Young Adult Fiction is a literary genre intended for teenage readers who are transitioning into the adulthood. These bookworms are called as young adults; however, that doesn’t mean that this genre is out of bounds for grown-ups. The common themes in this category are teenage romance, coming-of-age, friendship, family love, and conquering the world. The stories of YA fiction can be a little too familiar for these tales showcase the common teenage experiences of people, such as attending the prom, crushing a football player, being a cheerleader, sneaking out through the window at night, kissing a boy or girl, going to a crappy high school, and making friends with cool people.
However, as the readers go deeper into these young adult stories, they have come to realize that these books are not only about high school students having the best time of their lives but are also about more personal and darker stuff. The aforementioned things include but are not limited to domestic abuse, substance usage, depression, anxiety, broken family, poverty, and bullying. That said, there are truly more to these books than what they appear to be. That is why young adults are not the only readers that are hooked up to this genre but also the adults who wanted to relieve their teenage years.
There are many YA fiction authors that have popped out since the beginning of the literary world. Examples of these prominent young adult fiction authors from different eras of literature are Jane Austen, C.S Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, John Green, Jenny Han, Stephenie Meyer, and Jennifer Niven. Their works have always made it to the bestseller lists of every book stores in the world and have already touched the lives of many readers. That said, if you are looking for young adult fiction books to enjoy this spring, you are reading the right article! Listed below are some of the best YA fiction novels to keep yourself entertained this season.
Eleanor and Park
Eleanor and Park is the first YA novel written by Rainbow Rowell. It was published by Orion Books in April of 2012; however, this book is not only available in print but also in audio. The story revolves around two misfit teenagers named Eleanor, a red curly-haired chubby girl, and Park, a half-Korean boy. These two 16 year-olds met during Eleanor’s first day of school in their school bus. She immediately felt out of place for almost all of the seats are full. As the days went by, Eleanor was bullied in the bus but Park stood up for her. That is the beginning of their school bus turned actual romance. Park bring comic books every day and read them at the bus for he knew that Eleanor loves them. They gradually learns to love each other. However, it is not only their wonderful love story why readers grows to love this book but also about the deeper aspects that are hidden into the text. The said factors are child and domestic abuse, dysfunctional family, body shaming, and bullying.
Eloise of Westhaven: Not Just a Kid
Eloise of Westhaven: Not Just a Kidis the first book of the Eloise of Westhaven series by Jean Archambault White. It was published last September 19, 2013 by WestBow Press. The story follows a girl named Eloise Jackson who is the sole surviving person of her family after various life challenges put an end to each of her loved ones. She became an orphan at her young age where she forcibly left their family’s farm. Fortunately, she was adopted by the Cravits and has given the chance to restart her life. Eloise is a witty and charming teenager with a strong will to work. Thus, she began working as a nanny of two naughty children of a rich mayor. Her life was constantly being challenged but all through the struggles, she did not forget to ask God for guidance. One of the biggest threat to her almost perfect life is a gang of crooks that possesses some dark plans. Her true adventures started as she began to face these outlaws and stop their evil plans.
Stargirl
Stargirl is a young adult fiction novel published by Scholastic Inc. last August 08, 2000. It was written by American author Jerry Spinelli and was followed by the book called Love, Stargirl. It was even adapted into film, which was released on Disney+ last 13th of March this year. The book revolve around the love story of Leo and Susan, popularly known as Stargirl. It was a bittersweet teenage love story for the free spirit and innate kindness of Stargirl hindered their relationship. Although Leo loved every weird thing about Stargirl, he was concerned about how others perceived her and how it would affect his social status. Stargirl changed herself to the person Leo, and other people, wants her to be at some point in their relationship; however, it didn’t last for she was not happy about it. Leo and Stargirl broke up at the end. Stargirl just disappeared one day without a trace and Leo was left on his own.
Oliver’s Twist 