While we often, unsurprisingly, think of Young Adult fiction as being written primarily for younger readers, the YA genre is full of stories that feature strong and relatable characters, compelling world building, and satisfying narrative twists. The best YA novels speak to our curiosity, uncertainty, and courage, drawing readers into both familiar and fantastical worlds with a depth and emotional resonance that can rival fiction aimed at older audiences.
One of the things I absolutely love about books is their timelessness. Well written stories remain meaningful and relevant long after they’re first released; and the worlds that captured our imaginations when we were younger often have the same ability to do so when we’re less young (old 🙁). I’ve included some of my favourite YA series below - these are all books I really enjoyed when I was younger, and have since revisited and enjoyed all over again as an adult:
The Wee Free Men (Tiffany Aching Series) - Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett’s Tiffany Aching series begins with The Wee Free Men. While the story does contain wee, free, (blue, scottish) men, the focal point is Tiffany Aching, a young, practical, headstrong girl who sets off on a mission to rescue her brother after he’s kidnapped by the Queen of the Fairies. Like many of the other novels in Pratchett’s Discworld setting, The Wee Free Men has strong world building, plenty of humour, and an incredibly compelling protagonist. What I love about the series is that Tiffany succeeds, and is driven, through common sense, empathy, and her own determination.
One of the things I really appreciate about the series is the way it handles magic, through Tiffany’s journey to becoming a witch in her own right over the course of the series. While magic in Tiffany’s world can be spectacular and impressive, it's rooted in reality - seeing things for what they are, thinking and understanding, and putting in hard work. The approach is a stark contrast to the magic systems we often see in fantasy novels, and is a great reminder that everyday life, and doing the right thing, is its own kind of magic.
When the series begins Tiffany is only 9 years old, and by the end of the 5th book, The Shephard’s Crown, Tiffany is 16. While the books hold up incredibly well for older readers due to their sensibility and humour, it’s also a fantastic introduction to young adult books for younger readers who have the opportunity to grow alongside Tiffany. If you’re looking for fantasy that is funny, endlessly imaginative, and full of wisdom, The Wee Free Men is a great place to start.
Northern Lights (His Dark Materials) - Philip Pullman
Northern Lights, the spectacular introduction to Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, is another fantastic example of compelling worldbuilding and characterisation within the YA genre. The story follows Lyra Belacqua who, similarly to Tiffany Aching, is headstrong, curious, and practical. Lyra’s curiosity draws her into a dangerous adventure across worlds in a story that poses deep questions around morality, knowledge, and power.
I recently re-read the series following the release of the incredibly done BBC TV adaptation a few years ago, and found the story just as rewarding. Many of the themes and questions it poses hit just as hard for adult readers and it’s difficult not to feel drawn into the conflicts the story presents.
Northern Lights is a prime example of YA fiction at its most ambitious and rewarding. If you’re looking for a series that will leave you with just the right amount of existential dread when you finish, look no further. Pullman recently expanded on the original trilogy with the release of the Book of Dust trilogy, so it’s a great time to pick the original series up!
The Mortal Instruments 1: City of Bones - Cassandra Clare
Compared to the above, Clockwork Angel is a more traditional YA fantasy pick - full of love triangles, teenage angst, and flashy magic. However, it’s no less enjoyable or valuable for it and the series is still compelling in its own right. Set in Victorian London, Clockwork Angel is focused on Tessa Gray, who uncovers a hidden supernatural world while looking for her missing brother. The novel is an interesting mix of fantasy, romance, and steampunk, and it’s difficult not to get drawn into the relationships of the characters or the sinister intentions behind the villains of the story.
Readers might be more familiar with Cassanda Clare’s Mortal Instruments series, which begins with City of Bones (adapted (poorly) into a movie, and then (less poorly) into a TV series - Shadowhunters). Clockwork Angel is set in the same universe, and while both series can be read independently, there’s a great breadth of worldbuilding to uncover if you’re interested in tackling both. Between the two though, The Infernal Devices is my favourite and I’d highly recommend giving Clockwork Angel a go if you’re a fan of character-driven fantasy.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe - Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Not every unforgettable YA novel involves magic or hidden worlds. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a quieter read focused on identity, family, and love. I read the book a little more recently after receiving it as a gift, and was surprised by how heartfelt and thoughtful the novel is. Self acceptance is a difficult skill to master, even as an adult - Aristotle and Dante is a beautiful masterclass in learning to accept oneself and to let others in.
Set in 1987, the story follows Aristotle (Ari) and Dante, two Mexican-American teenagers who form an extraordinary relationship after a chance encounter. The novel explores loneliness, masculinity, grief, and self acceptance in a deeply touching way. Ari and Dante are the kind of characters where you just want to give them a hug and tell them everything will be ok. It’s hard not to feel drawn into their struggles, but equally it’s rewarding to read through their journey of self acceptance and growth.
Aristotle and Dante is the kind of story you need to sit with after finishing (for very different reasons to the His Dark Materials trilogy). It’s a great contemporary YA novel and I can’t recommend it more highly.
YA stories often capture moments of change; discovering who you are, questioning the world around you, finding connection, or coming into responsibility. Whether it’s through a fantastical adventure, or a deeply personal story, these books are a great reminder that approaching adulthood can be meaningful and magical. For adult readers YA presents a great opportunity to reconnect with curiosity and to enjoy every part of the journey.
Any of these titles would make an excellent addition to your bookshelf and I’d highly recommend giving them a go if they’re worlds that are unfamiliar to you!