Top 5 Young Adult Novel Recommendations

The YA genre is often called out for being overly saturated with "bad literature" by people who respect the classics. But, I beg to differ. If you search through the regulars, you can actually find some really good books in the YA genre. There's a wide array of sub-genres to explore and many different writers and characters to read about. I feel like many people think that YA is really just for teens; but after having to read many a classic novel myself, it's nice to wind down with a wild fantasy or adventure novel particular of the YA umbrella term.

YA (young adult) novels often concern themselves with the problems and struggles of being a young person or teenager with characters who are either teenagers themselves or are young people under the age of 30. The books are normally based on a bigger problem involving growing up and finding their own place in the world. They often have little companionship, small friendship groups, or are altogether existing in an alternate/fantasy-based reality.

To be perfectly honest, the YA genre is probably one of the most expansive and open genres of literature to exist at the moment. There are so many different types of book within the YA circles that you'll rarely be reading the same thing twice. Personally, I'm a big fan of YA Fantasy and tend to read quite a bit from my favourite authors.

What we're going to do here is go through my own top five YA novels that I feel you should read to start off your young adult novel journey. There will be some more mentions before we reach number one, and I really hope you choose to explore this brilliant and expansive genre after reading the list.

5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Originally published in 2011, this novel was first written for the writing competition NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) over the course of three of the competition sets. It is set in an alternative Victorian London history and is told from many different viewpoints. It is obviously about a circus (called The Circus of Dreams) which is open from sunset to sunrise. As two elderly magicians in the circus teach their young proteges, things begin to get out of hand when a magic battle begins. Both competitors being the proteges, each one can see absolutely no good ending to this competition; and yet, if stalemate happens, there will be horrible consequences.

I loved the fact that this book had elements of magic, history, fantasy and was just very interesting to read. The characters are so loveable, especially the twins, Poppet and Widget. I just think that this book contains so many sub-genres including: adventure, conflict, fantasy, and much more, which means you couldn't get bored reading it at all.

4. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

Again, this one is part fantasy—but aren't all the best YA Novels?

First published in the November of 2006, this book incorporates a young child's understanding of neglect with an increasingly threatening fantasy world in which he disappears into. The novel opens in London during the times of World War II. David, the main character, must watch as his mother dies, but believes he can save her life. When David's father remarries after the mother's death, they move into a country house with the new woman. David keeps longing for an escape from this life and still believes that his mother is out there somewhere.

When he teleports into a fantasy world, he is faced with brand new rules and people lurking around after him. He meets various types of people, each facing neglect and oppression—and must move through and understand this world whilst trying to get back to his own. The book continues on in the real world as well, and there's so much to explore about one child living through war and reality whilst longing for an escape. But when that escape happens, it really does come to change everything about him.

I was recommended this book by a friend of mine, and since then, I have completely loved the book—it is quite possibly one of my favourite books set in World War II. I feel like there's a lot to learn about the way children interact with the war in this novel and the way children understand war. I also feel like the character of David is so incredibly realistic seeing as the whole book is a metaphor for child neglect and PTSD.

3. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Originally published in 2007, this book is known for being one of the greatest adventure novels of modern times. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a magical experience of a novel, and containing illustrations and a captivating storyline really is its selling point. It is written beautifully as well.

The story begins in 1930s Paris, and is actually listed as a piece of historical fiction; though, I probably think it's more of an adventure novel. Hugo grows up helping his father repair automatons, and, when caught stealing, is forced to hand over a very special notebook. Between the notebook and the broken automaton signing its name as Georges Melies, Hugo must embark on a journey that will actually take him to the early days of Western Cinema.

I loved this book because of its incredible storytelling and the way in which it incorporates a great adventure into teaching children about the film A Trip to the Moon. I think it's a very important book as well because it not only teaches children about the film, but all the adventure surrounding the early 20th century and the days of war. The characters of Hugo and Isabelle are completely lovable and the writing style is clever, inventive, and poetic.

2. Caraval by Stephanie Garber

I have to admit, I do have a thing for YA Fantasy and think that if this is your first time reading into the YA genre, you should definitely start with fantasy. Caraval is possibly one of the greatest YA Fantasy books of the 21st century as well, and it is definitely a favourite of mine.

Originally published in 2016, this book became a New York Times' Bestseller and went on to become a very, very popular novel and series. Scarlett and Tella have never really left the island where they live with a cruel and overbearing father, and, since a marriage proposal has come through, Scarlett thinks her chance of seeing the mysterious "Caraval" is at an end.

But then an invitation arrives inviting Scarlett to come to "Caraval" and, when Tella is kidnapped, Scarlett really has no other choice than to stick around in Caraval, waiting for a solution to getting her sister back. A circus disguised as a game of death—Caraval is revealed to be no joke and really, it isn't a game at all. One wrong move and her sister will be gone forever.

I really enjoyed this novel a lot because it's fun and it's fantastical. There's a lot of similarities to Through the Looking Glass I felt in terms of how the character must solve a series of problems, or they'll set of a domino effect of horrible consequences. I initially found this novel after reading The Night Circus,and now, have proceeded to read the entire series. It is really good, and if you start your YA journey with this book, you won't be disappointed.

More Mentions...

Before we get on to number one, here are some other YA Novels you may explore in your own time that I would also personally recommend:

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

The Strings of Murder by Oscar de Muriel

Looking for Alaska by John Green

The Book Thief by Markus Zusack

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

1. The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

This is possibly my favourite YA novel ever and yes, it's fantasy again. But this isn't your usual YA Fantasy novel, it's got so much more to offer than that. Ceony is the main character and she's studying under paper magic under Emery Thane. Even though she isn't really satisfied with studying Paper Magic, she still tries her best to make the most of it. She brings paper creatures to life and animates paper to her own will. It proves to be a useful skill that Ceony didn't even know existed. It proves to be exactly what she actually wanted after all.

Whilst exploring her learning journey into Paper Magic, Ceony also must learn the rules concerning magic that is forbidden and must not be practiced under any circumstance, as it may result in inevitable danger for all involved. And, when a practitioner of dark magic of the flesh arrives by breaking into Emery Thane's home, there's more than just a heart that Ceony must save. It turns into a wild adventure of magic, responsibility, and an exploration into why certain magic is completely forbidden.

It is a brilliant book that I found whilst exploring the YA Fantasy genre and I am so glad I found it. I ended up not only reading the whole series, but I have actually spoken to the author about the book. I loved the way the book mixed many different types of YA books and how it makes quite an adventure out of magic. It never fails to amaze me and I really hope the author is working on another one, because I really do love this series a lot!