Young Adult Books

MUST READ Young Adult Books 

 Starfish

by Lisa Fipps

Category: Novel in Verse

Summary

Starfish by Lisa Fipps is a powerful novel in verse that follows Ellie, a young girl who has been bullied about her weight for as long as she can remember. The story delves into her experiences navigating friendships, family relationships, and self-acceptance, all while trying to find her voice and claim her space in the world. Written in a raw and relatable tone, the book beautifully captures the emotional depth of Ellie’s struggles and triumphs. Fipps' poetic style makes the story flow effortlessly, creating an immersive reading experience that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant.

Justification

Starfish is an accessible yet profound novel in verse that speaks to issues many young adult readers face, such as self-esteem, bullying, and navigating friendships. The lyrical style makes it a quick and engaging read, even for reluctant readers, while the honest and relatable story line ensures an emotional connection. The themes of body image and self-acceptance are particularly relevant in today’s society, where young people—especially girls—often feel pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. This book provides a necessary and empowering perspective, making it an excellent choice for young adults.

Reader Response 

As a woman, I deeply related to Ellie’s journey with body image and self-confidence. Her struggles with bullying and self-acceptance took me back to my own experiences in high school, trying to fit in while feeling judged for my appearance. Fipps' depiction of Ellie’s emotions felt so authentic that I couldn’t help but connect with her, and I know many readers will feel the same. Initially, I was hesitant about the novel-in-verse format, as poetry isn’t always my preferred style, but Fipps’ writing completely changed my perspective. The verse format flowed beautifully, making the story both lyrical and deeply engaging. I found myself flying through the pages, unable to put the book down. Lines like “I am a starfish. I deserve to take up space.” resonated powerfully, making Ellie’s journey feel not just personal but also universal. Overall, I adored this book and would absolutely read more from Lisa Fipps. Starfish is an emotional, beautifully written novel that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt, as well as to educators and parents looking for an insightful, compassionate book for young readers. Without hesitation—yes, yes, yes!

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You Won't Believe Me

by Cyn Balog

Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

Summary

You Won’t Believe Me by Cyn Balog is a psychological thriller that masterfully blends suspense with a deep exploration of trust and memory. The story follows a teenage girl who, after waking up chained to a bed inside an unknown house, struggles to piece together what actually happened. As she recounts her experience, she finds herself trapped in a web of disbelief—she must decide who to trust and whether she can even trust herself. Balog crafts a compelling narrative filled with eerie twists, and a journey filled with psychological tension, self-doubt, and the challenge of uncovering the truth hidden beneath the surface. The novel’s atmospheric tension keeps the reader engaged, and its themes of trauma, survival, and trust resonate deeply in today’s world.

Justification

You Won’t Believe Me is the perfect addition to a library because it aligns with what students seek in a contemporary novel. Post-pandemic, many readers crave stories that reflect uncertainty and resilience, making this novel highly relatable. The protagonist’s struggle with belief and memory mirrors real-world issues of misinformation, gaslighting, and self-doubt. Additionally, students enjoy an escape into psychological thrillers, where reality blurs with fiction, creating an engaging reading experience. The novel’s suspenseful elements grip the reader, and its fast-paced storytelling keeps it from feeling overwhelming. This book successfully bridges the gap between escapism and relatability, making it an excellent choice for young adult readers looking for both an exciting and thought-provoking story.

Reader Response 

Balog’s novel deeply examines the nature of truth, morality, and trust, making the reader question reality itself. One of its strengths is how it explores right and wrong—how people manipulate facts to fit their own narratives. The protagonist’s experience with disbelief resonated with me because it mirrors how society often dismisses those who speak out against injustices. "They look at me like I'm making it all up, like my words are just another story they can choose not to believe," captures this struggle. The novel also highlights resilience, as the protagonist fights to reclaim her truth, reflecting the challenges marginalized voices face when seeking validation. The book successfully passes the "Who cares?" test by addressing relevant societal issues such as gaslighting and the pressure to conform. Finally, You Won’t Believe Me is gripping and atmospheric, immersing readers in the protagonist’s paranoia and desperation. Balog’s vivid prose—"Every shadow held a secret, every silence screamed a warning"—enhances the eerie atmosphere. While some moments feel slightly predictable, the psychological twists and fast pacing make it a compelling read for suspense lovers.

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 Concrete Rose

by Angie Thomas

Printz Winner

Summary

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas is a powerful prequel to The Hate U Give, following the story of Maverick Carter as a seventeen-year-old navigating the complexities of family, fatherhood, and finding his identity. Living in a neighborhood plagued by poverty, gang violence, and limited opportunities, Maverick is trying to do right by his family while facing impossible decisions. The book explores his internal struggles and growth as he attempts to break cycles and forge a better future.

Justification

Concrete Rose offers a raw and honest perspective on the challenges young people face when they’re forced to grow up too fast. It meets the criteria for impactful, thought-provoking reads that reflect real-life experiences and promote empathy. Angie Thomas masterfully gives voice to characters who are often marginalized, making this book a valuable resource for readers seeking to understand complex social issues through the lens of a compelling coming-of-age story. Its themes of responsibility, resilience, and transformation are especially resonant for young adult readers.

