A lot of YA books can fall under speculative fiction – fantasy, science fiction, horror, dystopia, historical fiction, post-apocalyptic, you name it. But YA also tackles concerns that we’re all too familiar with – high school love, teenage problems, and the rigors of every day life – because it’s definitely not easy to be a teenager, or a young adult. The awesome thing about YA is that there’s a lot of cool contemporary and realistic YA books that tackle these concerns – giving us insights, truths, and realizations about ourselves and our friends, things that we need to hear.
So here’s a list of some of the best realistic/contemporary YA from 2012 to 2013!
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Hazel has always known that she’s terminal, even though she’s had a tumor-shrinking miracle a few years back. Her time’s going to be up and she’s made peace with it. But then she meets Augustus Waters, who shows up at her Cancer Kid Support Group – and then Hazel’s story is about to change.
What do the readers say?
“I’m not usually one for young adult fiction, but this book absolutely fantastic. It reaches deep inside of me. It’s a story of a quiet tragedy, love, and an undeniable reality. Hazel and Augustus face mortality and so many of the meaningless details of life. It forces them to face who they really truly are. How would they carry on… Terminal disease gives you fear, for yourself, for your loved ones. It causes pain that you are the reason to make your family feel worried and cry at night. Green wrote this sad, tragic, yet beautiful story, it brings tears to my eyes.” – Michael Tatay, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan is having one of the worst days in her life. Stuck at JFK airport and having missed her flight so that she could attend her father’s second wedding in London, Hadley is forced to stay at the airport’s cramped waiting area. But it’s there that she meets the perfect boy: Oliver, a young British man who’s sitting in her row. After a long night on the plane, Hadley and Oliver lose track of each other upon arrival, and only fate will be able to tell if they will be brought together once more.
What do the readers say?
“Overall, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, while a fun, romantic comedy, has some really insightful things to say about relationships, love, closure and healing, and Smith manages this beautifully without the serious moments becoming too heavy. It’s the kind of story that had me considering the relationships and events in my own life and the insignificant moments that have had such a lasting impact on the direction of my life. I love when a book can achieve that perfect balance between light-hearted fun and introspective depth, and this book did that for me.” – Dani, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Just One Day by Gayle Forman
Allyson Healey meets the free-spirited actor Willem during her three-week post-graduation European tour. Allyson’s life has always been organized and planned, but when Willem invites her to abandon her plans and come to Paris with him, she leaves her orderly life behind. Her decision gives her twenty-four hours of romance, intimacy, and liberation – and will transform her entire life.
What do the readers say?
“I absolutely loved how Allie grew stronger, how she managed to tell her parents she wasn’t doing pre-med anymore, and that she was going to go to back to Paris that summer instead of taking any of the un-paid jobs her mom had lined up for her. And she worked very hard, both to get enough money, and to learn a little French before she went back. She was so much braver when she arrived in Paris the second time, talking to people, making friends, even going to confront her nemesis – in the search of Willem, and of herself.” – Lexxie, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Caymen Meyers has always distrusted rich people, after watching and observing them for so many years behind her mother’s porcelain doll shop. But when she meets Xander Spence, a tall, handsome, and incredibly rich boy, Caymen thinks that she might reconsider her opinion. He’s charming and he gets her, and while Caymen originally thinks that he’s going to be disinterested in her soon, his attentiveness proves enough to convince her otherwise. But money factors in in their relationship more than Caymen realizes, and with so many obstacles between the two of them, she needs to find a way to close the distance between them.
What do the readers say?
“Social classes and economic disparity are central to The Distance Between Us, which is pretty great. Caymen’s poor, like shops at thrift stores because she has to poor. There’s an incredibly adorable moment where Caymen takes Xander there because his clothes are too nice for a particular outing. The treatment of some of it’s a bit idealized, since most of the discomfort about her economic status comes from her. However, Caymen does have some insulting friends, like the ones that show up in Pretty in Pink. Anyway, I really appreciate that West chose a heroine who’s not in the upper or middle classes.” – Christina (A Reader of Fictions), Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Dante and Aristotle are both loners, whose lives aren’t really the best. Aristotle is an angry teenager, and his brother is in prison. Dante, meanwhile, is a know-it-all, and his way of looking at the world is quite unusual. But when they start spending time with each other, they discover that theirs is a magical friendship – one that changes their lives and reveals truths about themselves and who they really want to be.
