If You Enjoyed These 24 YA Books As A Teen, Here's Why I Think You Should Read Them Again

    I'll proudly admit to having reread the The Hunger Games, and loving every word.

    Molly Townsin
    by Molly Townsin

    BuzzFeed Staff

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    I'm an avid reader, and I spend any spare time I have with my head in a book. Getting into a brand new book can be awesome, but I must admit, I also love re-reading my favourite novels from my teen years.

    Sony Pictures Releasing / Via GIPHY

    There's nothing better than diving into a book that brought you so much joy when you first read it, and experiencing the storyline all over again!

    After all, YA books aren't just for those confusing teen years, they're for life! Here are 26 books I read as a teen that I still love, and I personally recommend everyone should re-read as an adult!

    1. Boy's Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman.

    A white book cover, with a chain linked at the bottom, in the middle of the chine in a tear drop.
    Corgi Children's / Via Amazon

    This book explores single parenthood and I think a lot of people can relate to, or sympathise with the main character. Though it's a good read for young adults, it really resonates as you get older.

    2. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series by Holly Jackson.

    Three books: a white one called "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder", a red one called "Good Girl, Bad Blood", and a black one called "As Good As Dead".
    Electric Monkey / Via Amazon

    If your go-to genre is murder mystery then give these books another go! It's never too late to try and solve a crime, and let's be honest, we all have a bit of a detective in us!

    3. Z for Zachariah by Robert C. O'Brien.

    A black book cover with white circles on it and the title in bold white letters.
    Penguin; 1st edition / Via Amazon

    You may have come across this book in an English Lit class, but I re-read it a few years later and realised just how much of it I missed the first time around. The dystopian setting is eerily realistic and gets you hooked from the very first word. 

    4. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman.

    Five books white various black, white, and red covers. The first book is different with two characters on the front with a yellow and red title.
    Penguin / Via Amazon

    Everyone loves a forbidden love story, and this one really doesn't disappoint. You'll probably have a new found appreciation for this book when reading with adult eyes. 

    5. The To All The Boys I've Loved Before trilogy by Jenny Han.

    "To All The Boys" trilogy box set, one pink book, one blue book, and one purple book. The box has a young girl laying down on her bed writing on it.
    Scholastic / Via Amazon

    This series is as sweet as it is funny. I don't think you're ever too old to read a cute romantic story. Despite the fact it centres around teenagers, you can always take notes on how to deal with being shy and awkward around someone you fancy.

    6. It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini.

    A pale yellow book cover with the outline of a head, which has a road map in it, blocks colours in different colours, and the book title.
    Disney Editions / Via Amazon

    Despite its heavier themes, this book is also about finding happiness and dealing with things in a healthy way– something that is always relevant! Read it again and you'll love it just the same as you once did.

    7. Tweet Cute by Emma Lord.

    Illustrated book cover of two buildings side by side, a woman sat on a window seal on her phone facing a guy leaning out of the window opposite on his phone. The title in between them inside a chat bubble.
    Wednesday Books / Via Amazon

    Not only is this story sweet, but so is its title. This is a modern romance, and an online war forming a love-hate relationship, which to me is the perfect distraction from adulting. It's a universal story, an ageless book, and you just need it in your life. 

    8. The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe.

    Red book cover with a black shadow shaped like a girls head of hair, and one closed eye. The title of the book is in black under the image.
    Hodder Children's Books / Via Amazon

    When a group of friends get involved in a bank robbery (accidentally of course,) the main character's true identity as a con artist comes out. Now I don't know about you, but that's a storyline I would've liked as a teen, and love now.

    9. The Perks Of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

    book cover for "The Perks of Being a Wallflower". Looks like a piece of paper with orange writing everywhere, then the title in black.
    Simon & Schuster / Via Amazon

    Though this is an absolute must-read for tweens and teens, there's nothing saying that adults can't read it. Why not live vicariously through someone on the page as they try to untangle the mess of friendship, love, and trust?

    10. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

    Penguin / Via Amazon

    Many know the film, but don't be sleeping on the book! It explains how love can conquer all, and who doesn't wanna read about that? Side-note, get the tissues ready because you may have forgotten about how emotional this one is.

    11. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.

    A white book cover with a tree that makes up a woman, who has a pink slash across her mouth with the word "Speak" written on it in black. There are tow birds flying next to her.
    Hodder Children's Books / Via Amazon

    Another story centred around a sensitive subject, this book is about learning to find your voice and speaking up. It's never too late to read about that, and once you've gained more life experience, the book might take on a whole new meaning for you.

