Books About Young Adult · 660 titles considered

The Best Young Adult Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about young adult? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Young Adult

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1967

The Outsiders

A boy's world shatters when a gang rivalry spirals out of control.

214 pages· 48,944 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,672,520 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: Ponyboy navigates a harsh world where loyalty is everything. With his brothers and friends by his side, he faces constant threats from the Socs, a gang of wealthy bullies. But when a violent encounter escalates, Ponyboy's life takes an unexpected turn, challenging his beliefs and testing his bonds. Can he find his place in a divided society, or will the chaos consume him? Discover a gripping tale of friendship, identity, and survival in a world where the lines between right and wrong blur.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1999

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By Stephen Chbosky

A wallflower navigates the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood, facing love, loss, and self-discovery.

224 pages· 62,621 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,056,070 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: Charlie, an introspective high schooler, grapples with the chaos of growing up. Amidst first loves, family secrets, and the allure of rebellion, he must find his place in a world that feels both thrilling and overwhelming. As he teeters on the edge of adolescence and adulthood, will Charlie embrace life or retreat into the shadows? This poignant tale captures the essence of youth's roller-coaster ride, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and reflect on their own journey.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2020

The Inheritance Games

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes · Book #1 in the The Inheritance Games series

A mysterious inheritance thrusts Avery into a deadly game of secrets and survival.

386 pages· 87,899 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,139,328 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Avery Grambs' life flips when she inherits a billionaire's fortune, but there's a catch: she must solve the riddles of Hawthorne House. With the disinherited Hawthorne grandsons watching her every move, Avery navigates a world of wealth, danger, and secrets. Can she unravel the mystery before it's too late?

Sale price

$2089

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

The Hate U Give

By Angie Thomas · Book #1 in the The Hate U Give series

A teen witnesses a friend's shooting, facing a choice that could change her community and risk her life.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2017)Coretta Scott King Honor (2018)Michael L. Printz Honor (2018)Odyssey Award (2018)

454 pages· 95,550 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,036,978 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Summary: Starr Carter navigates life between her poor neighborhood and elite prep school. Her world shatters when she witnesses her unarmed friend Khalil's fatal shooting by a police officer. As Khalil's death becomes a national headline, Starr faces pressure from all sides. What she reveals about that night could ignite change or put her in danger. Will she speak out or stay silent?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2022

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

By Axie Oh

Mina must awaken the Sea God to stop deadly storms and save her world.

325 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 101,730 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Mina sacrifices herself to save her brother, plunging into the sea to become the Sea God's bride. In the Spirit Realm, she discovers the Sea God trapped in an enchanted sleep. With time running out, Mina, aided by the enigmatic Shin and a band of spirits, must awaken him to end the storms ravaging her homeland. Can she succeed before it's too late, or will dark forces thwart her quest?

Sale price

$2184

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

Strange the Dreamer

By Laini Taylor · Book #1 in the Strange the Dreamer series

A lost city, a haunting past, and a dreamer on a quest for truth.

Michael L. Printz Honor (2018)

532 pages· 149,477 words· Est. 14 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 138,883 ratings

$22.99Save 5%

Summary: Lazlo Strange, a war orphan and librarian, dreams of the lost city of Weep. When a chance arises to join the Godslayer and legendary warriors, he must confront the city's dark secrets. What severed Weep from the world two centuries ago? Who is the mysterious blue-skinned goddess haunting his dreams? As Lazlo embarks on this epic journey, he faces a world of nightmares and wonders, where love and carnage intertwine. Will he uncover the truth or lose his dream forever? The answers lie in the shadows of Weep.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2019

Slay

By Brittney Morris

A teen game developer battles a troll threatening her secret game and identity.

336 pages· 82,144 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 16,046 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Kiera Johnson leads a double life: honors student by day, secret game developer by night. Her creation, SLAY, offers a haven for Black gamers until a murder links it to controversy. As an anonymous troll threatens to expose her, Kiera must defend her game and identity. Can she protect her virtual world without losing herself? The stakes are high in this gripping tale of identity, community, and resilience.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2015

Six of Crows

By Leigh Bardugo · Book #1 in the Six of Crows series

Six outcasts. One impossible heist. Can they survive each other and save the world?