What do the readers say?
“As I turned the pages of this story, I began to see this not as a book, but as a flower. The sparse the storytelling is, the story blossoms like a flower in your hand. The moments of wonderment, from the words, or the characters, or the story itself, shimmer with an unique quality I haven’t had in a story in a long time. This is a story where the characters live, breathe, and dare to be themselves is truly beautiful indeed.” – James Hiller, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Me & Earl & the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Greg Gaines believes that he’s figured out the answer to the question of how possible it is to exist in high school the moment he hits his senior year. And it involves keeping to the sidelines at all times, and making mediocre films with someone who is only sort of his friend, Earl. But eight hours into his senior year, he starts finding that his formula doesn’t hold up well. When his mother convinces him to be friends with a girl who has cancer, his entire life changes.
What do the readers say?
“The main character expresses so well the uncomfortable way we all secretly feel when we think we are not what we are ‘supposed’ to be on the inside. The very fact that you have feelings and thoughts you believe others might find unacceptable (i.e. you’re human) is easier to forgive after going on this journey with G. Gaines. Plus he’s a very funny narrator: I laughed out loud several times while reading this book. Highly recommend.” – M. Wolf, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider
Ezra Faulkner’s life is going great. He’s the varsity tennis captain, and everyone believes he’s going to be the homecoming king. But a car accident shatters his leg, and his girlfriend cheats on him. Now Ezra is left absolutely dejected, his life in ruins – until he meets and falls in love with the unpredictable new girl, Cassidy Thorpe.
What do the readers say?
“I went into this book with no expectations and I came out of it practically salivating at the mere thought of Schneider releasing a second book. This is a brutally honest coming of age story; a journey of self discovery mixed with severed heads, broken hearts, angst, a big black poodle, and wry humor that had me cackling throughout the novel. Overall, this book was a really sobering experience. This book represents life, the world we live in, how one can find themselves at the most inopportune times. This is what it’s like to be a teenager and grow. And, damn, did my heart swell as I turned the last page, unwilling to say good-bye so soon.” – Lili’s Reflections, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
Elise Dembowski’s never been great at making friends. She’s always been the butt of every joke, and the outsider in just about every conversation. After one final attempt at popularity, Elise is on the verge of giving up. But then she comes upon a warehouse party, where she meets the first few people who accept her: band girl Vicky; the mysterious and cute DJ, Char and; the carefree English girl, Pippa. Most of all, she discovers a deep love – for DJing.
What do the readers say?
“If you’re looking for another contemporary novel that will make you feel for the characters, This Song Will Save Your Life might be just the ticket. With a prickly protagonist who readers will eventually identify with, and a musically inspired journey, this book certainly seals its appeal to readers. Highly recommended? Yes, indeed.” – Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Fangirl by Robin Rowell
Cath is a huge fan of Simon Snow, and it’s basically her entire life. And she’s really, really good at it. She and her twin sister Wren are obsessed with the Simon Snow series when they were still young, and the fandom helped them out through a tough time – their mother’s leaving them. Now Wren has grown away from the fandom, but Cath’s still into it. Now Cath has to live her own life, deal with her surly roommate, her roommate’s charming boyfriend, her fiction-writing professor who doesn’t like fanfiction, and a handsome classmate who’s a little too obsessed with words. Above all, she’s worried about her father, who’s fragile and has never been alone. Cath has to grow up, but she doesn’t know if she’s ready to – and if she’s ready to leave Simon Snow behind.
What do the readers say?
