The best young adult books of 2019 may seem a disparate bunch, but they’re united by their fundamental belief in possibility: the possibility of the fantastical, the terrifying, the romantic and, above all, the possibility of hope.
10. The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drake
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Julia Drake’s enthralling debut explores themes of identity, mental health, romance and family with grace and gravitas.
9. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Bestselling author Margaret Rogerson presents a unique twist on a magical fantasy plot in this chillingly good gothic-inspired read.
8. Frankly in Love by David Yoon
Debut novelist David Yoon grapples with questions of race, identity, family and romance in relatable, courageous and clever ways.
Samira Ahmed channeled fears and concerns about the contemporary political climate into a terrifying work of speculative fiction set “15 seconds in the future.”
6. The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
The Downstairs Girl is rich in historical detail and anchored by Stacey Lee’s buoyant prose and a heroine whose voice leaps off the page.
5. We Contain Multitudes by Sarah Henstra
Sarah Henstra’s young adult debut is a heartbreakingly gorgeous story of how love and poetry are sometimes enough to carry the day.
4. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell
Mariko Tamaki’s emotionally swirling story is perfectly paired with Rosemary Valero-O’Connell’s lithe illustrations in this graphic novel about a girl who learns to put her own emotional oxygen mask on first.
Julie Berry’s superb research and attention to detail are perfectly suited to the layers of this moving, unflinching and, yes, romantic story of love in wartime.
Awkaeke Emezi conceptualizes social ills such as sexual violence, physical abuse and drug use as literal monsters in this bold and surreal young adult debut.
1. Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All by Laura Ruby
Capturing the struggles, heartaches, and joys of two girls—one alive, one a ghost—during the early 1940s, Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All is a beautiful and lyrical read that pushes against the boundaries of what we often believe a young adult novel can contain.