    12. The One Of Us is Lying series by Karen M. McManus.

    A white box set of books, one has yellow writing, one has green writing, one has blue, and the last one has red writing.
    Penguin Ltd / Via Amazon

    Another murder mystery series, which once again will hook you in and maybe even become an obsession. You'll find new clues, and even though you might know the outcome, the storyline is a must-read.

    13. The Divergent trilogy written by Veronica Roth.

    Four books in a box called "Divergent", "Insurgent", "Allegiant" and "Four".
    Harper Collins Children’s Books / Via Amazon

    If you liked The Hunger Games then you'll probably like love this series. I have a new appreciation for this action fuelled narrative, and the divided society seems far less fictional now that I'm an adult.

    14. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

    A black book with a young girls face on the cover. The title is in white letters.
    Walker Books / Via Amazon

    This story is so relevant I beg everyone to read it again. Highlighting police brutality and the effects it has on POC, this one will only become more eye-opening later in life. Take in that emotional rollercoaster!

    15. The Maze Runner series by James Dashner.

    Five book series, all with a black cover and the spines are green, orange, blue, yellow, and red.
    Chicken House Books / Via Amazon

    The suspense-filled plot of this series will keep you on the edge of your seat. With monsters, action scenes, and a hint of romance it's a dream book for all. Read it again, and I know you'll agree.

    16. If I Stay by Gayle Forman.

    Boxes filled with images on a white background, Some make up a girl when put together.
    Definitions (Young Adult) / Via Amazon

    This is a beautiful story of life, love, and hard decision making. It really makes you appreciate those around you, and it's also helpful for those who have lost loved ones. Regardless of age, I think this book is an incredible read.

    17. A Very Large Expanse of the Sea by Tahereh Mafi.

    A white book cover with colourful writing on it saying the titles name, and then the title is repeated over the colours in black calligraphy.
    Electric Monkey / Via Amazon

    The subject matter of this book is and always will be important. The treatment of the Islamic community post 9/11 is something that should be in continuous discussion, and this book highlights that in the best way. 

    18. The Harry Potter series written by J.K Rowling.

    The box set of Harry Potter books, the first four taken out slightly to see the illustrated covers.
    Bloomsbury Children's Books / Via Amazon

    This one seems obvious, but it's a timeless series that's always enjoyable. Give yourself a reminder of the bravery of the characters, and the challenges they face together – they're a classic.

    19. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.

    Picador / Via Amazon

    I enjoyed it as teen, and as an adult, I sympathise with the story even more. Read this again and I know it will have a lasting effect.

    20. Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow.

    A light pink book cover with the title in black messy capitol letters and red lines going through each word.
    Rock the Boat / Via Amazon

    This story is another that's centred around mental health, and no matter your age, it delivers  an important message. It's quite an intense book, but extremely powerful and moving.

    21. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.

    The box set of the Hunger Games books, One is yellow, one is orange and the other is blue. The box is dark blue with a yellow bird on it.
    Scholastic / Via Amazon

    This is a series I have personally read multiple times, and each time I find new parts of it I didn't see before. The action-packed adventure books are set in a dystopian world, and the older you get the more realistic they become – scary much?

    22. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants by Ann Brashares.

    A blue cover of s book that looks like denim with flowers and leaves over it and the title in what look like yellow stitching.
    Corgi Childrens / Via Amazon

    If there is any take away from this book it's the importance of friendship, and staying in contact with those you love. What was once a quirky story is now a beautifully relatablel tale you can enjoy even more.

    23. Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

    Light blue book cover with an outline of a boys head, one blue eye and the word "Wonder" written around it. In yellow writing it says "you can't blend in" at the top and "If you were born to stand out" at the bottom.
    Corgi Childrens / Via Amazon

    This book is a good example of learning how to deal with something less than ideal. Whether you're a sibling, a parent, or a friend, there are so many takeaways here.

    24. The Grace Year by Kim Liggett.

    A white book cover, with a purple shadow of a hand and arm holding a red rose. There is a droplet of blood coming fron the thumb, and in red letters it says the title.
    Del Rey / Via Amazon

    This book is feminism at its finest. In a world where women are made to be a certain way to please their male counterparts, the female protagonist fights against expectations, and stands up for what is right. A good lesson for young adults, and a great reminder for those older.

    I know there are so many more books that are just as good the second time around! Which books do you still love to read from your teen years? Let me know in the comments below.

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