YA may stand for ‘young adult’ but I have found that the genre’s approach to complex themes, relatable protaganists who make questionable decisions, and compelling cultural discourse makes it relevant to readers of all ages. If you grew up on “Harry Potter”, “The Hunger Games”, and “The Fault in our Stars”, there is a fondness and nostalgia this genre awakens in all of us and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for a new read from an old-favourite genre or looking to expand your book palate, here are some of my all-time favourite YA novels written with depth, emotional maturity, and most importantly, the innocence of youth.
“Today Tonight Tomorrow” by Rachel Lynn Solomon (2020)
A touching, wholesome novel that encompasses all the feelings of teenage love, and the unpredictability of graduation and futures. Our protagonists are two rival overachievers who hated each other throughout high school until they are forced to work together and eventually best each other in a citywide treasure hunt- their last hurrah. Somewhere, along the way on their wild adventure, they uncover new feelings for one another. These characters are delight to read, and the romance is swoon-worthy. It is the perfect, light read.
“All My Rage” by Sabaa Tahir (2022)
This was one of the best books I read in 2022 and rightfully so. “All my Rage” takes you through ALL the emotions as you follow Sal and Noor navigate their friendship while survivng the darkness in their personal lives. It is a story of forgiveness, strength and reconciliation. This novel contains many difficult topics, but the author navigates them with grace and tenderness. I cannot recommend it enough; it had me sobbing ugly tears that were incredibly cathartic.
‘I miss things I can’t put into words because they were taken before I knew how precious they were’
Sabaa Tahir from “All My Rage”
“When You Were Everything” by Ashley Woodfolk (2020)
Reading this novel was a very impromptu decision, but it has quickly become a favourite. Cleo and Layla were bestfriends until Layla begins to spend more time with a group of girls who deliberate exclude Cleo. Cleo’s intial hurt leads to a cycle of betrayal and misunderstandings which causes their friendship to end. I loved this book for its nuanced take on friendship breakups.
Most discourse on heartbreak focuses on the romantic, but friendship breakups can be just as searing and difficult to heal from. I loved that the author gave me the language to represent what it means to lose a friend. At the same time, we get to see Cleo’s healing journey, while learning to trust and make new friends. There is a romance subplot but the true focus of this novel is the joys and woes of friendship.
‘Sometimes love can devastate.’
Ashley Woodfolk from “When you were everything.”
“The Final Strife” by Saara El-Arifi
“The Final Strife” is an ambitious fantasy novel about three women from different factions in society fighting against an empire. It has magic, sapphic love, and incredible discourse on privilege and discrimination. This story is bold, and demands your attention. The world builiding is intricate, and the attention to detail, immaculate. These characters are caught in lies and secrets and hurts, and so much of their journey is spent uncovering truth and coming into their own. It is easily one of my favourite fantasy novels that takes a while to get into but once you are in, it is unrelenting.
‘For we must fight for our lives and our liberties. In a battle, the last battle, the only battle. And we name it now, so it sears into our flesh, the moment to come,the rebellion that will destroy the Embers and the empire they stand upon. The Duster’s last stand. And it starts with you, my Stolen children, you are our last hope, you are the Final Strife.’
Saara El-Arifi from “The Final Strife”
“See You Yesterday” by Rachel Lynn Solomon (2022)
I bought this book because of my love for “Today Tonight Tomorrow” and this didn’t disappoint. Our protagonist, Barrett Bloom is eager for a fresh start on her first day of college after a tumultous high school experience. However, everything goes wrong on this day, and when she wakes up, Barrett is stuck at the same day- 21st September, with shy, smart, awkward Miles Kasher Okamoto. “See You Yesterday” is a refreshing, fun take on a popular plot- Groundhogs day.
“The Queens of New York” by E.L. Shen (2023)
Growing older is such a confusing existence. You have all these anxieties, and expectations for the future, all while accommodating people’s expectations of you. That is the journey “The Queens of New York” takes us on. It is a touching YA about 3 Asian-American teenagers apart for the first time during summer. It captures all the feelings of growing up, making your own decisions, even if that means rebelling against parents. It is light enough to be consumed by younger readers, but also carries much depth.