“In the end, there are so many scenes and little moments in this book that struck a chord with me. I love that Cath attends a big state university–there are so few novels set in college, and most of them seem to be about people quoting poetry at one another at small liberal arts colleges; I loved reading about the kind of school I attended, with a huge campus, where people work part-time and aren’t necessarily academically-oriented. I loved Cath’s realization that she comes from a mostly rural state where her experience growing up in Omaha isn’t the norm; I had that too. And the clashing assumptions about sex between Cath and her roommate. And Cath’s arguing with her boyfriend about whether or not his chivalry is respectful. And her heightened awareness of her safety on campus at night (even though physical danger is not a part of this story): I too have dialed 911 on my cell phone just in case. I could go on, but you get the picture.” – E. Smiley, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
When Cameron Post’s parents dies in a car accident, she feels both guilty and relieved. Relieved, because her parents will never find out that she’s gay. Now she has to live with her old-fashioned grandmother and her conservative Aunt Ruth. And it is in the area that she falls in love with her beautiful cowgirl best friend. But her secret comes out, and her aunt forces her to go to God’s Promise, a religious conversion camp that can apparently “cure” her of her homosexuality. There Cameron discovers what the true cost is of denying her true identity.
What do the readers say?
“I have never been compelled to write a review before, but: this novel was such a gift, a treasure and an experience for me that I need to. For a few days, I had the pleasure of ingesting this novel, growing to know and care for its main character, Cameron, whose life and complexity captured my heart. After spending nearly 500 pages together, I think of Cameron as someone I know, who struggles through the challenges of growing up, coming out, and developing the values that will guide her through her own unique life journey. I love her: she’s beautiful and authentic and has the power to make a difference in a young reader’s life, while reminding us adult readers of just how complicated and challenging adolescence is. “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” is truly a work of literary art, and I hope there’s more of Cameron’s story to come.” – SGH, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Taylor Edwards’ siblings are exceptional, and compared to them, she feels like she’s never really stood out well, except for when she runs away when things get too complicated. But an unexpected, terrible news forces her father to make a last-minute decision and spend the summer in a cramped quarters at their old lake house. It’s a place Taylor hasn’t gone to since she was twelve, and now she returns to confront the people she left behind: her former best friend Lucy, and her first crush Henry Crosby. The memories from her past come bubbling up, and this time, Taylor can’t run away.
What do the readers say?
“Second Chance Summer seemed more like an insanely descriptive diary rather than a book, and that’s a good thing. Actions seemed so real, not far-fetched. Reactions were probable and the characters reminded me of what my friends would’ve done if I had slighted them like that. Characters seemed real. I haven’t read Matson’s debut, but you can bet I will after reading Second Chance Summer!” – Nikki Wang, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen
Emaline is a native of the beach town of Colby, so summers spent at the beach means a lot of hard work and a growing population of beach goers. It is during her last summer before she goes to college that Emaline meets Theo, who works for her family’s rental business. He’s a city boy who came to town with a high-strung documentary filmmaker, acting as an assistant while the filmmaker searches for a reclusive local artist. Emaline feels drawn to him even though he’s not her type, and as their relationship deepens, Emaline starts questioning herself, her goals, her values, and her choices.
What do the readers say?
“The writing, the development, the characters, everything, was so great. I loved all of it–every bit. I didn’t want it to end, even as I read it in one sitting, not wanting to but not being able to put it down. Right after I finished, too, I mourned the fact that I’m going to have to wait about two years for her next book, and then promptly re-read most of Dessen’s other books.” – Jude, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
The Garretts and the Reeds are two completely different families. Samantha is a Reed, seventeen years old and wishing that she’s part of the other family. One summer evening, however, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes her entire life. Jase wants Samantha to be part of his family, and it seems Samantha’s wish will come true. But she’s faced with an impossible decision, and Samantha has to make choices to save herself.
What do the readers say?
