YALSA’s Top Ten Best Fiction books for Young Adults fiction titles published for young adults in the past 14 months that are recommended reading for ages 12 to 18.
The full 2024 Best Fiction for Young Adults list can be found at https://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2025/03/17/2025-top-ten-best-fiction-for-young-adults-list/.
"All the Fighting Parts" by Hannah V. Sawyerr is a powerful young adult novel written in verse. It explores themes of trauma, resilience, and reclaiming one's voice. Here's a brief overview to help you with annotations:
Main Themes:
Survivorship…
"Bright Red Fruit" by Safia Elhillo is a compelling coming-of-age novel written in verse. It explores themes of identity, love, and self-expression through the lens of a young Sudanese American girl. Here are some annotations to guide your…
"Dragonfruit" by Makiia Lucier is a captivating young adult fantasy novel inspired by Pacific Island mythology. Here are some annotations to help you explore its themes and characters:
Main Themes:
Mythology and Magic: The story revolves around…
"Libertad" by Bessie Flores Zaldívar is a poignant queer young adult novel set against the backdrop of the 2017 Honduran presidential election. Here are some annotations to help you explore its themes and characters:
Main Themes:
Political Turmoil…
"Looking for Smoke" by K.A. Cobell is a gripping young adult thriller that intertwines mystery with cultural depth. Here are some annotations to help you explore its themes and characters:
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Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW):…
"The Merciless King of Moore High" by Lily Sparks is a thrilling young adult dystopian novel with a unique blend of post-apocalyptic survival and medieval-inspired power struggles. Here are some annotations to guide your exploration:
Main…
"Rez Ball" by Byron Graves is a heartfelt young adult novel that combines sports, grief, and cultural identity. Here are some annotations to help you explore its themes and characters:
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Grief and Healing: The protagonist, Tre Brun,…
"Thirsty" by Jas Hammonds is a gripping young adult novel that delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the consequences of addiction. Here are some annotations to guide your exploration:
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Ambition and Belonging: The protagonist,…
"Twenty-Four Seconds from Now… : A Love Story" by Jason Reynolds is a heartfelt and innovative young adult novel that explores themes of love, self-discovery, and vulnerability. Here are some annotations to guide your understanding:
Main…
"Under This Red Rock" by Mindy McGinnis is a psychological thriller that delves into themes of mental health, reality versus imagination, and the dark corners of the human mind. Here are some annotations to guide your exploration:
Main…
