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According to Amazon Editors<\/a>, the best young adult books of 2023 stand out for their unique storytelling, compelling characters, and the ability to address complex themes with sensitivity and depth. From tales of magical academies and dystopian futures to poignant explorations of identity, family, and resilience, these books are not just for young adults but for anyone who cherishes the power of a good story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out our Best of 2023 in Books<\/a> section to explore similar lists in other genre including memoirs, biographies, historical fictions, non-fiction, and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s dive into the imaginative and inspiring world of the best young adult books of 2023, as curated by Amazon Editors, and discover the stories that are capturing the hearts and minds of readers this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In “Warrior Girl Unearthed,” Angeline Boulley crafts a compelling narrative around Perry Firekeeper-Birch, a young woman deeply rooted in her Anishinaabe heritage and the serene life of Sugar Island. Perry’s world is upended as she confronts a series of challenges: the haunting issue of missing Indigenous women, her family’s entanglement in a high-profile murder case, and the threat of grave robbers exploiting her tribe’s sacred grounds. Fueled by a fierce determination to protect her heritage, Perry embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience, navigating complex relationships, family secrets, and dangerous heists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alexandra Bracken’s “Silver in the Bone” plunges readers into a magical, perilous Boston, where Tamsin Lark, devoid of magic, struggles to survive in a world filled with sorceresses and Hollowers. The disappearance of her guardian, who last possessed a legendary Arthurian ring, thrusts Tamsin into a treacherous hunt, intertwined with her family’s curse. Teaming up with her rival, Emrys, Tamsin embarks on a journey fraught with dark magic and deadly competitors, uncovering secrets that could alter the past and jeopardize her future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krystal Marquis’s “The Davenports” is a richly woven historical narrative set in the early 20th century, following the lives of the Davenport sisters. Descendants of a self-made wealthy Black entrepreneur, the sisters navigate a world of luxury, societal expectations, and burgeoning love in unexpected places. From Olivia’s encounter with a civil rights leader to Helen’s passion for automobiles and forbidden love, each character’s journey is intricately linked to themes of ambition, romance, and racial identity. Marquis draws inspiration from the real-life Patterson family, offering readers a captivating glimpse into the complexities and triumphs of a prominent Black family in a period of significant social change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Patricia Park’s “Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim” is a poignant, humor-laced exploration of identity and belonging. Alejandra Kim, straddling multiple worlds and feeling out of place in each, faces her senior year with trepidation. From the cultural disconnect with her mother to the alienation in her predominantly white Manhattan prep school, Ale’s journey is one of self-discovery and confrontation with societal expectations. Park skillfully navigates themes of race, identity, and the quest for belonging, crafting a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Holly Black returns to the enchanting world of Elfhame in “The Stolen Heir.” The story centers on Suren, the former child queen of the Court of Teeth, now living in self-imposed exile in the human world. Haunted by her past and seeking solace in solitude, her life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Prince Oak, the charming yet manipulative heir to Elfhame. Bound by a shared history and a reluctant alliance, they embark on a perilous journey to the north, confronting old resentments and untold dangers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In “Imogen, Obviously,” Becky Albertalli presents a vibrant and heartfelt story of Imogen, a self-proclaimed ally to the queer community. Her world is filled with queer friends and media, yet her understanding of her own identity is put to the test during a visit to her sister Lili’s college. Faced with unexpected revelations and burgeoning feelings for Tessa, a freckle-faced enigma, Imogen’s journey is one of self-discovery and the fluidity of sexual identity. Albertalli’s narrative is a delightful blend of humor, sincerity, and the complexities of navigating young adulthood. This story is a refreshing take on the exploration of sexuality and the importance of understanding and embracing one’s true self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cassandra Clare’s “Chain of Thorns” is a riveting addition to “The Last Hours” series, weaving a tale of love, loss, and demonic intrigue. Cordelia Carstairs, reeling from personal tragedies and bound to a demonic force, finds herself in the midst of chaos as London faces a new demonic threat. Torn between her love for James Herondale and the possibility of a new beginning with Matthew Fairchild, Cordelia’s journey is fraught with heartache and peril. Clare masterfully intertwines the fates of her characters, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love. Set against a backdrop of a shadowy, demon-infested London, “Chain of Thorns” is a compelling blend of dark fantasy and romantic turmoil, sure to captivate fans of the Shadowhunter universe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute” by Talia Hibbert is a delightful tale of rekindled friendship and unexpected romance. Bradley Graeme, a star football