“That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.”

– F. Scott Fitzgerald 

Books truly are a wonder. They offer a rare friendship that very few things can. During our adolescence, we often feel cut off from the world, with no one to really understand us. At this time, books often come to our rescue. YA books, with their messages on friendship, puberty, mental health, and loss, irrevocably become close to our hearts. We identify with the protagonists and go on life-changing journeys with them. Even after growing up, YA books hold a special place in our hearts. After all, who can forget the Harry Potter series, the Hunger Games series, or Anne of the Green Gables?

In addition to the timeless classics, we have new and amazing YA titles gracing the bookshelves every year. In this Golden Age of YA Fiction, authors have evolved and become focused on creating role models and leading conversations on gender, sexuality, race, and individuality.

Let us have a look at some of the most intriguing and award-winning Young Adult Fiction books that have been recently published.  

Book: The Magic Hotel

Author: John Reimold

The Magic Hotel, penned by John Reimold, is a powerful read revolving around a father and his daughter. Despite hundreds of miles separating them, they spend their weekends at a magical hotel. There, they are given keys to doors that lead to entrenching places like the Grand Canyon, a volcano, a mountain, a lake, and an Olympic race track. They create eternal memories and do their best in a difficult situation. The Magic Hotel is an upbeat children’s story, with a surprising ending, that shows us how to make the best of any situation. The well-illustrated book depicts the precious bond between a daughter and her father. It is a great book to read to your child and create cherished memories of your own.

Book: Botheration: Part Two: Waves of Dinosaurs  

Author: Vito Di Barone

Botheration: Part Two: Waves of Dinosaurs is the second book in a series penned by Vito Di Barone. The book focuses on Matty Weber, Samantha Carter, and Freddie Carter. The two, along with their friends, find themselves in an adventure of a lifetime when they visit the Dinosaur National Monument in eastern Utah on a school trip. At the dinosaur excavation site, Matty finds himself going on rescue missions, fighting off generals, navigating the treacherous waters of the Green River, wandering through underground tunnels, and chalking out a path among dinosaurs. Vito Di Barone’s Botheration: Part Two: Waves of Dinosaurs is an ideal read for adventure junkies. It teaches valuable life lessons of friendship, love, communication, and trust to boot. 

Book: Project Tau 

Author: Jude Austin

Project Tau is an intergalactic YA novel penned by Jude Austin. The first book in the Five Worlds series, the book follows Kalin Taylor, a nerdy young Trandelian, who gets an early admission at the Sanderson College of Arts and Sciences, popularly known as SACAS. Eager to make a new start and join the Phi Mu Alpha frat house, Kalin agrees to sneak into GenTech’s top-secret facility and take a picture with Project Tau. Little does he know that his little bet will change his life forever. Set centuries from now, Project Tau gives us an uncanny look at our future. The story is incredibly relatable and is bound to teach us a number of lessons, in addition to giving us our adrenaline kicks. Austin is a master author who creates characters we can easily identify with. Jude Austin’s Project Tau is a must-read for anyone.  

Book: Torment: Descension 

Author: Daniel Foster

Torment: Descension is a gripping graphic novel written and illustrated by Daniel Foster. The book revolves around David Mills, a happy father whose wife, Grace, has just given birth to their son, Matthew. Things take a drastic turn when Matthew is afflicted by a deathly disease. Desperate to save his son, David makes a deal with the devil. In return for making his wife and son happy, he agrees to deliver souls to the devil. The only problem is that it does not sit well with his conscience. Torment: Descension is a classic tale of good vs evil.  The supernatural saga is super thrilling and is bound to keep you on the edge of your seats till the very end. The vivid illustrations and the well-fleshed characters make this book a must-read for fans of graphic novels and adventure sagas.

Book: Homecoming 

Author: Jude Austin

Homecoming is the second book in Jude Austin’s Five Worlds series. The novel picks up right where the first book left off. Kalin and Tau are now on the run. After years of torment at the GenTech lab, the two boys are traumatized and ill-prepared to face the real world. With more enemies lurking in the shadows, their journey to make a home for themselves is not easy. In this book, both Kalin’s and Tau’s characters are further developed. We get to know more about their pasts and their current mental states. This makes us root for them all the more. Homecoming is a beautifully crafted novel belonging to the genre of Sci-Fi realism. With multiple planets and races in the mix, the book somehow reminds us of our current scenario. Furthermore, Austin also shows us the consequences of over-dependence on AI technology. Homecoming is not merely a YA novel, it is a novel with a profound message. It is bound to make you eager to read the next book in the series.

Conclusion

Even after being adults, for most of us, Young Adult books are our go-to refuge. They not only remind us of our younger days but also make us aware of the current affairs. Today’s YA novels are cutting-edge and do their best to showcase inventive socio-political analysis and major cultural trends. It is no wonder that the genre of Young Adult fiction enjoys enduring popularity.

Do comment and let me know which of these YA titles have grabbed your attention.