In the wake of such explosive bestsellers as the Harry Potter and Twilight series, there seems to be a growing interest in young adult books. The young adult fiction genre has always been read by both adults and teens, but its popularity is expanding even more. If you, or a loved one, is searching for some great books within this genre, then I have what you are looking for. This is my top 10 list of my favorite young adult novels. I have enjoyed all of these books tremendously and they also have the seal of approval from my 14 year old daughter. Most of these books would be appropriate for, and enjoyed by tweens, teens and adults. Many of these are the first book of a series. The other books are all just as good as the first!
The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
This book weaves together legends, myths and fiction to make an unforgettable and hard to put down book. This is a fast paced book full of adventure, magic and mystery. Two twins get embroiled in a life and death struggle to recapture an ancient book. The book foretells the destruction of the world and the powers of the twins. Together with immortals and god like beings, the twins fight the dark powers to save the world. The second book in the series is called The Magician.
First Test (Protector of the Small) by Tamora Pierce
In an imaginary kingdom where magic thrives and creatures of legend attack, a young girl dreams of being a knight. This book begins the journey of this girl to brave the all male society of pages and squires in her quest to be what she wants to be. By her strength and courage she shows everyone she has what it takes. This book is a great read and the next three books in the series follow the girl as she follows her dreams. The next books are called Page, Squire and Lady Knight.
Magyk – Septimus Heap, Book 1 by Angie Sage and Mark Zug
Well written with more plot twists and mysteries than I would have expected, this book appeals to children and adults of all ages. While this book is filled with danger, excitement and lots of magical fights and terror, it is still light enough for even younger children to read without nightmares. Humor and mystery combine with fantasy to make a book that is hard to put down. You will want to finish this one and jump right into the next! The next books in the series are Flyte, Physik and Queste.
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
This book tells the story of a teen girl who is unraveling the mystery of her Aunt’s life. She reads envelope from her aunt that leads her on adventures through Europe. With exciting adventures, a mystery and a budding romance, this story tells of a teenagers need for understanding and love.
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
A prequel to the original Peter Pan book, this book is written by both a humorist and an adventure writer. Fast paced, funny and full of adventure, this book drags you in whether you want it to or not. Telling the story of where Peter came from and the adventures that he had prior to the Peter Pan book, this book is a quick read with a great story. There are two more books in the series, Peter and Shadow Thieves and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon.
This book tells the story of a young girl whose mother has left her. On a cross country trip with her grandparents, the girl tells stories. The relationships of the girl with her mother, her grandparents and herself is complex. Her refusal to admit her mother’s disappearance causes mystery and intrigue as she follows her quest to find her mother.
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass
A young boy receives a locked box from his deceased father. On his quest to find the keys to unlock this box, the boy is discovering the meaning of life. Quirky adventures and spiritual healing make this an interesting read.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
With a movie coming out soon, this series of book sis a must read. The story is that of a man who is able to read stories out of books… to make them come to life. Full of adventure, suspense and magic, this book is a fabulous read. There are two more book sin the series, Inkspell and Inkdeath.
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
Set in the New York City underworld full of giant rats, bats and cockroaches, this story is of a boy’s adventures. The mysteries and adventures make this a fast paced and thrilling story. When he enters the Underland he discovers he is the “Warrior” of prophecy and he has to go on a quest to rescue his father. There are five books in the series. The next four are: Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane, Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods, Gregor and the Marks of Secret, and Gregor and the Code of Claw
A compelling and in some ways disturbing book, this is the story of a young man and his journey of discovery. After receiving a set of audio tapes from a girl that he had a crush on, the boy follows the directions and discovers secrets. The catch to this is that the girl committed suicide. The story is all about the fact that every action that we take affects others in ways we could never guess. This book is a must read for any teen or adult who has contact with teens. It is a book that teaches compassion and acceptance while showing us the consequences of actions.
