I write Young Adult novels – but that also means I read a ton of them too! I grew up reading authors like Meg Cabot, Ally Carter, Sarah Dessen and more. And for me to stay up-to-date with popular market trends, it’s important I’m aware of what other YA authors are publishing. So here are a few of my recommendations that I think you’ll enjoy.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins.
10/10.
I find Suzanne Collins’ style exceptionally readable – even when she’s telling the backstory of one of the Hunger Games’ most disliked characters. Here we have the prequel we didn’t know we needed: the story of a young President Snow before he was ever president. The twist at the end wasn’t a huge surprise to me, but the whole story is told in an utterly engaging, riveting way so I will give it top marks. I absolutely can’t wait to see the film next month!
The Death House by Sarah Pinborough.
8/10.
The concept to this book fascinates me. The book is set in a house nicknamed Death House, where children and young adults are taken who are suspected to have a mysterious disease. Symptoms can appear without warning and, without giving too much away, you should expect to shed a few tears over this book. We are introduced to the two main characters, Toby and Clara, who, against all odds, find love in the face of death.
Spoiler (look away now!): I deducted points because the story doesn’t end as happily as I’d have liked.
The List by Siobhan Vivian.
9/10.
Every year, a list is posted naming the “prettiest” and “ugliest” girls in every class. This book follows the story of each of those girls and how being singled out this way affects every one of them. I love the original concept here – and, while having multiple perspectives telling the story could be confusing, Siobhan manages to develop every character really well. The twist at the end feels slightly forced to me, but it’s definitely worth a read.
Airhead by Meg Cabot.
10/10.
Okay, I loved The Princess Diaries. I really did. But somehow I loved the Airhead series even more. I loved the characters, I loved the storyline, I loved the entire trilogy. The story centres around Em Watts, who discovers her brain has been transplanted into the head of New York’s most famous supermodel, Nikki Howard. Filled with fun characters, evil villains and the cutest dog ever, I’d definitely recommend reading this series.
Have you any YA book recommendations? I’d love to hear all about them. Let me know in the comments.
