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Iconic Young Adult book series like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Divergent monumentally influenced pop culture after their respective releases and for years following. These series are commonly thought of in regards to their movie adaptations; however, their origins and fame as novels started it all.
Nine Book Recommendations In Honor Of Young Readers Day
National Young Readers Day takes place every November 14th and celebrates the joy young adults find in their favorite books, encouraging their love and support for the pastime. In honor of this day, here is a selection of highly different and engaging books to enjoy from the YA genre.
Tales of young love, fantastical adventures, bone-chilling thrillers, and much more await in these nine Young Adult book series and novels.
The Gallagher Girls Series By Ally Carter
Cammie “the Chameleon” Morgan is an ordinary high schooler… when she’s tasked with playing the part. In reality, Cammie goes to an all-girls school for spies, mastering multiple languages and the art of espionage. As a spy, Cammie undergoes many demanding missions where her life is on the line; however, I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To Kill You showcases her most challenging mission yet: falling in love.
“Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man seven different ways with her bare hands, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she’s an ordinary girl.”
I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To Kill You, Ally Carter
The Gallagher Girls series is six books long and offers great excitement and entertainment for younger readers. The Young Adult series is a whirlwind of romance, betrayal, and comedy, making it the perfect binge-read for those looking for something light-hearted and fun.
Dragon Hoops By Gene Luen Yang
A graphic novelist and teacher, Gene Yang hates sports- especially basketball. However, when Yang finally gets a spark of inspiration in a bout of writer’s block, it unexpectedly comes from his school’s varsity men’s basketball team. Yang follows the journey of the basketball team as they play their way to the California state championships, and he finds that each player has their own story.
“You wanna know what the worst thing about sports is? You have no real control over the ending.”
Dragon Hoops, Gene Luen Yang
Dragon Hoops is an autobiographical graphic novel by Yang, who was inspired to create the book after talking with Lou Richie, the Dragons’ head coach and former basketball player (( Craft, Jerry. 2020. “No Fan of Sports, a Graphic Novelist Learns to Follow the Bouncing Ball.” )). While the novel maintains its focus on the Dragons’ journey, it also skillfully branches out into other topics involving the history of basketball and its cultural significance, along with issues of race and ethnicity.
I Wish You All The Best By Mason Deaver
After coming out to their parents as nonbinary, Ben De Backer is kicked out of their house and forced to move in with their older sister, Hannah, and her husband Thomas, whom they barely know. As the stress of their parents’ rejection exacerbates Ben’s anxiety, they decide to only share their identity with Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist. With this, Ben tries to keep a low profile at school; however, a budding friendship with charismatic student Nathan Allen pulls Ben out of their shell, with their relationship gradually growing into something more.
“’Labels can help people find common ground, can help them connect, with themselves and other people.’”
I wish You All The Best, Mason Deaver
Heart-wrenching and profoundly moving, Deaver’s Young Adult novel explores the highs and lows one may experience on their journey towards self-awareness and acceptance. Yet, while there are tear-jerking moments, I Wish You All the Best celebrates life, gives hope, and emphasizes the importance of friendship and love.
Notes From The Midnight Driver By Jordan Sonnenblick
While trying to get revenge on his father, who left his mother for his third-grade teacher, sixteen-year-old Alex Gregory gets drunk and crashes his mom’s car into a lawn gnome. As punishment, Alex is ordered by a judge to finish 100 hours of community service at a nursing home and is assigned to help Solomon Lewis, one of their residents. Initially, Alex resents his mandated service but then discovers that he and Sol share a love for music. Over time, the two develop an unlikely friendship that teaches them both valuable life lessons.
“We’re all free to chose some people to love, and then do it.”
Notes from the Midnight Driver, Jordan Sonnenblick
Notes from the Midnight Driver is a hilarious and heartwarming story that is bound to make one smile. Midnight Driver promises joy to young adults and older audiences alike by taking many readers off guard with its humor and engaging characters.
I’ll Be The One By Lyla Lee
Skye Shin dreams of becoming the world’s first plus-sized K-Pop star, despite the discouragement from society and the media. In pursuit of her goal, Skye competes in an internationally televised K-Pop competition show. However, after she rocks her audition, Skye soon finds herself swamped with grueling practice sessions, performances, and plenty of drama. On top of this, the fat-phobic standards of the K-Pop industry challenge Skye’s confidence, making her journey towards stardom all but easy.