“Once I started it, I couldn’t read it fast enough and yet I didn’t want it to end. This is a beautifully written story about family and friendship, first love, and learning how to be true to yourself. Huntley Fitzpatrick writes about life with all it’s quirkiness, even covering tough topics like politics and addiction with such honesty and humor that had me laughing so hard I cried.” – Jen | Jenuine Cupcakes, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Echo Emerson’s life takes a huge turnaround, as turns from the popular girl with a jock boyfriend to an outsider with freaky scars on her arms. And the horrible part is that Echo can’t remember what happened, and why this change. but then Noah Hutchins, the hot loner who’s known for using girls, comes into her life and shows her that he understands, and Echo’s world begins to shift again dramatically. They shouldn’t have anything in common, but their attraction to each other is absolutely undeniable, and Echo needs to learn how far she’s going to push the limits for the one guy who’s taught her to love again.
What do the readers say?
“This book deals with a lot of really tough issues. Usually I have a hard time reading books like that, but I could not stop reading this one. It was written in the perfect way, and it completely drew me in. The only thing I did not like about this book was all the language. However, I think that language is normally for people who are going through what these kids had to deal with. The both had to make some really tough choices. This was such an emotional book!” – Morgan, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
Harry and Craig are two seventeen-year-old boys who take part in the 32-hour kissing marathon that aims to set a new Guinness World Record. It’s more than just a kiss, however, as both boys – dehydrated and sleep-deprived – see a focal point in the lives of other teenagers, who are dealing with questions about love, identity, and belonging.
What do the readers say?
“There are messages here to realise. David Levithan did not write this novel for the sake of just writing it. He wrote it to the world. He wrote it to gay males, more importantly. Two Boys Kissing is about falling in and out of love. Embracing and hiding from the truth. Fighting and cowering from families and friends. Two Boys Kissing may just be following a few days of a few people’s lives, but the way it’s addressed and presented is so ground shaking.” – Melanie, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
When Sky, who’s already a high school senior, meets Dean Holder, she becomes captivated and terrified of him at the same time. He has a promiscuous reputation that rivals Sky’s own, and makes her remember her memories from a deeply troubled past. Sky wants to stay away from him, but Dean doesn’t back down, ready to pursue her with his enigmatic smile, and determined to break down her defenses and strengthen their bond. But Holder has his own secrets, and when they are revealed, Sky’s life changes forever.
What do the readers say?
“May I recommend blocking off your day when you buy Hopeless… as you will not want to put it down. Not even to pee. And make sure your kindle/iPad/electronic-device is fully charged or you will sit on the floor next to the plug to read because back pain will be completely worth it. Lack of sleep will be worth it. Ignoring your children will be worth it. 😉 Ok, I need to stop. But only because I need to go re-read it. Now.” – Panglette, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Wicked Jealous by Robin Palmer
Simone has always been known as a chunky smartmouth, but all this changes when people start acting strangely around her after a year of avoiding her stepmother by going through Zumba class. Meanwhile, her stepmother seems determined to kill her, or at least get her back to her original, chunky form. Simone’s brother offers to let her move in with him, so Simone jumps on the chance. Except living with seven college boys is going to give her a hard time living her own happily ever after.
What do the readers say?
“WICKED JEALOUS maintains an interesting balance between a realistic depiction of teen life and crazy fairytale shenanigans. There may not be any fairies involved, but there are lots of big personalities and dastardly plans. But at its heart WICKED JEALOUS is about Simone coming into herself and realizing that she can get what she wants from life if she’s willing to go for it. It’s a cute book, perfect for summer reading.” – Liviania, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Perfect Escape by Jennifer Brown
Kendra’s older brother Grayson has OCD, and this has forced him to live a life of organization and routines. Kendra has always felt overshadowed by this life with her brother, who’s nearly perfect, and the only way she can stand out is to actually be perfect. And she has it down – except a cheating scandal taints her flawless reputation. With Grayson on the passenger side and her behind the wheel, Kendra is determined to drive away from it all. But the road trip is far from ideal, as flat tires, gas station food stops, and quirky detours make Kendra realize that she has to stop running and come to terms with everything in her life.
What do the readers say?
