The Greatest American "Teen & Young Adult" Books of All Time

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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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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. Eragon by Christopher Paolini

    In a fantastical realm where dragons and their riders are the stuff of legends, a young farm boy stumbles upon a mysterious stone that hatches into a dragon, binding their fates together. Thrust into an ancient legacy of dragon riders, the boy and his dragon must navigate a perilous world of dark magic, tyrannical rulers, and hidden allies. As he learns to harness his newfound powers and the wisdom of the dragon, the boy embarks on an epic quest to overthrow a corrupt empire and fulfill his destiny as the last hope for freedom in his war-torn land.

    The 2258th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

    In this mystery novel, a diverse group of tenants at the Sunset Towers apartment building is drawn into a complex game when the wealthy and eccentric Samuel W. Westing dies and names them as potential heirs to his fortune. The will sets them into pairs and provides cryptic clues leading to the supposed murderer among them, promising the entire estate to whoever solves the puzzle. As the pairs race to unravel the mystery, they uncover secrets about themselves and each other, leading to personal growth and unexpected alliances. The game is afoot with twists and turns, ultimately revealing the true nature of the legacy and the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse.

    The 2288th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

    The book is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows a Native American teenager who leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school in a neighboring town. The protagonist grapples with his own identity, the perceptions and prejudices of his new classmates, and the harsh realities of life on the reservation. Throughout the story, he uses humor and his passion for drawing cartoons to navigate the challenges he encounters.

    The 2358th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

    This is a poignant memoir written in verse, detailing the author's childhood as an African-American growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, split between South Carolina and New York. The narrative explores her experiences with segregation, her growing awareness of the civil rights movement, her deep love for storytelling and her gradual understanding of her own identity as a writer. The book provides a powerful portrayal of a girl finding her voice in a time of social and political unrest.

    The 2369th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

    This novel follows the story of two young friends, Jess and Leslie, who create a magical kingdom called Terabithia in the woods where they spend their free time. Their friendship deepens as they rule over Terabithia, facing and overcoming various challenges together. However, a tragic accident results in Leslie's death, leaving Jess devastated. The story concludes with Jess learning to cope with his grief, and finding the courage to introduce his little sister to the magical world of Terabithia, thereby keeping Leslie's memory alive.

    The 2423rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

    A high school freshman becomes a social outcast after calling the police to break up a summer party and refuses to explain why. As she navigates the challenges of high school, she struggles with a traumatic event from the party that has left her feeling silenced. Throughout the year, she slowly regains her voice and confronts her attacker, ultimately revealing the truth about what happened that night.

    The 2740th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

    In this fantasy novel, a young girl defies the expectations of her society by disguising herself as a boy to pursue her dream of becoming a knight. She swaps places with her twin brother and enters the rigorous training program at the palace, where she must prove her worth in combat and magic while keeping her true identity a secret. Along her journey, she makes both friends and enemies, confronts powerful adversaries, and discovers her own unique magical abilities, all while navigating the challenges of growing up and finding her place in a world that underestimates her because of her gender.

    The 2812th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez

    This novel tells the story of a young girl growing up in the Dominican Republic during a time of political turmoil. The protagonist and her family experience the fear and uncertainty of living under a dictatorship, as they are constantly surveilled by the government's secret police. Throughout the book, the protagonist navigates her own coming-of-age while also grappling with the larger issues of freedom, oppression, and resistance.

    The 2820th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

    A 13-year-old boy survives a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness and is left to fend for himself with only a hatchet his mother gave him as a present. Over the course of several months, he learns to hunt, fish, and forage for food while also dealing with wild animals, harsh weather, and loneliness. Through a series of flashbacks, he also confronts painful memories from his past, and ultimately, he emerges stronger and more mature from his ordeal.

    The 2872nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

    In this enchanting twist on the Cinderella fairy tale, a young girl named Ella is cursed with the "gift" of obedience by a well-meaning but misguided fairy. This compulsion forces her to obey any direct command, leading to a life of manipulation and frustration. Determined to reclaim control over her life, Ella embarks on a quest to find the fairy who cursed her and break the spell. Along the way, she encounters ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and a charming prince, weaving a story of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of true love. Her journey is not only about breaking the curse but also about finding her voice and the strength to stand up for herself in a world that tries to define her destiny.

    The 2917th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Living Up The Street by Gary Soto

    "Living Up The Street" is a collection of autobiographical essays that explore the experiences of a Mexican-American boy growing up in the barrios of Fresno, California. The book delves into the realities of working-class life, highlighting themes of poverty, violence, and the struggle for identity. The protagonist's journey through adolescence is marked by a series of humorous, tragic, and poignant moments, offering a vivid depiction of life in a Hispanic community in America.

    The 3241st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

    The book is a young adult novel that explores the themes of nonconformity and self-expression through the story of an eccentric and free-spirited girl who calls herself Stargirl. She arrives at Mica High School in Arizona and immediately stands out for her unique behavior and homemade clothes. Her presence challenges the status quo and prompts varying reactions from the other students, ranging from admiration to hostility. As the protagonist captures the attention of the narrator, a boy named Leo, he finds himself drawn to her authenticity and spirit, but also struggles with his desire for social acceptance. The story delves into the impact of individuality on peer relationships and the courage it takes to be true to oneself in the face of conformity.

