The Greatest British "Fiction, Coming of age, Teen & Young Adult" Books Since 2000

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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.

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. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K Rowling

    In this fourth installment of a popular fantasy series, a young wizard finds himself unexpectedly entered into a dangerous tournament between rival schools of magic. He must compete in a series of challenging tasks, including a deadly dragon chase and a terrifying underwater rescue mission. Meanwhile, he's dealing with regular teen issues like crushes, jealousy, and school dances. But as he unravels the mystery behind his selection for the tournament, he uncovers a dark plot that puts his life in danger and hints at the return of a powerful dark wizard.

    The 493rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K Rowling

    In the fifth installment of this iconic series, the young wizard Harry Potter returns for his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, only to discover that much of the wizarding world, including the Ministry of Magic, is in denial about the teenager's recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort. Harry is also beset by disturbing dreams while the sinister prison guards of Azkaban have been stationed at Hogwarts to protect the school, and Harry's budding abilities as a wizard are put to the test. Meanwhile, a secret society, the Order of the Phoenix, is working to fight Voldemort and his followers, and Harry's role in the coming conflict is becoming ever more significant.

    The 692nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K Rowling

    In the sixth installment of the series, the protagonist returns for his sixth year at a magical school, where he excels in potions class with the help of an old textbook once belonging to the mysterious "Half-Blood Prince". As he delves deeper into his enemy's past through private lessons with the headmaster, he learns more about the Dark wizard's history and his own destiny. Amidst this, the school is no longer the safe haven it once was, and danger lurks within the castle walls. The year ends with a devastating loss, setting the stage for the final showdown.

    The 730th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K Rowling

    In the final installment of this popular series, the protagonist and his friends decide to leave their school to complete the mission left to them by their late headmaster - to destroy the remaining pieces of the antagonist's soul, hidden in various objects. As they journey through the wizarding world, they uncover the truth about the antagonist's past and the legend of the Deathly Hallows. Amidst the escalating war, they are captured and narrowly escape, leading to the ultimate battle at their school where many lives are lost. The protagonist learns he must sacrifice himself to truly defeat the antagonist, but is given a second chance at life and finally triumphs, ending the war. The story concludes with a glimpse into the peaceful future they have all earned.

    The 878th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

    "Noughts and Crosses" is a thought-provoking novel set in a dystopian society where racial segregation is reversed. It follows the lives of two main characters: a girl from the ruling class (Crosses) and a boy from the underclass (Noughts). Despite their different backgrounds, they form a deep bond that eventually turns into a romantic relationship, challenging the societal norms and prejudices. The novel explores themes of love, racism, and power, offering a poignant commentary on the repercussions of societal divisions.

    The 950th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

    The novel follows the unusual life of a boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens who, after his family is murdered, is raised by the supernatural inhabitants of a graveyard. Under the protection of ghosts and his guardian, who is neither living nor dead, Bod learns about the living world and the dangers it holds, including the man Jack who continues to hunt for him. As he grows up among tombstones and crypts, Bod explores the limits of his graveyard home, encounters creatures of the night, and ultimately confronts the sinister forces that took his family from him, all while trying to lead a normal life despite his extraordinary upbringing.

    The 4061st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

    A 15-year-old New Yorker is sent to live with her eccentric British cousins on a remote farm in England, where she falls in love with her cousin. Their idyllic summer is shattered when war breaks out and the country falls under martial law. The protagonist must learn to survive in this brutal new world, while also grappling with love, loss, and the complexities of adolescence.

    The 6474th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Sara's Face by Melvin Burgess

    "Sara's Face" is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark world of fame, identity, and obsession. The story follows Sara, a young girl with a disfigured face who becomes entangled with a charismatic but deeply troubled rock star. As Sara becomes more involved with the celebrity's life, she is drawn into a sinister plot involving experimental facial transplant surgery. The novel explores themes of self-image, the price of beauty, and the lengths to which people will go to achieve perfection, all while questioning the very essence of what makes us who we are.

    The 7809th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

    This novel is a bold and lyrical coming-of-age story that follows the life of a mixed-race gay teenager as he grapples with his identity and finds his voice through the art of drag performance. Told in verse, the narrative captures the protagonist's journey from a young boy struggling with the complexities of race, masculinity, and sexuality to a confident performer who embraces his uniqueness. The protagonist's transformation into the Black Flamingo becomes a powerful metaphor for self-discovery and self-acceptance, offering an inspiring message about the importance of being true to oneself.

    The 9251st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Corbenic by Catherine Fisher

    "Corbenic" by Catherine Fisher is a modern retelling of the Arthurian legend that follows the story of Cal, a troubled teenager who discovers a hidden world of magic and chivalry. Cal is drawn to the mysterious Corbenic, a castle that is said to hold the Holy Grail, and becomes entangled in a quest to find it. Along the way, he meets a cast of characters including a knight, a princess, and a sorceress, and must confront his own inner demons as he searches for the Grail. The novel explores themes of love, redemption, and the power of myth and legend.

    The 10630th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge

    This novel is a gripping, dark fantasy tale set in post-World War I England, where a young girl wakes up after an accident to find herself changed in inexplicable ways. As she struggles to piece together what happened to her, she discovers that she is not who she thought she was, and her family seems to be harboring sinister secrets. With the help of unlikely allies, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her identity and to confront the eerie, otherworldly forces that have begun to invade her world. This story masterfully blends elements of horror, mystery, and historical fiction, creating a haunting narrative about loss, identity, and the lengths we go to for love.

    The 11052nd 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