Best Goodreads Young Adult

of Feb 2025

   In the realm of literature, young adult fiction stands as a vibrant and captivating genre, capturing the hearts and minds of readers with its relatable characters, compelling narratives, and profound exploration of universal themes. Goodreads, a renowned online platform dedicated to bookworms, offers a treasure trove of young adult novels, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of this discerning audience. From heart-pounding dystopian adventures to poignant coming-of-age stories, Goodreads curates a meticulously selected collection of young adult books, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable reading experience for every reader.

The Hate U Give: A Printz Honor Winner

9.6
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The Hate U Give" is an award-winning novel by Angie Thomas that tells the powerful story of Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old girl who moves between two very different worlds: the poor neighborhood whe...re she lives and the wealthy suburban prep school she attends. When Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil by a police officer, her life is thrown into chaos. Khalil was unarmed, and his death becomes a national headline, with some calling him a thug, a drug dealer, and a gangbanger. Starr is the only one who knows the truth, and her decision to speak out could upend her community and endanger her life. This critically acclaimed novel has won numerous awards, including 8 starred reviews, the Goodreads Choice Awards Best of the Best, the William C. Morris Award, the National Book Award Longlist, the Printz Honor Book, the Coretta Scott King Honor Book, and the #1 New York Times Bestseller. Praised by critics and readers alike, The Hate U Give is an emotionally gripping story that tackles the difficult topics of racism, police brutality, and the power of activism. It is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of the modern world.

Ugly Love: A Novel

9.4
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Ugly Love: A Novel is a heart-wrenching love story from New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover. Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, and they don't think it's love at first sight. ...Instead, they find a mutual attraction that leads them to an arrangement of no-strings-attached sex. But as they get to know each other better, they realize that their arrangement is anything but simple. Tate and Miles have to face the pasts they’ve been avoiding, as well as the promises they’ve made and the rules they’ve agreed to. As they struggle to keep their arrangement intact, they’re forced to confront their feelings for each other and the ugly truths they’ve been hiding. Ugly Love is a powerful story of love, loss, and the beauty of healing. With its gripping plot and unforgettable characters, this novel will leave you with a new perspective on relationships and the power of love. Read Ugly Love and experience the beauty of a story that proves attraction at first sight can be messy.

My Real Name is Hanna

9.4
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My Real Name Is Hanna is a powerful debut novel that tells the story of Hanna Slivka, a young girl living in Soviet-occupied Ukraine. When Hitler's army crosses the border, Hanna and her family are fo...rced to flee and hide in the forest and then in the dark caves beneath the rolling meadows. In the face of sickness and starvation, Hanna must find a way to keep her family and friends alive. Inspired by real Holocaust events, this deeply moving story is full of beauty, hope, and resilience. Through Hanna's journey, readers will be moved by the strength of the human spirit and the power of family bonds. With its sparse, resonant, and lyrical writing, My Real Name Is Hanna weaves in tales of Jewish and Ukrainian folklore. This poignant coming-of-age story has been recognized with several awards, including the National Jewish Book Award Finalist, the Julia Ward Howe Award for Young Readers, the Florida Book Award and Foreword INDIES Award-Gold Medals, and the Skipping Stones Honor Award. Fans of The Book Thief and Between Shades of Gray will find this novel to be an inspiring and heartwarming read.

Letters to a Young Poet

9.4
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Letters to a Young Poet is a collection of ten letters written by Rainer Maria Rilke to a student who had sent him some of his work, asking for advice about becoming a writer. These letters are some o...f the most famous and beloved of our time, offering a vibrant and deeply felt experience of life. Rilke wrote these letters over a period of several years, when he was still a young man and most of his greatest work was still ahead of him. In them, he shares his insights on life, love, art and writing, offering guidance and encouragement to the young poet. The collection is a must-read for anyone interested in the creative process, and for anyone looking for guidance on their own journey. It is a timeless work of literature that has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of readers. It is a unique and inspiring voice that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming a writer.

Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel

9.2
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Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel is a captivating story that follows the life of Elizabeth Zott, a gifted research chemist, who takes an unexpected career detour when she becomes the star of a beloved TV... cooking show. Set in 1960s California, readers will be captivated by Elizabeth's journey as she navigates the Catch-22 of early feminism and the unique challenges of being a single mother. The story is full of wit and humor, and Elizabeth's unique approach to cooking proves revolutionary. As her following grows, she is determined to teach women how to cook, but also how to challenge the status quo. With a dazzling cast of supporting characters and a story that is both funny and observant, Lessons in Chemistry is an irresistible and satisfying read. This novel has been praised by readers and critics alike, and has been named a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Entertainment Weekly, and Newsweek. Stephen King described it as "witty, sometimes hilarious...the Catch-22 of early feminism," and Philip Galanes of The New York Times said it was "the most delightful novel I read this year." With its unique heroine and captivating story, Lessons in Chemistry is sure to leave readers wishing Elizabeth Zott wasn't fictional.