    The 3357th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But A Sandwich by Alice Childress

    The novel explores the life of a 13-year-old African American boy growing up in Harlem who struggles with heroin addiction. His story is told through multiple perspectives, including his own, his family members, and other individuals in his community, each offering their own insights into his circumstances. The narrative delves into themes of poverty, drug abuse, identity, and the complexities of family dynamics, as the protagonist confronts the challenges of his environment and the choices he must make to overcome his addiction and find a sense of self-worth.

    The 3783rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. I'll Get There. It Better Be Worth The Trip by John Donovan

    The novel explores the emotional journey of a young boy who, after the death of his grandmother, moves to New York City to live with his estranged mother. Struggling with the complexities of adolescence, the boy forms a deep bond with his pet dachshund and grapples with his emerging sexuality. His friendship with a classmate becomes a source of comfort and confusion, leading to a tragic event that ultimately forces him to confront his identity and the nature of his relationships. The story is a poignant coming-of-age tale that addresses themes of family, friendship, loss, and self-discovery.

    The 3783rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

    "American Born Chinese" by Gene Luen Yang is a graphic novel that weaves together three distinct storylines to explore themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and self-acceptance. The book follows the lives of Jin Wang, a Chinese-American boy struggling to fit in at school, the Monkey King, a mythical character striving for acceptance among his peers, and Danny, a white American teenager dealing with his Chinese cousin's visit. Through these interconnected narratives, the book delves into the complexities of being an immigrant and the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities in America.

    The 4062nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Homecoming by Cynthia Voigt

    The novel follows the journey of four siblings, Dicey, James, Maybeth, and Sammy Tillerman, who are abandoned by their mentally ill mother in a mall parking lot. The eldest, Dicey, takes charge and decides they will travel on foot to find a home with their distant relative in Bridgeport. Throughout their arduous journey, the children face numerous challenges, including scarcity of food, the threat of separation by authorities, and the struggle to stay together as a family. Their resilience, resourcefulness, and the bonds they share are tested as they navigate through the uncertainties and the hope of finding a place where they can belong.

    The 4584th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

    In a gritty and dangerous city, a notorious gang leader named Kaz Brekker is offered a life-changing heist that could make him unimaginably rich. He assembles a team of skilled outcasts, each with their own unique talents, to pull off an impossible mission. As they navigate through treacherous streets and face deadly enemies, the group must rely on their wits and trust each other to survive. Along the way, secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and unexpected alliances are formed, all while the fate of their world hangs in the balance.

    The 4751st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter

    The book is a heartwarming story of a young orphan boy of mixed ancestry who is raised by his Cherokee grandparents in the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression. His grandparents teach him the Cherokee way of life, including their spiritual beliefs, love for nature, respect for all living things, and the importance of tolerance and understanding. Despite the hardship and prejudice they face, they impart wisdom, love, and a unique perspective on life to the young boy.

    The 4805th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

    "The Crossover" is a heartfelt and poetic novel that follows the journey of a talented young basketball player named Josh Bell. Set in a world of sports and sibling rivalry, Josh faces challenges both on and off the court as he navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and first love. Through Alexander's lyrical writing style, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that explores themes of identity, loss, and the power of perseverance.

    The 4828th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

    The novel follows the story of a young albino girl of Nigerian-American descent who discovers her latent magical powers and a connection to a secret, mystical world. Struggling with her identity and the challenges of adolescence, she is thrust into a journey of self-discovery, where she must learn to harness her abilities. Alongside a group of friends with their own unique talents, she navigates a world filled with dangerous creatures and dark adversaries, using her newfound magic to uncover her true destiny and combat the threats that loom over both the physical and supernatural realms.

    The 4997th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Looking for Alaska by John Green

    This novel follows a teenager who enrolls in a boarding school in Alabama, seeking a 'Great Perhaps'. There, he meets a group of friends, including a captivating and enigmatic girl named Alaska. The narrative is divided into 'before' and 'after' sections, centering around a tragic event. It explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of adolescence, with the protagonist trying to understand and make sense of his experiences.

    The 4998th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

    The protagonist, a young orphan girl, is taken captive by a desert king in a foreign land. She discovers within herself a latent magical power and a destiny tied to the fate of the kingdom. As she trains under the king's tutelage, she becomes a warrior and a key figure in an impending war. The girl must navigate politics, magic, and her own self-discovery to protect her new home and its people.

    The 5160th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. 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 5303rd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. March: Book One by John Lewis

    "March: Book One" is a graphic novel that depicts the early life of a key figure in the American civil rights movement. Raised in rural Alabama, he grows up inspired by the activism surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the words of Martin Luther King Jr., which sets him on the path of nonviolent protest. The novel highlights his commitment to the fight for equal rights and his journey from a young boy on a farm to one of the key figures in the civil rights movement.

    The 5352nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. 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 5359th 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