When I think of the best fiction, my mind tends to group it into three categories: Theme (big ideas or important concepts), Writing (beautiful, experimental, or all-around outstanding), and Plot (twisty, heart-tugging, clever, or just plain fun). I think certain readers weigh certain categories more heavily than others when they pick up a novel for pleasure reading. So with that in mind, I’ve picked a few YA books that exemplify each of those categories – and two that are stellar examples of all three. I’ve placed an emphasis on genre fiction since that is, after all, my area of expertise.
Theme
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
For the budding (or already budded) feminist, you can’t go wrong with Frankie. It’s well-written and fun, too, but to me, it stands out as a book that matters. For readers who like their fiction with meaning, this is a good choice.
Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness
This could just as easily have been in the writing category due to its representation of Noise, but the way Ness addresses the Big Ideas of war, violence, and evil makes it best suited for this category. I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel that better tackles these thorny topics.
Feed by M. T. Anderson
A smart satire about a future world where everyone is plugged into their “feed” 24/7. Feed predates the dystopia glut by a few years, and it shows. Rather than throw together a hodgepodge future with no real basis in what’s going on in the current socio-political world, Anderson’s future is believable and thought-provoking.
Writing
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Has there ever been more beautiful writing than that found in Daughter of Smoke and Bone? For those who may be worn out on plot-heavy books with mediocre writing, Laini Taylor is the perfect antidote.
Alice Hoffman’s YA
I love Alice Hoffman’s writing. Every single one of her novels is beautifully written, evocative, and completely captivating. I love how moody they are, and how she can infuse so much meaning into her novels with just a few words. Her YA books are short but pack a tremendous punch. I began with Incantation, a historical novel about the Spanish Inquisition, and moved on to The Foretelling and Green Angel in quick succession. More poetic in style than Taylor, Hoffman’s writing is consistently outstanding.
The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex
Smekday makes the list in the writing category despite the fact that it is very different in style from Taylor and Hoffman. Aliens taking over the Earth has never been funnier (truly – other authors have tried and failed). Funny writing can be just as difficult – and impressive – as beautiful writing. Rex’s inclusion of art (ok, technically not writing, but related) adds a lot to the novel too.
Plot
Heist Society by Ally Carter
So many readers crave a simple fun read, and Heist Society is a perfect example. The banter is funny, the heists are clever, and twists are legion. Really, what more do you need?
Mary Quinn mysteries by Y. S. Lee
Historical mysteries are perennially popular in the adult fiction world, so Lee’s stories about a teenaged girl detective in Victorian England are a perfect fit. The series provides just the right amount of female empowerment, twisty plots, and historical details to satisfy.
All Three
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
When adults who don’t read YA ask me for a recommendation, this is nearly always the one I give them. It’s got lots of big ideas, some lovely experimental writing, and a fantastic plot – the trifecta of fiction excellence – plus it’s a pretty mature YA novel. Although the protagonist is on the younger end of the YA spectrum, the novel itself is a good bridge from adult to YA.
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
I’m sure this is a surprise to no one. I’m always careful who I recommend this series to, since the concepts it addresses are such hot-button issues, but for the mature reader, there is no greater example of what YA fantasy (or fantasy in general…or fiction in general, for that matter) can do than The Golden Compass and its sequels.
Yes. This list gets an A+++. Frankie Landau-Banks, Todd-Viola-The-Mayor, Karou, and Rudy Steiner. LOVE your choices. And I'm already looking forward to next Monday's post 🙂
I've read all of these except Alice Hoffman's work, so that promptly went on my reading list. Thanks!
Loved seeing The True Meaning of Smekday on this list. That is seriously one of my favorite books of all time. Adam Rex is either a genius or a madman – I haven't figured out which yet. 🙂
How have I never read Alice Hoffman?
And of course you win big time for including Frankie.
I've never read Alice Hoffman's teen books but when I was a teen I was fanatical about her adult fiction. I should rectify this.
Great list! My only change would be to add Megan Whalen Turner's novels under Plot.