The Way I Used to Be

9.2
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The Way I Used to Be is a New York Times bestseller that looks at the lasting effects of trauma on love, relationships, and life. Written in four parts, this powerful debut novel follows Eden, a young... woman who has always been good at being good. But when her brother’s best friend rapes her, her world capsizes and she finds herself unable to tell anyone what happened. As she struggles to cope with the trauma, she must also navigate the disappointments and pains of adolescence, of first love and first heartbreak, and of broken and rebuilt friendships. Through it all, she discovers a strength within her heart that she never knew she had. The Way I Used to Be is a story of resilience and hope, of learning to embrace the power of survival. It is a poignant and realistic look at the lasting impact of trauma, and a must-read for anyone who has ever faced the darkness of life and found the strength to rise above it.

The Giver of Stars: A Novel

9.2
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The Giver of Stars: A Novel is an inspiring and heartwarming story about five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond in Depression-era America. W...ritten by the author of the forthcoming Someone Else’s Shoes, the novel follows Alice Wright, a young woman who marries an American man and moves to Kentucky, only to find her life in her new home stifling. When a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically, and soon finds herself part of a team of brave and determined women known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky. The Giver of Stars is a powerful narrative about personal strength and how books can bring communities together. Through their journey, the women of the Packhorse Library face all kinds of dangers in a landscape that is at once breathtakingly beautiful and brutally harsh. But they are committed to their mission of bringing books to people who have never had any, and arming them with facts that will change their lives. The Giver of Stars is a timeless story of loyalty, justice, humanity, and passion, and is sure to become a modern classic. It has been chosen as a Reese’s Book Club Pick and is a #1 New York Times Bestseller. With its inspiring and heartwarming story, The Giver of Stars is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story of courage and resilience.

The Giver of Stars: A Novel

9.2
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The Giver of Stars: A Novel is an inspiring and heartwarming story about five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond in Depression-era America. W...ritten by the author of the forthcoming Someone Else’s Shoes, the novel follows Alice Wright, a young woman who marries an American man and moves to Kentucky, only to find her life in her new home stifling. When a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically, and soon finds herself part of a team of brave and determined women known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky. The Giver of Stars is a powerful narrative about personal strength and how books can bring communities together. Through their journey, the women of the Packhorse Library face all kinds of dangers in a landscape that is at once breathtakingly beautiful and brutally harsh. But they are committed to their mission of bringing books to people who have never had any, and arming them with facts that will change their lives. The Giver of Stars is a timeless story of loyalty, justice, humanity, and passion, and is sure to become a modern classic. It has been chosen as a Reese’s Book Club Pick and is a #1 New York Times Bestseller. With its inspiring and heartwarming story, The Giver of Stars is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story of courage and resilience.

Firekeeper's Daughter

9.2
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Firekeeper's Daughter is a groundbreaking YA thriller by Angeline Boulley that has won numerous awards, including the Printz Medal and the Morris Award. The novel follows Daunis Fontaine, an 18-year-o...ld Ojibwe woman who dreams of a fresh start at college, but when family tragedy strikes, she puts her future on hold to look after her fragile mother. When she witnesses a shocking murder, she is thrust into an FBI investigation of a lethal new drug. Reluctantly, Daunis agrees to go undercover, drawing on her knowledge of chemistry and Ojibwe traditional medicine to track down the source. The novel is full of secrets and old scars, and Daunis must learn what it means to be a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman) and how far she’ll go for her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known. Firekeeper's Daughter is an incredibly powerful and timely novel that has been praised by critics and readers alike. It has been chosen as an Amazon Best YA Book of 2021 So Far, a TIME Magazine Best YA Book of All Time Selection, and a 2021 Kids' Indie Next List Selection. It has also been adapted into a Netflix TV series with President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground.

