There are so many good YA books out there that I’ve read
(and PLENTY that I haven’t), it’s hard to pick just ten. But I’m going to try.
Here’s a list of my top ten YA books (in no particular order) and why I liked
them so much. They’ll look great wrapped and under the tree for the book
lover(s) in your life (or yourself!)
(and PLENTY that I haven’t), it’s hard to pick just ten. But I’m going to try.
Here’s a list of my top ten YA books (in no particular order) and why I liked
them so much. They’ll look great wrapped and under the tree for the book
lover(s) in your life (or yourself!)
- . Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein A
historical fiction piece about the bonds of love and friendship set during
World War II, this book reaches down deep to wrench out your heart. The writing
is superb and the voice is sharp and fresh. An all around good book. Rating: PG-13 for scenes of mild
torture. Find my review, here. - 2. The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Dystopia, kick ass girls, great writing, and vampires. PERFECT COMBO. I’m a fan
of Julie Kagawa and this is the book that got me membership. Vampires rule the
cities and keep humans like cattle. Everyone is registered or you don’t eat.
Which is why Allison is on the verge of death, refuses to do so and ends up
becoming what she hates the most. The writing is sharp, engaging, witty, and
captivating. If you’re a fan of dystopians and vampires, go there. Rating: PG for some awesome violence.
Find my review, here. - 3. Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard This book
made me want to sell everything I own, leave everything behind and have
adventures while traveling the world (if I were 18, that is). Almost poetic in
the way she writes, Kristen paints pictures and creates such an enticing
experience for the reader. Rating:
PG. Read the full review, here. - 4. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Do you all REALLY need me telling you AGAIN how much I loved this book? It
really is a coming of age story about a girl who finds out who she really is
and what she wants to become after her sister dies. It’s about love, and death,
and living. And the writing is absolutely beautiful. Rating: PG-13 for some sexuality. See the review, here. - 5. Divergent (and the sequel, Insurgent) by
Veronica Roth Another Dystopian, the author creates a completely creative
and unique world where everyone lives in factions according to the values they
want to live by (information, selflessness, bravery, truth, etc). But when Tris
Prior picks a faction other than the one she’s lived in her entire life, her
whole world is turned upside down. This book really does have it all, action,
risk, love, humor. Rating: PG See
the entire review, here. - 6. Vixen by Jillian Larkin (Book 1 in the
Flapper Series) The whole series is good, but this one was the first and
best, in my opinion. Set in 1920’s Chicago, the book follows Gloria as she
struggles with falling in love with a black piano player from the local
speakeasy while she’s engaged to another man. The book is told from three
different, but connected, points of view; filled with love, jealousy, secrets,
and revenge. I really loved this book. Rating:
PG-13 some strong sexuality. Read my review, here. - 7. Sam Cruz’s Infallible Guide to GettingGirls by Tallulah Darling This book is more on the risqué side because it
deals with sex. Lots of sex - but in a surprisingly non-vulgar way. Which might
be hard to believe. Sam and Ally are
best friends. Sam’s a player and Ally’s been dumped. She has her best friend
teach her how to get in and get out without being committed. But everything
backfires for everybody. This book is hilariously funny, but definitely for
mature audiences and the older YA reader.
Rating: R for strong
language, drinking, euphemisms, and lots of “bow chicka wow wow”. See the full
review, here. - 8. Blood Red Road by Moira Young This was
the first dystopian book that I read. It was hard to get into at first, but
after I got used to the voice, I ended up loving this book. Full of action,
drama, cage fighting, love, and reluctant rescuing, Saba’s journey is addicting.
The second book in the series, Rebel Heart, is available in stores and online. Rating: PG for some violence - 9. Dying to Know You by Aidan Chambers Contemporary
fiction written by an English author about a young man, Karl, and his older
mentor (unnamed) who tries to help him win his girlfriend over. It’s not
outstandingly prolific, but the changes that happen in the lives of Karl and
the narrator are moving. A good, deeper read. Rating: PG - 10. The Book of Blood & Shadows by Robin
Wasserman Oh, wow. This book has it all: mystery, suspense, a little bit of
love, betrayal, revenge, conspiracies, mysterious religious organizations,
codes, clues, travel, EVERYTHING! It’s long (450 pages) but it goes by so
quickly. Especially with a storyteller like Wasserman. Rating: For some mild violence
--Me
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