“There are several reasons why I was drawn to this book. Firstly, the main characters are brother and sister, which is something that isn’t often intimately explored in Young Adult literature. I’m the only girl of four children, so sister relationships are foreign to me, but brother-sister relationships are something I know pretty well and I was interested to see how Brown would portray the relationship between Grayson and Kendra. Add in a road-trip (hello!), and Grayson’s OCD, and I was totally intrigued to see how this story played out.” – Kat, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
In Too Deep by Amanda Grace
Sam is in love with her best friend Nick, but she never had the courage to tell him. Instead, she goes to the golden boy, Carter Wellesley, hoping that by flirting with him, Nick will get jealous and finally realize his true feelings for her. But rumors swirl around Carter and Sam – that Carter raped Sam even though he didn’t, and Sam can’t find it in herself to tell the truth. Most of all, she’s afraid of losing Nick, if Nick discovers what really happened. Graduation day comes closer, and Sam knows that she’s running out of time to fix the lie she’s started to live.
What do the readers say?
“This is such a unique idea for a story! Amanda writes with such emotion and her characters are always deep and have characteristics that are so easy to relate to, even if we aren’t in their exact situation. She makes it so that the rumor snowballing is so easy to believe and the circumstances leading up to it are a perfect storm. It really is a picture of what can happen when you tell a lie, which I know I did some as a teenager, some of almost as epic proportions to letting people believe that Carter raped Sam, although mine didn’t quite have the same repurcusions as letting people believe that a guy raped you when he didn’t, no matter what a jerk he might be.” – Brandi Leigh Kosiner, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols
Leah Jones has always been the grown-up in her family all her life, while her mother moves from boyfriend to boyfriend, careless and reckless with spending money. The people at school diss Leah and call her trash, but they don’t know that she negotiates with the landlord and gets a job at an airstrip. An experience changes her life, however, as she gets the chance to take some flight lessons, giving her a new perspective – and a new view of life. Now Leah’s a high school senior and an excellent pilot, and she’s given a job flying a banner plane. But then her employer, Mr. Hall, suddenly dies, and the family business transfers to his two sons, golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson. Now Leah has to work with the two guys – and she’s not thrilled about the fact that Grayson’s having a hand in running what looks like a doomed business. A business that has become a battle between two brothers.
What do the readers say?
“Leah rocked my socks off. She is the kind of character I can’t get enough of: toughened by life, uncertain, determined, quiet, hopeful, and edgy. Basically, she’s a heady amalgam of battle-tested strength and fledgling individuality. I love the way she loves flying. She explains it in a scene that quite simply floored me with how restrained and potent it was, with how much was going on below the surface of things. I won’t quote that here, because you deserve to come to it organically and on your own.” – Angela Thompson, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Bully by Penelope Douglas
Tate’s bully, Jared, won’t leave her alone, would never call her by a friendly nickname, and would barely speak to her. Still, he won’t leave her alone. They were once best friends, but something had changed and now KC’s made it a mission to humiliate, shut out, and gossip about Tate, all through high school. The pranks and rumors get worse as time goes by, and now Tate has decided that she’s had enough, and that she’s going to fight back.
What do the readers say?
“I found myself reading back over it and trying to understand what the author meant but in the end, I understood it. I thought the characters were well-thought out and I believed in the love they had for each other. This is my go to book when I want to read something and escape. I’ve read the series probably twice since it came out and I recommend it to everyone who wants something that is detailed, heartwarming and about childhood love.” – Janine Butcher, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
Nastya Kashnikov moves to a new town, wanting to keep the secrets of her past hidden, and keep everyone at a distance. Her plans don’t last long, however, as she finds herself drawn to Josh Bennett, a person who is as isolated as she is. Josh’s story is tragic, as every person he’s ever loved has been taken from him. Now seventeen years old, he has no one left and his name is synonymous with death. He’s always been left alone, until he meets Nastya, who becomes so intimately twined into his life. Their relationship intensifies, but with it comes the uncertainties that Josh has held close – making him wonder if he’ll ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding.
