Eight Books That Young Adults Should Read – At least Once!

Stories shape our lives – and this is especially the case as we're growing up. The idea that young people are no longer interested in diving nose-first into an adventure or a murder mystery is 100% bolder-dash. So many young people are consuming stories – whether that be in a written form or through film and television. Growing up, some of my favourite books were those with vivid out-of-this-world settings and key questions at the heart of them that made the words on the pages so memorable and – of course – turnable. So here are ten books that all young adults should sink their teeth into at least once between the ages of twelve to eighteen.

1) The Hobbit by J. R. Tolkien (1937)

This classic is one of those stories that never fades from the pages – or from our minds. If you're someone who loves adventure – and The Hobbit is perhaps one of the best and biggest you'll go on – then I'd encourage you to read this brilliant book. Packed with memorable creatures, splendid tension and just the right amount of humour, this is the very best from The King of Fantasy himself. And it even has an action-packed film adaptation – what else isn't there to love?

2) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008)

Jumping forward 70+ years and we have The Hunger Games, a modern classic loved by millions. This dystopian game of survival isn't just brutal and shocking, it lends our eyes one of the most engaging plots and likeable characters in the young adult library. An absolute must read!

3) Happy Head by Josh Silvery (2023)

A distinct voice in a rapidly changing world of YA fiction, Josh Silver's story about a boy named Sebastien attending a mental health project that aims to help teens be 'happy', is one of the best thrillers I have read recently – and there have been hints of a potential film adaptation! If you're a fan of The Hunger Games and you're looking for another great read – this is one for you!

4) Ready Player One by Ernst Clide (2011)

Now a major motion picture directed by Stephen Spielberg, this science fiction epic might be marinated in more truth than you first realise! Set in a world where people live, work and socialise using a VR system, this adventure is a myriad of retro gaming references sandwiched between two slices of incredible world-building. And if you've read the first one, definitely check out the aptly named 'Read Player Two'.

5) Northern Lights by Philip Pullman (1995)

A fortune telling compass, witches without broomsticks, mad golden monkeys and parallel worlds... what isn't there to love about this nineties gem? The first in the His Dark Materials trilogy, Pullman's prose bring an unique kind of magic to the reading experience. At the heart of all this is an incredibly rich set of characters, in a world littered with secrets and torn between science and religion. Thought provoking and fantastical – and also something you can return to when you're older for a fresh perspective on this highly original tale.

6) Holes by Louis Sachar (1998)

Being made to dig holes into the dried-up bed of the not-so-green 'Camp Green Lake' is no fun – especially for Stanley Yelnats. That's until we learn what truly went-down at this lake, and the mystery as to why digging holes is so important to those running the camp. Intriguing and very easy to get into, Holes will leave you thinking about it's story long after you've finished it.

7) Play by Luke Palmer (2023)

This is something I read very recently and would absolutely recommend to any young adult who prefers books grounded in more reality (unlike most of the books on this list!) and focus particularly on friendships. This story – told through the perspective of four teenage boys – is both fascinating and entertaining, and keeps surprising you in each new chapter. Give this a read today!

8) More Than This by Patrick Ness (2013)

Waking up naked in a deserted London and having no memory of how you got there – is quite the opening to a story! A story which, I might add, is knee-deep in questions and an unusual atmosphere that courses throughout a very empty setting. Think I Am Legend, but without the zombies. This is a great novel to explore if you love books with an unsettling sense of quiet mystery at the core of them.

I hope you enjoyed this list. Have you ready any of these books? Which was your favourite?

Until next time!