Top Ten Tuesday- Books for YA Newbies

Top Ten Tuesday is a really cool original feature/weekly meme created over at The Broke and The Bookish. Each week they post a new Top Ten List that bloggers join in on answering... and today (April 12th) I'm one of them :)

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?