What do the readers say?
“Very satisfying conclusion. Without giving anything away, I have to emphasize that this is NOT one of those books you’ll want to throw against a wall (or delete from your Kindle) when you get to the end. With all the drama that unfolds in the book’s last third, it would’ve been super-easy to miscalculate the ending, but this story wraps up just right. Plus the last line is KILLER!” – J.C. Lillis, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Crash by Nicole Williams
Lucy’s summer encounter with the bad boy Jude smells of trouble. She’s determined to become a ballerina, but Jude is in her way. A boy with dangerous mood swings and cursed by so many girls that everyone’s lost count, he definitely doesn’t look like the best match for Lucy. And he has cancer, exactly the kind of guy who’s bound to ruin lives of girls like her. But Lucy finds that she’s not listening to Jude’s warning, and against everything, becomes closer and closer to him.
What do the readers say?
“Saving the best for last, culminating in one of the most emotionally touching and sweetest endings that I’ve read to date, this unforgettable story will touch your heart and remain in your thoughts long after you’ve reached the ending.” – Anne W, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Tilt by Ellen Hopkins
Mikayla is almost eighteen years old, and loves Dylan, who loves her back jealously, and who gets her pregnant the summer before her senior year. Shane is sixteen and is deeply in love with his first boyfriend, Alex, who happens to be HIV positive. Harley is fourteen, and is in search of new experiences – particularly love from an older boy. Her need for new things develops self-destructive tendencies within her. Three teenagers, three lives, and three interconnected stories. As critical points in their lives happen, the worlds of each teenager begins to tilt.
What do the readers say?
“Mikayla, Shane, and Harley’s lives are detailed in this novel, and all of their stories are interesting. I felt compelled to read this book because I was going through my own crisis during the time, and my life was beginning to tilt, just like these characters’. And while I felt for pregnant Mikayla and love-torn Harley, I especially felt the pain in Shane’s story. As told in my bio, I believe that love is love. Shane is homosexual and dating an HIV positive man, which is very challenging and emotional. He also has a terminally ill sister, and finds himself spinning out of control due to his life circumstances.” – Brianna B., Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Catching Jordan by Miranda Keneally
Jordan Woods is surrounded by hot guys. In fact, she leads them, because she’s the captain and the quarterback of her high school’s football team. She’s always been accepted as one of the boys, and she’s determined to get the scholarship she needs to attend a powerhouse university. But then Ty Green arrives. An excellent quarterback in his own right, and incredibly hot, he poses a threat to Jordan – making her head and heart feel vulnerable.
What do the readers say?
“Catching Jordan is amazing. It’s a powerful story, and will stick with you long after you’ve read it. Okay, now here come the lame football jokes that I’ve been holding back. Just as you Remember the Titans (amazing movie, btw), you will remember Catching Jordan, and you can be sure this book will score a touchdown with you. Okay, maybe you can’t be sure, but I hope that if you guys do check it out, you like it as much as I did. I definitely recommend Catching Jordan, especially if you’re looking for a contemporary YA that’s one of a kind. :)” – Ambur (Burning Impossibly Bright), Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
Barely Breathing by Rebecca Donovan
Emma Thomas has been struggling with an abusive home all her life, and now that her own secret life has been exposed, she knows her tormenter can’t hurt her anymore. But others are still haunted by one critical night that involves Emma, and the scars and the fears are still there.
What do the readers say?
“I have to say one of the things I like the best, is how messed up Emma is! I found myself getting so frustrated with some of the choices that she made, but they all make sense, considering how her life has been. So often in stories, characters will live though horrendous situations only to come out perfect and well adjusted at the end. Emma’s dysfunction is part of what makes her so believable and likeable to me. I also loved Even is this story. His responses and reactions were also very believable. He got made and frustrated at all the right times.” – KT, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
That’s all for this list! Do you have your favorite YA contemporary/realistic books? Let us know!
Leave a Reply