The Greatest American "Fiction, Coming of age, Speculative Fiction, Teen & Young Adult" Books Since 2010

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Coming of age

The "Coming of age" category of books typically refers to stories that explore the transition from adolescence to adulthood. These books often focus on the challenges and experiences that young people face as they navigate the complexities of growing up, including issues such as identity, relationships, sexuality, and personal growth. Coming of age stories can be set in any time period or cultural context, and may feature protagonists of any gender, race, or background. Overall, the genre offers readers a glimpse into the universal struggles and triumphs of youth, and the process of becoming a fully realized adult.

Speculative Fiction

Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements. This includes genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history. The unifying factor of speculative fiction is its departure from the narrative constraints of reality, exploring imaginative and often profound questions that challenge our understanding of the world and our place within it. These stories often delve into themes like the human condition, social commentary, and the exploration of philosophical and ethical dilemmas through the lens of the fantastical or the yet-to-be-possible. By pushing the boundaries of the known, speculative fiction invites readers to consider the myriad possibilities of existence and the potential consequences of our actions in worlds that are, at once, vastly different from and eerily similar to our own.

Teen & Young Adult

The "Teen & Young Adult" category in literature encompasses a broad range of fiction and non-fiction books specifically tailored for readers aged roughly between 12 and 18 years old. These books often feature protagonists and experiences that resonate with the challenges, emotions, and transitions characteristic of adolescence and young adulthood. Themes such as identity, romance, friendship, family dynamics, and self-discovery are commonly explored, with settings ranging from realistic to fantastical. The genre aims to provide a relatable and engaging reading experience, offering both escapism and insight into the complexities of growing up. While primarily targeting teenagers and young adults, these books often possess a crossover appeal, attracting adult readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories and the fresh perspectives of youthful narratives.

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  1. 1. Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

    In a gritty and dangerous city, a notorious gang leader named Kaz Brekker is offered a life-changing heist that could make him unimaginably rich. He assembles a team of skilled outcasts, each with their own unique talents, to pull off an impossible mission. As they navigate through treacherous streets and face deadly enemies, the group must rely on their wits and trust each other to survive. Along the way, secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and unexpected alliances are formed, all while the fate of their world hangs in the balance.

    The 4757th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

    The novel follows the story of a young albino girl of Nigerian-American descent who discovers her latent magical powers and a connection to a secret, mystical world. Struggling with her identity and the challenges of adolescence, she is thrust into a journey of self-discovery, where she must learn to harness her abilities. Alongside a group of friends with their own unique talents, she navigates a world filled with dangerous creatures and dark adversaries, using her newfound magic to uncover her true destiny and combat the threats that loom over both the physical and supernatural realms.

    The 5003rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

    "The Poet X" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Xiomara, who uses poetry as an outlet to navigate her complex life. Set in Harlem, Xiomara grapples with her strict Dominican parents, her evolving understanding of her own identity, and her burgeoning relationship with a boy named Aman. Through her powerful and honest poetry, Xiomara finds her voice, confronts societal expectations, and discovers the strength to define herself on her own terms.

    The 5658th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

    In a brutal, Rome-like fantasy world, a young Scholar girl named Laia goes on a dangerous mission to save her brother from the clutches of the oppressive Martial Empire. To do so, she infiltrates the Empire's premier military academy as a slave, where she meets Elias, one of the academy's finest soldiers, who is secretly as eager to escape the tyranny and corruption of the military as she is. Their fates become intertwined as they both seek freedom and justice, navigating a world rife with violence, betrayal, and dark magic. The story is a gripping tale of resistance, survival, and the quest for personal redemption.

    The 5690th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

    The book unfolds in a society that believes it has eradicated all monsters, but when a creature named Pet emerges from a painting, a young girl named Jam learns that monsters still exist. Pet has come to hunt a monster hiding in plain sight, and Jam must confront the reality that not all dangers are as visible as they seem. As Jam navigates this revelation with Pet's guidance, she embarks on a quest to protect her best friend and uncover the truth in a world that prefers to deny the existence of such horrors. The story challenges the concepts of good and evil and the complacency that can arise in a community that believes it has overcome its darkest elements.

    The 6504th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

    In a world where the boundary between human and myth blurs, a blue-haired art student in Prague discovers her mysterious past and connection to a war-torn realm inhabited by angels and beasts. As she navigates her life between art school and errands for her chimeric guardian, she uncovers secrets about her identity and a star-crossed love that transcends worlds and species. Her journey reveals the complexities of family, love, and the devastating consequences of old enmities, ultimately leading her to confront her destiny in a battle that could reshape the boundaries of her world and all others.

