If the Summer is making you wistful, why not channel that nostalgia into your seasonal reading list with a few YA books? We're taking a look at some of the best YA books of all time. With a mix of timeless coming-of-age novels, must-read sci-fi books, and contemporary classics, here is a range of sweet, funny, and inspiring reads you can bring to the beach and beyond. Take a look at these must-read YA books, old and new!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Adapted into a film with Emma Watson [2], The Perks of Being a Wallflower [3] dives into the world of Charlie, an observant high school freshman who writes letters to a friend as he struggles with depression.
The Fault in Our Stars
The hit book-turned-movie The Fault in Our Stars [4] details the moving story of a teenage girl, Hazel, who's dealing with terminal cancer — only to fall in love with a fellow patient and have her world turned upside down.
The Book Thief
Set in WWII Germany, The Book Thief [5] follows Liesel, a foster child, who dives into the world of literature to escape real-world horror.
It's Kind of a Funny Story
Wry and insightful, It's Kind of a Funny Story [6] follows Craig, a high-schooler who finds himself in a mental hospital alongside quirky characters after trying to kill himself.
Speak
Dealing with touchy teen subjects, Speak [7] tells the story of a witty, outcast teenage girl who stops speaking after a Summer party incident.
Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret.
Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. [8] is a fan favorite, featuring the coming-of-age mishaps of a 12-year-old girl.
The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger's classic The Catcher in the Rye [9] tells the story of Holden Caulfield, a snarky, cynical 17-year-old teen who gets lost in his own thoughts after being expelled from prep school.
The Hunger Games
In case you haven't already immersed yourself in The Hunger Games [10], here's what it's about: In a futuristic society, young boys and girls are picked to participate in a fight-to-the-death situation that serves to remind citizens what can happen if they rebel. Add in a love triangle, reality TV, and politics, and it's your next can't-put-it-down trilogy.
Tuck Everlasting
1975's classic fantasy tale Tuck Everlasting [11] is about a young girl who meets a family who gets eternal life after drinking from a magic spring.
The Outsiders
First published in 1967, The Outsiders [12] tells the story of Ponyboy and his gang in a greasers vs. socs world of violence and loyalty.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
First loves, family drama, and sweet stories of friendship have made The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants [13] a classic YA series.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The first in a series of five novels, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy [14] is a funny sci-fi novel about the adventures of Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect, a researcher who's writing a guide to the galaxy.
If I Stay
Weaving together flashbacks and thoughts, If I Stay [15] tells the story of Mia, a 17-year-old girl who wakes up in a coma after a car accident.
My Sister's Keeper
Thoughtful and heartwrenching, My Sister's Keeper [16] follows Anna, a young girl who struggles to accept her role in her family after being conceived as a bone marrow match for her sick sister.
Go Ask Alice
1971's Go Ask Alice [17] by "Anonymous" (now known to be therapist Beatrice Sparks) is the diary of a young girl who battles drugs, loneliness, and insecurity.
Stargirl
In Stargirl [18], a quirky girl moves to a new school and becomes instantly popular — at least, for a little while.
Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging
The first in a series, Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson [19] dives into the hilarious adventures of 14-year-old Georgia, who's like a young Bridget Jones.
The Harry Potter Series
You don't have to be young to love J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter [20] series! As the Hogwarts wizard gets older, the books get more and more complex, with the final piece of the series — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows [21] — bringing the epic adventure to a close.
Eleanor & Park
Rainbow Rowell's sweet teenage love story Eleanor & Park [22] captures first love in all its awkward, exciting glory — with a nostalgic '80s twist.
A Wrinkle in Time
Madeleine L'Engle's classic book, A Wrinkle in Time [23], follows a young girl named Meg; her brother, Charles; and their friend Calvin as they find themselves on a journey through space and time.
The Spectacular Now
The Spectacular Now [24] by Tim Tharp follows high school senior Sutter Keely as he gets to know Aimee, a socially awkward girl who affects him in ways he doesn't understand.
Holes
Holes [25] by Louis Sachar tells the story of Camp Green Lake, a mysterious place where generations of boys spend their days digging holes.
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist
Rachel Cohn and David Levithan's book, Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist [26], is a he-said, she-said book about two brokenhearted teenagers who find themselves on an adventure in NYC.
Lord of the Flies
William Golding's classic, Lord of the Flies [27], follows a group of boys who struggle after they're left shipwrecked on a deserted island.
Divergent
Veronica Roth's bestseller Divergent [28] is the first book in a trilogy that's set in dystopian Chicago. In the postapocalyptic society, people have divided themselves into factions, and when a teenager named Tris finds out she falls into more than one faction, she struggles with her next move.