10 YA Books That Will Change Your Life

These 10 YA novels will leave you feeling more alive than you did on page one. Gotta love a read that grabs you by the heart, opens your eyes, and kicks your butt.

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Via goodreads.com

There are more than 13 reasons why you should read this book, but here are four: 1. A boy receives a set of cassette tapes from a girl named Hannah, who explains why she committed suicide . . . from beyond the grave. 2. See: “from beyond the grave.” 3. There are cassette tapes. In 2007. 4. Though Hannah’s actions are extreme, there’s a certain poetic justice to calling out bullies on their bull**** . . . once again, from beyond the grave.

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Via goodreads.com

Life is short. Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters prove that no adventure is impossible and there’s no time like the present to fall in love. Can’t wait to ball our eyes out all over again when this movie comes out! Plus, there’s this line: “I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once.” Sniff.

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows

Via goodreads.com

Though it’s hard to choose a favorite J.K Rowling novel, the final book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, stands out. In book seven, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are at their most vulnerable. They face heartbreak, death, and innocence-shattering disappointments—and yet they’ll inspire you to stand up for what you believe in, regardless of the odds stacked against you. Along the way, they’ll remind you that, even in times of great peril and tremendous grief, the cycle of life continues: weddings planned, babies born, laughter shared. So raise your butterbeer-filled glasses to the Boy Who Lived and Hermione and Ron, whose existence exemplifies the old adage that you can survive anything with a little help from your friends.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Via goodreads.com

“Stay gold, Ponyboy.” Nuff said.

Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Via goodreads.com

Your worst days (a.k.a. when you’ve screwed up so badly you have to spend the summer picking peaches on a middle-of-nowhere Georgia farm) can lead to your most cherished friendships. The three teen girls in Peaches are each unforgettable and inspiring in their own way, but it’s their unlikely friendship that make this book inspiring.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Via goodreads.com

If you’re not inspired to drive through a tunnel with your best friends as the perfect song comes on the radio after reading this book, then it’s possible you might be dead inside. If the idea of feeling infinite isn’t inspiring, not much else can be.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Via goodreads.com

Don’t get turned off by the garden or the 1910 pub date. The Secret Garden is full of hidden rooms, strange cries in the night, and a spoiled orphan who needs a serious attitude adjustment. This book will stick with you for years—and remind you of the power of positive thinking.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Via goodreads.com

Something unspeakable happens to Melinda just before freshman year of high school. Unable to find the words to explain what happened, she slowly turns inward until she stops speaking all together. Shunned by her former friends and carrying the weight of her secret, Melinda must learn to express herself—and what happened—before she loses herself entirely. Beautifully written and emotionally wrought, Speak reminds us to have a voice and use it to get through our darkest times.

Stargirl By Jerry Spinelli

Via goodreads.com

A celebration of quirkiness and a cautionary tale about the power of conformity, Stargirl makes us wish we had friends who played us happy birthday on their ukuleles, dressed in bright flapper dresses for homeroom, and said hi to complete strangers. It might inspire you to live a life less ordinary and possibly even change your name. (Sorry, Stargirl is already taken!)

Tumble & Fall By Alexandra Coutts

Via amazon.com

How can a book about the last six days before an asteroid blows the Earth to smithereens be inspiring? Because it’s not about futilely trying to save the planet; it’s about hope, love, absolution, and the profound impact you can make on the people you love with the time you have left.