Fall in Love with a YA Author
As a Teen Service Librarian, I read a lot of books as I'm developing the collection. My genre of choice at the moment is actually Contemporary Adult, but I also love to read the random YA title that comes across my desk. This has lead me to fall in love with several YA authors and to read almost all of their works. The following are ten of my absolute favorite YA authors, and my favorite teen book of theirs!
 Suzanne Collins |
Sunrise on the Reaping |
I grew up with The Hunger Games, and was overjoyed when Collins started putting out prequels. Most of her books are dystopian, though she also dabbled in fantasy for younger readers. Sunrise on the Reaping is my absolute favorite because I adore Haymitch as a character, and getting more of his backstory is incredible. |
 Shaun David Hutchinson |
we are the ants |
Hutchinson writes a lot of books that combine sci-fi and contemporary. As someone who doesn't like sci-fi, I was shocked to like this book, but now it's one of my favorites and most recommended. He tackles tough topics like mental health with grace and accuracy. He has also written a romcom about a prince and the president's son, as well as a biography. |
 Holly Jackson |
a good girl's guide to murder |
Jackson does thriller like no one else, and the good girl's guide series definitely had me sat! I used to love true-crime podcasts but then I felt guilty about it and this book taught me about a great loophole: books with fake podcasts about fake crimes. Jackson just put out her first adult book as well, which might steal the place as my favorite of hers. |
 Tiffany Jackson |
The Weight of Blood |
Tiffany Jackson writes horror, short stories, contemporary, and thrillers. All of her books speak on social justice and have a strong black lead. I am not a horror fan, but this book was so well written! It's a Carrie retelling and had me on the edge of my seat. |
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The Honeys |
For someone who doesn't like horror, this is 2/3 horror authors on this list. The Honeys is so so dreamy, because of La Sala's writing style. La Sala mostly focuses on queer characters and tells their stories from a lens I've never read before, and I can't wait for what else this author publishes. Don't like horror? Don't worry, La Sala also has a fantasy and a light hearted love story. |
 Alice Oseman |
Solitaire |
I love Heartstopper and did you know the graphic novel author also has full on chapter books? Some of them continue the love story of Nick and Charlie and the other characters featured in that universe, but others are new tales! My favorite focuses on Charlie's sister, Tori, who is an absolute legend. I loved getting more of her backstory and character. |
 Sajini Patel |
A Touch of Blood |
Rick Riordan Press doesn't only have middle-grade books anymore, there's also several in the YA collection. This book centers around an Aphrodite style myth, and is the sequel to a Medusa story. In these books we get mythology from different cultures so you're also likely learning something new! Patel also has other YA fantasy and romances. |
 Hannah Reynolds |
Eight Nights of Flirting |
Hannah Reynolds writes extremely sweet romcoms that can also get serious! I love a holiday romance, and this is an adorable Hanukah one that features enemies-to-lovers and I revisit it every year! |
 Scott Reintgen |
A Door in the Dark |
I used to love fantasy, but sometimes they become too similar for me, but A Door in the Dark felt really original to me. I liked the main character a lot and it featured tons of grey morality. This book is the first of a trilogy, so it's perfect if you want to get invested in a new universe for a bit! |
 Liselle Sambury |
Delicious Monsters |
OKAY, FINE. Maybe I like horror now?? This book was crazy well written and I honestly didn't know how it was going to end, but it wrapped up beautifully. Maybe I only like horror when it's beautiful, too! Sambury also writes some incredible fantasy books, so you've got options! |
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Ryan La Sala
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