While there are lots of YA books that don’t feel like YA, there are also plenty of YA books that are just so dang good that everyone should read them. I’ve included a little of both in this list. Additionally, I’ve tried to provide YA recommendations across a range of genres in order to cater to a varied audience. Usually, making lists like this requires that I do a lot of research and include quite a few books I haven’t actually read. However, I decided for this list to rack my brain for YA books that really and truly knocked my own personal socks off. Thus, there are tons of great books missing from this list because I just haven’t gotten around to reading them yet. The following books delighted, disturbed, and entranced me. I’ve read them all as an adult-aged person, though I can’t claim to be the adultiest of adults. Additionally, many of these books also regularly show up on “best YA of all time” lists. So, if you’re a skeptic, read on for 20 YA books for people who don’t like YA.
Fantasy-ish YA Books for People Who Don’t Like YA
I’m a big fan of fantasy in all of its many forms. I’m an absolute sucker for a fairytale retelling and I love a dystopian novel with fantasy or sci-fi elements. If these kinds of things are also your jam, try some of the books in this section.
Romance-y YA Books for People Who Don’t Like YA
This next bunch of books could be categorized in other ways, but they all have wonderful love stories at the center. Some are flat out romances, while others are romance adjacent. Either way, if you love love, these are for you.
Painfully Realistic YA Books for People Who Don’t Like YA
Do you want your books to tackle real world problems? Do you enjoy reading about the darker side of humanity and the human experience? Try this next set of books at your own risk.
Delightfully Realistic YA Books for People Who Don’t Like YA
Would you like some realistic fiction that won’t make you sad or keep you up at night? Try one of these. If you can’t find a YA book you like on this list, try these other Book Riot recommendations:
The 25 Best YA Books of All Time The Top Ten YA Books of the Year According to Teenagers The Most Popular YA Books on TikTok
