- Oct 31, 2018

Why, as an adult I love reading Young Adult Books

Lunchtime is my time to sit and read at the counter. Although people think that's what I do all the time, there's so many other things that need to be done I have to limit my time actually reading in the shop. One of the best genres to read when you know you are going to be interrupted many times is Young Adult. When sitting, often giggling over my book, I have often been asked with a quizzical expression by customers, 'Did you choose to read this book, or are you just reading it because it's your job?'

The funny thing is the answer is yes to both questions.

I started working in a bookstore in my early twenties and was lucky enough to have access to some of the best young adult books coming out, so I never stopped reading kids books as I transitioned from a teenager into adult. Yes, it was a big part of my job – particularly when I became the kids buyer (fairly obviously). There have been some in more recent years that I have read and after discussing them with kids in the target age-group, I have realised that I am possibly getting too old for some of them. However there really are some amazing Young Adult books that transcend their audience and are more relevant than many people would think.

So with all that in mind, here's a life of Young Adult Books that have captured our attention in recent years…. If you're on top of everything and have read all these books – there's a link at the bottom to a list of the most anticipated releases for November this year.

Realistic Fiction:

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Leviathan

Wonder by J. Palacio

Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Australian:

Deadly Unna by Phillipe Gwyenne

Wildlife by Fiona Wood

Laurinda by Alice Pung

Fantasy:

The Road to Winter by Mark Smith