    The 7157th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Legend by Marie Lu

    Set in a dystopian future where the United States has fractured into warring nations, the story follows two teenagers from radically different backgrounds. One is a notorious criminal, known for his intelligence and ability to elude capture, while the other is a prodigious student and soldier, working for the government in hopes of avenging her brother's death. Their paths cross when the soldier is tasked with hunting down the criminal, leading to a cat-and-mouse game that unveils a web of lies and corruption. As they learn more about each other and the dark secrets of their society, they must decide where their loyalties lie and what they're willing to fight for.

    The 8062nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir

    In this gripping fantasy sequel, two fugitives fight to survive and overthrow a tyrannical regime. The former scholar-turned-fugitive and her warrior ally, with the help of a spy and other unexpected friends, embark on a dangerous journey to free the former's brother from a notorious prison. As they navigate through political intrigue and dark magic, they must also confront their own inner demons and the growing feelings between them. With the empire's most brutal forces on their trail, the pair must use all their wits and courage to outsmart their enemies and fan the flames of rebellion, while a prophecy looms over them, threatening to shake the very foundations of their world.

    The 8433rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Wrath & The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

    In this reimagined tale inspired by "One Thousand and One Nights," a young woman volunteers to marry a caliph known for taking a new bride each day only to execute her at dawn. She does this to avenge her best friend, one of his previous victims. However, as she weaves stories night after night to postpone her execution, she begins to see a different side to the ruler and uncovers secrets that could alter the course of the kingdom. Amidst a backdrop of magic, betrayal, and political intrigue, the woman finds herself torn between her mission for revenge and the unexpected feelings she develops for the man she intended to hate.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Scythe by Neal Shusterman

    In a future where humanity has conquered death and the world is governed by an advanced AI, the population must be controlled by Scythes—individuals entrusted with the power to take life. Two teenagers are chosen as apprentice Scythes and must learn the art of killing, but as they delve into their grim responsibilities, they uncover the corruption within the Scythedom. As they grapple with the morality of their roles and the political machinations of their superiors, they must decide what kind of Scythes they will become and how they will shape the future of their utopian society.

    The 8664th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. When The Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

    This novel weaves a tale of love and magic as it follows two characters: a girl with roses growing from her wrist and a boy who paints moons and hides his own secrets. Their deep bond is threatened when their small town becomes engulfed in rumors and the girl's mysterious past begins to surface. As they struggle to protect each other's secrets and navigate their feelings, they must confront questions of identity, family, and the courage it takes to be their true selves. The story is a lyrical exploration of love, friendship, and the acceptance of one's uniqueness, set against a backdrop of magical realism.

    The 8664th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. We Are The Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

    The novel centers around a teenage boy who is grappling with the grief of his boyfriend's suicide and the turmoil of high school life, while also dealing with the extraordinary burden of being periodically abducted by aliens. These extraterrestrials have given him the monumental task of deciding whether to save humanity by pressing a button. As he navigates his relationships with his family, potential new love interests, and bullies, he must weigh the suffering and beauty of the world to determine if it's worth saving, all while questioning the implications of his choice and the value of existence itself.

    The 8664th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Aru Shah And The End Of Time by Roshani Chokshi

    In this enchanting mythological fantasy, a young girl named Aru Shah discovers she is the reincarnation of one of the five legendary Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. When she accidentally unleashes an ancient demon, she must embark on a perilous journey to save the world from an apocalyptic freeze. Alongside a diverse cast of characters, including a talking pigeon and her newfound Pandava sister, Aru delves into her heritage, battles creatures from Indian mythology, and confronts her insecurities to find the courage within herself to prevent the end of time.

    The 9144th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

    In this enchanting tale, two sisters, Blanca and Roja, find themselves ensnared in a cruel family curse that has haunted generations: one sister is destined to become a swan. Their bond is tested when two local boys become entangled in their lives—one emerging from a strange transformation, and the other hiding his true identity. As the sisters grapple with the curse's grip, they must navigate a complex web of love, rivalry, and identity, challenging both societal expectations and their own deepest fears. The story weaves magical realism with themes of family, fate, and the power of self-acceptance, creating a lyrical narrative that explores the blurred lines between fairy tale and reality.

    The 9144th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Children Of Virtue And Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

    In this fantasy sequel, the protagonists struggle to unite the kingdom of Orïsha and restore magic to the oppressed maji. After a brutal battle, the maji have regained their powers, but the monarchy and military now possess magical abilities as well. The heroine grapples with her role as a leader and her complex feelings for the enemy prince, while the kingdom is on the brink of civil war. As both sides fight for dominance, the characters must navigate betrayal, ancient mythology, and their own inner demons to bring peace and justice to their divided land.

    The 9251st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal

    In a fantastical world inspired by ancient Arabia, a fierce hunter disguises herself as a man to provide for her people, while a tormented prince is tasked with assassinating those who defy his autocratic father's rule. Their paths converge when both are sent on a perilous quest to retrieve a magical artifact that can restore magic to their cursed world and stop the encroaching darkness. As they journey through treacherous lands and face insurmountable odds, they must contend with their own secrets and the growing attraction between them, all while navigating the complex politics and power struggles that threaten to tear their world apart.

