Reader-to-Reader Gift Guide: #YoungAdult Realistic Fiction

Remember those 230+ reviews I mentioned last week? Well, I made a list [and checked it twice] to find books our teen volunteers loved so much that they would spend their own money to own it. If they love a book that much, maybe the reader you are picking gifts for would too!

Need that idea right this minute? Check out our Just for Young Adults list on Bookshop.

I like everything about this book. There is provocative language, so it is not appropriate for readers younger than high school. I really enjoyed reading this novel and strongly believe that other readers will love this book as well!

Coming of Age | Representation & Inclusion | Realism
Social Issues

This is a book I couldn’t put down. The story is captivating, the writing is descriptive,and gets very emotional and even vulnerable at times. There is nothing I dislike about The Running Dream. I really enjoyed reading this novel and strongly believe that other readers will love this book as well!

Friendship | Representation & Inclusion | Realism | Social Issues

Mosquitoland is a wonderful novel. I really love Mim’s personality; her voice and character really shine through beautifully in her thoughts and dialogue. It moves in various directions, based on Mim’s impulsive decisions, and that gives the story such a flavorful and refreshing taste.

Adventure | Family | Realism | Relationships

I love the book’s stream-of-consciousness style writing because it allows us to experience Rafe’s thoughts. Best of all, I love the author’s tone. It is very entertaining and funny at times, and it made the book go by almost too fast. This book is for this anyone who likes coming of age or coming out stories and LGBTQ+ themes, as well as rising high schoolers.

Coming of Age | Representation & Inclusion | Realism | School
Social Issues

Character development and storyline are well written, and the journey to acceptance for both Zach and May are apparent and powerful. This raw, but bittersweet novel deals with the hard truths of death and grief, but also power and hope, this would be a wonderful book to give as a gift for readers ages 14 to 18.

Family | Friendship | Death & Grief | Realism | Self Worth

Beautifully written and extremely heartfelt! I loved the perspective the novel gave on societal pressures and public image.Definitely buy this book as a gift! It is a meaningful, honest, and at times heart-wrenching story that you will find yourself unable to down.

The perfect balance of teen romance and social activism. ot only is it a cute and relatable love story, but it has a much deeper message. It educates people about the harsh realities of racism that people, children, still encounter, and how to effectively combat it. It is an outstanding book to have on your personal shelf.

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