The ABCs of YA

Witty and Sarcastic Bookclub inspired this post. We picked a favorite YA book for every letter of the alphabet. Look through your read shelf on Goodreads and write your own list. Let us know which of these book you’ve read! This is also the perfect list to build up your TBR if you’re currently staying indoors. Happy reading!

A: Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

As one of our favorite YA contemporaries ever, Alex, Approximately will make you swoon the entire time. This book has romance, humor and complex family dynamics. Plus, who wouldn’t love Porter Roth?

B: By Your Side by Kasie West

In By Your Side, two very different people are locked in the library for an entire weekend, so it’s bound to be interesting. Also, they both learn not to judge a book by its cover. Not only does West write an amazing romance, she also portrays realistic characters who deal with mental health.  Find our ranking of West’s books here!

C: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

The best fantasy of all time had to make our list. Will, Tessa and Jem are the perfect trio. They’d do anything for each other and to protect the Shadowhunters. If you still haven’t read it, now is the time to order it. Clare’s latest book Chain of Gold came out this month. 

D: Don’t Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Need a YA thriller that will keep you guessing until the end? Try to piece together who killed Cassie in Don’t Look Back, a book full of twists and turns. Sam’s life changed forever when she woke up in a hospital with amnesia. As she tries to remember the events of that fateful night, she might find things she wish she left alone.

E: Every Day by David Levithan

A wakes up in a new body every day. A is used to this existence and never gets too attached to people. One day though, A meets Rhiannon and falls in love. Now, A will do everything to get back to her and prove that true love can overcome all obstacles. Levithan wrote a challenging book that will constantly make you think. Pick this up for an intellectually stimulating YA reading experience.

F: Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Told from multiple POVs, this fantasy series follows Cloe, Jonas, Lucia, and Magnus as war threatens to break out across Mytica. The group is brought together by betrayal, murders, alliances, and love. There are six books in the Falling Kingdoms series, and good news: they’re all available at your nearest bookstore (or Amazon). Definitely check it out if you’re looking for a new fantasy series!

G: Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter

This entire series is for YA fans who love badass female characters who take down the bad guys. Set at an exclusive school in Virginia, the Gallagher Girls can take on anyone. Plus, these books have amazing female friendships…and one of our fave romances ever!

H: Half-blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

We’ve written about the Half-Blood series before on our blog, so you can read our full thoughts here. This series has it all— romance, Greek mythology, and action. 

I: If There’s No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Tragedy strikes and the characters are trying to learn about loss, love and everything in between. Check out our review for If There’s No Tomorrow if you want to know more.

J: Just Breath by Cammie McGovern

Just Breathe is pitched as perfect for fans of Five Feet Apart. The story is about David, a senior battling cystic fibrosis, and Jamie, a quiet sophomore struggling with depression. 

K: Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

After loving Stalking Jack the Ripper, we couldn’t wait to dive into Maniscalco’s latest historical YA series. Kingdom of the Wicked is set in 19th century Italy and follows a mystery involving twins Emilia and Vittoria.

L: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Another book in the Shadowhunter universe, except Lady Midnight is set in 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Emma and Julian have been best friends forever. However, that friendship is challenged with a war on the horizon.

M: My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

My Lady Jane is a historic re-telling about Lady Jane Grey, cousin of King Edward. Follow Jane as she prepares for her wedding and tries to help her beloved cousin Edward before he falls victim to a conspiracy.

N: Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Naturals tells the story of gifted seventeen-year-old profiler, Cassie, who is recruited with other teens for the FBI’s newest project, the Naturals program. The Naturals program recruits only the best and brightest teens. Their task? Unlocking infamous cold cases using their special talents.

O: One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus

A murder mystery every YA fan needs to read. A classic whodunit where five students enter detention and only four come out alive. Who should we believe? Can we trust any of them? Find out in the best-selling One of is Lying series.

P: Prep School Confidential by Kara Taylor

The Prep School Confidential series is reminiscent of Gossip Girl but with murder. Anne was sent away to boarding school in Massachusetts. Right after she arrives, her roommate ends up dead. Should she be worried that she’s next?

Q: Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare

The last book in the Dark Artifices series doesn’t disappoint. See how Emma and Julian’s story ends as they face their biggest challenge yet! 

R: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Mare Barrow hooked fans right away as she tried to change the world. People either have silver blood or red blood. Those with silver are superior and have powers. They rule over the lower classes with an iron fist. Mare will do anything to change society in Red Queen.

S: Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Serpent & Dove was our favorite book of 2019! This fantasy far exceeded our expectations. Learn what happens when a witch and a witch hunger get married. You don’t know who you can trust.

T: Truly, Devious by Maureen Johnson

Resident true crime expert, Stevie Bell, attends the Ellingham Academy— site of the infamous Ellingham kidnappings of the early 1930’s. The case’s only real clue was a mocking riddle signed, “Truly, Devious.” Flash forward to the current time period and no one has solved the case— that is, until Stevie makes the decision to attend the Academy with the sole purpose of busting it wide open.

U: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Clara Gardner is part angel. Along with faster reflexes, being smarter, and stronger than humans, she also is put on earth to fulfill a purpose. Too bad she has no clue what her purpose is. Unearthly is an oldie but a goodie YA novel with a killer romance!

V: Vendetta by Catherine Doyle

Five mysterious Italian guys move to town and Sophie’s life changes instantly. That’s because they are in the Mafia and Sophie can’t seem to stay away from Nic and Luca Falcone.

W: Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross

Baseball fans will love Whatever Life Throws at You, which is about a rookie pitcher and the daughter of the pitching coach. The bonus, the MC, Annie, is also an athlete. She is a track star! She never expected to fall for the one guy who is off limits.

X: XVI by Julia Karr

At sixteen, every girl gets XVI tattooed on their wrists. While some girls cannot wait to turn sixteen, Nina has other ideas. When Nina’s life changes as she knows it, she relies on a boy, who may hold the key to her past, to help her. 

Y: Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli

Politics is everything in Yes No Maybe So. Two teens set out to campaign for a state senate candidate and learn about political activism. 

Z: Zombies vs Unicorns by various authors

Check out this collection of short YA horror stories by many authors, including Meg Cabot, Holly Black and Cassandra Clare!