The Greatest American "Fiction, Teen & Young Adult" Books Since 1980

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Teen & Young Adult

The "Teen & Young Adult" category in literature encompasses a broad range of fiction and non-fiction books specifically tailored for readers aged roughly between 12 and 18 years old. These books often feature protagonists and experiences that resonate with the challenges, emotions, and transitions characteristic of adolescence and young adulthood. Themes such as identity, romance, friendship, family dynamics, and self-discovery are commonly explored, with settings ranging from realistic to fantastical. The genre aims to provide a relatable and engaging reading experience, offering both escapism and insight into the complexities of growing up. While primarily targeting teenagers and young adults, these books often possess a crossover appeal, attracting adult readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories and the fresh perspectives of youthful narratives.

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  1. 26. Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block

    Set in a shimmering, magical version of Los Angeles, the novel follows the life of a quirky and effervescent girl with an unusual name, who navigates the complexities of love, family, and friendship in her search for happiness. She and her best friend create a nontraditional family with a pair of brothers and a secret wish granted by a genie, all while exploring the punk rock scene, grappling with real-world issues, and discovering the transformative power of love in its many forms. The narrative is a blend of fairy-tale whimsy and gritty urban reality, celebrating the joy and heartache of young adulthood.

    The 5310th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier

    The novel tells the story of an Indian-American teenage girl who struggles with her cultural identity. She feels caught between the traditional Indian values of her parents and the mainstream American culture she experiences every day. As she navigates high school, friendships, and first love, she begins to rediscover her heritage and embrace her Indian-American identity.

    The 5367th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

    The novel follows the story of a teenage girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. Living in a poor neighborhood but attending a predominantly white, wealthy private school, she must navigate the dichotomy of these two very different worlds while grappling with the trauma of her friend's death. As she becomes more involved in activism and advocacy, she must confront the reality of racism, police brutality, and societal injustice.

    The 5373rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

    "The Poet X" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Xiomara, who uses poetry as an outlet to navigate her complex life. Set in Harlem, Xiomara grapples with her strict Dominican parents, her evolving understanding of her own identity, and her burgeoning relationship with a boy named Aman. Through her powerful and honest poetry, Xiomara finds her voice, confronts societal expectations, and discovers the strength to define herself on her own terms.

    The 5658th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

    In a brutal, Rome-like fantasy world, a young Scholar girl named Laia goes on a dangerous mission to save her brother from the clutches of the oppressive Martial Empire. To do so, she infiltrates the Empire's premier military academy as a slave, where she meets Elias, one of the academy's finest soldiers, who is secretly as eager to escape the tyranny and corruption of the military as she is. Their fates become intertwined as they both seek freedom and justice, navigating a world rife with violence, betrayal, and dark magic. The story is a gripping tale of resistance, survival, and the quest for personal redemption.

    The 5690th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Sold by Patricia McCormick

    The novel follows a young Nepalese girl who lives in a poor, rural village. When her stepfather sells her into slavery in a brothel in India, she must navigate the horrors of her new life. The narrative explores her struggle for survival, her attempts to escape, and the friendships she forms with other girls in the brothel. Ultimately, the novel is a harrowing exploration of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

    The 5833rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

    The novel is a poignant exploration of love, art, and reconciliation, told through the alternating perspectives of twins Noah and Jude. In their early teens, the siblings are inseparable, both talented artists in their own right. However, as they navigate the trials of adolescence, a series of tragic events and misunderstandings drive a wedge between them. The narrative weaves back and forth in time, revealing the deep secrets and personal struggles that have shaped their lives. As they grapple with loss, betrayal, and the complexities of family dynamics, the twins must learn to understand each other and themselves, ultimately finding a way to heal and rebuild their fractured relationship.

    The 5865th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Salt To The Sea by Ruta Sepetys

    The novel is a poignant historical fiction set during World War II, which follows the intertwining fates of four young people from different nations and backgrounds as they desperately flee the advancing Soviet army in East Prussia. Their paths converge en route to the ill-fated Wilhelm Gustloff, a German evacuation ship that promises salvation from the encroaching war. The narrative, rich in detail and emotion, explores themes of guilt, redemption, and survival, while bringing to light one of the most tragic and little-known maritime disasters in history. Through their harrowing journey, the characters confront the brutal realities of war and the impact of their choices amidst a world torn apart by conflict.