player with well-managed OCD, finds himself in an academic rivalry with his ex-best friend, Celine Bangura, a social media influencer with a penchant for conspiracy theories. Their relationship, once soured, takes an unexpected turn when they both enroll in a survival course in the woods. Forced to cooperate for a grand prize, they navigate through their messy past, rekindling old bonds and possibly sparking a new romance. Hibbert masterfully blends humor, heart, and the complexities of teenage relationships, creating a story that’s both engaging and emotionally resonant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In “A Crooked Mark” by Linda Kao, readers are plunged into a world where the supernatural intersects with the moral dilemmas of the human heart. Seventeen-year-old Matthew Watts has lived a life on the move, hunting those marked by Lucifer himself alongside his father. His latest target, Rae Winter, a survivor of a miraculous car crash, challenges his beliefs. As Matt grows closer to Rae and forges new friendships, he grapples with the blurred lines between myth and reality, good and evil. Kao crafts a gripping narrative that explores themes of faith, love, and the complexities of human nature, making “A Crooked Mark” a thought-provoking and suspenseful read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Maurene Goo’s “Throwback” is a heartwarming journey through time, exploring the generational gaps and cultural shifts in the immigrant experience. The story follows Sam, a modern teenager and daughter of a first-generation Korean American, who finds herself unexpectedly transported back to the 1990s and face-to-face with her 17-year-old mother, Priscilla. Navigating the challenges of a bygone era, including outdated technology and societal norms, Sam gains a new perspective on her mother’s experiences and struggles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nic Stone’s “Chaos Theory” delves into the complexities of grief, mental health, and the transformative power of human connection. The story centers on Shelbi, a senior at Windward Academy who keeps her distance from others, guarding against the pain of her past. Her path crosses with Andy Criddle, a young man grappling with his own demons and substance abuse. As Shelbi and Andy form an unlikely bond, they navigate the tumultuous waters of their emotions, finding solace and understanding in each other. Stone’s narrative is a powerful exploration of the struggles faced by young adults, the importance of mental health, and the redemptive quality of love and friendship in the midst of chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Amie Kaufman’s “The Isles of the Gods” is an exhilarating adventure set on the high seas, blending magic, treachery, and unexpected alliances. Selly, with the sea in her blood, finds herself reluctantly aiding Prince Leander of Alinor, a magician in need of crossing the Crescent Sea undetected to perform a sacred ritual. Their journey quickly escalates into a high-stakes game of political intrigue and divine intervention, as they face threats from warring nations and ancient gods. Kaufman’s vivid storytelling immerses readers in a richly imagined world where the line between friend and foe is blurred, and destiny is as unpredictable as the sea itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Promise Boys” by Nick Brooks is a gripping mystery set in the halls of Urban Promise Prep, where the murder of the principal casts a shadow over the school. Three students, J.B., Ram\u00f3n, and Trey, find themselves at the heart of the investigation, suspected of a crime they claim not to have committed. As they band together to uncover the real killer, they navigate a web of secrets and lies within their prestigious school. Brooks crafts a suspenseful narrative that explores themes of trust, friendship, and the pressure of societal expectations, making “Promise Boys” a compelling read for fans of young adult thrillers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Priyanka Taslim’s “The Love Match” is a charming tale of love, cultural expectations, and self-discovery. Zahra Khan, caught between her Bangladeshi heritage and her life in New Jersey, finds herself at the center of her mother’s matchmaking efforts. When she meets Harun Emon, the wealthy and handsome suitor, she quickly realizes their lack of chemistry, unlike the connection she shares with Nayim Aktar, a dishwasher at the local tea shop. Zahra and Harun conspire to sabotage the match, leading to a complicated web of feelings and revelations. Taslim weaves a delightful story that explores the nuances of cultural identity, the complexities of love, and the journey to finding one’s own path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n “For Lamb” by Lesa Cline-Ransome is a poignant and powerful narrative set in 1930s Jackson, Mississippi. It follows the life of Lamb, a studious and naive girl, and her family as they navigate the complexities of race, identity, and societal norms. Lamb’s mother, a talented seamstress, conceals her lesbian identity, while her brother, a brilliant but impulsive young man, dreams of college. The story takes a tragic turn when Lamb’s innocent interaction with a white girl leads to a series of catastrophic events, culminating in a lynching. Cline-Ransome addresses the harsh realities of white supremacy and its impact on women, delivering a story that is both heart-wrenching and insightful, highlighting the resilience and struggles of a black family in a segregated society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n “The Stranded” by Sarah Daniels is a gripping dystopian tale set aboard the Arcadia, a former luxury cruise ship turned refugee camp. For forty years, its inhabitants have been forbidden from making landfall, creating a stark divide between the haves and