Okay, okay. I admit it, I have been guilty of neglecting my reading recently, especially with everything going on, school and pandemic-wise. I'm an avid re-reader, and sometimes it can be hard to pick up a new book, not knowing what you're in for. My English teacher frequently urges me to try books of other genres or authors, but sometimes it can be very tempting to just go back to your comfort reads. This short and by no means exhaustive list contains some of my absolute favourite YA novels, so hopefully you'll find a book that you absolutely love too!
1. Moxie
Fresh, spunky and extremely empowering, I LOVE this book. From the very first pages of the book, I was completely lost in the world of Vivian's misogynistic, prejudiced and overall just super messed-up community. From Vivian's mother's rebellious childhood, to the empowering lyrics from Bikini Kill songs, Vivian takes inspiration from all the feisty, strong and talented women in her life, and goes on to lead a movement. What I really enjoyed about this book was that it didn't just talk about female empowerment and feminism, but also brought up concepts of family, community, even love. Overall, from the second I picked up the book, violent pink cover and all, I was unable to put it down. I would strongly recommend this to everyone looking for a new book to read, not just girls!
2. Goodbye Stranger
There is literally nothing I love more than a good ol' coming-of-age story. Yes, this book might be simple and an easier read compared to the other books on this list, but it still has a place in my heart. Goodbye Stranger shows life from the perspective of Bridget, and the unique people and experiences that shape her to become who she is. What helped to life the story to a new level was a new perspective being introduced: the twist, however, is that we don't know who this second protagonist is, and the role that they play in Bridget's life. Like any other good coming of age story, the author Rebecca Stead subtly introduces concepts such as identity, friendships, and family relationships. Whenever I'm feeling down or upset, this book is the perfect comfort read to help restore my mood. I would recommend this as a comfort read, given that it isn't too challenging to understand!
3. Clap When You Land
I first stumbled upon this book in my English class, where the bright cover caught my eye. At first, I didn't think I would enjoy it much, given that it was a verse novel. However, I'm extremely glad that I gave it a chance, because it's a beautiful story about grief, identity and sisterhood, and how our experiences can shape us to become who we are today. I'd never read books set in the Dominican Republic before, but given the vivid descriptions of the country, it almost felt like I could hear the parrots chirping, the waves gently lapping across the shore. I really loved the beautiful relationship between the sisters, Yahaira and Camino, as well as the strong underlying concept of family. Overall, I would recommend this this to everyone!
4. The Gilded Ones
Hands down, this has got to be the best book I've read in 2021. A tale about feisty, rebellious female warriors... what's there not to love? I'm not a keen reader of fantasy, but this inspiring story from Namina Forna changed my mind. In the city of Otera, Alaki, also known as humans who descended from devils, are shunned upon and hated by society. However, they're allowed to have a second chance at life and purity: by joining the band of warriors that kill deathshrieks, a type of predator. The protagonist, Deka, changes significantly through the course of the story, as she meets many other like-minded warriors who have the same goal as her: exterminate the deathshrieks. I would highly recommend this book to someone who isn't really into fantasy but would like to give it a try!
5. Far From The Tree
I. Absolutely. Love. This. Book. Yes, I do realise that most of the books on this list center around the concept of family, and Far From The Tree does too, as you could probably guess from the title. Three biological siblings, Grace, Maya and Joachin, reunite after seventeen years, after being adopted and fostered by different families. Throw in a teen pregnancy, a quest to find their biological mother, struggles with identity, and a possible adoption, and you've got a beautiful, poignant tale of love and loss. Evidence? The many boxes of Kleenex that I went through, through the course of the story. Even though I love all the other books on this list, Far From The Tree takes the cake as my favourite book of all time. I would highly recommend this to anyone and everyone, although don't blame me when your eyes inevitably start leaking.
Hope you enjoyed the books on this list! Please let me know what other YA books you enjoyed and I'll give them a try!