Young Adult book recommendations?

Question

I'm looking for good young adult novels that have been written within the past 5 years. The only genre restriction is nothing super scary! Also I would like these books (in your opinion) to be rated nothing more than PG. Thanks!

Answer 1

If you like science fiction and fantasy, try something by Garth Nix. He wrote the Abhorsen trilogy, which has been ridiculously popular, and for good reason. The ideas are a little dark, if you're okay with that.

You could also try books by AVI, but I don't think they've been written in the last five years. I remember reading Nothing But The Truth, and I really liked it.

I loved the book The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger. Great great book. Try it, if you like. Most of the people I know who have read it are adults, but it is really an amazing, thought-provoking, inspiring book, a true love story with a twist. It was incredible.

Answer 2

Dragonjousters series(joust,alta,sanctuary) by Mercedes Lackey.The setting is ancient Egypt.Hunger, anger, and hatred are constants for young Vetch, rendered a brutally mistreated and overworked serf by the Tian conquest of his homeland. But everything improves when a Tian jouster requisitions Vetch to become the first serf ever to be a dragon boy. His training is intense, and his duty clear-cut: to tend his jouster, Ari, and his dragon, Kashet. He discovers that, because Ari himself had hatched Kashet, the dragon is different from others that have been captured live in the wild and must be drugged to be made tractable. Vetch finds he really likes and understands dragons, and soon he becomes the best dragon boy of all. He still harbors anger, however, toward the Tian invasion. Could he, perhaps, hatch a dragon, and then escape to help his people?

Mercedes Lackey's Take a Thief is the tale of Skif, a young orphan reminiscent of Oliver Twist, making his way in the knock-and-tumble neighborhood between two of Haven's outermost walls. Skif is intelligent, good-hearted and creative enough to forage up three meals a day in a place where food is scarce and kindness almost unheard of. After a chain of events leave him homeless, Skif lands in the lair of Bazie, an Faginish ex-mercenary who trains thieves...until he is "Chosen" by one of Valdemar's magical horses and becomes a Herald serving the Queen.

Magicians of Caprona by Diana Wynne Jones is actually for kids.But adults can enjoy it too.

Answer 3

Boobah, there is a brand new YA novel that is getting a lot of fantastic press. It's called "King Dork," and it's written by Frank Portman.
The book is well written and funny, and the author, Frank Portman is very, very smart. He is the lead singer in the band The Mr. T Experience, and many know him as Doctor Frank. Don't be surprised if this book gets turned into a movie in the near future. You should be able to find it at a bookstore near you right now!!

Answer 4

Pepperland by Mark DeLaney (2004)
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen (2004)
Saving Fransesca by Melina Marchetta (2004)
Looking For Alaska by John Green (2005)
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005)
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (2005)
Pretties by Scott Westerfeld (2005)
Specials by Scott Westerfeld (2006)
So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld (2004)
The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman (2004)
The Teacher's Funeral by Richard Peck (2004)
One of Those Hideous Books Where The Mother Dies by Sonya Sones (2004)
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff (2004)
Going for the Record by Julie Swanson (2004)

Answer 5

Of course every one in the world should read the Harry Potter series. I know you won't like this idea, but if you are looking for wholesome books (I assume you are since you asked for PG stuff) you should really go back and read the classics. Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and all of the Bronte sisters. Books by Jane Austin. Don't dismiss them because they are old. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series are really good also.

Answer 6

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse (1997)
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Answer 7

Alien Secrets by Annette Curtis Klause is a good one. It's not typical sci-fi, it's more of a mystery set in space. I'm an adult and I found it entertaining and engaging. Her other books are more teen-oriented but that one would be great for younger readers.

Answer 8

I think Gail Carson Levine, Meg Cabot, and Margaret Petterson Haddix.

Answer 9

The Gossip Girl series. or Meg Cabot's the Princess Diaries series. For something sci-fi/fantasy, The Eragon trilogy by Christopher Paolini.

Answer 10

Hi there. I'm the author of a new medieval fantasy book that you might like. The title is THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY. It's 445 pages of action, adventure, magic, mystery and mayhem. If you like Conan, LOTR or Harry Potter type books, this is one you'll enjoy. And yes, it's PG rated and not super scary.

Good luck, whatever you decide to read!

Jon F. Baxley (Author, Editor, Ghostwriter and Proofreader)

THE SCYTHIAN STONE (eBook only)
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY (eBook and hard cover)
THE REGENTS OF RHUM (coming fall '07)

Major Media Reviews:

Publishers Weekly

STARRED Review. A fast pace, sly humor, amusing dialogue and a richly researched background lift Baxley's fantasy, the first of a new series set in medieval Britain. When Merlin's long-ago apprentice Kruzurk Makshare (aka the Boozer) receives a dreamlike visitation from the legendary mage, he learns he must destroy another former apprentice, the villainous Seed of Cerberus. To do so will require a visit to the demon-guarded Blackgloom Keep. Enter young Daynin McKinnon, who discovers a curious rune-covered headstone, which may be the fabled Blackgloom Bounty, and brings it to Kruz's attention. Kruz believes it will provide entry into the fortress, while Daynin hopes the sale of the stone will restore his family's fortunes. The colorful cast of good guys and ne'er-do-wells includes the Pictish ghost of Brude McAlpin liberated from his tomb, assorted pursuing Caledonians and a bemused Prior Bede, whose monastery serves as a hiding place for the Blackgloom Bounty. Suitable for fantasy enthusiasts of all ages.

Library Journal
"This series opener...is a good choice for fans of epic-style sagas and Scottish history."

Harriet Klausner, Amazon's #1 Ranked Reviewer!
"This terrific medieval fantasy...will elate readers for its fast-paced, action-thrilled story line starring a strong cast."

Nancy McCulloch, PRWEB Article, March 20, 2006
"Two thumbs up for a colorful cast of characters, nonstop, rapid-fire action and compelling storyline!"

Fantasybookspot.com Review by Tyler, Febuary 2006
"Taking place in Medieval Scotland, this tale of magic, adventure and love really captured my attention..."