Journey through genres: YA fiction
Young adult (YA) fiction is a category of books written for readers aged 12-18, bridging the gap between middle-grade and adult literature. However, YA books are read and enjoyed by teens and adults alike. A good book is a good book regardless of the intended audience.
These stories often focus on characters in their teenage years, exploring themes of identity, self-discovery and the transition to adulthood. YA books span every genre including fantasy, romance, mystery and horror, while maintaining a focus on the experiences and perspectives of teenagers.
Read on to explore my suggestions of YA reads. If you want to chat with me and other readers about your latest YA reads, stop by the library's fiction wing Mon, June 2, 2025, 7-8pm.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This is the first book in a five-book series set in a dystopian future where the gap between the rich and the poor is great and there is no middle class. Katniss volunteers in place of her younger sister in an annual nationally televised competition where a group of teens must fight to the death. All teens names are put in a lottery to determine who takes part in the violent and cunning contest – The Hunger Games.
During this competition every decision Katniss makes places not just her life in danger, but her family’s too. It will take all her skills to make it out alive.
My favorite part about this modern classic dystopian novel is how it can be used for commentary on our own government. The Capitol Citizens eating way more than enough while others starve is much like our modern world. How often do we look past the unhoused? How often do we ignore the more vulnerable among us including those who are food insecure? So many of our neighbors do fight regularly for survival and a home. Book five Sunrise on the Reaping was released in March 2025.
"The archetype of the girl survivalist is familiar — she’s tough and resourceful, but kind and sentimental. We are put on notice that Katniss is something different in Chapter 1, when she describes a lynx who followed her around while she hunted. In many books, that lynx would be Katniss’s best friend. But not this one: 'I finally had to kill the lynx because he scared off game. I almost regretted it because he wasn’t bad company. But I got a decent price for his pelt.'" –John Green, New York Times
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
This is the first book in an expected four-book series. The third book has a May 7, 2025, release date and book four is scheduled to be released in 2026.
In a new-future New York City a service known as Death Cast notifies people at midnight on the day they will die, their End Day. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.
What I like most about this series is how it’s the background characters that connect the books. Dalma Young works for Death Cast in this book after creating an app. In the second book The First to Die at The End, we see how she got the idea for the app. You can easily read them in order or months apart.
“A bold, lovely, and haunting story of loss, hope, and the redeeming power of friendship.” — Lauren Oliver, New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall
“Silvera not only poignantly captures the raw emotion of facing your own morality, but creates such relatable and authentic characters you want to follow on their journey. His gorgeous writing and wonderful storytelling will wreck you in the very best possible way.” —Buzzfeed
The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
Milly, Aubrey and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know each another and they've never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before they were born. So when they each receive a letter inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they're surprised and curious.
When the Story cousins arrive on Gull Cove Island, their grandmother is nowhere to be found. Instead they uncover deadly family history secrets. Now the three cousins are exploring the past while fighting for money and dealing with drama. Sounds like fun!
"Narrating her thriller through multiple perspectives that encompass both generations of Storys, McManus weaves past and present to take readers on a well-paced, twisty ride that will hold readers rapt till the last page."–Publishers Weekly
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
This is a five volume plus graphic novel series based on a web comic. Charlie and Nick become friends after a chance meeting in class. When Charlie’s feelings grow deeper, Nick must decide how he feels and what he wants. This is a sweet, timeless, coming-of-age series about friendship, love and coming out. I really enjoyed the lovely slow burn of their relationship in the graphic novel format that both shows and tells us their story.
I said "five volume plus" because there is a novella and a yearbook in the series in addition to the 5 volumes of graphic novels. You can check them all out as ebooks through Libby.
"Realistic yet uplifting, this tale of self-discovery will make readers' hearts skip a beat." –School Library Journal
"With all the blushing and awkward glances, it's difficult not to be charmed... The romance and realistic fiction will draw readers in to this sweet story." –Booklist
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
When she was 2 years old, Bel’s mother, Rachel Price, disappeared. Sixteen years later a true crime documentary is being filmed about the case. Bel can't wait for filming to end so she can retreat from the spotlight.
Shockingly Bel’s mother reappears telling the story of where she’s been. Bel isn’t sure she believes the story Rachel is telling. She works to uncover the true story of what happened and the real reason Rachel is back from the dead.
I liked how this book took the theme of “Are you who you say you are” and brought it to a YA novel. We’ve seen it play out in movies like in Changeling starring Angelina Jolie, Flightplan starring Jodie Foster, along with numerous adult mysteries.
"A well-written exploration of mother-daughter relationships ensues, all while Jackson expertly lays the groundwork for a head-spinning mystery." —Booklist
"Jackson delivers a commanding performance in this smart, meticulously crafted thriller." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
