Best Young Adult Books

Coming-of-age stories, first loves, and epic adventures for teens and young-at-heart readers.

Top Young Adult Books

Cover of Crooked Kingdom

Crooked Kingdom

by Leigh Bardugo

Preceeded by [Six of Crows](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL17332479W/Six_of_Crows) BOOK TWO of the [Six of Crows Duology](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL19758128W/Six_of_Crows_Crooked_Kingdom) Crooked Kingdom is a fantasy novel by American author Leigh Bardugo, published by Henry Holt and Co. in 2016. Set in a world loosely inspired by 19th-century Europe, it takes place days after the events of the duology's first book, [Six of Crows](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL17332479W/Six_of_Crows). The plot is told from the third-person viewpoints of six characters.

Young AdultFantasyMagic
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Cover of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

by Becky Albertalli

Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised. With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

LGBTYoung AdultJUVENILE FICTION / Love & Romance
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Cover of Don't Let the Forest In

Don't Let the Forest In

by C. G. Drews

*Once upon a time, Andrew had cut out his heart and given it to this boy, and he was very sure Thomas had no idea that Andrew would do anything for him.

HorrorFantasyYoung Adult
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best young adult books to read?

Our curated list features the top young adult books based on reader reviews, critical acclaim, and AI analysis. Top picks include "Crooked Kingdom" by Leigh Bardugo.

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