Little Thieves

9
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"Gorgeous prose, delicious magic." - V.E. SchwabYALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults SelectionKids' Indie Next PickAmazon Best BookA scrappy maid must outsmart both palace nobles and Low Gods in a ne...w YA fantasy by Margaret Owen, author of the Merciful Crow series.Once upon a time, there was a horrible girl...Vanja Schmidt knows that no gift is freely given, not even a mother’s love―and she’s on the hook for one hell of a debt. Vanja, the adopted goddaughter of Death and Fortune, was Princess Gisele's dutiful servant up until a year ago. That was when Vanja’s otherworldly mothers demanded a terrible price for their care, and Vanja decided to steal her future back… by stealing Gisele’s life for herself.The real Gisele is left a penniless nobody while Vanja uses an enchanted string of pearls to take her place. Now, Vanja leads a lonely but lucrative double life as princess and jewel thief, charming nobility while emptying their coffers to fund her great escape. Then, one heist away from freedom, Vanja crosses the wrong god and is cursed to an untimely end: turning into jewels, stone by stone, for her greed.Vanja has just two weeks to figure out how to break her curse and make her getaway. And with a feral guardian half-god, Gisele’s sinister fiancé, and an overeager junior detective on Vanja’s tail, she’ll have to pull the biggest grift yet to save her own life.Margaret Owen, author of The Merciful Crow series, crafts a delightfully irreverent retelling of “The Goose Girl” about stolen lives, thorny truths, and the wicked girls at the heart of both. Read more

Then She Was Gone: A Novel

9
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Then She Was Gone: A Novel is the #1 New York Times Bestseller from author Lisa Jewell. This riveting and acutely observed family drama delves into the lingering aftermath of a young girl’s disappea...rance. Ellie Mack was the perfect daughter. She was fifteen, the youngest of three and beloved by her parents, friends, and teachers. She and her boyfriend were the golden couple of their high school. But then, days away from the start of her summer vacation, Ellie disappeared without a trace. Ten years later, Ellie’s mother Laurel is still trying to put her life back together. With the last clue in Ellie’s case unearthed, Laurel finds herself meeting a charming man in a cafe. Before she knows it, she’s meeting his daughters, with his youngest, Poppy, taking Laurel’s breath away. Poppy looks just like Ellie, and this brings up all of the unanswered questions Laurel has been trying to put to rest. With its intense and emotional exploration of a family’s struggle to find answers, Then She Was Gone is an unforgettable novel. It’s a gripping story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they try to uncover the truth behind Ellie’s disappearance.

Some Girls Do

9
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Some Girls Do is a YA contemporary queer romance from the author of Hot Dog Girl. It tells the story of two high school seniors, Morgan and Ruby, and their budding relationship. Morgan is an elite tr...ack athlete who has been forced to transfer high schools late in her senior year due to her private Catholic school's code of conduct. She is openly gay and determined to have a fresh start. Ruby is a closeted, bisexual teen beauty queen with a penchant for fixing up old cars. She spends her free time tinkering with her baby blue 1970 Ford Torino and competing in local beauty pageants to live out the dreams of her overbearing mother. The two girls are drawn to each other and can't deny their growing feelings. But while Morgan is out and proud, Ruby isn't ready to come out yet. With each girl on a different path towards living her truth, can they go the distance together? Some Girls Do is an earnest, wistful, romantic, and real story of two girls discovering themselves and each other. It's been praised by critics as "beautiful, necessary, and completely irresistible." If you're looking for a heartfelt YA queer romance, this is the perfect book for you.

The Personal Librarian

9
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The Personal Librarian is a remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan's personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in orde...r to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation. Written by New York Times bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, this novel has been named a Best Book of the Year by NPR and a Notable Book of the Year by the Washington Post. In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle quickly becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection. However, Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American. The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives. This is an inspiring and thought-provoking story of courage and resilience, and an important reminder of the power of identity and the lengths people must go to protect it. Pick up your copy of The Personal Librarian today and be inspired by Belle's story.

Maybe Someday (1)

9
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Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover is an emotionally charged and captivating romance novel. It tells the story of Sydney, a young woman who is enjoying life in college and has a steady job and a loving b...oyfriend, Hunter. However, when she discovers that Hunter is cheating on her, Sydney finds herself drawn to her mysterious and attractive neighbor, Ridge. As they grow closer, their relationship deepens and they find themselves needing each other in more ways than one. The novel is full of raw emotion and intense drama as Sydney and Ridge's relationship develops. Colleen Hoover has a knack for creating realistic characters and situations that readers can relate to, and Maybe Someday is no exception. With its passionate romance and captivating plot, Maybe Someday is sure to keep readers enthralled until the very last page.

