New Books for Teens and Adults

If you are having trouble finding books for your classroom, or books to buy for your teenager, or if you are a teen who is looking for a new book to read: you've come to the right place.

The following list includes the hottest titles in young adult literature right now. They are also some of the most popular books in my high school classroom. Half of the list contains books that are sequels or part of a book series (they will be clearly labeled, though).

Each book is linked to its page on Amazon.com if you wish to purchase, wishlist it, or whatever. I always hunt for the cheapest prices and many of these are not out in paperback yet, so I will try to update them when they are.

Books NOT part of a series:

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
Anyone who has been through school and felt like an outsider (haven't we all at some point?) will relate to this book. It's especially true for younger siblings who have lived in their older siblings' shadows. It covers divorce, death of a sibling, young love, finding yourself, and so much more. There is something in here every teen (and adult) will connect with. And I haven't even mentioned the fact it is written as letters to Kurt Cobain, Amelia Earhart, River Phoenix, and Jim Morrison. So very cool how author Ava Dellaira weaves music, history, and pop culture into this sad, suspenseful novel. (Grade 7 and up)

The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
I loved Anderson's novels Speak and Twisted, and this one was pretty good. Many of my students like it and that is what really matters. Teens definitely connect with her characters. It's almost 400 pages, yet many of them fly right through it: passing the test of a good book. (Grade 8 and up)

Atlantia by Ally Condie
I really liked Condie's novel Matched but was not impressed with the other two books in the series. What she does so well is bring in the English-teacher appeal with allusions to art, literature, and heavy-laden with symbolism.  Though I haven't read Atlantia yet, it sounds much more interesting than the Matched series. The setting alone is cool: under the sea. Plus, the theme of sisterhood is very appealing. I know it's a book I'll have students lined up to read. (Grade 7 and up)

Glory O'Brien's History of the Future by A. S. King
Students will relate to Glory, who has no idea what she wants to do after graduation. It's a captivating read with some magic (magic doesn't seem the right word here, though) mixed in. It's deep, it's smart, it's heart-breaking. (Grade 8 and up)

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer
Combine poetry, reality TV, high school, and a gerbil, and you get a memorable, realistic, and humorous story. Excellent read. (Grade 7 and up)

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
A moving book with two perspectives: twins, who barely speak to one another. Though some may not want to pick it up for its controversial themes (sexual identity), it's so beautifully written and insightful, readers who are conservative in nature will find it hard to be offended by anything in the novel. It shows teens as they really are, and that speaks volumes. (Grade 9 and up)

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Though the narrator is hard to sympathize with, it's definitely a book that was haunting and sad and stuck with me for a while after reading. I'm glad I read it and I have several students who really like it. I also have a number of them that hated it and gave up reading it, too. It is slow at first and if they can get through the first half, the rest will be worth it. (Grade 7 and up)

The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu
Rumors, bullying, social media, high school clichés: this book, with its multiple point-of-views, covers it all. High school students will definitely relate with the themes and narratives. (Grade 9 and up)


BOOKS IN A SERIES

The Young Elites (A Young Elites Novel) by Marie Lu
This is the FIRST book in the series, so you can get hooked on Marie Lu's second series right from the get-go. The bad thing: you'll have to wait on the second book. It's an excellent opener (her Legend trilogy is a great series if you haven't read it yet) and sure to be just as popular. (Grade 6 and up)

The Raven Cycle #3: Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater
This is the third book in the Raven Cycle series. I have several students dedicated to this series and they said this was such an excellent book--their favorite so far. (Grade 7 and up)

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Though this book is the conclusion of stories that started with Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door, it–like the other two works–stands alone on its own, as well. Fans of the other two romance novels will enjoy the cameos of their favorite characters weaved into this story. So many girls shrieked when I brought this book into my classroom. And I mean literally shrieked–the kind of noise only a 15-year-old girl can make–with joy. It made my day, despite the noise. (Grade 8 and up)

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, and Maurine Johnson
Anything written by Cassandra Clare is GOLD in my class. Her books fly off the shelves. I always have a waiting list for her newest books and I keep several copies of her Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series because so many want to read (or re-read) them. This is a collection of short stories that allow readers to get to know warlock Magnus Bane a little better.  (Grade 8 and up)

Sinner (Shiver) by Maggie Stiefvater
Fans of the Shiver series were rejoicing when I brought a copy of Sinner into my classroom. There's still a waiting list for it. (Grade 7 and up)

The Rule of Thoughts (Mortality Doctrine, Book Two) (The Mortality Doctrine) by James Dashner
This is the second book in the Mortality Doctrine series. The first is The Eye of Minds (Mortality Doctrine, Book One) (The Mortality Doctrine). I haven't read either, but I know many boys who have and love them. Great choice for those reluctant readers. If they liked the Maze Runner series, they will love this one, too. (Grade 6 and up)

Finale (The Hush, Hush Saga) by Becca Fitzpatrick
This series is definitely popular with teenage girls. The third book in the series went missing from my classroom at the beginning of the year and it's driving a few of my students nuts. (Note to self to order another: I don't think it's coming back.) (Grade 8 and up)

You can purchase the complete Hush, Hush saga by clicking on the image:

Dreams of Gods & Monsters (Daughter of Smoke and Bone) by Laini Taylor 
This is the third and final book in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series and oh. my. word. is it awesome! This series is very close to being my favorite. I think only The Hunger Games trilogy and Harry Potter series come close. It's too hard to explain what it is about (there's sooo much), but you will be hooked. It's fantasy but in the present like Harry Potter. (Grade 8 and up)

You can purchase the complete Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy by clicking on the image:

 

Additional NEW books not pictured above:

The Complete Far Side by Gary Larson (All ages)

The Heir (The Selection series) by Kiera Cass - released May 2015 (Grade 7 and up)

I Was Here by Gayle Forman - released January 27, 2015 (Grade 7 and up)

Looking for Alaska 10th Anniversary Edition by John Green - released January 13, 2015

Fans of John Green will love this new edition with an introduction by the author, deleted "scenes" from the original manuscript, updated "backmatter," and a Q&A with the author. (Grade 9 and up)

Ignite Me (Shatter Me Book #3) by Tahereh Mafi - the paperback edition will be released Dec. 30th, but the Kindle and hardback copies are available now (Grade 8 and up)

For additional titles, see my post about popular books in my classroom:

Or my Pinterest pin boards for YA and adult literature:

YA Lit
New Books
All Things Books
Books Worth Reading
Books for Boys
Books for Girls

What are your favorites this year? Comment below and share in the discussion!