Great for Adults, Too
YA
books sales skyrocketed this year and the
Hunger Games Trilogy offered proof positive that young adult books aren't just for young adults anymore. We offer a quick list of YA and tween-age reads, all of which appeared on one or more of 2012's notable book lists.
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
The companion book to
Graceling and
Fire.
Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick
A
National Book Award Finalist from the author of
Cut, a summer reading list favorite. Based on true story.
Son by Lois Lowry
The final book in a quintet, companion to :
The Giver,
Gathering Blue, and
Messenger.
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
An excellent, complex, and unforgettable read and no, no, no --
not anything like summer reading list favorite,
Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper. Pair
Green's book with
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson. Both are great choices for adults, too.
A Tale Dark and Grimm and
In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz
Enjoy classic fairly tales -- homage to the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen -- but with a decidedly creative twist and just enough 'yuk' to please the crowd.
The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde
Not the first adult book author to throw a hat into the YA ring; this one's the first in the
Chronicles of Kazam series.
Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead
Follow-up to the author's Newbery-winning title,
How You Reach Me. Both are quirky and fun to read.
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Wein's book is as cool as they come. A great pick for families who share an interest in mystery, historical, adventure, and friendship reads.
Angelfall by Susan Ee
First in a planned series and another in a stream of YA novels with a post-apocalyptic theme.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Lemony Snicket for older kids. Great vintage photographs; a sequel is planned and the film rights have been purchased...
Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Last in a series of four.
Crossed by Ally Condie
A sequel to
Matched. Sequel to sequel,
Reached, is already available.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Historical fiction, based on the author's family experiences and a 2012 YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) award winner.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
From the author of the
Scorpio Races and
Wolves of Mercy Falls series, all unconventional YA reads that respect the reader.
Every Day by David Levithan
What would happen if you were able to take over the body of a different person each day at midnight? Explore some very,
very interesting questions with this one.
