Top Ten Young Adult Books to Give…and To Get

 

By Brandy Reid

As a former young adult librarian, putting a list together of my top ten YA novels to give this Christmas was quite a challenge. There are just so many fabulous reads out there that is was difficult to narrow it down to just ten.

So, here you have a list of a few great books I have read this year, ones that I have ready to be read on my night stand, and ones I want to get my hands on very soon.

First up is my favourite read this year…

1. Every Day by David Levithan

A is not your typical teenager. Each morning A wakes up in a different body and as such gets to live a different life. It’s the only life A has ever known. Then one morning A wakes up in Justin’s body and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. A falls in love with Rhiannon and simply must find a way to be with her always. Every Day is a fantastic must read for anyone and everyone. This novel is so beautifully written and difficult to put down. Definitely my favourite of the year.

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

A heartwarming tale. Hazel is 16 years old and has been suffering from Stage IV Cancer since she was 13. A miracle drug was tested on Hazel and it worked. It has kept the tumours at bay, for now. Her life for the most part was put on hold when she was diagnosed. So, Hazel’s mother wanted Hazel to start living and socializing post miracle drug. Hazel joined a support group where she met handsome Augustus Waters, a Cancer survivor currently in remission. The rest is history.

3. Insurgent by Veronica Roth

The second book to Roth’s Divergent does not disappoint. Tris is to be initiated into her chosen faction but it isn’t a time for celebration. War is waged and sides are chosen. Insurgent is so jam packed with action and surprises that you will be kept guessing until you turn the last page.

4. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Auggie was born with a facial deformity that has kept him relatively sheltered for most of his life. Until now. Auggie is about to enter mainstream school. Fifth grade. Can Auggie convince his classmates that he is just like everyone else despite how he looks on the outside? I cannot wait to read this one!

5. The Selection by Kiera Cass

America is pressured by her family and even her boyfriend Aspen to sign up for The Selection. The Selection is a way for young girls to “change their stars” so to speak and vie for the chance to leave their past lives behind for the opportunity to live a better one. This dystopian novel is a must read for those romantic types out there.

6. The Diviners by Libba Bray

The Diviners is set in 1920s New York City. Evie is sent to live with her Uncle Will, who is curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult. Evie and her uncle are thrown into the fire when a rash of occult related murders are committed. Evie possesses a secret power that may help to catch the killer, if he doesn’t catch her first. If you enjoy historical fiction, this book is for you.

7. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

I love series, what can I say? Pandemonium is the sequel to the popular novel Delirium. Lena lives in a world where love is considered a disease called amor deliria nervosa. People are “cured” of the deliria when they turn 18 and their life course is set out for them from then on. Pandemonium picks up right where Delirium left off. Fans of this series will love this follow-up novel.

8. The Bridge by Jane Higgins

The City is divided. The bridges gated. In Southside, the hostiles live in squalor and desperation, waiting for a chance to overrun the residents of Cityside. The Bridge is a gritty adventure set in a future world where fear of outsiders pervades everything. A heart-stopping novel about friendship, identity and courage from an exciting new voice in young-adult fiction.” Source: The Bridge’s book jacket

9. What’s Left of Me by Kat Zhang

Two souls woven together in one body. Over the years, one is expected to fade. But it doesn’t. How great does the premise of this novel sound? Cannot wait to get my hands on it.

10.  Seven The Series

I happened upon this series on another blog. I absolutely love the concept. Seven books by seven different authors all published on the same day. Each story is woven together by a common theme. When avid adventurer and beloved grandfather David McLean passes away he leaves a letter for each of his seven grandsons which outlines a task each must complete. I am so looking forward to reading this compilation!

My Honourable Mentions are: Flutter by Gina Linko; The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin; Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor; Crewel by Gennifer Albin; and This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel. I will let the awesomeness of these books speak for themselves.

And remember, boxed sets of The Inheritance Cycle, Hush Hush, & The Caster Chronicles (better known as the Beautiful Creatures Series) will be available for purchase this Christmas season!

Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!

Written by Brandy Reid. Brandy is a stay at home, work at home, study at home mom to two very active boys. She spends entirely way too much time on social media but also loves to read and go for walks. Brandy can be found blogging at www.insanemamacita.com. You can connect with her on Twitter at @insanemamacita or on her Facebook Page.