young adult fiction

Against a pink background, a tan queen and a black king chess piece leans towards one another on a chess board with purple hearts in between them.

BOOK REVIEW: ‘Check & Mate’ by Ali Hazelwood

Beatriz Barros Felice, California State University, Northridge

The highs and lows of Ali Hazelwood's recently released novel, which marks her debut in the YA genre.…

December 16, 2023

Katie Cotugno smiling with her glasses on

Everything You Need To Know About Katie Cotugno Ahead of Her Adult Fiction Debut

Anna Merlo, University of Queensland, Australia

With seven novels under her belt, this notable feminist author has cracked the YA genre — and she’s taking on adult fiction next.…

March 1, 2022

What Makes Sarah J. Maas a No. 1 NYT Bestselling Fantasy Author?

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

From young adult to adult fantasy, this author has become a worldwide phenomenon, but what is it that makes her stories so popular?…

November 6, 2021

An illustration of a girl sitting on a stack of young adult fiction novels. Are you an avid YA reader? If so, you can’t miss the top books of this year so far.

The Best Young Adult Fiction Releases of 2021 and Why You Should Read Them

Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

Are you an avid YA reader? If so, you can’t miss the top books of this year so far.…

July 3, 2021

‘Stalking Jack the Ripper’ Blends Murder Mystery and Romance

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Despite its familiar premise, the strong chemistry between the main characters is what really holds the young adult series together.…

June 5, 2021

in article about A Good Girl’s Guide for Murder, someone holding a knife behind their back

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Series Is a Nuanced Teen Thriller

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Complete with twists and an unexpected ending, this series cannot be passed up by anyone who loves young adult mystery novels.…

May 21, 2021

‘Elatsoe’ Explores Living Legends While Grounding Itself in Indigenous Traditions

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Darcie Little Badger's young adult debut is a charming story of magical realism featuring Lipan Apache representation and a murder mystery waiting to be solved.…

March 16, 2021

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on A Court of Thorns and Roses

Why ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ Is an Iconic YA Fantasy Series

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

As readers await the release of 'A Court of Silver Flames,' it's a good time to revisit the series' unbelievably intricate worldbuilding, strong women and realistic character development.…

January 11, 2021

‘Felix Ever After’ Is a Powerful Exploration of Self-Love and Self-Discovery

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

Kacen Callender’s young adult novel features a queer trans person of color amid friendships, love and a heartwarming journey of self-acceptance.…

September 13, 2020

In an article about love triangles, an illustration of a woman attached to two men

Why the Love Triangle Trope Is the Worst and How To Make It Better

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

This plot device is one of the most overdone romantic clichés out there. Should it be left behind, or is there a way to make it new again?…

August 29, 2020

A photo of the cover of What I Carry by Jennifer Longo

‘What I Carry’ Rediscovers Home Amidst the Complexities of Foster Care

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

The novel explores the long process of a guarded teenager finding belonging in her last foster home after a lifetime of letdowns.…

August 19, 2020

‘Let’s Talk About Love’ Explores Intersection of Blackness and Asexuality

Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

We stan the biromantic, asexual woman of color protagonist in Claire Kann's new novel.…

March 9, 2020

A Defense of the Young Adult Novel and Escapist Literature

Karunya Bhramasandra, Stanford University

Many of these books are criticized for their unrealistic portrayal of the world; however, that may be their greatest strength.…

February 21, 2020

‘The Queen of Nothing’ Is the Conclusion Fans Needed

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Holly Black ties up the loose ends in her sweeping 'Folk of the Air' young adult fantasy series.…

December 2, 2019

Is V.E. Schwab This Generation’s Neil Gaiman?

Eleanore Belanger, Arizona State University

Whether she’s writing as V.E. Schwab or Victoria Schwab, her wide range of books are always worth the read.…

October 10, 2019

How to Transition from Reading YA Fiction to Adult Literature

Hannah Jumer, Converse College

Adulting 101 for your summer reading list.…

June 13, 2019

5 Young Adult Books That Get Mental Illness Right

Marissa Cortes, Stony Brook University

The nuances of mental health can be hard to nail in fiction, but these novels do it perfectly.…

October 21, 2017

Why the World Needs More Holden Caulfields

Kristian Porter, Northern Kentucky University

Anyone who denigrates literature for appealing to teenagers is forgetting what makes reading worthwhile.…

March 23, 2017

For Readers with No Time to Waste, Here Are the Top Ten YA Novels of the Year

Riley Heruska, Austin College

Filled with everything from forbidden love to Greek mythology, each of these best sellers hits the spot.…

October 20, 2016

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young adult fiction