Reader Response 

This book resonated with me deeply, especially as a once young mother. Maverick’s journey reminded me of my own challenges navigating parenthood at a young age. The metaphor of the "concrete rose"—a flower growing out of the cracks in a harsh environment—beautifully symbolizes resilience, something I strive for every day. The novel addresses issues that are very close to my heart, particularly the systemic injustices and adversities that my husband, as an African American man, continues to face. I’ve witnessed his efforts to break generational cycles, especially those created by the absence of his father. Watching him become a dedicated father and partner, determined to create a better life for our family, mirrors Maverick’s journey in powerful ways. These are not just abstract problems; they’re lived realities that affect our family and our future. As a work of art, Concrete Rose is incredibly moving. Angie Thomas’s writing is vibrant and authentic, drawing me into Maverick’s world and making me feel every high and low alongside him. It’s a book that lingers with you long after the final page.

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 Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me

written by Mariko Tamaki ; illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O'Connel

Walter Award, Teen Category

Summary

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that follows Freddy, a high school girl caught in an on-again, off-again relationship with her charismatic yet emotionally unavailable girlfriend, Laura Dean. As Freddy navigates the emotional turbulence of love, friendship, and identity, she begins to question what she truly deserves in a relationship and discovers the value of self-respect and support from those who genuinely care for her.

Justification

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me tackles relatable, real-life issues that many teens face, especially surrounding identity, relationships, and emotional growth. The graphic novel format also makes the content accessible and engaging for visual learners, while the themes offer meaningful opportunities for self-reflection and discussion. The book authentically represents LGBTQ+ experiences and provides a diverse, inclusive lens that is essential for modern middle and high school libraries. Its honest exploration of teen love, heartbreak, and personal empowerment aligns with criteria for strong young adult literature—relevance, representation, and emotional impact.

Reader Response 

As most girls can relate, I saw parts of myself in Freddy’s journey—especially the confusion and pain that come from toxic relationships and the hard-won strength it takes to walk away. Like Freddy, I’ve had to learn how to set boundaries and recognize my worth, and that process deeply resonated with me. This story reminded me that finding self-confidence is often messy, but necessary, especially during those pivotal years from high school to college. The book didn’t just reflect my past experiences—it reinforced values I now hold firmly, like emotional independence and the importance of healthy support systems. I appreciated how the novel didn’t glamorize the relationship but showed its flaws honestly, encouraging readers to reflect on what love should really feel like. It addresses issues I care deeply about, such as emotional health, friendship, and queer representation. As a parent of an LGBTQ child, it also struck a powerful chord in helping me better understand the challenges my child might face in relationships and identity. Seeing these experiences reflected honestly and sensitively in literature matters—not just for young readers, but for the adults in their lives trying to support them. That makes this a powerful and important read for anyone learning to value themselves or to be a more understanding ally.

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 Counting Scars

by Melinda Di Lorenzo

Category: YALSA

Summary

Counting Scars follows sixteen-year-old Adele Reimer as she is sent to a youth reform camp while her mother is in rehab and her father is unavailable. Adele’s only goal is to stay out of trouble, but things quickly get complicated when she becomes involved with two very different boys—quiet, mysterious Fergus and confident, charming Andy. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, Adele finds herself caught in a dangerous love triangle where her choices could have life-threatening consequences.

Justification

Counting Scars is a high-interest, fast-paced novel aimed at teen readers who may be reluctant or building their reading skills. It fits well with the criteria for engaging reluctant readers—it's short, dramatic, emotionally charged, and easy to follow. The themes of trust, emotional healing, and personal responsibility are highly relevant to today’s teens, especially those facing family struggles or uncertain relationships. The book’s accessible language and quick pace make it an ideal bridge for readers who want compelling stories without being overwhelmed by dense text.

Reader Response 

This book challenged and confirmed some of my views about trust, survival, and how teens often have to navigate adult problems far too early. Adele’s decision-making process is messy but real, which I respected. Her reflection—“Sometimes it’s not about what you do, it’s about what you survive”—hit hard for me as someone who has quietly survived magnitudes of trauma, which aligns with my belief that strength is often quiet and unseen. I appreciated how the story didn’t paint anyone as completely good or bad, showing how trauma and fear can twist people’s intentions. That said, I struggled with how quickly some characters earned or lost Adele’s trust. It reminded me that when you're vulnerable, even danger can feel like safety. I think the book succeeded in giving voice to a teen girl in crisis without sugarcoating her experience, and while the love triangle was a central plot point, it didn’t overshadow Adele’s growth. My overall reaction was a mix of shock and admiration—Counting Scars doesn’t waste a single page and leaves you thinking about how even temporary choices can leave lasting marks.

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References

Balog, C. (2023). You won’t believe me. Sourcebooks Fire.

Di Lorenzo, M. (2022). Counting scars. Orca Book Publishers.

Fipps, L. (2021). Starfish. Nancy Paulsen Books.

Tamaki, M., & Valero-O’Connell, R. (2019). Laura Dean keeps breaking up with me. First Second.

Thomas, A. (2021). Concrete Rose. Balzer + Bray.