The Ish Girl's Top 10 Best YA Books EVER • The Ish Girl

My top ten. How to choose? (Insert nail-biting here.) You have no idea the angst this list has caused me! I imagine the only thing more impossible would be to choose a favorite child . . . Anyway. Here’s how I narrowed down my list. Each book has met all of these requirements: It’s worthy of re-reading It has characters I consider friends It evokes strong emotions in me But . . . please don’t tell my other books – I don’t want anyone’s feeling hurt!

Out of My Mind

by Sharon M. Draper

This one is more upper-middle-grade, but I love it so much I think everyone over the age of 8 should read it. Every. Single. Person.

Heist Society

by Ally Carter

Ally Carter’s clever heroines are the best, and this story that combines a decades-old mystery, high stakes, and a tie to World War 2 history doesn’t disappoint. Oh, and bonus – it’s the first book in series.

When We Collided

by Emery Lord

The story of larger-than-life Vivi and world-on-his-shoulders Jonah is woven with the joy of first love and the spiral of mental illness. This was a beautiful portrayal of what it looks like to love your people well, even when it’s hard.

The Raven Boys

by Maggie Stiefvater

This first book in Maggie Stiefvater’s series features the best of her lyrical writing Her fantastical tale of a girl trying to find her place, a boy trying to find a king, and the ragtag group of friends who join them is hard to put down.

Lady Midnight

by Cassandra Clare

Those familiar with Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter world will recognize many of the characters and settings in this new series. This continues the story of Emma Carstairs and the Blackthorn family, and promises to be as clever, intricate, and detailed as Clare’s other series. Book 2 (Lord of Shadows) is already out, and Book 3 (Queen of Air and Darkness) will be released in December. (I can’t wait!!)

Lock and Key

by Sarah Dessen

One of my favorite Sarah Dessen novels (and let’s be honest, it’s hard to narrow it down with her impressive body of work!). The story of Ruby, her fiercely independent fight to survive, and the struggle she faces to let people in is trademark Dessen – authentic, heart-wrenching, and hope-filled.

These last four I HAVE to include. All my other books understand that these are first on the shelf. These loyal friends have been with me since middle and high school, and I visit them often.

A Wrinkle in Time

by Madeleine L’Engle

Meg Murray will forever be one of my best friends. This one has been a favorite since I was 12 years old, and discovered the magic of Madeleine L’Engle. I’m super excited about the newest movie version!

Rilla of Ingleside

L.M. Montgomery

The final book in the Ann of Green Gables saga is set in the years of WW1. Rilla is the youngest child of Gilbert and Ann Blythe, who must grow up quickly as she watches her brothers and childhood friends march off to war.

Betsy was a Junior/Betsy and Joe

by Maud Hart Lovelace

I’ve read the whole Betsy-Tacy series dozens of times (literally!) and the 7th and 8th books detail Betsy’s last two years of high school. The fact that all the books are closely based on Maud Hart Lovelace’s own life makes me love it even more.

Little Women

Louisa May Alcott

My childhood copy is literally falling apart. Jo March, with her larger-than-life personality and zest for life and writing – who could ask for a better friend?