“I’m fat and I take up space, but that’s okay… I’m allowed to take up space just as much as anyone else.”
I’ll Be The One, Lyla Lee
This debut novel from Lyla Lee is a fun and inspiring rom-com that emphasizes body positivity and self-love. Enjoyable for fans or non-fans of K-Pop alike, I’ll Be the One offers criticism of the unrealistic beauty standards rampant in the industry while also depicting its fun and enjoyable side.
Kamisama Kiss By Julietta Suzuki
Desperately searching for a place to live after her father flees town due to debt, Nanami Momozono takes up an offer from a stranger to take care of his home at a shrine. So Nanami moves into the shrine with few other options, only to find that the man left her the role of becoming its deity. As the new land god and the first-ever human god, Nanami must learn how to protect the shrine and its patrons against evils with the help of a sassy fox yokai familiar named Tomoe.
“There’s no human or yokai when it comes to a girl’s heart.”
Kamisama Kiss, Julietta Suzuki
This shojo manga series by Julietta Suzuki is an unforgettable story about love, friendship, and believing in oneself. The series’s variety of exciting characters and plot points make it a highly entertaining and binge-able read. There is also an anime for Kamisama Kiss, which does a fantastic job adapting the story, and will leave viewers wanting to read the series ASAP.
Green Rising By Lauren James
A climate-change activist who can grow plants from her skin, Gabrielle joins forces with Hester, the daughter of an oil tycoon, and Theo, the son of a line of fishermen, to develop the “Greenfinger” power. The unlikely trio and thousands of other teenagers attempt to use the power to help save the Earth from climate catastrophe, finding love and friendship along the way.
“It’s time for a change. What you see is what you get – and you ain’t seen nothing yet.”
Green Rising, Lauren James
This book offers hope and optimism to those who fear the effects of climate change on our planet, especially young adults. Although Green Rising focuses on the harrowing topics of climate change and the politics alongside it, James strives to be educational and positive about finding creative solutions to these issues.
Cirque Du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan Series By Darren Shan
When a creepy and bizarre “freak show” visits their town, Darren Shan and his friend Steve score tickets to the event. Little do they know it will drastically change their lives. The boys realize that one of the performers, Mr. Crepsley, is a vampire during the show. Unable to resist their curiosity about Crepsley, Darren and Steve spiral down two bloody paths.
“I don’t like it, but my hands are tied. I just want you to know this: if I ever get the chance to betray you, I will. If the opportunity arises to pay you back, I’ll take it. You’ll never be able to trust me.”
Cirque Du Freak, Darren Shan
Cirque Du Freak is a spine-tingling and gory series that skillfully combines the Young Adult genre with horror. The unique characters and intense plot will intrigue even the readers who are easily spooked. For fans of graphic novels, there is a manga version of the book that is well worth checking out.
Legendborn By Tracy Deonn
Still reeling from the sudden death of her mother, Bree Matthews tries to find escape in an early college program at her dream school, UNC-Chapel Hill. However, after a magical attack on the campus, Bree discovers the existence of a secret society of “Legendborn” students that hunt demons. As Bree searches to find out the truth behind the existence of the society and what happened to her mother, she soon realizes she has powers of her own.
“Don’t make your life about the loss. Make it about the love.”
Legenborn, Tracy deonn
This compelling and imaginative debut novel from Tracy Deonn kicks off what is sure to be a hit new Young Adult series. In Legendborn, Deonn explores themes of generational trauma, racism, coping with grief, and love, as Bree, navigates the society built off her ancestors’ exploitation. Beyond the gripping plot and compelling characters, Legendborn is a story about empowering identity in the face of great opposition, making it all the more impactful and essential to read.
Everyday Is Young Readers Day
These nine recommendations are just a fraction of the fantastic Young Adult book series and novels out right now. The variety of sub-genres within the Young Adult category guarantees something for everyone to read. While geared towards young adults, YA literature offers immense entertainment for both younger and older audiences. With so many interesting Young Adult books to choose from, one can’t help but wonder which one will become the next great pop culture moment.