Best YA Books of 2015 (So Far!)
2015 is more than halfway through, and we've been taking a look back at all the best moments of 2015 so far — from music videos to albums to WTF and NSFW moments. And today, we're taking a look back at some of the great releases from both YA's most popular authors and this year's debut stars who stole our hearts.
From mind-altering technologies and magical journeys to evil witches and politicians alike, these ten books were some of our favorite young adult reads this year so far. And we can't wait to see what the rest of 2015 has in store!
Check out our Top Ten Best of YA (so far) below. And while you're at it, have you checked out the best YA books to come out in June?
'Denton Little's Deathdate' by Lance Rubin
This hilarious story takes place during the time of Denton's death date, and the days leading up to the event — which everyone he knows either has or will go through someday. The problem is, Denton's falls very early: on the day of his senior prom, to be exact. There are also a whole bowl of cereal's worth of strange circumstances surrounding his deathdate, like those mysterious messages and a terrifying purple splotch making its way around Denton's body. Going on this adventure with Denton and his ragtag crew makes for the perfect coming of age story with a strong side of comedy. You'll be amazed at just how funny a book with the central theme of death can be! (And don't worry, Rubin has confirmed there is a book two in the mix.)
'Bone Gap' by Laura Ruby
The small town of Bone Gap holds a lot of the charm and mystique of any other rural area, but Bone Gap isn't just any old town. Told from two different points of view, this poignant tale will take you by complete surprise. Main character Finn is full of heart (and teenage awkwardness), as he searches for the beautiful and kidnapped Roza. But what he discovers is that the circumstances surrounding her disappearance may not be from this world. This is easily the most misleading book I've read all year — but in the best way possible.
'The Girl at Midnight' by Melissa Grey
This enchanting tale has been gaining a ton of traction since its debut in April. Echo, an out-of-place pickpocket turned strong female heroine, goes on an epic fantasy adventure to save the people that don't accept her. The novel's colorful underground world is also occupied with equally interesting characters, and it's easy to see why this debut is so, so popular already.
'More Happy Than Not' by Adam Silvera
Silvera's debut is a heart-breaking story about an inner-city kid who just wants to forget who he is and what he's been through, but for Aaron Soto, forgetting can be easier said than done. A family tragedy is hard enough, but when Aaron starts catching feelings for the new kid on his block, he can't handle the pressure of possibly being gay. What to expect if you read this unique story: complete and absolute heartbreak, probably tears (unless you're heartless, that is), and moments that will make you smile ear to ear.
'Daughter of Deep Silence' by Carrie Ryan
Daughter may not be a creepfest like Ryan's other YA, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, but her thriller skills are on full display in this story about Frances' intense search for the truth as she poses as lost friend Libby, trying to uncover the secrets behind the ship attack that ruined her life. Frances certainly isn't perfect, which comes as a breath of fresh air in this haunting tale of revenge with a bit of a young adult Gone Girl feeling. Don't worry: there's some romance also, but not too much - mostly just spine-tingling suspense wrapped in thick layers of deception.
'The Wicked Will Rise' by Danielle Paige
Paige's second novel in the Dorothy Must Die series brings us back on track with Amy Gumm and her eclectic group of acquaintances in this twisted take on Oz. This sequel doesn't lose its momentum one bit, and just as soon as you feel you're back with Amy and company, it'll be all over again, and you'll be begging for book three. In the meantime, some baddies will be taken down, Amy will continue to spiral with her new abilities, and we'll learn some more of the secrets as to why Oz ticks.
'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli
Simon and his emails with secret classmate Blue will make you smile until you won't even realize you're still grinning and your mouth hurts — but trust me, it's totally worth it. This coming-out tale flows well, and the characters feel absolutely real in a world of high school classes, musical rehearsals and family dinners that you already know. Simon's navigation through friendships, family and love manage to be both incredibly simple, while also highlighting all the beautiful complications in life. Don't miss out on this debut smash.
'The Alex Crow' by Andrew Smith
A zany sci-fi from none other than Grasshopper Jungle author Andrew Smith, The Alex Crow takes us through multiple story strands that are all seamlessly connected. You'll get an unconventional summer camp experience, a refugee camp, a troubled schizophrenic and a failed arctic mission all rolled into one impressive and intriguing story that breaks all the regularities of the young adult genre. Seriously, just the way this story is constructed alone is majorly cool.
'The Heir' by Kiera Cass
The fourth book in Cass' Selection series also works as a standalone work — so much so that it shines on its own, like one of daughter Eadlyn's covetable tiaras. Starting with a new generation of Illea's royalty, a new look at the selection process will be presented with a complicated main character, as well as tons of those squeal-worthy and sweet moments Cass is so good at constructing. We're already dying to read the next one.
'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard
Easily one of this year's biggest releases and taking the crown early in 2015, Red Queen introduces Mare Barrow and her world, which is split between the lower reds and the god-like silvers. Mare finds herself split between these two classes herself as she struggles to find her true identity. Aveyard's debut has the ability to become the next big dystopian for YA, but don't let that fool you: this story holds up completely on its own, with or without the Hunger Games and Divergents of the world.