Best young adult books of 2023
Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best young adult books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.
The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
Jump back into the world of Elfhame in The Stolen Heir. It’s been eight years since the Battle of the Serpent and we are now following Jude’s brother Oak and the changeling queen, Suren. The two were once promised to be married, but now there is only resentment between them. After Oak saves Suren from the storm hag, he convinces her to join him on a mission. Meanwhhile, Suren must protect her heart from the boy she cannot trust while facing the horrors she tried to forget. For ages 14+.
Everything Under the Moon edited by Michael Earp & illustrated by Kit Fox
Dive into this collection of twelve reimagined fairy tales told through a queer lens. Beginning with a beautiful foreword from Michael Earp, this anthology is a love letter to every queer person who just wants to read about characters they can relate to getting the happy endings they deserve. It is a celebration of queer love from all your favourite young adult authors.
This collection includes stories by Michael Earp, Alison Evans, Helena Fox, Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner, Will Kostakis, Jes Layton, Gary Lonesborough, Amber McBride, Abdi Nazemian, Maggie Tokuda-Hall, Alexandra Villasante and Lili Wilkinson. For ages 14+.
Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald
Everything you’ve ever been told about Persephone was a lie. The real story is much more interesting. She was never kidnapped by Hades and taken to hell, she jumped. Did they really expect her to follow through with her arranged marriage to a self-absorbed god? Not likely. Now, having taken refuge in the home of Hades – the Underworld’s unfairly attractive and arrogant ruler – she has a plan for what is next. The problem? Convincing stubborn Hades to agree to it.
A fun, fresh and feminist retelling for ages 13+.
The Quiet and the Loud by Helena Fox
It’s 2019 in Sydney and fires are about to rage throughout Australia, the worst bushfires they’ve ever seen. It’s quiet, early morning and George is gliding peacefully in her kayak on Sydney Harbour. She finds peace on the water, an escape from her loud life. That is, until the quiet is interrupted by a text from her estranged father, and along with it, he brings the mess of her past. Soon we discover more about George's world and how she is trying so desperately to hold it together.
A beautifully written book of friendship, family, trauma and love. For ages 14+.
Welcome to Sex! by Dr Melissa Kang & Yumi Stynes
Talking about sex can feel strange and awkward, but it doesn’t have to be!
Welcome to Sex! is an inclusive and honest guide that explains everything you need to know about sex in a reassuring and shame-free way. Topics include how to know when you’re ready, how to communicate about sex and how to stay safe, plus much more. For ages 12+.
The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman
When Selly’s father abandons her to go on an adventure at sea, she plans to set sail and chase after him. But before she can set sail to find him, her ship is commandeered by the handsome Prince Leander of Alinor who needs to reach the Isles of the Gods to make a sacrifice to ensure the gods don not awaken. There are assassins, traitors and wicked magicians hot on their tail in this action-packed story. Can the adventurers make it to the Isles in time and stop a war from raging?
For those who enjoy enemies-to-lovers and novels rich in mythology. For ages 14+.
The Spider and Her Demons by sydney khoo
Zhi has all the problems of a normal Asian-Australian teenager, except for one; she’s half spider-demon. And nobody, except her aunt, can know. So, when the most popular girl in school, Dior, sees Zhi eat a man – to be fair, he tried to attack her first plus his death was totally an accident – her secret is exposed, and her calculated existence is suddenly way more complicated.
A fantastic urban fantasy that is cleverly grounded by its second-generation immigrant protagonist and her very real struggles. This novel also engages in complex discussions around body dysmorphia, queerness, and the pressure to perform identity. For ages 14+.
We Didn't Think It Through by Gary Lonesborough
Jamie is a regular sixteen-year-old Aboriginal kid who spends his time hanging with mates as he tries to figure out his identity, make it through adolescence and think about his future. After being subjected to repeat episodes of racist harassment by his peers, Jamie and his friends, Dally and Lenny, finally decide to retaliate. But when Dally makes a last-minute change the plan goes horribly wrong, and Jamie ends up in juvenile detention. Labelled a ‘danger to society’, he must make tough choices about who he wants to be and where he belongs.
This is an incredibly powerful story about injustice, but also of reconnecting to family and hope. For ages 14+.
A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson
When Maude was a child, she spent her days running wild with her best friend Odette. Maude had a gift for storytelling and the ability to have her characters come to life. But then Maude lost her magic and Odette abandoned her. Ever since, Maude has yearned to rekindle their friendship.
When Odette disappears, everyone assumes she’s dead. Not Maude. She sets off to find Odette and discovers a world of her own creation that harbours magical girls and monsters. For ages 14+.
Two Can Play That Game by Leanne Yong
Sam Khoo dreams of making cool indie games for a living. And she is going to make that dream a reality. But then Jerky McJerkface, aka Jaysen Chua, plays dirty and nabs the last ticket to a game-design workshop. Sam will not go down without a fight. Jaysen must either accept her challenge of a one-to-one competition of classic video games or she’ll broadcast just how conniving he is to the Australian-Malaysian community.
A hilarious, heartwarming story of family, Australian-Malaysian culture, friendship and first love for ages 15+.