    The 6205th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

    The novel is a poignant exploration of an interracial teenage romance in New York City, where two high school students from different worlds fall deeply in love. Despite the instant connection they feel, they must navigate the complexities of their families' expectations and societal prejudices. As they grow closer, they learn about the power of love and the pain of loss, while confronting the harsh realities of race and identity in contemporary America. Their relationship becomes a testament to the endurance of the human spirit and the impact of societal pressures on personal connections.

    The 6211th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Monster by Walter Dean Myers

    The book is a powerful exploration of the American juvenile justice system through the eyes of a 16-year-old African-American boy who is on trial for his alleged involvement in a robbery-turned-murder. As he faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, the protagonist grapples with his identity, the perceptions of others, and the harsh realities of a system that is quick to label him a monster. The narrative is uniquely presented through a mix of screenplay format and diary entries, offering an introspective and multifaceted look at the protagonist's experiences and the complexities of morality, truth, and humanity within the confines of a legal battle for his future.

    The 6262nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

    In this coming-of-age novel, two Mexican-American teenagers, Aristotle and Dante, form an unlikely friendship during the summer of 1987. As they navigate their way through adolescence, they uncover the complexities of their identities, family dynamics, and the world around them. Through their shared experiences, they discover the power of love, self-acceptance, and the profound mysteries that the universe holds.

    The 6272nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

    "Graceling" is a young adult fantasy novel set in a world where certain individuals are born with special abilities known as "Graces." Katsa, the protagonist, is a Graceling who possesses the ability to kill anyone with her bare hands. She is used as a weapon by her uncle, the king, until she meets Prince Po, another Graceling who challenges everything she knows about herself and her world. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the kingdoms. Along the way, Katsa learns to embrace her Grace and use it for good, rather than as a tool for violence.

    The 6429th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

    This poignant young adult novel delves into the depths of grief, solitude, and the healing power of human connection. It follows a college freshman who, after experiencing a family tragedy, isolates herself from her previous life and struggles with the weight of her loss. During a winter break spent alone in her dorm, she confronts her painful past when her estranged best friend visits, forcing her to open up about her secrets and the profound loneliness she has been carrying. Through their reunion, the protagonist begins to navigate the complex process of recovery and the importance of allowing love and friendship to help heal her emotional wounds.

    The 6462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

    The book follows four best friends—Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen—who discover a pair of jeans that miraculously fits each of them despite their different body types. Dubbed the Traveling Pants, the jeans become a symbol of their friendship and a way to stay connected as they spend their first summer apart. As the pants circulate among the girls, they experience a series of personal growth and life-changing experiences, from first loves to family conflicts. The story is a heartwarming exploration of the bonds of friendship, the pains of growing up, and the belief that a bit of magic can appear in the most unexpected places.

    The 6464th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. A Step From Heaven by An Na

    This novel follows the life of a young Korean girl who immigrates with her family to the United States in search of a better life. Initially believing America to be a heavenly place, she soon confronts the harsh realities of immigrant life, including language barriers, cultural clashes, and her father's abusive behavior. As she grows up, she struggles to find her identity and voice amidst the challenges of assimilation and family dynamics. The story is a poignant exploration of the immigrant experience, the complexities of family relationships, and the journey towards self-empowerment and resilience.

    The 6464th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez

    The book follows the interwoven stories of three high school boys as they navigate the complexities of identity, friendship, and love while coming to terms with their sexuality. Jason is a jock struggling with his attraction to men, Kyle is an out-and-proud gay teen who harbors feelings for Jason, and Nelson is Kyle's flamboyant best friend who is also openly gay and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. As they each face challenges such as homophobia, self-acceptance, and the risk of HIV, their lives intersect in ways that profoundly impact their journey towards understanding and embracing who they are.

    The 6464th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

    The book unfolds in a society that believes it has eradicated all monsters, but when a creature named Pet emerges from a painting, a young girl named Jam learns that monsters still exist. Pet has come to hunt a monster hiding in plain sight, and Jam must confront the reality that not all dangers are as visible as they seem. As Jam navigates this revelation with Pet's guidance, she embarks on a quest to protect her best friend and uncover the truth in a world that prefers to deny the existence of such horrors. The story challenges the concepts of good and evil and the complacency that can arise in a community that believes it has overcome its darkest elements.

