10 YA Books John Green Fans Will Love
Many readers, both young and old, are drawn to the works of John Green. His books often tackle tough issues through relatable characters and put fans on a rollercoaster of laughter and tears. But, of course, he isn't the only talented YA author who writes about adversity. The books on this list are perfect for anyone who wants to read a story that paints a complicated picture of teen romance. When you click links from this website, we may receive advertising revenue to support our research. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
10 YA Books John Green Fans Will Love
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The History of YA Literature
In Depth
If you love tear-jerking stories about teen adversities, then you've probably read the works of John Green, who is widely known for his novels about romance, friendship, and struggling through an illness. But he's not the only talented YA author who tackles these topics. In no particular order, here is our list of ten books that fans of Green should add to their bookshelves today.
Starting off at #1 is "A Short History of the Girl Next Door." Having been in love with his best friend Tabby for years, high school freshman Matt narrates how he can't work up the courage to confess his feelings to her, especially now that she's dating a popular jock. However, after a life-changing tragedy strikes, Matt finds himself suddenly facing a more unimaginable pain than his crush. Jared Reck's debut novel explores the raw emotions of first love, losing chances, and moving forward through a tale that is equal parts hilarious and heart-wrenching.
Next, at #2 is "The Fall of Butterflies." Sixteen-year-old Willa Parker transfers to an expensive prep school. When she meets Remy Taft, the richest and most charismatic girl on campus, her suicidal thoughts become a thing of the past. However, their newly-found friendship opens a lot of destructive doors for Willa, including rebelling and doing drugs.
Sixteen-year-old Willa Parker transfers to an expensive prep school.
Andrea Portes depicts how a co-dependent relationship has both positive and negative effects on the girls' lives. Written from Willa's perspective, the book's humorous and thought-provoking narration delves into the meaning of friendship, wealth, and addiction.
At #3 is "Girl in Pieces," a deeply-moving novel about self-harming. It follows the viewpoint of Charlotte, who finds herself in a psychiatric facility after almost bleeding to death. Being kicked out of her family's house and coping up with the loss of her best friend, she finds solace in cutting herself with broken glass, hoping to forget the agonizing pain. Kathleen Glasgow gives us a detailed look at suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and survival, as she tells the story of Charlotte's journey to recovery and the people she meets along the way.
Coming in at #4 is "The Smell of Other People's Houses." Set in 1970s Alaska, this coming-of-age tale presents interconnected stories of four Alaskan teens from broken families, aiming to break free from their metaphoric shackles. Written by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, the novel switches between the narrations of Ruth, Dora, Alyce, and Hank, as they navigate through their lives of poverty, eleven years after the territory was declared a state. With its compelling characters, the book imparts important life lessons about love, luck, and redemption.
With its compelling characters, the book imparts important life lessons about love, luck, and redemption.
Next up, at #5 is "Once Was Lost." Sara Zarr gives us a powerful tale about self-discovery and personal growth. Being a pastor's daughter, Samara Taylor struggles to keep her faith because of her father's ability to be there for his congregation but not for their family, and her mother's alcohol problem. Her belief in God is shaken even more after a young girl from their town goes missing, and everyone suddenly becomes a suspect. With no one to turn to, Samara wrestles with her doubts and comes to terms with what she really believes in.
At #6 is "The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily," a heartfelt story about two teens struggling with their neurological differences. Lily, a sophomore with dyslexia and ADHD, desperately wants to live a normal life. When a school incident lands her in detention with Abelard, her handsome classmate who has Asperger's, she kisses him impulsively, which sparks a romance between the two. Laura Creedle presents a tale of two individuals with contrasting disabilities who grow to understand each other, and the sacrifices they take to make their relationship work.
At #7 is "A Taxonomy of Love," which follows the alternating viewpoints of two teenagers over the span of six years. Penned by Rachael Allen, the narrative tells the story of Spencer who suffers from Tourette syndrome, and his best friend Hope, who has a special place in his heart. As they get older, family feuds, sibling rivalry, grief, and new relationships challenge their friendship. Because of Spencer's habit of categorizing things using taxonomy, the book features a chart system that defines their bond with each other and the people around them.
Because of Spencer's habit of categorizing things using taxonomy, the book features a chart system that defines their bond with each other and the people around them.
At #8 is "My Kind of Crazy" by Robin Reul. Using sparklers as a romantic gesture, Hank Kirby nearly burns his crush's house down in his attempt to ask her out to the prom. Meanwhile, a lonesome pyromaniac girl named Peyton witnesses the whole incident, and blackmails him into an unusual friendship. Following Hank's point of view, the novel presents a hilarious and heartfelt story of acceptance, despite how the teenagers live in troublesome homes and have more than their fair share of personal struggles.
At #9 is "10 Things I Can See From Here" by Carrie Mac. It follows the life of Maeve, a sixteen-year-old girl suffering from severe anxiety. After her mother decides to spend six months working away from home, Maeve is sent to Vancouver to live with her father and stepmother. As she tries to pull herself away from her worries, she meets and falls in love with a fearless local girl named Salix. However, their blossoming romance is burdened by Maeve's internal struggles, making readers experience a realistic portrayal of mental health problems.
Finally, at #10 is "Zac and Mia," an intensely heartbreaking story about love and isolation. Recovering from a bone marrow transplant, Zac Meier is obsessed with statistics relating to death. After a cancer patient named Mia is admitted to the room next door, Zac's calm environment is shaken by her loud arguments with her mother.
After a cancer patient named Mia is admitted to the room next door, Zac's calm environment is shaken by her loud arguments with her mother.
Initially forming a connection by tapping the wall between them, the two eventually bond over online chatting as they try to cope up with their illnesses and adversities. A.J. Betts gives us a brutally realistic tale through the alternating viewpoints of the titular characters.