465 pages· 134,876 words· Est. 12.5 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,200,707 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: In the bustling city of Ketterdam, criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker assembles a crew for a heist that promises untold riches. Joined by a vengeful convict, a gambling sharpshooter, a runaway, a stealthy spy, a magical Heartrender, and a cunning thief, Kaz faces a mission fraught with danger. As tensions rise, can these six outcasts pull off the impossible without tearing each other apart? Dive into a world where the stakes are high, and the line between survival and destruction is razor-thin. Will they succeed, or will their differences lead to their downfall?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

Patron Saints of Nothing

By Randy Ribay

A teen seeks the truth behind his cousin's murder in a war-torn land.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2019)

352 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 20,981 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Jay Reguero's plans for a carefree senior year shatter when he learns of his cousin Jun's murder in the Philippines. Determined to uncover the truth, Jay embarks on a journey that forces him to confront family secrets and his own role in the tragedy. As he delves deeper, Jay must navigate the dangerous waters of a country embroiled in a brutal war on drugs, all while grappling with his identity and the bonds of faith and family. Will he find the answers he seeks, or will the truth prove too devastating?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Monday's Not Coming

By Tiffany D Jackson

A girl vanishes, and only her best friend notices. Can she uncover the truth?

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2019)

435 pages· 83,524 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 88,903 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Monday Charles is missing, and Claudia is the only one who cares. As Claudia searches for her best friend, she faces silence from Monday's family and indifference from others. With each passing day, the mystery deepens: how can a girl disappear without a trace? Claudia must unravel the truth before it's too late, but will she find answers or more questions? Dive into a gripping tale of friendship, secrets, and the haunting reality of being forgotten.

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Browse by age

Young Adult Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about young adult for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1899

Hello in There!

Ages 2–4 · 2011

A sister eagerly awaits her new sibling, sharing songs and stories of the world outside.

Sale price

$1699

Women in Science

Ages 10–15 · 2016

Discover the untold stories of women who shaped STEM history.

Sale price

$1795

Cinderella Liberator

Ages 7–10 · 2019

Cinderella discovers self-reliance and inspires change in a reimagined fairytale.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2199

Tales from Outer Suburbia

Ages 12–18 · 2008

Discover bizarre tales where everyday life takes an extraordinary twist.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

I am Gandhi

Ages 10–14 · 2017

A young man defies injustice with peaceful protest, sparking a revolution.

Sale price

$1100

The Bee's Knees

Ages 8–12 · 2003

Discover a world of narrative poems and sharp insights.

Sale price

$1695

The Colors of History

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Discover the hidden stories and historical secrets behind every color's vibrant past.

Sale price

$1495

Code Your Own Adventure

Ages 6–9 · 2018

Embark on coding adventures to save worlds, find treasures, and unlock secrets.

Sale price

$1999

The Walkabout Orchestra

Ages 5–8 · 2016

Musicians vanish before a concert. Can you find them using their postcards?

View all young adult picture books

Browse by age

Young Adult Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about young adult for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1899

Furia

Ages 14–18 · 2020

A young soccer star must defy family expectations to chase her dreams and navigate a complicated love.

Sale price

$1199

Five Feet Apart

Ages 12–18 · 2018

Two teens fall in love but must stay apart to survive. Can love bridge the distance between them?

Sale price

$2199

Firekeeper's Daughter

Ages 14–18 · 2021

A Native teen uncovers deadly secrets while investigating a new drug in her community.

Sale price

$1799

Far from the Tree

Ages 13–18 · 2017

Three teens, connected by blood, navigate adoption, family secrets, and belonging.

Sale price

$1899

Between Shades of Gray

Ages 12–18 · 2011

A girl uses art to survive a Siberian work camp and reunite her family.

Sale price

$1399

An Ember in the Ashes

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A slave and a soldier defy an empire, risking everything for freedom.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1899

Almost American Girl

Ages 14–18 · 2020

A teen's world shifts with immigration, family changes, and a life-saving art class.

Sale price

$1899

Ace of Spades

Ages 14–18 · 2021

Two students face a dangerous game as an anonymous bully reveals their secrets.

Sale price

$1099

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Ages 14–18 · 2019

A closed murder case reopens, revealing dark secrets and danger.

Sale price

$1199

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Ages 12–18 · 2015

A secret email threatens Simon's quiet life and his chance at love.

Sale price

$1899

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Ages 12–18 · 2020

Uncover the roots of racism and the path to an antiracist future.

Sale price

$1999

Long Way Down

Ages 14–18 · 2017

A boy faces a life-altering choice in an elevator ride haunted by ghosts of the past.

View all young adult chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about gods and goddesses Books about prejudice and racism Books about violence Books about codes, ciphers and puzzles Books about coding and programming Books about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse Books about family problems

Our 10 Favorite Books About Young Adult

Great books, picked for their age.

Young Adult Picture Books

Young Adult Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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