Inspired by Amanda Howell’s 13 on Thursday post, I am going to do a 13 on Thursday for The Bookish Fox every Thursday. This will be a fun feature that will be a new way for me to share information with you. This week’s 13 on Thursday will be 13 Young Adult novels that I would recommend to you.
1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This is one of my favorite young adult novels of all time. It is so beautiful and honest. If anyone wants to know why I want to write young adult novels, I point her to this book. Also, it features David Bowie’s “Heroes.” I think this makes it clearly a winner.
2. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Read them. Right now. If not for me, do it for Carswell Thorne.
3. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
I know I mention this book. A lot. It just means you really have to read it, so I can finally be quiet about it.
4. Fallout (Lois Lane) by Gwenda Bond
Okay, I was really surprised by how much I loved this book. I am not the biggest Superman fan. I mean, he is really boring. His weakness is some weird substance from another planet? Mine is those sappy commercials (you know what I am talking about). It gives a girl a complex. Still, I was really impressed with how much Lois Lane kicked butt, and I loved her romance with SmallvilleGuy (do not take a page from her book–there is some serious stranger danger).
5. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
These are classic. If you want a series that gives you the summertime feeling, then look no further. Also, these books will make you frustrated that you cannot find that perfect pair of pants that you can share with your friends.
6. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I know, I know. This book is everywhere. There is a reason for it. It is really, really good. If you want to read a book about cancer that is not cheesy and terrible, definitely read this one.
7. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
This book depicts who I was in high school. It is a story of a girl who is obsessed with a Harry Potter-esque book series and spends her days writing fanfiction about it. To make this even better, there is an equally fabulous companion book called Carry On.
8. Every Day by David Levithan
I wish there were words for how beautiful this book is. It was absolutely moving and such a cool premise (a person keeps waking up in a new body every day). If you want a book that makes you think about love and identity, then you need to read this one.
9. The Friendship Ring Series by Rachel Vail
I was obsessed with these books. I read them at least three times. They really spoke to my middle school experience. Plus, the old covers were really beautiful and made me feel things. These books dance a bit on the Middle Grade side, but they are still worth the read!
10. The Luckiest Girl by Beverly Cleary
This one is really old (it was published in the 1950s), but there is something charming about a book from a “more innocent” era. This a wonderful tale about growing up and living in California. This book definitely had me California dreamin’ by the end of it.
11. Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
If you are an artist, this is the book for you. A painting plays a predominant role in the novel. It also portrays the relationship between a young girl and her uncle who has AIDS.
12. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
This is great book that deals with LGBTQ issues. The story follows two twins that have a falling out. Instead of focusing solely on romantic relationships (which it still deals with), it centers on the sibling relationship. This is another book that discusses art, so if you are fond of paintbrushes, add this to your list.
13. East by Edith Pattou
This book is everything a book should be. It is based on one of my favorite fairytales, “East of the Sun and West of the Moon,” and features another strong heroine. If you like “Beauty and the Beast” or “The Snow Queen,” you should dive into this book.
What are your favorite young adult novels? Let me know in the comments below!
Note: If you purchase the books using the links above, I get a commission. Of course, I would never recommend a book that I do not love. I have to protect my book street cred.