Last week, we revealed our “Best of the Century So Far” list for young adult literature. It was a long process of deciding which 45 books from the last 25 years to include and which ones – despite considering how good they were, how influential they were, how important the author is and a range of other criteria – would not make the final list. This process took a lot of time and thought, and because there are so many Great YA books that deserve the honor of being on such a list, it would be foolish not to highlight at least some of the ones we also talked about.
Here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at how the best and most influential young adult books of the century were decided. Every Book Riot editor nominated their choice, and every Book Riot contributor also nominated their choice. Titles that received multiple nominations moved to the top of the list for first consideration. Titles that were nominated once were considered after multiple nominations. We considered the range of titles, the stories being presented and the viewpoints, and made sure the list included not only fiction, but also non-fiction and comics. Once we had a solid list, we reviewed it several times. What was missing? What might be cut in favor of a particular author or genre or genre or category more representative within YA? Are there multiple titles by the same author and if so, can we negotiate which title to include?
It was no easy process, but it was certainly an enjoyable exercise. I know the final list is one that sounds good, even if it doesn’t and shouldn’t include everything. There can be no list at all. That’s why there are so many great book lists published every day not only on Book Riot but across many book outlets and bookish social media. Not every book on every book list is for every reader, but every book on every book list is for some reader.
So here’s a look at some of the titles we discussed but didn’t make the final cut. these are books Too Deeply influential texts in the history of young adult literature so far this century. Put them on your TBR to continue your quest to read great books and build a meaningful reading life. These 10 represent a fraction of the titles left on the cutting room floor—there could be so many worthy candidates here too.
Allegedly By Tiffany D. Jackson
Is he a “bad seed” or not?
When Mary was 9 years old, she murdered a child. Allegedly. Now, six years later, he is beginning to remember pieces of that night and the truth. why now? For one thing, the fact that she’s pregnant and wants to keep her baby, and being in state custody, even in a group home, means she may not be able to choose a future for her child.
It is a fast-paced psychological thriller that does not shy away from exploring caste, justice (criminal and social), mental health and gender. A powerful, compelling, interesting read with an excellent voice. For a debut novel, the masterful crafting, plot, and character development are beyond excellent.
Jackson is a YA major, and any of her titles could have made this list. monday is not coming Our Best of the Century So Far: Mystery/Thriller Edition.
battle of jericho by Sharon Draper
The first in a trilogy, battle of jericho Follows 16-year-old Jericho who is invited to participate in the Warriors of Distinction. It is the school’s most exclusive club, and those who pledge are promised girls and parties – the initiates also keep great grades. For Jericho, it’s especially charming when, right after the invitation is extended, he’s getting Ariel’s attention.
But when the giving starts, Jericho feels like he’s being asked to do things he’s not comfortable with. He also sees to it that the only woman endures a particularly arduous series of vow rituals. Jericho is now struggling between continuing and solidifying his place among the elite at his school or speaking out about what is happening and how he feels.
Draper has been writing YA for a long time, and this series is an easy recommendation for so many readers. However, we’ll likely see Draper appear on another list!
All Access members can read approximately eight additional titles below.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by holly jackson
Andy Bell was murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh, who later took his own life. It’s the story everyone in Fairview knows, and it’s the story they can’t get over. But five years after the event, Pip still can’t see how all the parts of this story fit together.
Pip decides for her final senior project she is going to revisit this story. Reopening the case will help her uncover the truth, but she’ll discover deep secrets that could change everything everyone knows – or thinks they know – including whether or not Sal was really responsible for Andy’s death.
As thrillers have become huge over the course of the century so far, Jackson stands out for its crossover appeal and its popularity as an adaptation.
Jack of Hearts (and other parts) By Lev A.C. Rosen
Pushing boundaries is one of the hallmarks of being a teen, so it stands to reason that teen literature does the same thing. Rosen’s novel centers on Jack, a nerdy gay teen interested in sex. When he begins writing a sex-positive column for his school newspaper, he knows he may face some criticism, especially because he has no shame in being honest and forthright in his work.
What Jack didn’t expect was that a stalker would want Jack to stop whatever he was writing and reveal who he was. It’s up to Jack and his friends to find out who the stalker is and stop them before any real damage is done.
life as we knew it By Susan Beth Pfeffer
Pfeffer’s four book series, an early entry in the climate fiction subgenre, particularly in young adult literature, asks what happens when the Moon is struck by a meteor just slightly closer to Earth. The answer is that everything changes. Set in a small town in Pennsylvania and told over the course of a year through diary entries, this book is one that stays with you long after you’ve finished – and it’s one that will make you want to pick up other entries in the series as soon as possible.
It will be especially interesting to re-read this post-apocalyptic text in the context of what we know about climate change today, as well as our cultural experiences of COVID since 2020.
The Prince and the Dress Maker By Jane Wang
One thing you might notice when you read this selection of YA titles, which almost made our “Best of the Century” list, is that many of them to pass Made other “Best of the Century” lists so far this year. If it wasn’t a specific title from another list, it was probably the author. In the case of this title, it came down to “The Best of the Century So Far: Comics”.
This graphic novel follows a prince named Sebastian whose parents are trying to find him a wife. But he doesn’t want that life. Instead, she is able to transform herself into her alter ego Lady Crystallia, thanks to her brilliant dressmaker Francis. She is the only one who knows that he likes dresses and the book is about how Sebastian finally allows the world to see him for who he really is.
Lal Mahal by June Hur
In 1758 Korea, it is very difficult for an illegitimate daughter to obtain any kind of power or position. But 18-year-old Hyeon became a palace nurse through hard work (and luck). If she works hard, she can keep the job and maybe even get her father’s approval.
But when someone murders four women in one night, Hyeon may be in trouble. His close friend and mentor is the primary suspect, and Hyeon is bound and determined to clear his teacher’s name. When she meets a young police inspector, they work together to uncover the truth – even if the truth is that the Crown Prince may be the murderer.
Hur has built an excellent reputation in YA for writing sweeping and adventurous historical fantasy that takes readers across centuries (and around the world).
Sadie by Courtney Summers
SDie It is set up as a dual narrative; Part One follows West McCray, a true crime podcast host, as he works to uncover the story of a girl named Sadie who has gone missing from her small, poor town, following the death of her younger sister Mattie. The second narrative is the real-time story of the Sadies. We follow her as she searches for the man she believes murdered her sister in revenge. Will the West get answers before we as readers learn the truth?
It’s a poignant, candid revenge thriller with plenty of twists and turns. The unique format of this novel sets it apart.
Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
We know Laurie Helms Anderson from her groundbreaking 1999 book SpeakAs well as many other excellent works of YA fiction. Shout Laurie’s story is about being a survivor, about being a woman, about being an advocate who is passionate about young people, about intellectual freedom, and about being the best human being that we can all possibly be. The book is angry and hopeful, tragically powerful, real and raw.
It is a poignant work of non-fiction verse meant to shout, not whisper.
Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers By Deborah Heiligman
Nonfiction is a category of YA that is vastly underappreciated and yet, it has been doing interesting and worthwhile things for a long time. Heiligman is one of the best and any of his works can be included in the “Best of the Century” list.
It is known for its compelling story of a brother-sister relationship between a famous artist we all know and her brother. Vincent and Theo were each other’s best friends and also complete strangers to each other. Its style is particularly interesting, as it is presented as a gallery for readers to explore.
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