    The 6504th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Tangerine by Edward Bloor

    The novel follows the life of a legally blind middle schooler who moves to Tangerine County, Florida, where he confronts a multitude of challenges ranging from environmental disasters to his struggle for acceptance in the shadow of his football-star brother. As he adjusts to his new surroundings, he uncovers dark family secrets and finds his strength through joining the soccer team at his school. The story is a journey of self-discovery, as the protagonist grapples with the truth about his impairment and the corrupt world around him, ultimately finding his place and voice in a community fraught with adversity.

    The 6530th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Feed by M.T. Anderson

    The book is set in a dystopian future where people have internet connections directly wired into their brains through an implant called the "feed." This technology allows for constant streaming of media, advertising, and on-demand purchasing, which has led to a society obsessed with consumerism and largely devoid of critical thinking. The story follows a teenager and his group of friends as they navigate this superficial world, but things take a turn when he meets a girl who resists the feed's influence. Her perspective challenges him to confront the bleak reality of their lives and the destructive path of their technology-dependent society, leading to a poignant exploration of identity, connection, and resistance in the face of pervasive corporate control.

    The 6545th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Talking To Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

    In this enchanting fantasy novel, the story follows a young protagonist who embarks on a perilous journey through a magical forest to find his missing father, the King. Along the way, he encounters a cast of whimsical characters, including a feisty princess, a deceitful witch, and a variety of talking animals. His adventure is filled with riddles, spells, and dragon encounters, which challenge his wit and courage. As the final installment in a series, the book wraps up the overarching narrative with clever twists and the revelation of long-held secrets, ultimately leading to a confrontation with a powerful enemy and a quest to restore peace to the kingdom.

    The 6612th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle

    In the novel, two teenage brothers accidentally travel back in time to the era just before the biblical flood. Stranded in a pre-deluvian world filled with seraphim, nephilim, and other mystical beings, they find themselves embroiled in the lives and struggles of the people of that time. As they search for a way back to their own time, they encounter love, temptation, and the impending catastrophe of the great flood, learning valuable lessons about responsibility and the complexity of human nature along the way.

    The 6648th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

    The novel centers around Lara Jean Song Covey, a high school junior who has written secret love letters to all of her past crushes, never intending to send them. However, her life turns upside down when the letters are mysteriously mailed out, causing her to confront her feelings and the repercussions of her past affections. In a desperate attempt to save face and avoid confrontation with one of her crushes, she enters into a fake relationship with another, which leads to a journey of self-discovery and the realization that sometimes love can be found in the most unexpected places.

    The 6704th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

    The novel explores the afterlife through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Liz Hall, who finds herself in a place called Elsewhere after dying in a hit-and-run accident. In this unconventional heaven, people age backward from the point of their death until they become babies again and are sent back to Earth to be reborn. Struggling with her new reality, Liz watches life on Earth moving on without her and must learn to let go of her past and embrace the unique cycle of life in Elsewhere. Along the way, she makes new friends, finds a new purpose, and experiences the complexities of love and loss from a perspective that challenges the living's understanding of death and time.

    The 6721st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac

    The book is a historical novel that tells the story of a Navajo man who serves in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Recruited for his unique linguistic skills, he becomes one of the Code Talkers, a group of Native American soldiers tasked with using their native language to create an unbreakable code for transmitting messages. The narrative follows his experiences of discrimination, the horrors of war, and the crucial role the Code Talkers played in the American military victories in the Pacific Theater, all while exploring themes of cultural identity, bravery, and the complex nature of patriotism.

    The 6721st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Tyrell by Coe Booth

    The book follows the story of a fifteen-year-old boy living in a Bronx homeless shelter with his family after losing their apartment. Struggling with the pressures of poverty, an absent father, and a mother who is not providing the support he needs, the protagonist is determined to find a way out of their desperate situation. He sees DJing as his ticket to a better life, but as he becomes entangled in a web of challenging relationships and risky decisions, he must navigate the complexities of adolescence, loyalty, and survival on the unforgiving streets of New York City.

    The 6865th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download