have-nots. The story centers on Esther, a dedicated citizen working to earn a life on land, and Nik, a rebel with plans to liberate the Arcadia. Their paths intertwine in a series of events that will forever alter their lives and the fate of everyone on the ship. Daniels crafts a compelling narrative that explores themes of social inequality, freedom, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity, set against the backdrop of a fractured future America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n “The Grimoire of Grave Fates,” created by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owen, is a unique and captivating anthology set in the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary. The murder of Professor Septimius Dropwort turns every student into a suspect in this magical whodunit. The academy, a haven for young magicians from diverse backgrounds, becomes a hotbed of intrigue and suspicion following the professor’s death. Told from multiple perspectives, the story weaves a complex tapestry of secrets, magic, and mystery. Each student believes they hold the key to solving the murder, but as they delve deeper, they find that magic doesn’t always adhere to the rules. This collaborative work from various talented authors offers a rich and diverse narrative, full of twists and turns, that keeps readers guessing until the very end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Harvest House” by Cynthia Leitich Smith is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that revisits the world of her award-winning “Hearts Unbroken.” Set around Halloween, the story follows Hughie Wolfe, who volunteers at the spooky rural attraction, Harvest House. The narrative takes a darker turn as Hughie learns of an actor portraying the ghost of an “Indian maiden,” based on a local legend. As strange occurrences and a menacing presence threaten the community, especially Indigenous women, Hughie and his friends delve into the mystery of the crossroads near Harvest House. Smith masterfully blends contemporary realism with elements of mystery and folklore, creating a suspenseful and evocative story that addresses issues of cultural appropriation and community safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Saints of the Household” by Ari Tison is a powerful and emotional debut novel that explores the complexities of brotherhood, abuse, and identity. The story is told through the alternating perspectives of Max and Jay, two Bribri American brothers who have grown up in an abusive household. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they intervene in a fight, leading to unforeseen consequences that threaten their future and force them to confront their past. Tison skillfully uses vignettes and poems to craft a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, delving deep into themes of family, resilience, and the struggle to break free from a cycle of violence. The novel is a poignant reflection on the bonds of brotherhood and the journey towards healing and understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n “The Family Fortuna” by Lindsay Eagar is a mesmerizing and multifaceted tale set in the world of circus performance. The story centers on Avita, the star attraction known as the Bird Girl, whose performances incite fear and fascination. Her life takes an unexpected turn when a young artist’s portrayal challenges her self-perception. Determined to redefine herself beyond the monstrous image, Avita embarks on a quest for freedom, setting the stage for a confrontation with her father, the charismatic ringmaster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: 20 Best Audiobooks of 2023<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Young Adult Books of 2023<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Warrior Girl Unearthed<\/a>, by Angeline Boulley<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n2. Silver in the Bone<\/a>, by Alexandra Bracken<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n3. The Davenports<\/a>, by Krystal Marquis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n4. Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim<\/a>, by Patricia Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n5. The Stolen Heir<\/a>, by Holly Black<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n6. Imogen, Obviously<\/a>, by Becky Albertalli<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n7. Chain of Thorns (3) (The Last Hours)<\/a>, by Cassandra Clare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n8. Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute<\/a>, by Talia Hibbert<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n9. A Crooked Mark<\/a>, by Linda Kao<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n10. Throwback<\/a>, by Maurene Goo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n11. Chaos Theory<\/a>, by Nic Stone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n12. The Isles of the Gods<\/a>, by Amie Kaufman<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n13. Promise Boys<\/a>, by Nick Brooks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n14. The Love Match<\/a>, by Priyanka Taslim<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n15. For Lamb<\/a>, by Lesa Cline-Ransome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n16. The Stranded<\/a>, by Sarah Daniels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n17. The Grimoire of Grave Fates<\/a>, by Various Authors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n18. Harvest House<\/a>, by Cynthia Leitich Smith<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n19. Saints of the Household<\/a>, by Ari Tison<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n20. The Family Fortuna<\/a>, by Lindsay Eagar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nFinal thoughts <\/h2>\n\n\n\n