    The 9251st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

    This novel follows the story of a young boy who, after a family tragedy, discovers an abandoned orphanage on a remote Welsh island. As he explores the decrepit building, he finds peculiar photographs that lead him to uncover the existence of children with extraordinary abilities and a dangerous secret. The boy learns that these children are protected by a bird who can manipulate time, and he must help them fight off creatures intent on destroying them. Blending fantasy with haunting vintage photography, the story weaves a tale of adventure, bravery, and the importance of accepting one's uniqueness.

    The 9412th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Woven In Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez

    "Woven In Moonlight" is a vibrant young adult fantasy novel that immerses readers in a world inspired by Bolivian culture and politics. The story follows a young woman who serves as a decoy for the last remaining royal of her people. After her kingdom is overthrown, she is sent to the conqueror's palace as part of a peace treaty, where she secretly uses her magical weaving abilities to weave tapestries that come to life. As she navigates a complex web of political intrigue, rebellion, and romance, she must decide where her loyalties lie and how to use her unique powers to shape the future of her divided nation.

    The 9416th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

    In this young adult fantasy novel, we follow the story of a Lipan Apache teenager with the unique ability to awaken the ghosts of dead animals, a skill passed down through generations of her family. When her cousin dies under mysterious circumstances, she sets out to uncover the truth behind his death, delving into a small town's dark secrets. Alongside her ghost dog sidekick, she navigates a world filled with magic, spirits, and creatures from folklore, confronting the intersection of her Indigenous culture and the supernatural realm. Her journey tests her courage and her ancestral gifts, as she seeks justice and upholds her family's legacy.

    The 9416th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. House Of Sky And Breath by Sarah J. Maas

    In "House of Sky and Breath," readers are plunged into a fantastical world where a diverse cast of characters grapples with the aftermath of a revolutionary war. The narrative centers on a half-fae, half-human protagonist and her found family of rebels as they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and forbidden romances. They must contend with oppressive regimes and unearthly powers, all while confronting their own personal demons and forging alliances with unlikely partners. The stakes are high as they fight for freedom and survival in a world teeming with danger, magic, and betrayal, where the boundary between life and death is as tenuous as the sky and breath.

    The 9926th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Freedom Maze by Delia Sherman

    "The Freedom Maze" by Delia Sherman is a time-travel adventure story about a thirteen-year-old girl named Sophie who is sent back in time to the year 1860. Sophie, who is half African-American and half white, finds herself living on a Louisiana plantation where she is mistaken for a slave. As she struggles to survive in her new environment, she learns about the harsh realities of slavery and the importance of fighting for freedom. With the help of some unexpected allies, Sophie embarks on a dangerous journey to find her way back to her own time while also confronting the injustices of the past.

    The 10637th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The 10,000 Doors Of January by Alix E Harrow

    In this enchanting novel, a young girl named January Scaller discovers a mysterious book that reveals a world of secret doorways leading to other realms, each unique and wondrous. As she delves deeper into its pages, she learns about her own family's connections to these other worlds and their role in guarding these portals. Set against the backdrop of the early 1900s, the story weaves a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the power of words and stories to open doors to new possibilities. January must navigate a complex web of historical societies, hidden powers, and her own identity as she seeks to unlock the truth of her past and shape her destiny.

    The 10660th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst

    In "Vessel" by Sarah Beth Durst, Liyana is a vessel, a vessel created by the gods to be inhabited by one of them. But when the gods fail to come and inhabit her, Liyana is left alone in the desert. She sets out on a journey to find the missing gods and discovers that they have been captured by a mysterious force. Liyana must navigate the dangers of the desert and confront her own fears and doubts to save the gods and fulfill her purpose as a vessel.

    The 10724th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Doll Bones by Holly Black

    "Doll Bones" by Holly Black is a story about three friends, Zach, Poppy, and Alice, who embark on a journey to bury a haunted doll that they believe is controlling their lives. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles that test their friendship and force them to confront their fears. As they delve deeper into the mystery surrounding the doll, they begin to uncover secrets about themselves and their families. Ultimately, they must face their fears and find the courage to do what is right, even if it means facing the unknown.

    The 10732nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori Lee

    "Pahua and the Soul Stealer" is a thrilling adventure story set in a mystical world where a young girl named Pahua must embark on a dangerous journey to save her village from a soul-stealing monster. With the help of her friends, Pahua sets out to find the monster's lair and put an end to its reign of terror. Along the way, she discovers the true strength of her own spirit and the power of friendship and determination. This captivating tale is filled with magic, suspense, and heart, making it a must-read for young readers who love action-packed fantasy stories.

    The 10848th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download