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
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
C
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.
D
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.
E
Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is a beautifully-written love story about two high school outsiders
F
John Green tackles the subject of teenage cancer with sensitivity in this witty, life-affirming young adult romance.
G
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.
H
Welcome to Panem: its Capitol repressively rules twelve satellite Districts, enslaving the populations as workers and controlling them through hunger.
I
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.
K
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.
L
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.
M
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.
N
Callum is a Nought but his best friend Sephy is a Cross - the daughter of one of the most influential politicians in the country.
O
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.
P
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.
Q
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?
R
The Reluctant Journal of Henry K Larsen
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.
S
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.
T
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.
U
This is a brilliant debut novel and it is a refreshing change to see this issue tackled from a male perspective.
V
Sixteen-year-old Vivian Apple is awaiting the predicted 'Rapture' with a healthy degree of scepticism.
W
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.
Y
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.
Z
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…
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