2010 was a strong year for young adult (YA) fiction. From fantasy to historical fiction to sci-fi, bookstore shelves were filled with well-written, memorable novels starring engaging protagonists. Here’s my list of the top ten YA reads of 2010.
(Note that several of these novels are part of a series, and in most cases - except, perhaps, for The Dead-Tossed Waves, which works well as a stand-alone - readers should begin with the first book.)
Top Ten of 2010
- Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins: Book three in dystopian Hunger Games series. Mockingjay continues the story of Katniss, who rebels against the government of the Capitol. Like Harry Potter and His Dark Materials, this is one of those series that will endure.
- Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly: The story of a teenage girl with a tragic past whose life becomes interwoven with that of another teen inhabiting Revolution-era France.
- Compromised by Heidi Ayarbe: Teenage Maya sets off to find her aunt after her father ends up in prison, and experiences the harsh realities of life as a runaway.
- The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan: This sequel to the excellent zombie apocalypse novel The Forest of Hands and Teeth follows the daughter of the latter book’s heroine.
- Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev: This sequel to the enjoyable Eyes Like Stars features a likeable heroine, a band of comedic fairies, and a Shakespeare-infused plotline.
- Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr: Set in the same world as Marr’s earlier books, Radiant Shadows is a romance about two new characters set against the background of the Dark Court.
- Plain Kate by Erin Bow: This otherworld fantasy novel with a fairy-tale theme follows a young girl wrongfully accused of witchcraft.
- Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi: This unique novel with a futuristic setting stars a teenage scavenger who strips parts from oil tankers. A dark dystopian book with well-drawn characters.
- The Foundling’s Tale Part Three: Factotum by D.M. Cornish: This novel concludes the brilliant Foundling’s Tale series, a steampunk/Dickensian bildungsroman about an orphan and a host of dangerous monsters.
- White Cat by Holly Black: Cassel belongs to a family of curse workers, but possesses no magic himself. This is a dark coming-of-age mystery with a fantasy twist.
It’s clear that numerous sub-genres of YA are flourishing, and will continue to flourish into 2011 and beyond. As new authors with compelling voices emerge (seemingly) every week, the next hot trend is anyone's guess.
Heather Fawcett - Heather Fawcett is a Vancouver-based writer and editor. She holds an M.A. in English Literature and specializes in teen fiction, having ...
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