Today's Topic
Top Ten Books Every YA Newbie Should Read
1. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
- This made the list because I think it is so representative of YA Contemporary. The characters, the lessons, the BOY! It's the ultimate must-read YA book.
2. Looking for Alaska by John Green
- Of course John Green is going to be on the list. I think Looking for Alaska is a classic and should definitely be read if you're trying out the genre.
3. Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty
- This is the first book of a hilariously fun series. The main character is funny, smart, sassy, and REAL. I like how the series transitions from H.S. to college to adulthood with the characters.
4. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- If you are only going to read ONE YA book in your life-- I would pick this one!
5. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
- I love everything about this book. It really showcases common themes in YA- relationships, family, love, life, and major problems- but does it in the BEST way.
6. Crank Ellen Hopkins
- A YA "issues" book in verse. I definitely think every YA-er should try a book in verse.
7. Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
- I had to put my favorite author on this list. But the way she writes complicated girls that you want to like and root for, but at the same time frustrate you to no end, is totally unique and important.
8. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
- You can't have YA without Sarah Dessen. This book maybe isn't my absolute fav of hers, but it's the best one to showcase what Sarah Dessen does (IMO).
9. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
- The classic YA Contemporary Romance. Not my fav genre, but this one did it well. I like that it wasn't sickeningly, overly sugary sweet. It was cute, without being too cute.
10. Winger by Andrew Smith
- Why Winger? Well, I feel like it covers a lot of issues while also being hilariously, LOL funny. I also adore Ryan Dean and love his crazy view of the world.
Honorable Mentions: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler, Hate List by Jennifer Brown, Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas
What would you rec to a YA Newbie?
I still need to read some of these! I loved Along for the Ride and Looking for Alaska was pretty decent. Nice list. :D
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I completely agree with Looking for Alaska. It's such a classic novel and my all time John Green favorite!!!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com
It's my fave John Green too!!
DeleteGotta love Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson... It's a good read!
ReplyDeleteHere's a link to my TTT post for this week: http://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2016/04/top-ten-tuesday-ten-books-every-russian.html
Love this!!! Totally agree with anything by John Green, Anna and the French Kiss and Before I Fall. Also love a lot of your honorable mentions. I need to read more Sarah Dessen. Great picks!
ReplyDeleteSpeak is perfect for a list like this. I've been interested in My Life Before, maybe this summer I'll pick it up. Nice list!
ReplyDeleteGreat list Michelle! I have loved and enjoyed quite a few of these books. :-)
ReplyDeleteEveryone always talks about Speak and...I HAVEN'T READ IT YET, gAH. What even is wrong with me. XD I did read Wintergirls and that just about mushed my feels...omg, Laurie Halse Anderson is an incredible writer.
ReplyDeleteAlso yesss to John Green. He's iconic and his stories are AMAZING. :D
Thanks for stopping by @ Paper Fury!
Great Top ten!
ReplyDeleteI've read and LOVED a handful of these books. Especially Looking For Alaska. :D
My TTT.
Fab list! Before I fall was the first YA contemporary book that I've ever read! And then I became a book blogger :P :) literally :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see Winger make your list! :)
ReplyDeleteCheck out my TTT.
The only book I've read on your list is Anna, but I do love it! And would definitely rec it. Sounds like I need to read Before I Fall :) I'd also say Graceling (first YA fantasy I read), The Hunger Games, Cinder, The Raven Boys, Every Breath, Tarnish, and The Start of Me and You.
ReplyDeleteSpeak is a good one. That was one of the first YA books I picked up.
ReplyDelete