20 Books Every Young Adult Should Read (Genre-Wise Breakdown)

Book reading is one of the oldest and most enriching habits in human history. It is not only a source of knowledge but also a powerful tool for imagination, personal growth, and emotional development. Whether it is fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or biographies, books offer a window into different worlds, cultures, and perspectives. Reading helps improve vocabulary, concentration, and critical thinking skills.

In today’s fast-paced digital age, where screen time dominates much of our daily lives, the habit of reading books remains a valuable and grounding practice.

Here, we are going to look at 20 Books Every Young Adult Should Read!

Young adults are at a stage where literature can play a key role in shaping their understanding of themselves and the world. What they read should reflect a mix of genres, themes, and voices to help them develop critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a strong moral compass.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Thief by Markus Zusak
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Looking for Alaska by John Green
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

Books every young adult should read are those that inspire empathy, challenge perspectives, and help navigate the complexities of growing up. Classics like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee offer lessons on justice and morality, while modern favorites like The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas explore identity and social activism.

Fantasy and dystopian novels such as Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling or The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins capture the imagination while delving into themes of power, choice, and resilience. Stories like The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky speak to the emotional turbulence of adolescence with honesty and hope. These books not only entertain but also serve as powerful tools for self-discovery and understanding the world.

In addition to the well-known titles, young adults should also explore diverse voices and experiences to broaden their understanding of the world. Books like Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai offer personal and powerful insights into race, gender, and the fight for education and equality.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell and Looking for Alaska by John Green dive into first love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. For those drawn to magical realism and cultural depth, The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros is a beautifully written coming-of-age story rooted in Latinx identity. Reading these books helps young adults not only see themselves reflected in literature but also develop a deeper appreciation for the lives and struggles of others, ultimately fostering empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence.

Beyond personal growth and social awareness, books can also help young adults navigate mental health, self-identity, and the challenges of modern life. Titles like Turtles All the Way Down by John Green thoughtfully portray anxiety and OCD, offering comfort to readers who may be facing similar struggles. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is a poignant exploration of trauma and healing, encouraging resilience and the importance of finding one’s voice.

For those curious about different worldviews, Life of Pi by Yann Martel blends spirituality, survival, and imagination in a way that challenges perception and encourages introspection. Meanwhile, They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera raises profound questions about mortality and the value of time and relationships. By reading widely and deeply, young adults can gain critical thinking skills, emotional insight, and a stronger sense of self—tools that are invaluable during the formative years and beyond.

Adding even more depth to a young adult’s reading journey, it’s important to include books that highlight diverse cultures, historical perspectives, and global issues. A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah offers a harrowing firsthand account of life as a child soldier in Sierra Leone, providing powerful insight into the realities of war. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, a graphic memoir, tells the story of growing up during and after the Iranian Revolution, blending humor, tragedy, and resilience.

For those interested in LGBTQ+ perspectives, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz provide heartwarming and thought-provoking narratives about identity, love, and acceptance. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, set in Nazi Germany, uses the lens of a young narrator to explore the power of words and the human spirit in times of darkness. These books not only entertain but educate, fostering a sense of global citizenship and empathy that young adults will carry with them throughout their lives.

The Books are divided into their respective genres:

Literary Fiction / Coming-of-Age

To Kill a Mockingbird – Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Social Justice ( Literary Fiction as well)
The House on Mango Street – Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction
The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Coming-of-Age, Contemporary Fiction
Looking for Alaska – Coming-of-Age, Contemporary Fiction
Eleanor & Park – Contemporary, Coming-of-Age, Romance

Memoir / Nonfiction

A Long Way Gone – Memoir, War & Conflict
Between the World and Me – Memoir, Social Commentary
Persepolis – Graphic Memoir, Coming-of-Age, History
I Am Malala – Memoir, Education & Women’s Rights

Contemporary Fiction / Realistic YA

They Both Die at the End – Contemporary, Romance, Speculative
Speak – Realistic Fiction, Trauma, Mental Health
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda – Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
Turtles All the Way Down – Contemporary, Mental Health
The Hate U Give – Contemporary, Social Justice
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe – Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Coming-of-Age
Girl in Pieces – Realistic Fiction, Mental Health