The world of Young Adult Fiction is vast. All year round, the market for YA fiction is brimming. In recent years, this particular genre has made its mark not only in print but also in the form of Netflix adaptations. Whether it is a story set in a small town in Indiana or on some unnamed island in the Viking Era, young adult fiction covers it all. One of the main reasons of its popularity is inclusion and diversity. Moreover, this genre resonates with young people as it vividly captures the struggles of entering adulthood. We at Daastan have made for you a list of some of the best Young Adult Fiction books. Let’s have a look at them!
1. Turtles All The Way Down – John Green
Turtles All the Way Down opens with the disappearance of an eccentric billionaire. When Mr. Russel disappears, a reward is announced in exchange for giving any clue or information on his whereabouts. This disappearance sets in motion a series of events dragging Aza and Davis back into each other’s lives. Okay, so enough with the plot now! Let’s talk about why this novel should be among your to-be-read list this summer. It’s your go-to teen mystery solving book with the right amount of attention to teenage romance. On top of that, its characters are witty, socially awkward but eloquent and relatable.
“A wrenching and revelatory novel.” – Newyork Times
2. Extraordinary Means – Robyn Schneider
Extraordinary Means is John Green’s The Fault in our Stars meets Rachael Lippincott’s Five Feet Apart. If you enjoyed those two books, you will for sure love Extraordinary Means. It is about a group of friends living in a sanitarium Latham House fighting Tuberculosis. The book deals with friendship, love, death and what it’s like to live with chronic illness. Robyn’s book is a tear-jerker and page-turner that one does not want to put down.
3. All The Bright Places – Jennifer Niven
All the Bright Places is a book that makes you wish you could read it for the first time again. Niven has been successful in writing a book that resonates with young minds when it comes dealing with death and grief. The book is inspired mostly by her own life circumstances. The story revolves around Violet Markey and Theodore Finch, two teenagers who help each other find meaning in life. “All the Bright Places” is a heartbreakingly vivid story that ultimately conveys hope while remaining true to the characters”, says Andrea Beach.
4. The Grisha Trilogy – Leigh Bardugo
The world was introduced to Grishaverse in 2012 after Leigh Bardugo published her first book “Shadow and Bone” of the trilogy. The Grishaverse is a Russian inspired magical realm where a teenage girl named Alina Starkov crosses the Unsea with her best friend Malyen Oretsev. Upon crossing the Unsea, Alina finds out that she’s the miracle her people have been hoping for. The book explores Alina’s journey after this unexpected revelation and introduces many intriguing characters along the way. Leigh’s compelling characters and storytelling makes this trilogy a must read for all the Young Adult Fiction lovers.
Netflix also released a series based on the Grisha Trilogy on 23rd April, 2021.
5. The Divergent Series – Veronica Roth
Set in the dystopian future, Veronic Roth’s Divergents captures the essence of place where people are divided into five factions. According to Veronica, the faction system is a way to ensure balance and peace in the society. The story takes an interesting turn when Tris finds out that after all she may not be the only divergent. The Divergent Series also reminds the readers of Hunger Games as both of the series feature a strong female protagonist fighting for something greater than herself.
6. Anne of Green Gables Series – L.M. Montgomery
Anne of Green Gables is one the best selling novels worldwide. It is a cottage core dream come true as it is set in the fictional world Bolingbroke. It is a novel about a bright young girl making her way through life after she is accidentally sent to work on a farm. Many film and drama adaptations of the novel have been made. Moreover, the most recent one is featured on Netflix.
7. Paris for One – Jojo Moyes
Looking for a quick and fun read for your Sunday evening, do not worry! We have got a recommendation for you. An impromptu trip to Paris, an unforeseen break up and meeting a handsome stranger in a strange city – this novella by Jojo Moyes offers it all. Paris for One is another hit by the beloved writer of “Me Before You”. Just like Me Before You, Moyes has written Paris for One with same the witty, humorous and heartfelt undertone.
8. Fallen – Lauren Kate
All those who enjoy reincarnation, biblical references, themes of death, betrayal and love entwined with teenage drama, Fallen is the book for them. Lauren touches the psychological aspects of teenage minds all the while creating a fantasy world that contains several gothic elements. From castle like boarding facility to marble statues and mysterious environment – Fallen provides a lasting reading experience. It tells the story of Lucinda price who is sent to Swords and Cross Reform School where she meets an obnoxious group of friends.
9. The Perks of being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky
If you are feeling alienated among your friends, or tired of carrying the weight of whole world on your teenage shoulders or perhaps you keep on accepting the love you don’t deserve, we might just have the perfect book for you. The Perks of being a Wallflower is a story of a 15 year old boy Charlie and his friends. The book follows Charlie’s journey as he comes to terms with his friend’s death and his own troubled childhood.
10. Looking for Alaska – John Green
If you read John Green’s work religiously, you wouldn’t ask why he gets two mentions on this list. Green’s books involve a lot of mystery, death, disappearances and awkward teenagers. Similarly, Looking for Alaska contains some of those elements too.
It traces the story of Miles Halter and Alaska Young. Miles is a transfer student to a boarding school where his falls in love with Alaska. After being dragged into Alaska’s world, Miles finds himself on an unexpected journey of self-exploration.
“Green has a writer’s voice, so self-assured and honest that one is startled to learn that this novel is his first.”— Voya
We hope you enjoyed this quick rundown of Young Adult Fiction books. Share with us your favourite ones from the genre in the comments. Stay tuned for more literary goodness!
