Young Adult novels are some of my favorite books to read. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for reading high literature, and I also seem to be on a years-long non-fiction streak. But young adult literature is the best way to gently escape into another world, and sometimes that’s all you need. Despite the easy escapism, YA novels can be surprisingly thought-provoking too. Here’s a list of some of my favorite Young Adult novels that adults will enjoy too.
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
Whatever you do, don’t watch the movies. I proudly fall in the camp of “the book is always better than the movie.” Even movie-lovers will tell you that these movies just don’t cut it, though. The series, however, is delightful. I attribute 95% of my knowledge of Greek and Roman gods to Rick Riordan, so it’s educational too 😉
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can’t seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse-Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy’s mom finds out, she knows it’s time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he’ll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea.
Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends — one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena — Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
This is, sadly, another movie fail. The movie series started out okay and then completely flopped at the end. The book series, however, keeps you engaged and curious for the entire time. If you haven’t read these yet, definitely give it a try.
One choice can transform you. Beatrice Prior’s society is divided into five factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Beatrice must choose between staying with her Abnegation family and transferring factions. Her choice will shock her community and herself. But the newly christened Tris also has a secret, one she’s determined to keep hidden, because in this world, what makes you different makes you dangerous.
Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery
I listened to these while doing my first mind-numbing data entry job. They feel sweet and light-hearted, but if you look closely, they have some serious and deep themes. From what I’ve heard, these really come out in the Netflix series, which I have yet to watch.
When red-headed orphan Anne arrives at the Cuthberts’ home, Green Gables, she feels sure she’s found the home she has longed for. They, however, are less certain; their request to the orphanage had been for a boy. But before long Anne’s irrepressibly optimistic, loving nature has charmed them. While her temper is unpredictable and her extravagant imagination makes her dreamily whimsical and prone to comic mishap, the Cuthberts come to love Anne as if she were their own child. Montgomery’s classic tale is a celebration of the transformative power of love and the unique qualities of a girl who has a second chance at childhood.
Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Who would I even be if I didn’t mention Harry Potter? If you haven’t read the series yet, I’m not sure what you’re waiting for. Do it. I promise you won’t regret it.
Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry’s eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I read the entire Hunger Games series in three days. Yes, a book a day. My eyes were so tired by then, and my heart felt a little traumatized, but in a good way. Going beyond just entertainment, I think the books are great at provoking thought about Western culture in general.
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games.
But Katniss has been close to dead and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Collins delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in this searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
I’m not sure why, but the cover really put me off of this series. The book seemed cheesy and unrealistic and I was not interested. However, after seeing tons of people rave about the series, I decided to try it out. I surprised myself by discovering that I really enjoyed it. This is definitely one of those books that you shouldn’t judge by its cover.
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card
Similar to the Percy Jackson series, I attribute the majority of my knowledge of norse mythology to this series. For the most part, I really enjoyed this series. There were periods when I didn’t care for some of the main characters, but overall it’s a great story. If you’re wanting to read this with your children, there are some more adult themes. I’d recommend looking into it before diving in with kiddos.
Danny North knew from early childhood that his family was different, and that he was different from them. While his cousins were learning how to create the things that commoners called fairies, ghosts, golems, trolls, werewolves, and other such miracles that were the heritage of the North family, Danny worried that he would never show a talent, never form an outself.
He grew up in the rambling old house, filled with dozens of cousins, and aunts and uncles, all ruled by his father. Their home was isolated in the mountains of western Virginia, far from town, far from schools, far from other people.
There are many secrets in the House, and many rules that Danny must follow. There is a secret library with only a few dozen books, and none of them in English ― but Danny and his cousins are expected to become fluent in the language of the books. While Danny’s cousins are free to create magic whenever they like, they must never do it where outsiders might see.
Unfortunately, there are some secrets kept from Danny as well. And that will lead to disaster for the North family.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
I read this the first time in middle school and enjoyed it for the escape from reality. I reread this when I was older and enjoyed it for the deeper themes and messages. It really got me thinking about the idea of choice and the choices that I make.
At her birth, Ella of Frell receives a foolish fairy’s gift—the “gift” of obedience. Ella must obey any order, whether it’s to hop on one foot for a day and a half, or to chop off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not accept her fate…
Against a bold backdrop of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella goes on a quest to break the curse forever.
I’d love to hear what you guys think. Did these ones stick with you? Are there other awesome YA novels I haven’t read yet? Leave a comment with your faves!
I love reading and love young adult literature. Have not read most on this list but have read Ella Enchanted.
Reading is great! What are your favorite young adult lit books? I’ve been wanting to read more of that genre.
Love these recommendations. Can’t wait to pick up a few for summer!
Thanks, Julie! I’d love to hear your thoughts after you read them.