The ABC of YA

Published on: 09 January 2015 Author: Nisha Alberti

Looking for a challenge? This is the ABC of YA - young adult books from A to Z to read your way through the alphabet!

The lists includes old favourites, future classics, love 'em or hate 'ems, heart-breaking stories and unmissable graphic novels.

A

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

Author: Sherman Alexie

In his first book for young adults, Sherman Alexie tells the story of budding artist Junior, a 14-year-old Native American

Read more about The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

B

Bunker Diary

Author: Kevin Brooks

Linus wakes up in a cold, dark, underground bunker with no recollection of how he got there.

Read more about Bunker Diary

C

City of Bones

Author: Cassandra Clare

When Clary visits a nightclub, she discovers that she is one of the Shadowhunters - a group of demon-hunters living in a world of vampires, werewolves and warlocks.

Read more about City of Bones

D

Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Often violent and disturbing, the novel is concerned with becoming an individual, facing your fears and finding your place in the world - and there's a teenage romance too.

Read more about Divergent

E

Eleanor & Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is a beautifully-written love story about two high school outsiders

Read more about Eleanor & Park

F

The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

John Green tackles the subject of teenage cancer with sensitivity in this witty, life-affirming young adult romance.

Read more about The Fault in Our Stars

G

Gone

Author: Michael Grant

Fourteen year old Sam Templeton is having a completely normal day until his teacher disappearsin the middle of a class. But he soon discovers that it isn't only their teacher who is gone - everyone over the age of fifteen has inexplicably disappeared from the small town of Perdido Beach.

Read more about Gone

H

The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Colins

Welcome to Panem: its Capitol repressively rules twelve satellite Districts, enslaving the populations as workers and controlling them through hunger.

Read more about The Hunger Games

I

The Isobel Journal

Author: Isobel Harrop

Subtitled ‘Just a Northern Girl from Where Nothing Really Happens’, this beautifully-presented book from 18-year-old debut author Isobel Harrop is a vivid scrapbook of teenage life.

Read more about The Isobel Journal

K

The Knife of Never Letting Go

Author: Patrick Ness

The first in a series, this enthralling sci-fi/fantasy novel grips readers throughout, presenting them with tough questions about identity, ethics and the nature of truth.

Read more about The Knife of Never Letting Go

L

Looking for JJ

Author: Anne Cassidy

When a 10-year-old girl kills her best friend, she is convicted of manslaughter and locked away. Seven years later she is released on licence with a new identity.

Read more about Looking for JJ

M

Maggot Moon

Author: Sally Gardner

Combining conspiracy theory and dystopia, this hugely original novel is set in an alternate 1950s in which Britain is dominated by the ruthlessly oppressive forces of The Motherland.

Read more about Maggot Moon

N

Noughts and Crosses

Author: Malorie Blackman

Callum is a Nought but his best friend Sephy is a Cross - the daughter of one of the most influential politicians in the country.

Read more about Noughts and Crosses

O

The Oathbreaker's Shadow

Author: Amy McCulloch

Aspiring warrior Raim lives in a world in which people tie a knot for every promise they make. Anyone who breaks an oath is shunned and cast out into the desert.

Read more about The Oathbreaker's Shadow

P

Persepolis

Author: Marjane Satrapi Translator: Blake Ferris

Persepolis is Satrapi's history of Iran and her life in Iran and France as she tries to retain her Iranian culture but also grow up and become independent.

Read more about Persepolis

Q

Quantum Drop

Author: Saci Lloyd

Anthony, Tais, Lola and Ali are friends -  but when Tais is brutally attacked, leaving her in a coma, grief shatters their close-knit group. Can they find Tais's attacker?

Read more about Quantum Drop

R

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K Larsen

Author: Susin Nielsen

Nielsen tackles a hugely difficult subject with a deceptive lightness of touch. Henry’s life will never be the same, but day by day, he can begin to live again. A terrific, sad, beautiful and essential read.

Read more about The Reluctant Journal of Henry K Larsen

S

Submarine

Author: Joe Dunthorne

Meet Oliver Tate, 15. Convinced that his father is depressed ('Depression comes in bouts. Like boxing. Dad is in the blue corner') and his mother is having an affair with her capoeira teacher.

Read more about Submarine

T

Twilight

Author:

Edward seems to hate Bella, but it turns out that he is in love with her and he is afraid of what he might do to her.

Read more about Twilight

U

(Un)arranged Marriage

Author: Bali Rai

This is a brilliant debut novel and it is a refreshing change to see this issue tackled from a male perspective.

Read more about (Un)arranged Marriage

V

Vivian Versus the Apocalypse

Author: Katie Coyle

Sixteen-year-old Vivian Apple is awaiting the predicted 'Rapture' with a healthy degree of scepticism.

Read more about Vivian Versus the Apocalypse

W

We Were Liars

Author: E Lockhart

E Lockhart paints a vivid portrait of the Sinclair family, spinning an addictive tale of first love, friendship and family that teens will find impossible to put down.

Read more about We Were Liars

Y

The Young World

Author: Chris Weitz

Although this may not be the first time a post-apocalyptic, teenage-run world has been written about, it is one of the best in the genre.

Read more about The Young World

Z

Zoo

Author: James Patterson

All over the world, brutal attacks are crippling entire cities. Jackson Oz, a young biologist, watches the escalating events with an increasing sense of dread. When he witnesses a coordinated lion ambush in Africa, the enormity of the impending violence becomes terrifyingly clear.

With the help of ecologist Chloe Tousignant, Oz races to warn world leaders be…

Read more about Zoo


Add a comment

Sign up for our newsletter

Stay up to date with BookTrust by signing up to one of our newsletters and receiving great articles, competitions and updates straight to your inbox.

Join us