International Children's Book Day: Young adult book recommendations

Today is International Children's Book Day, and I thought I'd share some young adult book recommendations.

Young adult books consist of characters aged between 12 and 18. They're generally aimed at a target audience of a similar age. However, as a 23-year-old, I still love young adult books, and I know a lot of adults enjoy reading them too.

As it is International Children's Book Day, I wanted to share some of my favourite young adult books with you all because whilst a book may have a target demographic, it can be enjoyed by anyone.

So, below is a list of book recommendations ranging from thrillers to fantasy to dystopian novels that will, hopefully, entice children and young adults to read, but also provide an older audience with enjoyment too.

Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi

Genres: Dystopian, Romance

The Shatter Me series is my current obsession. It consists of six full-length novels and three novellas (each with two short stories) and is definitely worth the read.

It follows the story of 17-year-old Juliette Ferrars, a girl with a lethal touch, as she fights back against The Reestablishment and uncovers secrets along the way.

Shatter Me is fast-paced, action-packed, and full of twists. I will never stop recommending this series.

Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo

Genres: Fantasy

Six of Crows is a duology I always recommend to those who don't know what to read or want to get into reading, because I believe it has everything a book needs.

It follows the story of a group of thieves in a fantasy world where some have magical powers, as they embark on an impossible heist.

The Six of Crows duology is multi-POV, action-packed, detailed and generally just a great read.

HappyHead duology by Josh Silver

Genres: Dystopian, Thriller

Josh Silver's debut duology is a must-read for YA readers, and if you have read my reviews on HappyHead or Dead Happy, you'll know why.

It follows the story of Sebastian as he joins a mental health retreat for teenagers, which he soon realises is not what it seems.

This duology is humorous, fast-paced, and continuously shocking. I absolutely loved this duology when I read it.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Genres: Murder Mystery, Thriller

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is book one in the series, but it can be read as a standalone — I haven't read the other books yet, but haven't felt like I needed to to finish the series.

It follows the story of Pippa Fitz-Amobi as she tries to solve the murder of a girl at her school from five years ago for her EPQ, as she believes the convicted killer was innocent.

This is also a BBC TV show, but the book is intriguing and very compelling with other ways of telling the story than just the usual prose.

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland

Genres: Paranormal, Horror

House of Hollow is a haunting novel that gripped me from the start because of the mystery throughout.

It follows Iris Hollow as she searches for her older sister, who has gone missing, and along the way uncovers secrets from their past.

I really enjoyed this book and found it to be dark, shocking, and intriguing. If you're a fan of horror, I'd definitely give this a read.

Win Lose Kill Die by Cynthia Murphy

Genres: Thriller

Win Lose Kill Die hooked me from the first sentence — "I didn't mean to kill the first one".

It follows the story of a string of murders at Morton Academy, which seem to target the school's brightest students, and the attempt at trying to uncover who the perpetrator is.

This book was very compelling and is a fast-paced thriller told from the protagonist's POV, Liz, and the killer's POV, which makes it even more interesting.

The Prison Healer series by Lynette Noni

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

I haven't actually read this series, however, I have seen it all over social media, and it is high on my TBR.

It follows Kiva, a prison healer who is tasked with keeping the Rebel Queen alive as she undergoes a Trial by Ordeal, only to volunteer herself to undergo the trials, which no one before has survived.

From the blurb, this series reminds me of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner, two series I loved, so I will definitely be reading it.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Coming-of-Age

The Hate U Give is Thomas's debut novel that deals with institutional racism and the justice system, which I felt is a necessary read for young adults in today's climate.

It follows the story of Starr Carter, a young black girl who witnesses a police officer fatally shoot her childhood best friend and her struggle for justice.

This is a hard book to read because of the complex themes it explores, but I believe it is definitely worth the read because it highlights some important life lessons.

If you're a young adult reader, or older, I hope you find these recommendations enjoyable.

Until next time...