Young adult novels are among the most beloved and most popular books in all of publishing, so it can be difficult to figure out which ones are the best young adult independent novels. When you’re looking to curl up with a good book, why not read one that will get the pulse racing? That’s where these eight young adult novels come in! These novels have been hailed as some of the best young adult independent novels, and you’ll see why after reading them for yourself!
1) The Fault in Our Stars
You know, I’ve read a lot of books in my day. (I’m lying—I haven’t even gotten through all those I actually paid for.) Regardless, I was recently reminded how much I love a good young adult novel, especially when they are quite literally independent. Books that focus on adults instead of teenagers (and ya novels) often delve deeper into human emotion and bring to light points that adults forget about with maturity.
2) Paper Towns
A 2008 novel by John Green, Paper Towns is a complex coming-of-age story that mixes dark themes and humor in equal measure. It’s about Quentin Jacobsen, who becomes obsessed with his next-door neighbor Margo Roth Spiegelman after she mysteriously disappears one night.
3) Looking for Alaska
John Green’s debut novel follows Miles Pudge Halter, who begins his first year at boarding school after winning a scholarship to go there. When he discovers that his roommate is none other than Chip The Colonel Martin, a favorite in his high school back home, Pudge decides to stick with The Colonel as much as possible to avoid being caught up in trouble at school.
4) Eleanor & Park
A New York Times bestseller, Eleanor & Park is a tale of two misfits who find their only solace in each other. Love isn’t always easy, and it doesn’t always come in easily digestible forms. But when Eleanor and Park meet on a school bus, they connect instantly. Their story will stay with you for years to come. Click here to buy .
5) Everything, Everything
Everything, Everything is a young adult contemporary novel by Nicola Yoon. It follows Madeline Whittier, a girl who has an immune deficiency that makes her allergic to almost everything—especially people. When she meets Olly, a boy who moves in next door and takes an interest in her, they begin an intense relationship without leaving their homes. Yet while they are deeply invested in each other’s lives, they can never touch one another or else Madeline could die.
6) The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Published in 1999, Perks is a coming-of-age story about Charlie, an introverted freshman attending high school during 1991–1992. The book deals with themes of isolation and sexual identity. The novel sold over a million copies within five years. It was included in Time magazine’s 2005 list of top ten young adult novels and made Entertainment Weekly’s 100 best books from 1983 to 2008 list.
7) We Were Liars
This novel by E. Lockhart tells a heart-wrenching story about a family dealing with loss and self-discovery on vacation. It’s an excellent, quick read that makes you look at life in new ways and poses important questions about love, friendship, and memories. It was adapted into a movie that was met with mixed reviews because it didn’t quite capture what made the book so special: The writing style is innovative and different from anything else on offer.
8) The Book Thief
Markus Zusak’s touching novel The Book Thief follows a young girl during World War II. Liesel Meminger is an 11-year-old girl who finds solace in books. Through her love for literature, she is able to grow up in spite of the tumultuous times around her. Inspired by her foster father, Hans Hubermann, and a Jewish fist fighter named Max Vandenburg, Liesel decides to follow their example and risks everything by writing against Hitler’s tyranny.