Shelf Worthy Reads

One of my favorite genres has always been young adult (YA)—and it still is, even as an adult. Growing up, I couldn’t get enough of the drama in these stories, which felt so life-altering at the time. I also loved the themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and coming of age—elements that remain surprisingly relatable well into adulthood.

Below are five of my favorite YA reads. They’re great options for teens, but they may also spark a bit of nostalgia for older readers and bring a little extra joy along the way.

• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
• Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
• Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn by Sarah Miller
• How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life by Kaavya Viswanathan
• Dreamland by Sarah Dessen