you pass through the gates, but not so much that you can't come back from there."
I won't give any more away. The psychological dynamic between these two characters will draw you in and keep the pages turning!
I recommend splurging on the paperback for this one so you can enjoy the visuals.
Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
why it appeals to all ages
Real, sweet love with movie tie-in
What it’s about
A classic, unforgettable series about first love between characters of very different worlds—human and vampire.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn’t know how potent that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.” ― Stephanie Meyer from Twilight
Oh. My. Gosh.
Twilight was my introduction to YA as an adult reader, and I remember plowing through these novels at a breakneck pace. They’re part love stories, part vampire and werewolf fantasy world, and just full of all the great emotions. At one point I contacted my friend who’d recommended the series and asked, “When do they finally have sex?!” By this point I felt as frustrated about the situation with Edward as Bella.
“It’s young adult,” she said. “Remember?”
Right.
For readers who have never read them or even those who read them a decade ago, these books are highly addicting, binge-worthy, can’t-put-down, and worth another look. There’s a reason millions of people loved them, watched all the movies, and bought posters. The passion between Bella and Edward sizzles on the pages of this series. Even more, there is a love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob in the middle books that turns up the heat.
Swallow the Rainbow Khristina Chess
why it appeals to all ages
Tough topics (substance abuse)
What it’s about
She survived the worst tornado in history—but now Savannah must survive what comes next: withdrawal, guilt, and the long road back to herself.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“That’s the thing about addiction. Now that I’m hooked, nothing else matters. Nothing. Not my mom, not Mr. Purrty, not the power outage, not my lack of clean clothes or showering, not the disaster surrounding us, not these kind people taking care of me, not my friends, nothing but the addiction”― Khristina Chess from Swallow the Rainbow
If you’ve ever loved someone with opioid an addiction—or suffer from one yourself—Swallow the Rainbow is for you. Savannah’s sharp, darkly unique perspective makes this more than just another teen addiction story—it’s raw, emotional, and beautifully crafted.
After the tornado, nothing is where it should be—not the roof, not the cat, not Savannah Young’s mother.
But that’s not the worst part.
The worst part is the empty pill bottle.
With roads blocked and power out across multiple counties, Savannah has no way to get more painkillers—and withdrawal is worse than any storm. As her neighborhood bands together to rebuild, she fights a more private war against opioid addiction, survivor’s guilt, and the wreckage of a past she thought she’d buried with her brother.
Wow—this book is unforgettable. Swallow the Rainbow grabs you from the first page and never lets go. If you’re looking for the very best YA book recommendations, especially novels that feature characters dealing with substance abuse, Swallow the Rainbow is an absolute must-read.
Other YA Book Recommendations
If you are looking for some other great YA book recommendations for any age, check out the Best Young Adult Books and Young Adult Book Lists on Goodreads. You will find dozens of great choices. You might also be interested in my post, Other Good Reads, which has a comprehensive list of reviews of YA books by type of tough topic, including eating disorders, substance abuse, mental illness, and others.
Author Bio
Khristina Chess is an award-winning author of more than a dozen young adult novels, including The Cutting Edge of Friendship, The Delinquent Hero, and Junior Missing. Her novel about eating disorders, Hollow Beauty, was named a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She tackles tough teen topics and writes binge-worthy books across multiple genres, including contemporary, thriller, mystery, dystopian, and adventure.
In a recent interview from her alma mater, she described how her experience in the creative writing program prepared her for success.