The Silent Patient

9
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The Silent Patient is an instant #1 New York Times bestseller that combines Hitchcockian suspense, Agatha Christie-style plotting, and Greek tragedy into an unforgettable thriller. Alicia Berenson a...ppears to have it all--a famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, living in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. But one evening, her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, never speaking another word. Alicia's refusal to talk or explain her actions turns a domestic tragedy into a mystery that captures the public imagination, and casts Alicia into notoriety. She is hidden away at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London, where criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber is determined to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband. His search for the truth threatens to consume him, and leads him down a twisting path. The Silent Patient is an intense psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its mix of suspense, mystery, and tragedy, this book is sure to keep you enthralled.

Then She Was Gone: A Novel

9
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Then She Was Gone: A Novel is the #1 New York Times Bestseller from author Lisa Jewell. This riveting and acutely observed family drama delves into the lingering aftermath of a young girl’s disappea...rance. Ellie Mack was the perfect daughter. She was fifteen, the youngest of three and beloved by her parents, friends, and teachers. She and her boyfriend were the golden couple of their high school. But then, days away from the start of her summer vacation, Ellie disappeared without a trace. Ten years later, Ellie’s mother Laurel is still trying to put her life back together. With the last clue in Ellie’s case unearthed, Laurel finds herself meeting a charming man in a cafe. Before she knows it, she’s meeting his daughters, with his youngest, Poppy, taking Laurel’s breath away. Poppy looks just like Ellie, and this brings up all of the unanswered questions Laurel has been trying to put to rest. With its intense and emotional exploration of a family’s struggle to find answers, Then She Was Gone is an unforgettable novel. It’s a gripping story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they try to uncover the truth behind Ellie’s disappearance.

We Were Liars

9
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We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. Set on a private island, the story follows a group of four friends, the ...Liars, whose friendship takes a dark turn. With a revolution, an accident, and a secret, lies upon lies are uncovered and true love is revealed. This stunningly written book is a must-read for fans of thrilling mysteries and complex characters. The story follows a beautiful and distinguished family, and a brilliant, damaged girl and a passionate, political boy. As secrets are uncovered and truths are revealed, readers will be captivated by the characters and the story. With its complex characters and thrilling plot, We Were Liars is a book that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page. John Green, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars, says We Were Liars is “thrilling, beautiful, and blisteringly smart.” Don’t miss the eagerly anticipated prequel, Family of Liars. Read We Were Liars and be captivated by its thrilling plot and unforgettable characters.

Mad Honey: A Novel

8.8
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Mad Honey: A Novel is a New York Times Bestseller and a Good Morning America Book Club Pick. Written by two best-selling authors, this novel seamlessly weaves together the stories of Olivia and Lily, ...two women who have experienced their own share of starting over. Olivia McAfee moved back to her sleepy New Hampshire hometown, living in the house she grew up in and taking over her father’s beekeeping business, after her picture-perfect life in Boston was upended when her husband revealed a darker side. Meanwhile, Lily Campanello and her mom move to Adams, New Hampshire, for her final year of high school, hoping for a fresh start. The two women's paths cross when Asher, Olivia's son, falls for the new girl in school, Lily. With Ash, Lily feels happy for the first time. Yet at times, she wonders if she can trust him completely. But then one day, Olivia receives a phone call: Lily is dead, and Asher is being questioned by the police. Olivia is adamant that her son is innocent. But as the case against him unfolds, she realizes he’s hidden more than he’s shared with her. Mad Honey is a riveting novel of suspense, an unforgettable love story, and a powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves. With its alternatingly heart-pounding and heartbreaking narrative, this is a book that readers won't soon forget.

If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood

8.6
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If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood is a shocking and empowering true-crime story of three sisters determined to survive their mother’s house ...of horrors. Sisters Nikki, Sami, and Tori Knotek endured unimaginable abuse, degradation, torture, and psychic terrors at the hands of their sadistic mother, Shelly, for years behind the closed doors of their farmhouse in Raymond, Washington. Despite the trauma they faced, the sisters developed a defiant bond that made them far less vulnerable than Shelly imagined. The sisters eventually found the strength and courage to escape their escalating nightmare that culminated in multiple murders. If You Tell is an inspiring survivor’s story that sheds light on the darkness of absolute evil and the freedom and justice that Nikki, Sami, and Tori risked their lives to fight for. Through their resilience, the sisters have become loving, loved, and are moving on with their lives. This #1 Wall Street Journal, Amazon Charts, USA Today, and Washington Post bestseller by New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime stories. If You Tell is an emotionally gripping story of sisterhood and the power of resilience.

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